National - Interview

  by Benjamin Howarth

published: 16 / 4 / 2007

intro

One of the most acclaimed of the indie scene, the National return at the end of May with their fourth album, 'The Boxer'. Guitarist Aaron Dessner talks to Ben Howarth about the band's development over the last five years and why the new album is a step up for them

It is actually rather rare in recent times to find an indie band that have managed to sell records in notable numbers, to garner critical acclaim and to be allowed to develop slowly, becoming an impressive band over time. The National are that rare example. Although none of their albums has been a flop, each has showcased a steady development. Their 2003 album ,‘Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers’, received a strong review on this website, but at this stage the band was one of many squeezing out of the indie scene. It wasn’t until the mini-album, 2004's 'Cherry Tree' where the band really began to get noticed, and then in 2005 the band released 'Alligator'. 'Alligator' was a slow burner, but it was a rare album that appealed to people who liked Arcade Fire, people who liked Ryan Adams and people who followed the minutia of the underground indie scene. What set the band apart were fantastic lyrics, a broad taste in music and gifted musicianship. Their latest album, 'Boxer', threatens to be an even better record. Aaron Dessner, the band’s guitarist, certainly thinks it is. “The difference is the way that it was recorded, the sound. We has better equipment, and that makes it a lot clearer. Sonically, it is the most impressive thing we have ever worked on.” But it isn’t just the recording that has improved. The music is a step up, too. Where on previous albums, the band, which also features Matt Berninger(vocals, Aaron's brother Bryce (guitar) and two other brothers Scott(bass) and Bryan Devendorf (drums),would sometimes rely heavily on well worn tricks of the trade, the music on 'Boxer' is far more adventurous. Consequently, it rewards repeated and careful listening. “Creatively we were in a different place from when we made Alligator,” Aaron explains, “but I think we were also better at our craft”. Like Alligator, however, it has a broad range of styles, and - unlike all too many bands in recent years - its focus doesn’t seem pre-meditated. “We’re not a band that can deliberately make a certain type of song. At times we might try and be subtle, or loud or even hypnotic, but we don’t ever just say, ‘lets do a song in this style now’!” Ultimately, the band are “really happy” with 'Boxer', and it shows in Aaron’s conversation. He seems comfortable and relaxed, and certainly excited to take these new songs out in front of the largest audiences the band will have played to. First up are shows with Arcade Fire, another band that hit the big time rather unexpectantly two years ago, before they have their first headline show in London on May 22nd. “We’re definitely a live band”, Aaron proudly proclaims. Although it is far from identical to their previous work, fans of 'Alligator' will certainly enjoy 'Boxer'. The band certainly think it is their most cohesive experience, though this developed naturally, because the records went well, and the band enjoyed it, and felt confortable. Part of this was surely down to the retention of producer Pete Katiss (who you may recognise as the man behind the decks on both Interpol albums). Indeed, the photo on the front cover of 'Boxer' was taken when the band played an impromptu set at his wedding in Connecticut. Aaron sounds very passionate when he talks about his music, and, despite the fact that he concedes touring to have become something closer to work than a hobby, he loves playing live and is always “pleasantly surprised”at how well they have done. “You want to enjoy it now, because we know that it probably will have to end at some point”. But the band all try and maintain a life outside the band, even though Aaron himself is a full time musician. “Matt and Scott are both graphic designers, and they have kept that up by doing freelance work when we aren’t on tour. But you can become too obsessed with music, and we all try and balance the band with a life outside of it. Having said that, I think we could all survive just by doing our albums and from touring now, which is excellent. I think it helps that we’ve all been in serious bands beforehand.” The National’s musical growth has been steady, yet impressive. The growth of their fanbase has just been impressive, even if it happened later than other, more immediately hyped groups. “We’ve always had an audience, but we’ve also watched it grow. In the UK, for example, the first time we played London we were at the Barfly. Then when we came back, we sold out the 100 Club. Then we were back again and playing at the ULU. We love all our albums, and I think we’ve always had positive feedback, but the success of 'Alligator' - even if it wasn’t the best selling album of the year or anything - was really great for us.” The band are friends, and indeed, there are two sets of brothers in the band. There is creative tension, even rivalry, in the band but they enjoy playing together. Aaron has been playing with his brothersince his teens, and feels that they have a natural feel for each other’s style. This has surely helped them remain grounded, and has helped them want to play music together, which Aaron is sure they will continue to do for some time to come. “We get a lot out of this. And we are aware that we could just as easily go the other way and be ignored. But when you play to a significant audience, it is even more exciting. There is a challenge. It's frightening to play to no one, but when you play to a big crowd there is adrenaline and it is exhilarating. But we still have our smaller shows, too, in some places in Europe, and I think we still put everything into them.” Perhaps the main thing is that the band are all good friends. “We’re not that old a band, but I think that we have earned our stripes now. There are many bands that started up when we did in '99, and we’ve stuck with it. When we first came to Europe, we were excited when one person came to interview us. Now, I’m doing a press tour! When we first came to Europe, it was a novelty to come to Paris, to London. It is more like a job now. But I still want to do this, and there are lots of ambitions. I want to play in Moscow, Japan, Australia. I would love to play in Israel. I want to make a few more beautiful albums. I want to keep writing songs that are powerful, and that people want to listen to.” The National may not be outlandish or eccentric. They haven’t spent time thinking up ingenious lies to tell in interviews. Their interviews may not include a series of elaborately constructed lies, and their influences are typical - the Smiths, the Pixies, Dylan, Young. But they have powerful, intelligent lyrics and a terrifically versatile musicianship. 'Boxer' threatens to be remembered as one of the best of the year, and this will surely be the time when a wider public realises why so many critics are nice about them. As Aaron puts it, “We know there are lots of great bands who never make it, but I think we prove that if you keep working, keep making albums you love, then you can be successful. I’m really proud of what we’ve done so far!”

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