I just love The Candle Thieves. Ever since I heard their "Sunshine EP", it became quite obvious to me that they have that something special that sets them apart from your average indie band. Their songs are full of whimsy and delight and even whilst singing the saddest of sad lyrics, they can bean sunshine on whatever doldrums life decides to bestow upon you. I got a chance to catch up with Scott and Glock from The Candle Thieves to talk about their new album "Sunshine & Other Misfortunes" as well as some of their artwork concepts, influences and just how they came up with their name…enjoy!
Well hello guys – how are you today?
Scott: Doing ok thanks, hope you're well! We have a rare day off today so are just making the most of doing nothing.
Glock: Well I wouldn't call doing an interview for EQ nothing! Honestly first sign of success and the diva comes flying out!
[Laughs] So how excited are you – your album "Sunshine & Other Misfortunes" is done – which songs on there are you most proud of?
Scott: It's so cool to have it coming out finally! And we're determined to keep momentum going, we are looking at the second album later this month. We want to make the most music we can while we can. We'd never be arrogant enough to say we've nailed it on the first record, far from it, but we do hope it's a solid start and if people like it it makes our days. As for songs I'm proud of, I would say "Not The Only One", it's kind of dark in the most positive way and I think that song has it's heart in the right place.
I love your new track "We're All Gonna Die (Have Fun)" – it really is a song aimed at the moaners isn't it?
Scott: Thank you! A couple of years ago I was thinking it would be cool to have a song that was a positive slant on dying, if it's possible. I think it's so easy to get bogged down in the day to day stresses -not being able to pay bills, being unsure of what you want to do with your life or other insecurities in life. It's kind of a silly version of Carpe Diem I guess.
Glock: Going fishing?
What's it like to work with Richard Cullen on the visuals – he's worked on a few of your videos right?
Glock: Yeah he did "The Sunshine Song" video for us also. He's one of life's very cool human beings. He genuinely cares about his craft and we have such a laugh in the process. Really hope he'll do our next video.
For "The Sunshine EP" you literally had a house on balloons in the artwork – was that inspired by the movie "Up"?
Scott: It's actually funny because that idea came up from our video and literally three months after that came out – this news of a new film called "Up" also surfaced. We also have t-shirts with that design which we call the "Up" t-shirts. Always one step behind! I had this idea for the next artwork though, where it's set in the year 2154, when humans are mining a precious mineral called unobtanium on Pandora. The expansion of the mining colony threatens the continued existence of a local tribe. It's gonna be called "Avatar" and have these Smurf like human creatures. As if anyone else is gonna come up with that.
That sounds pretty original to me! Now, your tracks have such a positive feel to them – are there too many depressing songs these days that you just feel the need to spew sunshine on everyone?
Glock: Thanks! Well hopefully we won't spew on anyone. It's not a conscious intention to do that, we get down a lot sometimes like anyone else so it's an attempt to pick ourselves up. I have a couple of friends that live in a black hole where they just can't seem to find a way out. Thankfully I've never been quite that low but I think the only way to be happier is to stay positive. Excuse me, the paracetamol is just kicking in. I'm ok now.
"Songs From The Big Chair"?
My favourite song on the album is definitely "My Love Will Clap It's Hands For You" – tell me what is that song about?
Glock: Aw that's cool. In the early days I remember getting a text off Scott obviously telling me how talented I was….but after that he said he thought it'd be cool to name an EP "My Love Will Clap Its Hands For You". I thought it was a really nice sentiment. The sun was shining, I was feeling prematurely nostagic and the song sort of wrote itself after that.
Very interesting – now there are some sad songs on the album like "Bright Lights" – tell me about that one – it's a heart-wrencher…
Scott: Yeah it's not the happiest. Without going into it too deeply it's about when you hit the point where you just can't imagine your feelings getting worse. A lot of people get there and it's so desperately hard to get yourself out of it.
Who are your biggest influences when it comes to making music – who do you look up to?
Glock: Between us we have a lot of influences. I do think that what you listen to doesn't necessarily reflect what your music sounds like. Andy Hawkins (our producer) is a big part of our sound and we all try to think outside the box a little. Of course I don't mean a cardboard box. Often we think, "What'd be the last think you'd expect to hear right now…" and then record it.
You're doing a living room tour right now – where are you looking most forward to playing? I see you are doing LOTS of Living Rooms…
Glock: Yeah we are! We have a lot of happy memories from playing in people's living rooms. Some really weird and wonderful shows! We've just booked a tour in May so it'll be good to get on the road again.
Music video for "We're All Going To Die (Have Fun)"
Tell me, why is the glockenspiel such an essential part of The Candle Thieves?
Glock: My name is The Glock! If I didn't play the glockenspiel then I'd just look silly now wouldn't I?! Eh!
Now tell me – how did you get the name? Did you literally go around stealing people's candles – that's not very rock n roll y'know.
Scott: In the early days I was round Glock's house and his bedroom was full of candles, I asked him how come? He said "I saw this horror film when I was a kid, where if you said "Candleman, Candleman..5 times in to a mirror someone attacks you with a tea light". He then told me he was always too scared to try it but he wanted to remind himself so one day he could pluck up the courage. Weird dude.
Glock: It's true. There was a similar thing when I was young also that if you say "Beatlebum" 3 times into a mirror. Michael Keaton appears singing Blur songs. I tried it once but nothing happened.
Awww – thanks guys for your time – any parting words for EQ readers?
Scott: Just a huge thank you. EQ has been hugely supportive of us and we can't say thank you enough. Much love!
Glock: Thank you.
Learn more about The Candle Thieves on MySpace.
Download "Sunshine & Other Misfortunes" album on 