Fat Dog : “On est bien plus désorientés qu'en colère”

Emerging from the vibrant London music scene, Fat Dog is preparing to release their second album, Cancel Me (I'm Tired), a record that encapsulates both the exhilaration and exhaustion of the band’s relentless touring schedule. Ahead of the album launch, Joe Love and Chris Hughes, the duo behind Fat Dog, shared insights during a promotional visit to Paris, revealing a candid perspective on their artistic journey and the realities of life on the road.

Cancel Me (I'm Tired) marks a nuanced shift from the band's debut, blending the energetic spirit that initially defined them with a broader sonic palette that now includes acoustic elements and more introspective compositions. This evolution reflects not only a maturation in their sound but also the physical and emotional toll extensive touring has imposed over recent years.

The album’s opening lines metaphorically address a sense of disorientation rather than anger, a sentiment the band associates with repeated encounters with insincere or robotic social interactions, which Joe and Chris refer to as "NPC-like" behavior. They cite their recent experiences in the United States as particularly emblematic of this phenomenon, describing a cultural atmosphere heavily fixated on work and superficial expressions. This perception extends to their observations of similar traits across various cultures, suggesting a universal aspect of modern social dynamics that the band wrestles with in their lyrics.

Despite the fatigue hinted at by the album’s title, the band members emphasize that their exhaustion is more physical than emotional and does not diminish their enthusiasm for performing and creating music. They note the cyclical nature of their career—constantly facing the same challenges and patterns—and the desire to break free from these repetitions. Nonetheless, they cherish the lifestyle, highlighting the privilege of transforming their passion into a profession, with music and camaraderie at its core.

Fat Dog’s work ethic is evident in the relatively quick turnaround between albums, with much of the new material conceived during and after their last extensive tour. The band acknowledges the addictive quality of producing music, describing the creative process as a vital outlet that keeps restlessness at bay. Their songwriting often arises from conflict and tension, which they find compelling and emotionally resonant, rather than from idyllic or serene inspiration.

The recording process for Cancel Me (I'm Tired) took place in Walthamstow, London, under the guidance of producer Oli Bayston. The band adopted a reversed approach compared to their debut: composing and laying down tracks before testing them live, enhancing their control over the artistic direction while allowing live performances to add fresh energy to the recorded material.

Touring remains a demanding aspect of their careers, with the US leg presenting particular challenges related to lifestyle and sustenance. The duo recounts frequent hangovers and the struggle to maintain well-being amid a hectic schedule. Their candid reflections include humorous anecdotes of onstage drinking habits, revealing a complex relationship with alcohol that balances personal enjoyment with the demands of performance.

The thematic content of the album frequently references animal imagery, weaving motifs of dogs, snakes, and horses into their lyrics. This symbolic language serves as a personal and cultural touchstone, underpinning the emotional texture of their songs. The band openly identifies with a somewhat darker, more introspective aesthetic, often drawing from negative emotions and conflicts that leave a lasting impression.

Live shows continue to demand high energy, and the band members stress the importance of genuine engagement with their audience and each other on stage. They acknowledge past performances marred by overindulgence but note a conscious effort to maintain professionalism and stamina. The interplay between band members during concerts has grown, adding a new dynamic that sustains their spirited delivery.

In sum, Fat Dog’s latest album and recent experiences underscore a band in transition—embracing the complexities of their growing success while confronting the personal and creative challenges it entails. Cancel Me (I'm Tired) offers a candid window into their evolving artistry and the realities of life as musicians navigating the pressures of touring and self-expression in the contemporary music landscape.

Details regarding the full tracklist and specific release dates remain limited as the band continues their promotional activities leading up to the album’s arrival.