As this is your third LP, does the release week become any less stressful or more enjoyable?

Eli: The doubts tend to creep in during the final week leading up to the release. Just yesterday, we hosted an album playback for some fans who experienced it for the first time, and their positive reactions were encouraging.

Ryan: Yes, but I doubt they would share their honest opinions directly with us. However, I bet some fans would not hesitate to voice their thoughts?

What made this experience feel different, considering you mentioned the pressure was off?

Josh: This time, we enjoyed the freedom of creation without the constraints of deadlines or impending tours. We could explore and experiment with our music without feeling rushed, allowing us to assess our work afterward rather than in the moment.

Eli: Kid Harpoon?s approach was refreshing; he insisted that no record labels or managers be present during recording sessions. ?It?s just us making this album, and we?ll evaluate singles later,? he emphasized. This focus on the album itself, rather than chasing individual hits, was a new and liberating experience for us. In the past, we often felt pressured to produce singles quickly and hit the road, making this opportunity to reflect and create a significant change.

What motivated you to change your approach and collaborate with a new producer?

Eli: Initially, we felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. It marked our first time working with someone outside of our established collaboration with Antony Genn, who we had been with since our teenage years. It felt like an important transition, as our past working relationship had run its course and we were ready to explore new creative avenues.

Josh: Kid Harpoon turned out to be a fantastic collaborator. At first, we were uncertain if he could resonate with our style, but realizing he had produced the latest Kings of Leon album, Can We Please Have Fun, eased our concerns. His direction often pushed us out of our comfort zone, encouraging us to avoid overly commercial sounds and embrace a more authentic vibe.

What were your experiences like during the recording sessions in L.A. and London?

Josh: Our sessions were highly productive, with a sharp focus on our goals. We spent about nine days in L.A. before transitioning to RAK Studios in London. We established a clear plan and dedicated ourselves to achieving our objectives while ensuring we enjoyed the process as well.

Ryan: Interestingly, Kid Harpoon would not send us the recordings from each day. He would suggest, ?Yeah, Brian, the engineer, will send it,? but it rarely happened. This allowed us to approach each session with fresh ears, experiencing our recordings as if they were brand new. We often found ourselves overthinking in the past, so this approach was liberating.

Amy Allen made significant contributions as well. What was her input like?

Josh: She was present to listen to our songs while we were in L.A. It was remarkable to have someone of her caliber, with an impressive track record, come in and affirm, ?You?ve got some solid tunes.? Her singing along was incredibly motivating for us.

Eli: It was a fantastic experience. She would effortlessly hum melodies that left us in awe. We were fortunate that she could drop by, as she had canceled another session. Her presence infused fresh energy into our work, and her success speaks volumes about her talent.

Josh: Her beautiful voice and timely visit were much needed, especially on a day when we were feeling fatigued from the creative process?

Ryan: ?it indeed felt like a visit from an angel!

How has the dynamic within the band evolved over the years? It appears that you?re all aligned on this album?

Eli: We?ve successfully maintained our cohesiveness. Being in this band is a sacred experience for us. Our conflicts have diminished significantly; we got through much of that during our teenage years! This band has always been the core of our shared endeavors.

Ryan: Our love for creating music is genuine, and we pursue whatever feels right in the moment. There are never any rigid rules dictating how we should approach an album. We find that such constraints stifle creativity and lead to conflict, while our more organic approach fosters harmony and creativity.

There seems to be a growing acceptance among indie artists and fans to embrace innovative sounds and collaborate with prominent songwriters and producers. The notion of ?authenticity? appears outdated in this context?

Josh: It?s invigorating to break free from repetitive patterns. Artists can evolve at their own pace, and audiences can appreciate this growth, which is an exciting prospect for all involved.

Ryan: Ultimately, what matters is your satisfaction with your creations. There are no defined rules for crafting a great song. People are increasingly open to diverse interpretations of a band?s sound; even we don?t fully grasp what audiences want until we present it to them.

Irish artists like Fontaines D.C., Hozier, and Kneecap have gained significant recognition in recent years. What do you think is driving this surge in popularity?

Eli: The main factor is their undeniable talent! Historically, artists felt pressured to conform to ?the American album? standard due to the dominance of American culture. However, as countries showcase their unique cultures and traditions, people are drawn to this authenticity, leading to a rich tapestry of music and art. It?s not about a competitive edge; it?s about genuine expression.

It seems that there is considerable support among Irish artists?

Eli: There has always been a strong sense of community among Irish musicians. We?ve never felt the need to fit into a specific scene, so there?s no competition; rather, there?s joy in seeing others succeed.

Bobby: The small size of our country contributes to this support system. Everyone shares the same venues on their path to success, and we genuinely wish the best for each other. We?ve all played the same stages as Fontaines, Hozier, and The Murder Capital. Especially when we perform in the U.K., we often encounter familiar faces and feel a strong sense of shared achievement.

What new dimensions will your latest material bring to your live shows?

Josh: Our new material will enrich our live performances, allowing for a more dynamic experience than we?ve previously offered. While we?ve always had a fast-paced style, we now have the ability to incorporate slower, groovier moments, creating a broader spectrum of musical choices for our audience.

Ryan: It?s also refreshing to infuse new energy into our setlist. After playing the same songs for an extended period, having fresh material is invigorating for us and our fans.

What valuable lessons did you learn from touring with Harry Styles and Arctic Monkeys that will shape your future performances?</