It’s time to get to know Kerr Okan, frontman of Scottish alt-rockers The LaFontaines! We set Kerr 10 questions about his musical likes, tastes and guilty pleasures…
How would you describe your taste in music?
This will be cliché as fuck I imagine, but I’d say my musical taste is pretty varied. I was introduced to Hip-Hop like most of my generation, through the satirical eyes of Eminem. From there I found OutKast and most importantly Andre 3000. As I grew up and formed the band, I was introduced to everyone from The Doors to Songhoy Blues. It’s maybe the reason we sound so genre-less.
Who do you consider to be your favourite band and why?
Following on from my first answer, I don’t think I really have a favourite band as such. I just really appreciate anybody who can play live and give the crowd some sort of energy. That’s why I don’t particularly like Hip-Hop gigs where its just somebody screaming over a CD – in fact its utter gash. However, put a live band behind it, play the same tunes – next level. Seen Kano do just that last month and he was class.
Who is the best live band you’ve ever seen?
Jay-Z had a tremendous live band (Tony Royster Jr on drums says it all really). Justin Timberlake was crazy, and we toured with Anderson Paak. He’s the coolest guy on the planet, so nuff said really.
What is the one song that you could listen to forever?
I DJ a lot, so I feel like a load of the classics have been ruined for me. So with that said, I’d probably go with something like The Art of Story Telling Part 4 – Andre 3000. I already listen to it once a week anyway.
What album, if any, was a turning point in your ‘musical life’ and why?
Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP. I’d probably be into fuckin Mumford & Sons if it wasn’t for this.
In 3 words, what makes a good album or song?
Melody, Lyrics, Music.
A festival or a gig? Why?
Festival. More opportunity to steal passing trade/punters, who then become your fans. Who then steal your music…
Who would be your dream 3 festival headliners?
Rage. Not Prophets of Rage, actual Rage. Arcade Fire. Kendrick Lamar.
Who are the best new band you’ve discovered lately that everyone should know about?
Anderson .Paak. He’s just the best guy ever.
What band or artist is your secret, or not so secret, guilty pleasure?
Nickelback. Dark Horse is a fuckin’ belter of an album. Where are all these closet Nickel fans that just suddenly appear every time they announce a worldwide stadium tour? Exactly. Fuckin’ show yourself!
The LaFontaines‘ new album Common Problem is out on Friday! Check out their latest single Too Late below;