Dutch band Banji have released their debut album Freshcakes via [PIAS] Recordings. The 4-piece are all also producers in their own right, and their technicolour interpretation of indie pop is a refreshing listen. However the themes are firmly planted in the reality of contemporary life. I had a chat to find out more.
Welcome Banji and congratulations on your debut album Freshcakes which is out now. As way of introduction could you tell us who you are and your roles in the band?
We are Morris Brandt (lead vocals and guitar), Twan de Roo (keys), Gilles van Wees (guitar, bass, keys) and Jasper Meurs (drums). Four very handsome and funny guys if we might add.
How was Banji formed?
We met through different projects we did together, and at some point we decided to focus all our musical energy on one band, and that is how the story of Banji began.
You have a very quirky, sunshine filled vibe. What is the main inspiration for your song writing?
Banji’s song writing has always reflected my surroundings and environment. Big themes of this album are struggling with adulthood, self-worth and self-esteem, mental health and frustrations, addiction, and finding your own self-discipline and maturity over time. The lyrics that flowed out of me throughout the making of Freshcakes tend to be built around introverted thoughts, personal social situations, and subjects that I find difficult to dissect.
Sonically I can hear so many different instruments. Do you play them all live? I imagine a huge array of percussion onstage!
We do play a lot of instruments and sounds live. We’re not really into the idea of a backing track filling in for parts that we can’t play. So we work ourselves into a lot of trouble trying to play everything live, but it’s worth it! This way we can still play with the music and have songs go a little differently each night. We sample our own sounds a lot so we can recreate things live as well.
My favourite track on the album is ‘Chatterbox‘, can you tell us a little about this inspiration behind this song?
‘Chatterbox‘ felt like a departure from the rest of the material we were working on at the time. The energy was definitely different, but also felt familiar in a way. I like to think the song is about certain people who are kind of offensively self-assertive and conceited. There are snippets of conversation happening in the song that are more or less inspired by real ones I’ve had.
‘Chatterbox‘ is special to me because it took me a long time to realize that it’s best to acknowledge these types of patterns when they’re happening.
Have you always sung in English? Just out of interest do Dutch bands generally sing in English?
Yes, I’ve generally always sung in English. We all grew up with English spoken music so it feels quite natural to do so. Most bands in the Netherlands sing in English, although this is starting to change. I’ve played around with Dutch lyrics as well and do really enjoy that as well. For now Banji will stick to English though.
You have played in the UK a few times this year and will be at Live At Leeds on 15 October. How are the audiences in the UK different to those at home in Utrecht?
People in the UK seem to live for music, it’s in their culture and DNA. There are sooooo many good bands hailing from the British Isles, it always amazes us how many people are into our sound. But the audiences are always very receptive and kind.
What are your plans for the rest of the year and into 2023?
Of course, with the release of the album we want to play as much as we can, bring our new live show to everyone who is enjoying our songs. We’re starting off with Live at Leeds this weekend, after that we have a whole run of shows with Dutch legends de Staat and after that we’re doing some headline shows though-out Europe and ending with club in our home country. 2023 will obviously be world domination time for Banji.
If I looked in your fridge right now what would I find?
I’ve just finished pretty much everything to make sure things don’t go bad while we’re away this week. So just some condiments, ketchup and mustard. I’ll try to bring some brown sauce home after our UK trip, because we don’t have that at home.
Banji’s debut album Freshcakes is out now via [PIAS] Recordings.
For more information on the band please check out their facebook and twitter.
