Ed Macfarlane sets the stage alight with his band, Friendly Fires
29 November 2009
Network recently caught up with Ed Macfarlane (BA Hons Photography 2006) to discover what he's been up to since his band Friendly Fires hit the big time.
Ed Macfarlane is living proof that Gloria Estefan was right – one day the rhythm is going to get you. As he performs Skeleton Boy at this year's Mercury Music Prize Awards, lead singer and songwriter Ed, is completely absorbed in letting the music take over and simply 'shaking what his mama gave him'.' As famous for his dancing as he is for the quick rise of his band into the world of music, Ed is taking it all in his stride and is finally living the dream.
"I've always been writing music, it's my passion. I was recording music in secondary school but I always thought the music industry was too hard to get into."
Surprisingly Ed never wanted to study music, after receiving a D in A-level music, he decided to study Photography at NTU instead. He thought it would be a practical course and was surprised by how much the course has helped him develop his music:
"My course at NTU was great, there was a lot more theory than I originally thought there would be, but it's helped me no end. We were always encouraged to describe why we've created something – which I apply to my music all the time. It's really inspired me to question my music and think about the sound or feeling I'm trying to create."
The name Friendly Fires originates from the opening track of the Section 25 LP Always Now. He considers Carl Craig and Prince to be some of his greatest influences and enjoys anything with lush, ambiguous, escapist melodies – like the thick patterns of South American music. Inspiration that can be heard in the band's most recent music video Kiss of life that was recorded in Ibiza.
"We filmed on a nudist cliff in Ibiza; let's just say there was a lot of sunburn. We were literally working in glaring sunlight all day and we'd finish filming around 11."
The band has enjoyed a stream of success. A few weeks after graduation Friendly Fires signed a record deal with XL Recordings and have never looked back. In late 2007, they became the first unsigned band to appear on Channel 4's Transmission programme. Their single Paris achieved Single of The Week in The Guardian, NME magazine, and also on Zane Lowe's BBC Radio 1 show. They have toured extensively, including performances throughout the UK, Europe, Japan, Canada, Mexico and the USA.
"My favourite place we've played so far is Corissa. It was on top of a castle and the crowd and the views were just amazing."
In May 2008 their song On Board was featured in North American television commercials for Nintendo's Wii Fit. On Board is also featured in the trailer for the upcoming PlayStation 3 game Gran Turismo 5. White Diamonds is featured in one of the episodes in the second season of the American television series Gossip Girl. But with all the international attention has he ever been asked to sign anything weird?"Just a few shoes! I have been given some great gifts - like a wooden spoon with googly eyes on it. I think it's meant to be me!"
The album was certified gold in the UK; the band was nominated for a Best Breakthrough Award at The South Bank Show Awards and for Best Dancefloor Filler at the NME Awards. They were also second on the bill on the NME Awards Tour 2009 and on 21 July 2009, the band was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize but sadly lost out to Speech Debelle.
The band played the dot-to-dot festival in Nottingham this May at Rock City and it stirred up a few fond memories for Ed: "I remember the last time I was in Rock City as a student and I saw the Klaxons play, I never thought I would return and be performing."
They've played all the festivals, toured extensively, have a massive fan-base and the band's only demand is that they have gin and tonic in their trailer. Still grounded and still yet to take over the world.
Download their latest tracks and see Ed dance at www.wearefriendlyfires.com
Ed's quick fire questions - complete the sentence:
Right now I'm loving…The Woman in Black by Susan Hill
A tearjerker…Together by Lukas Moodysson
I wish I'd written…Heavenly - That's What You Are by Barry White
My karaoke song…Vibe by R Kelly
An underrated band…Wildbeasts (Leeds)
A record by a hero…Before and After Science by Brian Eno
The first gig I went to was…Oasis at Knebworth Park (I was given free tickets)
Before I die I'd play… Just Like a Baby by Barry White
If I was invisible for a day...I'd break into Abbey Road studios and steal all their equipment!