Masterclass: IDLES
BIMM Brighton were thrilled to have the incredible Bristolian punk quintet IDLES join us for a masterclass just before the Brighton stop on their completely sold out UK tour.
Described by the Guardian as “Britain’s most necessary band”, IDLES have been taking the world by storm with their new album “Joy As An Act Of Resistance” and we were extremely lucky to be joined by Joe Talbot, Adam Devonshire, Mark Bowen, Lee Kiernan and Jon Beavis for a Q&A before their show at Concorde 2.
IDLES have a reputation for incredible live shows, with two critically acclaimed albums released this year alone. The group recently won a Q Award for Best Breakthrough Act 2018 and have been touring relentlessly on both sides of the Atlantic to growing audiences.
Points of discussion during the masterclass included their current tour (Brighton was their 115th show of the year), their brilliant booking agent Natasha Bent (who is a BIMM Brighton Alumna), their approach to live shows and their writing process; plus recent recording sessions at legendary studios Abbey Road and Maida Vale.
The band focussed heavily on the importance of sobriety in the midst of such a demanding tour schedule, plus being mindful and taking care of each other during long stretches on the road.
“Performing sober is one of the most lucid and fulfilling experience in your life.” Said vocalist Joe Talbot. “Communicate. Alcohol and drugs are a numbing thing. We talk, comfort and listen to each other daily.“
This sentiment was mirrored by guitarist and BIMM Bristol live performance tutor Lee Kiernan, who said
“Remember why you’re there – for a show, not the party. The show will go downhill quick if you’re just there to party”.
The band recently made an appearance on ‘Later…With Jools Holland’, a right of passage for any act worth their salt. The quintet put on an amazing performance which had people talking online for weeks afterwards.
Speaking about their slightly different approach to this performance, singer Joe recalled “We’re not gonna do what we normally do – cause that would be weird.”
As with all masterclasses, the floor was soon opened up for questions from students, which included themes of lyrical influences, album artwork, choosing album songs, masculinity, accents and vocal warmups.
Emily Spirit, a second year student on the BA (Hons) Songwriting degree course said the masterclass was: “Really sick, very honest. They know exactly what we all needed to hear.”
You can gain access to masterclasses such as this whilst attending any BIMM course. If you’re interested in studying with us, why not attend one of our Open Days? Click here to find out more.
