We was at AJck Jack Whites places... we now have two unfinished tracks, one of which is identikit. Its nice there, red and black and white nshit.
err, we work slower than him (umderstatement)\
hi everyone
***
How can you advocate that nuclear power is bad when in actuality it's the only realistic alternative to fossil fuels and vastly greener and more sustainable? It seems like a fairly asinine position to take, especially considering modern development in breeder and thorium reactors, essentially nullifying the issues of old technology.
where you gonna put the waste guy?!!!
thm
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Have you got plans for Atoms for Peace: From The Basement?
- Which unreleased Radiohead track are you most excited about? The Present Tense? Burn the Witch? Big Boots? Riding a Bullet? Dogwander?
- In a recent interview-article with Colin, it was reported that Radiohead will go back into the studio as early as September 2013, to try and record the new album. Is there any truth to that?
- In an interview with Adam Buxton in 2010, Ed O'Brien said: "Making record’s been hard, it’s always been a slog. After "In Rainbows", we decided the only way that would work for us to carry on is to actually do it in a different spirit, to enjoy it." Were The King of Limbs sessions considerably more enjoyable, as per your plan?
No plans for FTB..
I like all 50 of the new radiohead songs
this is obviously nigel
***
Thanks for doing this! Been a huge fan of both of yours for ages.
I have some production related questions:
- What DAW is primarily used for Atoms For Peace?
- Any plugins you absolutely love? Mostly using hardware or do soft synth VSTs get a lot of play too?
- What is the workflow like for creating Atoms For Peace songs? Do most ideas originate with you Thom and then flesh out with the other members, or do those members also contribute original song concepts? How long does one song generally take from start to finish?
- What are the main differences between production of an Atoms For Peace album and production of a Radiohead album?
- Best advice for aspiring producers?
- What do you guys think of the rise of mainstream electronic dance music in the US? Do you think the surge of interest also benefits the more experimental, non-mainstream electronic acts, like Four Tet & Flying Lotus, for example?
Im a big fan of autotune
-
its amazing isn't?
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Thom -- were you actually posing for this picture, or was it a happy coincidence? http://i.imgur.com/kh6ks.jpg
That is not me. This is madam Tussauds. misspelt probably.
***
How do you feel about the amok leak? And music piracy in general
Well.. unsurprised?
-
oh did it?
how nice.
***
What books have you read recently?
Wolf Solent. john cowper powys..
a protohippie
thm
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When you're tinkering with a song idea, how do you make the determination that "this one's for Radiohead" vs. "this is an Atoms for Peace song"?
its a grey area. getting greyer. obviously depends on who is being sampled. are you being in sampled?
tmh
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Is man good or evil by nature?
Definitely good. That was an easy one.
-
he is not a selfish git by nature. ?
***
I have no good questions, but thought I'd say hello. Keep up the good the work.
Ahhhh!! Hello!! N
you win. i would like to give you a prize. i need a coffee, would you like one?
Hey Nigel! Which one amongst you initiated the formation of Atoms for Peace?
Well... like... Thom obviously.... :)
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With Atoms for Peace in full swing, Jonny composing film scores, and Phil's "Familial" out in the wild, has there been any talk of Ed and Colin giving it a go and perhaps recording their own solo albums? Have they shown any interest in doing it?
Also, For Thom: Would you ever be interested in collaborating with Damon Albarn were he to start working on another Gorillaz album?
Thom? n
-
define "collaboration?"
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Thom, how did you become comfortable sharing your voice with others? Were your formative years a struggle to find your voice as a writer/musician or was it more of a painless evolution?
my formative years involved finding no-one else to sing the songs. so doing it myself. and singing into a bucket, but thats another story. stanley donwood has a kind of vibrator on his shoulder right now
thm
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For Thom: Colin Greenwood has recently been quoted saying that Radiohead are regrouping this September to record the next album. Is this definitely in the cards?
Also, Atoms for Peace...also for Florida?
by the time I've finished answering these there will be no time left this year.
thm
***
I have one chance to say something to Thom and Nigel. I'm going to make it count.
( - And by writing a novel you've virtually guaranteed it won't be read.)
- Oh well. Maybe they see it maybe they don't.
I see some of it... and thanks for the kind words.. Everything will surface one day.. it all exists.. and so it will eventually get there I'm sure. Nude took 12 years.. ish. N
***
Do you have any pre-stage rituals?
many many many, upside down time. tuning up time. lying down time etc
thm
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You guys are known for being pretty perfectionist and borderline obsessive with your material and the recording process, do you feel like this ultimately hinders or betters your creative output?
I don't think we're perfectionists really... just sometimes thiings take time.. not because they end up perfect by any means! But it neither helps nor hinders.. it just is what it is.. happens how it happens.. N
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Hi. As members of acts that are constantly developing, I have to ask: what's next for Atoms for Peace and/or Radiohead musically?
Also I'd like to thank you both for your sweet ass music and I'm really looking forward to AMOK. Thanks guys.
yey !! you can come again.
here.
whats next? well shit we havent seen each other in a LONG time, we will be in the same room again in april/ may i guess. i hope.
thm
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Some songs played on the Atoms for Peace tour in 2009, such as 'Lotus Flower' and 'Supercollider' ended up becoming Radiohead songs. What is it that determines a Radiohead song from an Atoms for Peace song?
they were mod definitely radiohead tunes... me didnt have enough material to give to the band by then!!. so i had to err fill some time.
thm
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Hey Thom and Nigel,
Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions.
- For Thom, what's something you enjoy about performing that might surprise those of us who don't perform for thousands of people the world over?
- For Nigel, how does the act of performing the material you produce in the studio change your relationship with it? In other words, do you approach things differently in producing a Radiohead record, for example, when you know you won't be performing it live in comparison to AMOK where you will be?
- For both, what are a few songs you'd recommend produced/written/performed by yourselves that you'd recommend to someone unfamiliar and what are a few songs from other artists that you think others should hear?
Thanks!
Nothing is as conceived as it may seem - You don't consider what performing something would be like when you're recording it - you just dont thinnk about it.. It's a different hat completely. N
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What do you think is the difference in philosophies in how The King of Limbs and AMOK have been promoted? Is it just a "different band, different method" sort of thing, or is there something more to it?
It's been a while since the last Office Chart, what have you guys been listening to lately?
yes yes office chart. i keep getting close and then being asked......
another question
thm
***
Hello,
Thom, do you plan to explore the low end of your range more in the future? I love how you sound on Wolf at the Door.
Thanks for the amazing music to you both.
Yes i would love to. I know its there, ive heard it. its not naturally where i end up. So it's a good place to head, deep into the woods. The back of the cupboard.. ya nah?
thm
***
What is your stance on samples, especially in rap music? I heard when CRS One came out with Us Placers, you weren't very happy about it. I understand where you were coming from, you know artist's rights and stuff, but it seems like your sound could go (and does already) hand in hand with rap music, any thoughts?
We don't know what that is.. But we're big fans of sampling and hip hop.. It was a burgeoning art form which got stamped out in the early nineties due to copyright actions.. and now ironically youtube totally ignores copyright and no one does anything.. Thanks willow. N
( - Might be getting CRS (Child Rebel Soldier) confused with KRS One. CRS was a short
collaboration between Kanye, Pharrell Williams and Lupe Fiasco, "Us Placers" is rapped over
Thom's The Eraser with the melody and chorus sampled verbatim.)
- Oh ok awesome! I was referring to Thom Yorke's solo album, and this song -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVFq-zqE4JM
which I loved. Thanks for the response!
I mean sampling ... not hip hop obviously.
***
I love Amok. any plans to collaborate more with Burial?
I very much hope so. Both me Kieran and Burial are all as busy/ vague as each other.. Well ok Kierans more together maybe :) But we talks about it. in fact as usual i gotta write some words
thm
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My earliest experience with Radiohead involved skipping church to buy OK Computer and listening to it in my car on a cold, winter day in Cleveland. “Climbing Up The Walls” both terrified and astonished me at the same time, and I still credit that experience with opening my eyes to a lot of different styles of music.
What musical artist completely shaped and/or challenged your perception of what good music is?
Thats a lush story! Oh man the list is endless.. it still happens now!
***
Will we ever hear "The Present Tense" or "Burn The Witch"?
def the first one!
***
Thom & Nigel
What are the advantages of recording analog? Do you think high-resolution digital formats will ever become commonly accepted?
Nigel, any news on a new season of "From the Basement"?
Hahaha! Gotta find the tape first. A big advantage for me is watching Nigel standing in a room full of bits of tape and a scalpel.
thm
***
Where's Flea?
hes over there>
***
Dear Thom, I would like to know if you prefer tea or coffee? And do you use sugar or honey or nothing in your hot drink? It is very important for me to know that, because of my imagination of your "normal-life" and what person you are. :) Additionally, do you like turkish nougat? I think you do!
ah finally something important. today is a strong coffee day. 7am deserves it. im a pain in the arse without if that helps? mostly. thm
***
Hello Thom. Do you know what music was playing before Radiohead went on at the Optimus Alive festival in Lisbon last year? Do you select that?
i would think that would have been my selecta of aCtress and Zomby
***
What advice do you have for any younger artists starting out? In terms of finding people to play with, dealing with all the other stuff that comes with being a musician?
Enjoy it - making music is a wonderful way to spend your life.. but do it for the love before a career... it's getting so unforgiving out there - I hate to think of the obstacles in the way now for new artists.. if you love it and you are good, you will be fine.. but be prepared to have to work hard and don't judge your success by other peoples opinions.. have self belief. N
***
Thank you so much for doing this, Thom and Nigel.
Nigel- I absolutely love Ultraista. I was sad to hear about the tour cancellation, but things happen. Will you guys go back on tour in the near future? (In particular, Chicago? Lincoln Hall would love to host you)
Yes! We hope so... Joey had a baby VERY early so he had to rush back to LA.. It was disappointing but for the greatest of reasons! N
***
What do you think the biggest differences are between the music you're making now with Atoms for Peace, and the older music from the OK Computer/Kid A/Hail to the Thief days? Do you still like the older music, or have your tastes changed?
we are in the moment when we work! not quite sure how anything has happened in retrospect. immediately loose the memory of how you've got wher eyou are.
which is always my fav bit of listening back to work weve done. thm
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Seeing how Atoms For Peace comes from one of Thom's solo songs, is there a thematic connection between Amok and The Eraser?
NIgel, me An Stanley. and big waves and shit
***
Do you think come back to South America on tour with Radiohead or Atoms for Peace?
I would love to. We all love S America.. That's quite a broad comment.. I love the other 4 continents tooo N
***
Since many people would consider Atoms For Peace a supergroup, what would you say is your favorite (or most influential) supergroup?
The Beatles.. N
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Which track was the toughest to "get right" in your guys' eyes?
on Amok? maybe Amok was tricky , only cuz the lyrics came from a really different headspace, which took me a while to feel good about. but its the one im most proud of and gets me in the ass everytime. can i say that? apparently so
thm
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It seems like The King Of Limbs took a lot of influence Remain in Light by the Talking Heads. Does Amok follow a similar course? What are you expressing with rhythm? Disassociation and confusion like Talking Heads, the hypnotism of house and techno, or something totally different?
I think this is not direct or certainly not intentional.. I mean - you like music.. you listen to music.. you make music. But you don't listen to other music while you're making new music.. I love remain in light though. N
***
Hello Thom Yorke and Nigel Godrich! How is it working with the Atoms For Peace group compared to Radiohead?
Like eating ice cream after a lovely dinner. N
***
I'd love to know how you got involved with Stanley Donwood, and what it's like having someone be such a consistent part of your image over the years?
I met him first day at art college and he had a better hat and suit on than me. That pissed me off. So i figured i'd either end up really not liking this person at all, or working with him for the rest of my life.
***
My question for Thom: Will there be a step by step instructional video for the Lotus Flower dance? Or possibly a fitness DVD based on the moves?
and Nigel: Any quick advice for someone trying to make it as a music producer?
Quick advice.. Don't expect it to be easy... do it for fun and love. If you're good you will succeed. If you arent you'll have fun at least! N
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Thom, would you do an accoustic album? You have one of the most beautiful voices ever and is an amazing singer. In a way, we crave for an album with only you and a piano/guitar. Please, consider it.
I just asked him that.
***
Where do you guys think AMOK fits in in your entire discography? More speciically, what's your favorite song from the album?
It's on the far right. of the pile. It's whats in our heads right now.. as is everything when you're doing/just finished it.... N
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Hey Thom, Nigel. Any future plans for Atoms for Peace to play in the US (other than New York)?
Love your work.
Oh yes!
***
What's wrong with nuclear power? You seem to be an environmentalist yet anti-nuclear. It seems like a better solution for now to have nuclear plants than a ton of pollution. I mean coal power plants produce more radiation than nuclear plants anyway.
What's your reasoning behind your stance on the issue?
it is too costly. i think the storage of renewables will tip thier balance of viability. that is starting to happen. read around and you'll see. i have some good environmentalists friends who think otherwise and understand the desperation of this, but all the feasibility studies that have recently been done and costings make nuclear increasingly looks nuts. however it means we have to DRASTically reduce our consumption of energy quite quickly.
thm
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Why is it do you think that your creative integrity remains so apparent and uncompromised in such a harsh business that seems to strip most of theirs? Brute force and sheer will? What makes it possible for a band to do what they want as much as you seem to be able to?
As a listener, I simply cannot imagine Kid A being in an unfinished state. It seemed to have been pulled from the astral plane a complete vision. Do you feel the same way (maybe in comparison to other albums)? As though you were channeling something that had already existed a little bit, even though, unlike us listeners, you are aware of all the painstaking work that went into its creation?
This will probably be my only chance to say thank you for what you two (and co.) have done for me. Even if you don't answer this. I'm sure you hear it all the time, but your music changed and grew my mind in ways I consider invaluable and inseprable from who I am as a person. So, thank you.
Thanks.. Single mindedness with a strong direction and will as a collective I would say.. N
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Flying Lotus was a fantastic opener on the 2010 tour, so would you consider having him open for you again on the upcoming tour?
He's a mate of mine! Hes so great. He's a lot more popular now so im not sure he'd wanna but yes it was a great great vibe.
thm
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Should I be preordering the limited edition double LP?
Yes
***
Thom, why did you steal the H from Jonny's name?
yes but he hasn't spotted it's gone yet.
***
What is your songwriting process?
this here is a hedge. im going to drag myself backwards through it.
***
How much of your soul do you put into your lyrics...or...how 'seriously' do you wish people to take your lyrics? Some of Radiohead's lyrics seem a mixture between stream of consciousness and the genuinely confessional. I ask because I love analyzing lyrics. Obviously, anyone can take any art however they choose to, but I'm just curious how you write them, from your perspective?
confessional?!! mm i don;t think so at all. do you think M Stipe's lyrics are confessional? what is within is also stream of consciousness is also gibberish and also just sounds. by the time the words have stuck, they have just stuck. the glue is set and i can't undo. before that is a messy bit.
does that help? ofcourse not.
***
Hi Thom and Nigel, I received the vinyl yesterday and love it. It seems to be much more dance music than either The Eraser, closer to Feral and Identikit.
Is that the kind of release we can expect from AfP in the future, or will these more dance-y tunes start to work their way into Radiohead's next album as well?
you got it? oh that's good, thats how it shoud come out i guess. dance tunes? yeah! that doesn't necessarily mean it will bleed into radiohead. i miss getting stuck into those kind of melodies sometimes so...
Firstly, I'd like to thank both of you for making music I love with al my heart.
I'd like to ask Nigel whether he could shed some light on if the "From The Basement" idea will ever branch out like it once did, to a variety of artists? The only recent "Basement" things seem to be purely Radiohead based, it'd be nice to see what other people could do in that studio again.
Thom, now that Colin Greenwood has been quoted as saying Radiohead will begin work on a ninth studio album around September, could you give us an idea of what kind of things we can expect from Radiohead's output in the future? Is there a set of ideas you all have ready?
Also, could you explain as to why there were only 3 UK dates on Radiohead's last tour? A lot of my friends who wanted to see you couldn't.
Speaking of which, will an Atoms For Peace tour happen soon?
No that's not true - just radiohead ftb gets the most attention.. we just did a whole new season which was on sky arts in the UK feist, willis earl beale, chilli peppers.. look for it. It seems to buried somewhere. And there is your answer - FTB is a labour of love but it doesn't get much love apart from a pretty small concentrated section of music fans.. I wish it got more, but I'm not complaining. Quality over quantity I say.. N
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Nigel, you went to Jiro at Tokyo 2 weeks ago, right? What is your favorite sushi? Tuna?
UNI! only if it's good.
***
What is your biggest achievement so far?
ummmmmmmm getting through the last tour despite all that had happened in toronto. and the lights. and having clive play with us. i was terrified about it, then it got dark but in the end we were all very proud of managin to pull it off. even in the O2 in London. it was not an easy time, but it was cool.
thm
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Thom have you been to www.tumblr.com and seen some of the stuff under the #radiohead tag? you have some rabid ass fans out there.
oh yes http://whathaveyoudonetomyface.tumblr.com
***
One of the great qualities of your music is the way minor details become apparent even after many listens (a now famous example is the "In Rainbows" vocal in Reckoner).
My question - from all the records you have made together, are there any interesting details that you remain surprised no-one seems to have picked up on?
Alternatively, are there any such details in Amok that you are especially proud of?
Ahh.. no one picked up on that? Well obviously you did.. I guess you don't intentionally hide stuff so when somebdy says its a un-noticed detail then one is always surprised.. Yip yip! N
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