Interview... The Walkmen

The Walkmen

Interview with Hamilton Leithauser

Words: Ashley Marie Sansotta

Photos:

Known for their raw, unique sound and their intense, live performances, the Walkmen are ready to come back with the anticipation of a new record. The album is still nameless. It’s release date is still up in the air. But, the Walkmen aren’t wasting any time. They started touring this week, and their fans will get to hear their favorite songs once again. More importantly, their taste buds will be wet with some brand new material from the upcoming album. I spoke with frontman Hamilton Leithauser about the new album, the tour, and those interesting little side-projects they are known for.

REAX: It’s been a pretty long process, but how is the new album coming? Do you have a release date yet?

Hamilton Leithauser: We’re FINALLY coming up on the end of it, and I think May or June is our target [for release]. But, we’re still not too sure.

REAX: How will this album differ from your previous albums?

HL: We wrote a lot more material than we have in the past. Usually we do a little scrounging around in the end. It’s like turning in a paper and getting a B+ or something. But, we did our preparation this time, and we really upped the ante. We’re all fired up, and everyone’s good to go. We just did two big rockers that we played last night for the first time. Everyone’s really psyched about them.

REAX: So, you guys are playing them live for the tour?

HL: Yeah. The last day, we did three songs we had never done before - and one that we’ve only done once before - they’re all really fun.

REAX: And still no name for the album?

HL: No name yet - but, we’re really looking. We just haven’t found anything that’s knocking our socks off.

REAX: Are you toying around with any possible names?

HL: No, um... we were talking about maybe calling it, The Truth is Cheesy? [laughs]

REAX: [laughs] You’re not serious.

HL: Yeah, I don’t know. That was a dumb joke. [laughs]

REAX: And it’s not going to be released through Record Collection this time?

HL: No, it’s not. We’ve moved on. We’re actually talking with a bunch a people, and I think we’re about to sign. But, I can’t really talk any specifics. It’s just weird when you’re talking to several people, you know?

REAX: So, why did you guys decide to go with a different label?

HL: They have a lot of business problems or something. We had like a two record – or three record – how many records was it?

REAX: Three, if you include Pussy Cats.

HL: Yeah - a three record contract… and it was just up.

REAX: Your unique voice grants you comparisons to the most random singers that I don’t always agree with. What’s the strangest comparison you’ve heard?

HL: Yesterday, this guy told me that I get compared to Bon Jovi a lot. I thought that was weird.

REAX: Bon Jovi?!?

HL: Yeah... hahaha. I don’t know what the hell he was talking about. Like “Dead or Alive” or something like that? Is that what he means?

REAX: I don’t know. [laughs] I don’t see it. And, you go through those lemons for your voice, when you’re performing. Where did you come up with that?

HL: I think I read it somewhere. But, that’s only in emergencies. It’s like my band aide when I’m feeling kind of horse. Double shots of bourbon with some lemon - and I’m good. After those kind of shows, I can’t talk for like two days.

REAX: You guys are notorious for your hilarious little projects, coming out of boredom. What’s the most recent?

HL: Just the other day, I wrote a ‘frequently asked questions’ thing for our website, you should check it out.

REAX: Geeze, why? Have I asked you one of those questions?

HL: No, no! [laughs]

REAX: I know you’re book writing has been put on hold. Are you guys ever going to finish “John’s Journey?”

HL: Um... haha... yeah. That’s actually one of the questions… (laughs)

REAX: Oh, great. And that’s my last question.

HL: (Laughs) But, yeah, we work on it when we’re touring a lot. I think, it’s going to be something like 8 years before it’s done. But, I can guarantee you that when this tour is over, we’ll just be shooting it out.