Alex Kapranos: Last News

Franz Ferdinand and Sam Ryder are among the artist ambassadors who have been announced for National Album Day 2022.The theme of the fifth annual edition of National Album Day will be Debut Albums, following previous focuses Women in Music and The 80s.“The Debut Albums theme will look to showcase a broad range of first album releases across multiple genres and decades – from debut recordings that have gone on to become classics to those that are perhaps only now being fully appreciated or which, years later, merit reappraisal,” according to a press release.National Album Day 2022 will take place on October 15, with Franz Ferdinand and Ryder being joined by KSI, The Mysterines and The Staves as ambassadors.A post shared by National Album Day (@albumdayuk)“What a glorious medium the album is,” Franz Ferdinand frontman Alex Kapranos said in a statement. “On the most basic level it’s a bunch of songs that sound good together, but what I love is that it is a moment in time for the artist and the listener, a way to define a period of a lifetime.

Franz Ferdinand have shared their orchestral rendition of Britney Spears‘ ‘Toxic’, marking the second time they have covered one of the pop icon’s tracks.While appearing as the latest guest on BBC Radio 2’s Piano Room at Maida Vale Studios in London, the ‘Take Me Out’ hitmakers covered Spears’ 2003 hit track with an orchestral section adding a theatrical element to the classic pop track.It comes roughly 16 years after Franz Ferdinand took on her track ‘Womanizer’ for BBC Radio 1 as part of their Live Lounge series.Speaking to Stereogum about their approach to taking on a cover, frontman Alex Kapranos said: “I like a good song. It’s that simple. I don’t care if the song is 60 years old or six days old — a good song is a good song.

Johnny Marr joined Franz Ferdinand in Manchester last night for a trio of songs including The Smiths’ ‘Bigmouth Strikes Again’ – see footage below.The Scottish indie band were playing at the city’s Aviva Studios on Saturday (January 18) for a show as part of Amazon Music’s City Sessions series, which was streamed live on Prime Video and Amazon Music’s Twitch channel.Franz Ferdinand played tracks from across their career, with a focus on their new album ‘The Human Fear’, which was released earlier this month.

Mogwai have released a new single called ‘Fanzine Made Of Flesh’ – you can listen to it below.The song serves as the latest preview of the Glasgow band’s 11th studio album ‘The Bad Fire’, which is due to arrive on January 24 via Rock Action (pre-order/pre-save here).In a statement about the playful tune, frontman Stuart Braithwaite explained: “‘Fanzine Made Of Flesh’ was written in Brooklyn when I was staying at [Franz Ferdinand‘s] Alex Kapranos’s house in autumn 2023.“In my head it sounds like a cross between ABBA, Swervedriver and Kraftwerk though that might be ludicrous. It originally had a straight vocal but we ended up vocoding it on the last day of recording.He concluded: “It’s pretty different and I’m really happy with how it turned out.”The futuristic singing sits atop a surging and distorted guitar chord progression from Braithwaite, with the single also boasting arpeggiated synth lines and bright keyboard parts.‘Fanzine Made Of Flesh’ is accompanied by a striking official music video, directed by Agnes Haus, who described the clip as “a pseudo-film trailer with a jumbled plot that you can never grasp”.“When I was sent the track, I embraced being unable to understand any of the words, and I didn’t want to know where the title came from,” Haus said.

Franz Ferdinand have released their new single ‘Hooked’ – give it a listen below.‘Hooked’ is the third single to be shared from the band’s upcoming sixth album ‘The Human Fear’, out on Friday (January 10), following ‘Audacious’ and ‘Night Or Day’.The angular indie track, heavy with synths, doesn’t differ too much from the Glasgow band’s signature dancey post-punk sound, with frontman Alex Kapranos saying about the track: “Sliding into midnight, it’s a nighttime prowl of a song. If we all have the human fear, then that’s alright when you’re hooked.”Kapranos sings in the pre-chorus: “I thought I knew what love was/But then I met you,” before a rousing chorus of “You got me hooked” repeated over jittering synths.Towards the end of last year, ‘Hooked’ became one of the songs the band showcased on tour, first playing it during a show at Strathpeffer Spa Pavilion in the Scottish Highlands in September.Another as-yet-unreleased track from the album, ‘Bar Lonely’ was given its TV debut at the weekend when the band appeared on CBS Saturday Sessions – like ‘Hooked’, it had been showcased during some of Franz’s live dates in recent months.Speaking to NME about the upcoming album in September, Kapranos discussed enjoying being in the band, saying: “If you are going to make music, then there’s no point in shying away from your identity or being embarrassed by who you are.

Franz Ferdinand have given new song ‘Bar Lonely’ its television debut on CBS Saturday Sessions – check out the footage below.The Scottish indie band are preparing to release their sixth studio album ‘The Human Fear’ next week (January 10) via Domino, and have so far shared the singles ‘Night Or Day’ and ‘Audacious’. You can pre-order/pre-save the album here.Ahead of its release, the group have appeared on CBS Saturday Sessions, where they played both singles, as well as ‘Bar Lonely’, live in studio.

Chappell Roan has celebrated the fact that her song ‘Good Luck, Babe!’ has reached one billion streams on Spotify.The single was first released in April this year, written by Roan alongside Justin Tranter and Dan Nigro. It became Roan’s breakout hit, hitting Number Two in the UK and Number Four in the US, and has been nominated for Song of the Year and Record of the Year at the Grammys.Roan has reacted the news that it has crossed the milestone, writing on Instagram: “Good Luck Babe hitting a billion streams on Spotify is cuckoo loco.

Franz Ferdinand have taken on Chappell Roan‘s ‘Good Luck Babe’. Check it out below.The band played the Grammy-nominated track, from Roan’s 2023 album ‘The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess’, on Jo Whiley’s BBC Radio 2 show last night (November 27).Ahead of their performance, frontman Alex Kapranos told Whiley: “It’s just an amazing song by an incredible artist,” adding: “It’s funny, you get some artists that have a moment, often it’s kind of divisive.“Some people absolutely love them and some people hate them.

Franz Ferdinand have shared their imaginative new single ‘Night Or Day’, where they celebrate “living it up”– check it out below.Opening with a pounding drum beat, sharp piano riff and deep bass line in their signature Franz Ferdinand sound, ‘Night Or Day’ sees frontman Alex Kapranos sing: “Life is never going to be easy / But if you’re living it with me / We’rе going to live it up night or day,” explaining that though life is tough if they are together things will be okay.The new single follows the previously released ‘Audacious’ which served as the lead single of their upcoming album ‘The Human Fear’. The record is set for release on January 10 2025 via Domino.

NME journalist James McMahon, who has died age 44.McMahon was NME Features Editor during the 2000s, and passed from soft tissue sarcoma at Whipps Cross Hospital in East London on Thursday (November 14).A passionate champion of all forms of music, especially metal and indie, McMahon was fiercely committed to championing artists from a working class background.News of his death was shared by former NME editor Conor McNicholas, who wrote: “James was someone who really mattered – his words mattered. His actions mattered. He connected people in new ways and changed things, always for the better because he cared so very much.”James McMahon3rd July 1980 – 14th November 2024Words by @ConorMcNicholas Please consider donating in his memory at https://t.co/YCTqHq7c7E pic.twitter.com/JKmjqRsJJ3— The James McMahon Music Podcast (@jamesjammcmahon) November 15, 2024Nadine Shah, Benefits, Alex Kapanranos, Frank Carter, Ash and The Maccabees’ guitarist Felix White were among the musicians paying tribute to James.“So shocked and sad to hear this,” wrote White.

Franz Ferdinand debuted six new songs from their upcoming album ‘The Human Fear’ at a show in Scotland this week – check out footage below.The indie greats were playing the first of a run of three Scottish shows at the Strathpeffer Spa Pavilion in the Highlands on Thursday (September 26) and took the chance to give several new tracks their world premiere.As well as the live debut of the album’s lead single ‘Audacious’, Franz Ferdinand also played ‘The Doctor’, ‘Bar Lonely’, ‘Night Or Day’, ‘Hooked’ and ‘The Birds’.Sharing an excerpt of ‘Audacious’, the band wrote on X after the show: “Strathpeffer, thanks for helping us kick off these shows in the right way. Next up is Stirling, see you tonight.”Strathpeffer, thanks for helping us kick off these shows in the right way.

Franz Ferdinand have announced a North American headline tour for 2025 – find all the details below.The Scottish band will head to the US and Canada next spring in support of their long-awaited sixth album ‘The Human Fear’, which is due for release on January 10 (pre-order/pre-save here).“We’ve seen all of your comments and we are happy to announce that we’re heading back to North America in March and April next year,” they wrote on social media to confirm the dates.Kicking off in Seattle on March 24, the forthcoming trek is also scheduled to visit Vancouver, San Francisco, Kansas City, Washington DC, Brooklyn, Montreal, Toronto and other cities.Tickets go on general sale at 10am local time tomorrow (September 27) – you’ll be able to buy yours here. Alternatively, fans can access a pre-sale now by using the password ‘humanfear’.Check out the announcement post and full itinerary below.Local Pre-sale starts Thursday 26th September at 10AM Local and general sale starts Friday 27th September at 10AM Local.

Franz Ferdinand have returned with their bold new single ‘Audacious’ and announced details of their long-awaited sixth album ‘The Human Fear’ along with UK and European tour dates. Check everything out below, along with our interview with frontman Alex Kapranos.Read More: Franz Ferdinand on their greatest hits and new line-upTheir first studio album since 2018’s acclaimed and dance-driven ‘Always Ascending’, ‘The Human Fear’ will arrive on January 10, 2025.

Franz Ferdinand have announced their brand new single ‘Audacious’ will be released later this week.The Scottish rock band took to their official social media accounts to share a video teaser of their new track which sees Miaoux Miaoux – real name Julian Victor Corrie, the band’s keyboard and synthesizer player – turn the left as he looks at something that completely grabs his attention and leaves him in a state of surprise.‘Audacious’ is set for release this Wednesday (September 11) and is available to be pre-saved here. Along with the new single, the indie icons are also expected to release a new album in the near future.Audacious – New SingleWednesdayPre-save here: https://t.co/ypT4u25Gwt pic.twitter.com/W0Wxdb9PJX— Franz Ferdinand (@Franz_Ferdinand) September 9, 2024The band’s last full-length release was 2018’s ‘Always Ascending’.

Franz Ferdinand frontman Alex Kapranos has hit out at the RAC after his vehicle broke down on a motorway.Kapranos posted a string comments on X complaining that he had been waiting for 15 hours before the breakdown service assisted him.In an initial post he wrote: “Hi @TheRAC_UK @RAC_Care. I’ve been waiting to be picked up from a motorway breakdown for 7 hours. Your operators don’t seem to know what is going on.

Franz Ferdinand have announced details of some live shows in Scotland – marking their first tour dates in over a year. Find ticket details below.The band first shared an update with fans on Saturday (July 13), when they uploaded a clip to their social media channels confirming that an official announcement about new live shows was on the way.“We’re very excited to announce that we’ve got a few live shows coming up in Scotland,” they wrote in the caption, also adding that the full announcement would arrive on Monday (July 15).In the clip, Alex Kapranos is seen speaking directly to the camera.

Alex Kapranos has celebrated the 20th anniversary of Franz Ferdinand’s debut album today (February 9).The band’s self titled debut album arrived 20 years ago today on February 9 2004 – reaching Number Three in the charts, containing the hit singles ‘Take Me Out’, ‘Michael’, ‘The Dark Of The Matinee’ and ‘This Fire’, and going on to win the Mercury Music Prize and become known as an indie classic.In a 9/10 review of the album on its release, NME said: “without doubt, this debut is an album packed with tunes that will make anyone with legs dance. At indie discos across the land their first two singles have been packing dancefloors…“This is an album as much about preening and posing as passion, that’ll have you pouring over the lyrics for an age.

Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson has recalled the past insults he’s received from Mark E. Smith and Oasis.Speaking to NME as part of our ‘Does Rock ‘N’ Roll Kill Braincells?!’ quiz, Wilson correctly guessed that the late Fall icon Smith once said “the Kaiser Chiefs and Arctic Monkeys should open a chain of chip shops in North Yorkshire”.The comment came as part of a 2006 interview, in which Smith added: “I think the East Germans had it right actually.

Franz Ferdinand‘s track ‘Jaqueline’ is running as MP to replace Mhairi Black.Jaqueline Cameron – who is currently the deputy leader of Renfrewshire Council – put her name forward to replace Black and is running to be the SNP candidate in Paisley and Renfrewshire South for the forthcoming General Election.“I was delighted to be approved as a potential candidate and am seeking the honour of representing the area in which I live,” she told The National.“I intend to fight for the needs of our communities, with great local knowledge, experience and a deep passion to address poverty and disadvantage wherever I find it. I respect the decision of Mhairi Black to stand down and share her disgust at how the Tories have ignored the needs of our communities.”No longer working on a desk, but working for her constituents instead.

Squid, black midi, Black Country, New Road, Loyle Carner, Kae Tempest and The Lounge Society.The show will take place at Village Underground on Saturday, September 15 from 8pm to 3am and will feature a variety of performers who are currently or previously have been signed to the label, as well as DJs and other special guests.In what’s been described as “typical Speedy style”, no official line-up will be announced till closer to the event.Tickets are on sale now and are priced at £15 for an Early Bird ticket, which will then rise to £20 nearer the time – you can buy yours here.Alongside the 10th anniversary gig, the label are also celebrating their landmark birthday with  the release of a 7” box set, which is limited to only 250 copies. The boxset contains 10 discs and 20 tracks of the original dub remixes produced by the label’s cofounder Dan Carey, under his Savage Gary alias, from their now iconic singles series.‘The Dubs: Volume 1’ will be out on August 4.‘The Dubs: Volume 1’ tracklisting:1a. AArchie Bronson Outfit – ‘Mr Dan’s Dead Duck Dub’1b. Toy & Natasha Khan – ‘(Here Comes) Dub Bride’2a. Scottibrains – ‘Mr Dan’s Shut Eye Dub’ 2b. JUCE! – ‘Mr Dan’s No Brain Dub’3a. Kae Tempest & Loyle Carner – ‘Guts’  – Mr Dan’s Balloon Dub3b. Telegram – ‘Mr Dan’s Inside Out’  Dub4a. Teleman – ‘Mr Dan’s Strange Dubby Nations ‘ 4b. Peluché – ‘Mr Dan’s Gammy Eye Dub’                 5a. Melt Yourself Down – ‘Mr Dan’s Another Dub’5b. DEWEY – ‘Mr Dan’s Dub Me Over’6a. black midi – ‘savage gary’s dbdbdb’6b. Black Country, New Road – ‘Athen’s, France’ – Savage Gary’s Takedown dub7a. All We Are & Alex Kapranos – ‘Heart Attack’ – Savage Gary’s Remix7b. Tiña – ‘Dicks In The Dub’8a. Pynch – ‘Orla Carey’s Pynch Your Lights Out Dub’8b. PVA –

National Album Day returns for its fifth edition on Saturday (October 15) with the 2022 event set to celebrate debut albums from across multiple genres and decades.Franz Ferdinand and Sam Ryder will serve as ambassadors this year alongside KSI, The Mysterines, The Staves, Jake Bugg, India Arkin and others. Around 30 classic debut albums will be reissued alongside new debut LPs to coincide with National Album Day.“What a glorious medium the album is,” Franz Ferdinand frontman Alex Kapranos said in a statement.“On the most basic level it’s a bunch of songs that sound good together, but what I love is that it is a moment in time for the artist and the listener, a way to define a period of a lifetime.

Franz Ferdinand‘s performance on This Morning today (October 7).The New Zealand comedian, writer and actor played keys and guitar for the Scottish band’s rendition of ‘Take Me Out’ on Friday’s show, where the band were celebrating their 20th anniversary.During the interview segment of the band’s appearance on the show, host Alison Hammond spotted Matafeo standing with the band, and said: “You’ve got a special guest over there, is that Rose?”“I won a competition, I wrote into a magazine,” the Starstruck star and creator jokingly replied, with frontman Alex Kapranos explaining: “Julian [Corrie, Franz Ferdinand keys player] couldn’t make it today.”Dermot O’Leary then added to Matafeo: “We heard you were banned,” to which she replied: “No, I just used a different name when I entered the competition… I’m keeping a low profile.”After the performance, one fan tweeted: “Err, did they mention why Rose Matafeo was playing with Franz Ferdinand on This Morning?”“No comment,” Matafeo responded, then posting a captionless photo of herself with a guitar in the TV studio on Instagram.Watch footage of the performance here from the one hour mark and Matafeo’s responses about her appearance below. no comment https://t.co/6FCrC0E8nW— Rose Matafeo (@Rose_Matafeo) October 7, 2022“The stalking is out of control now,” comedian and Off Menu podcast co-host Ed Gamble then joked in reply, to which Matafeo responded: “I know, they’re obsessed with me.”I know, they're obsessed with me— Rose Matafeo (@Rose_Matafeo) October 7, 2022Earlier this year year, Franz Ferdinand released their new greatest hits compilation, ‘Hits To The Head’, which they were on This Morning to promote.