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LOS ANGELES, CA- Franz Ferdinand returned to the revolving stage at KROQ’s 33rd Almost Acoustic Christmas this weekend, bringing their brand of danceable indie rock to LA before the release of their new record, The Human Fear. The Scottish quartet treated longtime fans to breakthrough hits like “Take Me Out” and “Do You Want To,” but even younger fans belted those choruses back at frontman Alex Kapranos, who consistently gives that joy right back to their crowds. The band consists of Kapranos, fellow founding member Bob Hardy on bass, Dino Bardot on guitar, Julian Corrie on keys and Audrey Tait on drums.
Right after their set wrapped, Kapranos and Hardy talked with us about the excitement of playing new tracks and finally having a “lighter song,” as well as Scottish holiday traditions and which 2024 records you should ask Santa to bring this year.
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It’s been 20 years of KROQ support, and while it’s always great to hear the classics, what were you most excited to play tonight?
Alex Kapranos: All the new ones! There was a song called “Hooked” in the set that I really, really love playing live. There’s something very powerful about it. “Bar Lonely” has been fun, as well.
Bob Hardy: Yeah, yeah. I’ve enjoyed them all. Not many people have heard the new record, so the singles have made the rounds — “Audacious” and “Night or Day” are the ones I’ve been most appreciating because the audience have maybe heard it and have a reaction to it, which I quite like.
“Audacious” is quite the earworm, we have to say.
Alex Kapranos: It’s the only song we’ve ever done live where people get — well, they would’ve gotten their lighters out, in the past — but they do that thing where they get their phone lights and wave them around. The first time it happened, we went, “Ooh, that’s never happened at one of our gigs before!”
What are some Scottish Christmas traditions that Americans are missing out on?
Alex Kapranos: I think in Scotland it’s more about New Year’s. It lasts three days. You have Hogmanay, it’s called, on the 31st, and the 1st and the 2nd. So you get three days off work. In Scotland, you didn’t used to get a holiday at Christmas, only the New Year. New Year was the big celebration, and Christmas was the religious holiday, so you went to church. Hogmanay was the big belter. And then there’s the Scottish song that people sing all around the world, “Auld Lang Syne,” which is, you know, a Robert Burns poem.
Bob Hardy: Do you have first-footing in America? The first person that comes to visit your house after New Year brings you luck.
Alex Kaprankos: They bring a piece of coal and general good luck. That’s the idea.
Bob Hardy: You can’t be the first person and not bring a gift.
Alex Kapranos: It’s a very social event in Scotland. There’s often a cèilidh — the traditional Scottish dancing — which is very physical. Everybody’s flinging each other around the room. It’s remarkable. A really great thing. If anyone who’s listening is adventurous: Go to Scotland and go to Hogmanay. It’s a very unforgettable experience. Much better than Christmas!
Speaking of Christmas, what records from this year do you love and think should be in everyone’s stockings?
Alex Kapranos: Ooh. I’d say the English Teacher record. That’s excellent. Everybody loves Chappell Roan, but for good reason. She’s amazing.
Bob Hardy: The new Nick Cave record is my record of the year. Absolutely love it. The new Beak album is good, yeah.
Alex Kapranos: Sprints, as well, from Dublin. They’re a great band, as well. That record is good. There’s a band called Lewsburg. I really love them; they’re very cool.
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