Start Listening To: Familiar Action

London-based quintet Familiar Action touch on the production and songwriting that go into their work, dream producers, and even Jean-Paul Sartre in this interview, offering a little insight to the band in anticipation of their upcoming album.

For those unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us who you are, where you’re from, and a little bit about the music that you make?

We are brothers, Tom and Ned, and the rest of the band are Oscar, Henry and Eden. We’ve all played in multiple bands together over the years and we’re currently based in London. We usually describe the band as ‘art-rock’, which leaves room for various styles and influences to work their way into the music; they’re basically just theatrical and dark pop songs.

What is your songwriting process like?

We usually hash out ideas and write them at home whilst recording, then work out proper arrangements and dynamics with the rest of the band based on how the songs feel to play. 

How did you produce your upcoming debut album?

We recorded everything at home besides the drums. It’s the product of about two years work. We started with the demos and reworked and re-recorded things as we went. We wanted the album to be as reflective of the live sound as possible, so we set pretty harsh perimeters when recording, which meant that we kept the arrangement and production pretty true to the actual sound of the band.

Can you describe some of the themes behind this album?

I suppose we were trying to tackle big topics without being too cliché or on the nose. We really like lyrics that set more of a mood rather than explicitly telling you something — our aim was to cultivate an overall atmosphere using imagery rather than specific themes. Because the album is mostly character-driven, the lyrics aren’t necessarily a representation of any clear theme, but more of a vehicle to arrive at some kind of abstract mood. Having said that, there is a definite focus on disillusionment with modern life present throughout the album.

What is the origin of your band name?

The name came from a political magazine called ‘Die Aktion’ (The Action), which I saw at an Egon Schiele exhibition as he illustrated some of the covers. The word ‘Action’ really jumped out at me and I felt it suggested a kind of urgency that suited the music. 

We love the lead single from your album, ‘Nausea’. Can you tell us more about the lyrics in this track?

The lyrics for ‘Nausea’ were largely influenced by the Jean-Paul Sartre novel of the same name. There’s one particular passage where he’s illustrating what he calls ‘nausea’ through long lists of mundane objects, which was the main inspiration for the verses. We share the singing, and the two voices attempt to show the two sides and contradictions of the character in the song. Hopefully it’s a pretty good example of how we try to keep the lyrics vague and abstract.

What’s it like working with the label Full Power Records?  

It’s the best! It was really important for us to be able to release music how we wanted. And Oscar, who runs it, is one of the most dedicated and passionate people we know. Everyone involved is friends and there’s some really great stuff coming through the label at the moment.

If you could work with one producer who would it be?

Brian Eno. But less Coldplay Brian Eno, and more Talking Heads Brian Eno…

What do you hate right now?

Well, not being able to play or see any live music has been rubbish. 

What do you love right now?

The new Painting with John series with John Lurie, Rugby 08 on PS2, and having the time to do some reading.

Do you have any plans to perform live in 2021?

Yes, we’re hoping to play as soon as things start to ease up.

Is there any new music from 2021 that you’re enjoying?

Our label-mates Sorority just released a great EP, and our friend Alister from Mantis Opera is about to release a solo album under the name Last Living Cannibal, which will no doubt be great.

Do you have any final life lessons or tips for our readers?

Be uncompromising with your art, and don’t wait around for the right time to start making something.

Nausea is out now via Full Power Records. Familiar Action releases May 6th 2021.