Alex Turner has nothing to look forward to. And it's about time.
After years of near-constant activity with the Arctic Monkeys (and projects like The Last Shadow Puppets), the 25-year-old singer-guitarist happily admits he has no idea what's coming next.
"I've kind of put a record out every year in some way, shape or form," he explains. "But for the first time, there's nothing in the works. I've got no plans. We're just enjoying being on tour. And that's what we're focusing on now -- to be honest, that's all we're focusing on.
We're not even thinking about the next album. Every other time, as soon as we've put an album out, we've gone 'Right! What's next?' This time, we're not getting ahead of ourselves. Of course, that could change. Maybe at some point we'll be like, 'F---, we need to go make a record.' But right now, it's been really fun just playing. We've got it pretty good, really. I've got no complaints."
Nor should he. These days, life doesn't suck for the scrappy Sheffield indie-rockers. They're enjoying positive reviews for their cheekily titled fourth album Suck it and See. They've spent the summer playing major festivals across Europe and North America. And this week, they're expanding their horizons with their first swing through Western Canada. But not before Turner -- relaxing in a luxurious Italian hotel before yet another festival -- filled me in heading west, being an only child and his bromance with Queens of the Stone Age rocker Josh Homme.
After six years, you must be feeling burned out.
Not really. People often say that to us. But it's weird; we have been hard at it, playing every summer and in the studio as well. But it's just kinda felt natural. I don't really know any other way. And besides, I don't have anything else to do. Put it that way.
Which do you prefer these days: Playing live or being in the studio?
As time goes on and we've been in the studio a lot more, we're perhaps more comfortable in that environment than we were in the beginning. We sorta know what we're doing a little bit more. So yeah, I really love being in the studio now these days. But I think we're still very much a live band and a touring band.
This will be your first time crossing Western Canada. What do you imagine it will be like?
I never thought of that, but you're right. We've only ever really done your Torontos and your Montreals. And going anywhere new for the first time is still cool for us. But I don't really know what to expect. You tell me. I guess I imagine it's pretty cold. Will it be cold?
I think you'll be OK. What should we expect from you?
I dunno, really. Just a pretty good rock 'n' roll show. That's about it, really.
After playing all these festivals, is it a big adjustment to play smaller indoor venues? Do you have a preference?
I like that we get to do both. And even when we're doing the things in the fields, with all the lights and s---, we still play in theatres or even really small clubs as warmups. We'll sneak into some small place before the festival. It's good to do that -- it keeps you on your toes. In a small place, the crowd is like two feet away. That's how it used to be for us, obviously, when we cut our teeth. And some of the most exciting shows we've ever had have been in small rooms.
You're an only child. How important is it to get your way?
Yeah, I suppose I'm pretty controlling. I like to have me way. But I've known these three lads a long time. We've all kind of grown up together. If I did have brothers, I don't think I'd be as close to them as I am to these boys. And they might tell you different, but I feel this has always been a sort of group effort. I'm definitely not the kind who needs to be the centre of attention.
That's kind of ironic, given your career choice.
Yeah, f---ing tell me about it.
If you could make an album with anyone, who would it be?
You know, I'd love to do something with Josh Homme again. He obviously produced most of our last album (Humbug in 2009). I'd love to get back in the studio with him at some point. The whole experience with him was really inspiring -- and fun as well, which is important. When you spend as much time in dark rooms as we do, it helps if it's with somebody who makes you laugh and is a good bloke. So that definitely didn't suck.
