IDLES’ Joe Talbot thinks needing validation from awards is “toxic”

nme.com:

IDLES frontman Joe Talbot has said that although the band are “grateful” to be nominated for awards, the idea of craving validation from them is something he believes is “toxic”.The band have been nominated for three Grammys for their recent album ‘Tangk’ – Best Rock Album for the record itself and Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song for the single ‘Gift Horse’.

IDLES also scored two nominations two years ago for their 2021 album ‘Crawler’ and the single ‘Crawl!’Talbot was asked about the recognition the band had received from the Recording Academy in an interview with Variety and explained why he didn’t want to garner too much validation from award nominations“You shouldn’t ask another person for validation, you should be able to just believe in yourself,” Talbot said. “But we have entered into a conversation of validation by making something and putting it out into the world — which is the Grammy conversation.

It’s not something you root for or beg for — you work for it. So I understand how lucky I am and I’m very grateful to be here, and to be part of that conversation is beautiful.

But to need validation from the award itself would be toxic.”He also elaborated on the inspiration IDLES are taking for their sixth album, which they will record in January.