The Get Up Kids have been masterminding their comeback over the past couple of years, first releasing an EP to test the waters and then getting out on the road to sate the appetite of their insatiable fans before reaching this point where they’ve released their first full length album in seven years.
‘There Are Rules’ certainly shows a progression since the band were last together and you’d hope so too after so many years have gone by! There’s more experimentation in sound with throbbing electronic basslines and off-kilter melodies, yet TGUK prove that they’re still master songsmiths with a collection of insightful, well considered music.
We spoke to Jim Suptic, guitarist with the band, about expectations, independence and what it’s like to be an influence on others.
Why did you decide to start writing songs together again?
We just felt it was the right thing to do. It just sort of happened.
Did anything in particular inspire you as a whole during the writing process of ‘There are Rules’?
German culture and the music of our childhood.
Is there anything you are really looking forward to with the whole process of releasing this record?
It’s exciting. We hope people really like it. I think it’s our best yet. I am sure it will take a few listens for some people. Some people will hate it. That seems to happen every album.
Can fans expect anything out of the ordinary during this upcoming tour as far as your live performance goes? Do you think you’ll have to adjust your approach at all to convey the new songs in a live setting?
So far the new songs have fit into the set nicely. There isn’t anything too crazy in the new show. We don’t have wardrobe changes or anything like that.
Why the decision to release this new album independently?
We realized that labels are like banks giving loans to bands. We didn’t need a loan. We left Vagrant on good terms though. They were good to us. It was just time to move on.
Do you feel like the music industry has dramatically changed since your band started fifteen years ago? Anything for the better or is it all quite bleak in your opinion?
The record industry is always changing. Every generation thinks the next one’s music looks bleak.
How did the individual members of the band adapt to writing together again after having side projects etc during the hiatus?
It was pretty easy to get back to work. After 15 years you had better have it together or maybe you should look for a different job.
How do you juggle everyday life with the commitments of the band this time round? Have there been developments in everyone’s lives that make it difficult to go full steam ahead on the band front?
I think between all the band members there are 5 other band to deal with. It can be frustrating but we make it work. I have a wife and kid at home so I don’t mind not touring 10 months out of the year. I’m happy with 4 to 5 months.
How do you see the future for The Get Up Kids? Is it too soon to ask about the possibilities surrounding another album after ‘There Are Rules’?
I don’t know why we wouldn’t continue to make music.
You’ve been an influence on a whole host of bands over the years. Are there any bands you’ve heard reference TGUK that you’ve been particularly pleased with influencing?
A lot of bands say we influenced them, I just don’t hear it. I guess it’s a lot nicer than being hated.
The new Get Up Kids album ‘There Are Rules‘ is out now on Quality Hill Records, click here to pick it up.
