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After a six-month wait since the UK release, Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond, Jr.'s solo debut Yours To Keep finally arrived in US record stores this week. We reviewed the disc back in October, saying: "On his quick, punchy solo disc, Hammond does a slightly poppy variation on The Strokes' first album. This is meant as a compliment, because while most side projects are self-indulgent and weird, this one is concise, fun, and really catchy." So there you are.
Hammond obviously subscribes to a minimalist ethos, as his answers are short and to the point. But he does love both Frank Black and G.I. Joe, so who can complain?
The Strokes played the official SXSW pre-party at Stubb's last year. Did you stick around to catch any shows?
No, but I came back on the Eagles Of Death Metal bus and I saw them and The Flaming Lips.
In your experience, is it tough to play to an industry-heavy crowd at gigs like SXSW?
Yes, it can be.
What led you to record this record given that The Strokes would sound great playing many of them? Is this a George Harrison situation?
I love The Beatles, but the only thing that led me to record a record was me wanting to leave the safety zone of my home studio which I had been stuck in since I was 16.
We've seen a lot of warm and positive responses to this record (including our own). Were you surprised at all the attention you've received?
It's always a pleasure to see other people enjoying something you've made.
Do you think you'll continue to do solo projects, or was this just a one-off?
Yes, I will record another record.
Ben Kweller and Sean Lennon make appearances on the disc. How did that come about?
Because friends are cheaper.
You recently toured with Incubus, and will soon play some dates with Bloc Party. Is it more interesting to play shows like the Incubus gig where you have to win people over, or to play "audience certain to love you" shows like Bloc Party? It seems like two extremes to us.
That's the point.
So we hear you're doing some covers at the shows like Guided By Voices. Any other influences working their way into the set list?
Frank Black.
Do you often destroy the escape plans of criminals using your tour bus, or only on occasion?
Whenever possible, we try to follow the rules and ethics that G.I. Joe gave us. GO JOE!
Albert Hammond, Jr. plays SXSW 2007 on Thursday 3/15 at Blender Bar @ The Ritz (1am).
[Albert Hammond, Jr. MySpace]
[Listen to Albert Hammond, Jr. on BBC's Listening Post]
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