Franz Ferdinand Returns to The Village: A Performance & Conversation with Nic Harcourt
Ahead of the new release The Human Fear
Performing 3 songs and interview at The Village Studios
The Village Studios welcomed a familiar energy recently as Franz Ferdinand joined The SoCal Sound’s Nic Harcourt for an engaging session, blending live performances and introspective conversation. The Scottish indie-rock icons, celebrating over two decades in music, shared tales of their past, reflections on their creative process, and live performances of songs from their new album The Human Fear.
A Journey Through Time
The session kicked off with a nostalgic nod to the band’s history. Harcourt recalled their first American radio session in 2004, recorded live on air at his previous studio. Holding up a vinyl single of "Matinée," featuring a live version of "Michael" from that session, he described the band’s early days of raw enthusiasm and nerves.
“I was terrified,” frontman Alex Kapranos admitted. “Live to air? Absolutely terrifying.” Yet, their vivid memories of those moments now serve as a testament to their enduring passion for music and live performance.
A New Chapter: The Human Fear
Discussing their latest release, The Human Fear, they explain that this is an album shaped by the challenges and introspections of the past few years. The pandemic forced delays but also offered unexpected opportunities for growth. Kapranos noted how the break gave the band perspective and allowed their music to evolve naturally.
“It gave us time to get super tight as a band,” he said. “When you’re in the studio, and it feels like people playing together in a room, that’s what it’s all about.”
The band recorded the album in their unconventional studio in Scotland, a former painter’s studio transformed into a creative haven. With its open fire and big north-facing window, the space felt more like home than a traditional studio—a vibe they credit for the album’s organic and collaborative energy.
New Tracks, Same Energy
Reflecting on their songwriting, Kapranos shared how life’s experiences now deeply influence their music. Songs on The Human Fear touch on universal themes of love, existence, and fear, including a heartfelt ode to Kapranos’ young son. “I thought I knew what love was, and then I met you,” he sang, a poignant line from the track “Hooked.”
Franz Ferdinand performed exclusive acoustic live versions of tracks like “Bar Lonely” and “Night or Day” and "Audacious"
The Evolution of Franz Ferdinand
As the conversation flowed, Harcourt brought up the band’s collaboration with Sparks on the FFS project. Kapranos described it as a thrilling and unexpected venture that reinforced the importance of staying true to their identity while embracing the unexpected.
Twenty years in, Franz Ferdinand remains energized and open to new possibilities. Kapranos reflected on the early mantra of making music “for girls to dance to” and affirmed that their mission hasn’t wavered. “We still play gigs and still see a lot of girls dancing,” he laughed. “Something’s going right.”
Looking Ahead
Their session with Nic Harcourt was more than a performance; it was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and connection. As they closed out the session with their latest single “Audacious,” Franz Ferdinand once again proved why they remain one of indie rock’s most dynamic forces.
Catch Franz Ferdinand on The Human Fear tour and tune in to The SoCal Sound for more exclusive sessions with your favorite artists.
This So Cal Sound Session was recorded at The Village Studios - Los Angeles
Filmed, Edited, & Photographed By: Matt Blake
Audio Recorded By: Alisse Lemac
Assisted By: Eddie Roberts
Mixed By: Tristan Dolce
