By Tyler Ody
KAISER CHIEFS – Simon Rix (Bass player in the band) – Syndicated interview feature piece.
• How was lockdown for you?
It already feels like a long time ago. I feel like everyone experience was very different but for me, it wasn’t too bad at all. I think as a band it was actually good for us to take a complete break from music and touring. There were definitely some worrying moments where you wondered if we’d ever play a normal gig again and how being a musician could possibly work in a covid world. But luckily that hasn’t transpired.
• Once we came out of lockdown, how was your first gig back and how did you feel about live music returning. Was it emotional for you?
We were lucky enough to be able to do some socially distanced things during covid. And then played one of the test festivals in 2021. So all the time I think we were investigating how we could keep going. The very first gig was just weird. It was drive in so everyone was really far apart and far away and at the end you could see a few cars sneaking out to avoid the rush. We’d all driven down separately and were socially distanced from crew and each other to some extent so playing together as a band was good but the gig itself just really weird. After that I think the first proper thing was Latitude. That was mad because after so many months of rules/masks/etc it was just a free for all. It was absolutely ace to be playing to a normal crowd singing along and everything, but it felt like it was “wrong”. I think people quickly readjusted back though and our tour last year you could see remnants of old Covid signs and things but everything is basically the same as it was three years ago.
• Please tell us about your latest album release.
Our latest album is still 2019. We’ve been busy making a new one though and the first single, How 2 Dance went really well. We played it on the tour in November and the reaction was great. Another one is imminent.
• When it comes to song writing, which process do you start with, is it the lyrics or melody?
It all depends but I’d say neither. Usually it’ll be the vibe/chords/busy of the song that will get built on. But I guess we never know it’s good until the melody is on there. And a lyrical hook.
• Which part of the process do you enjoy most, is it being on stage, recording in the studio, or promoting your work?
Probably being on stage is the best. It’s the moment that all the work is for IMO. All the writing/traveling/promoting means you get to go on stage and play your music to loads of people, which they enjoy and I enjoy. So everyone is happy.
• Is there anyone you haven’t worked with and would like to collaborate with?
In general, I think we are quite happy to just do our thing. But the new album we’ve worked with a couple of interesting folks. So maybe that will inspire us.
• What has been your most defining moment of your career to date?
I’m probably not the best person to answer that. I generally say Glastonbury in 2005 was a real moment where I felt like things were going well. But it’s probably the day I met each of the KCs.
• Which song or album would be the soundtrack to a film about your life?
It would be Oh My God by Kaiser Chiefs I presume. If not maybe The Distance by Cake
• When you’re on the road on touring, what do you miss most?
The obvious answer is my cat and dog but it’s actually probably something much more practical like my shower.
• Do you prefer playing Arenas or do you enjoy outdoor gigs more?
I like it all. I think those two are more similar than you’d think really. Depends on the audience. And who else is playing.
• Finally, what can people expect from you at Trentham Live 2023?
If you’ve seen Kaisers, then you know what to expect. It’ll be a great night out. All the hits. And some future hits as well.