The Drums on Managing Band 'Friction' as 'Stubborn Bullheaded Boys'
- Posted on Sep 26th 2011 3:00PM by Anne T Donahue
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Island Records
"I feel like that's the best way to go about things -- just to speak your mind," frontman Jonathan Pierce tells Spinner. "If anything, it's more interesting when someone isn't guarded. I like a band with some texture and something to spark interest. That's a really boring idea, just to come across as everything being fine."
And things haven't been fine for the New York indie pop band. Following the departure of guitarist Adam Kessler late last year, the group found themselves thrust under the microscope, prodded over inter-band dynamics and whether they had a future.
And they responded the only way that made sense, by channeling that turmoil into the making of their second album, 'Portamento.'
"With Portamento," says Pierce, "I just let it all go. It was a difficult decision to be as honest as I'm being and as transparent. But once I made the decision then it kind of became exciting to say things I've always wanted to say -- and this past year has really been a year of revelations in my own life.
"I grew up in a really strict Christian household, and it took me up until this year during the making of 'Portamento' to really figure out my place in all of that -- what I actually believe. It's been a year of transformation for all of us, and I think it's such a healthy time to make an album when you're in the midst of a storm."
And while the storm seems to have passed, the lessons it brought have proven invaluable.
"The one thing I do know is that we're very stubborn, bullheaded boys," says Pierce. "And I think we're glad that we are, even though it does bring a lot of extra friction within our inner circle. I think some people in the press just realize that and see it and it's interesting to them."
"There are plenty of times where I wish we didn't have to discuss our personal lives," he adds. "But then, at the same time, I know it's part of the journey. I've never kept a diary so in a way it seems like the press is journaling for us. So maybe it will be nice to look back and see the ups and downs."
