Interview: The Antlers

Meet You At The Show: Hey there! Thanks for taking the time to answer some of our questions. So I see you’re out on a little tour with Editors. I’m a big fan of those guys. How was it been going so far?

Michael Lerner: It has been a great experience getting a chance to play in some of the most beautiful and historic theaters in North America.

MYATS: You have quite a lengthy tour of European dates coming up. Have you guys ever played in Europe before?

ML: We have and we love playing there and can’t wait to get back!

MYATS: What excites you most about touring in Europe?

ML: what doesn’t?! The food, the lovely people, seeing all of the beauty of Europe is a dream come true.

MYATS: Have you ever played in Montreal before?

ML: Yes we have. we came through with our friends Frightened Rabbit this past fall.

MYATS: You know you can use Montreal as a warm up for your upcoming European tour.

ML: Ha. ok – good to know!

MYATS: You’re latest album, Hospice, has gotten some pretty incredible reviews, along with being selected by many as one of the best albums of 2009. We’re you at all surprised by how successful the album has been?

ML: Yes we were very surprised and humbled by the response to Hospice. It is not something we take for granted and are very grateful to all who have shown their support.

MYATS: Has your life changed at all since the release?

ML: Indeed – we are on the road constantly playing in all these great places around the world – it’s been amazing!

MYATS: The album itself is one of the most nicely put together albums I have come across in awhile. How much importance do you put on appearance of the actual album (cover, jacket etc.)?

ML: Thanks for that. The cover art was designed by Zan Goodman – she came up with the artwork and we immediately loved it and thought it was perfect.

MYATS: The album is packed full of emotion. How much of a roll does emotion play when you write music?

ML: It plays a huge part – as with most artists and their art, we put a lot of ourselves into our work. This is a very personal record for all of us in our own way. I am very proud to be a part of it.

MYATS: Finally, I think the question everybody wants to know…have you been working on any new material? If yes, is it along the same lines as Hospice or can we expect something slighty or completely different?

ML: We have had some time this past January to begin working on new song ideas. We are not restricting ourselves in any way musically. When the new released is finished, we may surprise a lot of people – even ourselves!

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We would like to thanks Michael Lerner for taking the time out of the band’s very busy schedule to answer some of our questions. And be sure to check out The Antlers live at Il Motore tomorrow night, February 17th, at Il Motore. Tickets can be purchased through Blue Skies Turn Black’s website, or by clicking here.

Tags: February 17, Hospice, Il Motore, Michael Lerner, Montreal, The Antlers, Tour, Zan Goodman