At home with Fontaines D.C.’s Grian Chatten: "Our personality is bigger than the sound that we make"

[@CK2008able]

This bloke is a genius, and seems so down to earth as well. A credit to our country

[@fractaled3129]

Yeah I've heard he's a lovely lad from people that knew him years ago, always nice to hear.

[@sratus]

@@CK2008able Nice lad but 'genius' is a stretch.

[@anthonyslevin1717]

What did he do that's genius?

[@sleepflower93]

@@sratus Yep. His lyrics are very...vague to say the least. I get that there are stories behind each one, but they're very vague out of that context. I'm sure they mean something to him but they're just not specific enough to draw any actual meaning from.

[@maryburke5423]

⁠@@sleepflower93have you listened to Boys in the Better Land or I Love You? Those songs are so stacked lyrically, especially ILY…he lands so much really complex info about Ireland in verse, with lines that stick. I think they’re both amazing.

[@CubensisEnjoyer]

This guy can give the most apt explanation of an idea or concept in the most poetic terms possible, it's kind of amazing. He definitely needs to drop that poetry book.

[@TtableWhey]

Yeah, drop it. It's a terrible idea.

[@judyhumphreys3579]

My husband and I saw them play a small club in Tucson two years ago. They were back in our state this week @ a bigger club in Phoenix. It was an awesome show. I turned fifty this summer. I'm a maternal groupie at this stage of life. Really want the best for these guys, they're all heart, pure quality. Stay healthy, gentlemen.

[@sobad1200]

At the van buren right , i was there too they were so good !

[@judyhumphreys3579]

@@sobad1200 We actually brought our children, ages 12, 14 and 21. It was our youngest's first concert. I love the poetry, they're not vulgar.

[@levelsetgo5331]

I love this band's patient trajectory, just steadily leveling up with each release. I also can't recall a band in recent memory who could weave so much poetry into their songs without detracting or stealing focus away from the music. It still feels like a proper band, and not a cult of personality around Grian.

[@freyasworn2600]

I believe your comment perfectly put. I completely agree

[@markiep8477]

Well put. I like how each album is of a piece and the next is an evolutionary leap. Can't wait to see them here in Wisconsin in October.

[@anthonyslevin1717]

Listen to Whipping Boy.

[@gavintuesday4959]

@@anthonyslevin1717BINGO ! It’s like DC Fontaine are a cover band of Whipping Boy !!!

[@alexdb5004]

"Poets don't drive. Never trust a poet who can drive." - Martin Amis, The Information

[@emilybiroschak9937]

Love Martin Amis

[@rebeccawatson3126]

Grian. I am a huge fan. I am 52 years old irish lady living in France for 20 years. Write your poetry. The music with Fontaines is amazing. I am loving all the new songs on Romance. Each and every song is a beautiful work of art. I just encourage you to publish your poetry cos you have a real taent. By thd way I checked your numerology and you are a 5. That's cool. And 2024 for you is a year 7. Very cosmic. The Chariot in Tarot de Marseille. Rushing to success...cracking the whip! Forging ahead! Be lucky. Love ya.

[@dumbbrunettevalou7]

omygod you are the coolest person ever

[@HiBearNater]

52,too! And I agree!

[@CulotteShalott]

Grian, write the poetry book! Not only do I KNOW you can do it because I did it (and you’re 100 times the writer I will ever be), but because I NEED to read it, brother! 🙏🏻❤️✨📝 You’re the berry best. Keep Grianing all over the place, every place, always. 🇮🇪🧚🏻‍♀️

[@jamesdavies5266]

@@CulotteShalott nom nom nom

[@emmataylor3141]

ive spent most of my life on the us west coast and i think i can understand what grian means -- it feels like the edge of the world at times, like the end, and also the general gloom and high mountains and rough seas and dense forests give it a surreal/fantastical air; it closes in upon you

[@nightingalesscroll]

Yeah, that's exactly what it feels like here. I don't know how else to explain it other than come to the conclusion that it's a "dystopia".

[@SlowCoastRadio]

Stellar interview. Love his description of the west coast. See you soon in SF, where it truly is fantastical

[@simonwilson1211]

The album release will be on my 60th birthday.... I can't think of a better present!

[@jessicafoulger2177]

Happy Birthday for Friday! 🎉 what a perfect present to be fair

[@simonwilson1211]

@@jessicafoulger2177 Thanks Jessica X

[@simonwilson1211]

@@mikestand8067 Cheers Mike!

[@cactusjames]

The day after my 29th as well couldn’t ask for a better gift!!

[@TheNiz78]

He’s a good lad, Grian ☘️

[@carlaquaglino6775]

I was hugely privileged to chat with Grian and Tom at a local Camden pub last summer..got a pic with Grian! I wished I didn't tell them they needed a fashion advisor thou as they didn't take it too well ; ) but I can see now they got one ! looking good guys!xx

[@bioniclaura]

Lovely interview. Really looking forward to the album and seeing them in Dublin in December. I’m a knitter and think Grian should definitely take it up.

[@seanpellegrino2989]

Maybe he could knit himself a mic stand warmer.

[@richymoore]

This lad will go down in history as one of the best ever to do it, there’s genius in that band.

[@gavintuesday4959]

lol. Listen to Whipping Boy, the group that they knicked. The Fall clearly have an influence on them. The band are good , some great stuff on the old album, but steady on with the genius tag line

[@easyandy95]

🤦🏻‍♂️🤣

[@itsthatnatti]

I’m not surprised by how many Gen X love this band, since the whole reason I first became interested in them was how reminiscent they were of music I grew up on due to my parents’ influence - but without sounding derivative? Ofc one can hear their influences, but they have their identity. Not to mention they are GOOD. It makes me happy.

[@drivialourenguevara5678]

he speaking about lana is so cute ♡ now write that poetry book, grian, we're begging u

[@kathyguerndt2795]

Thanks NME Such a lovely room for this . Love this band and meeting Grian here Great Interview

[@gavintuesday4959]

Typical student flat just cleaner . The crucifix comes across as rather pretentious, which he admitted himself

[@benlyttelton4421]

I have to say, the music journalist in the brown short-sleeve shirt is absolutely fantastic at what he does! There's something about his laid-back, unpretentious style-both in the way he dresses and the way he presents his thoughts-that makes his insights really approachable and engaging. It’s like he's able to bring a certain warmth and casualness to a topic that can sometimes feel a little too technical or intimidating. What really stands out to me is his deep knowledge of music history, trends, and genres. You can tell he’s not just skimming the surface; he really digs into the context behind the songs, the artists, and the albums he's discussing. He often picks up on subtle nuances in the music that others might miss. Another thing I appreciate is how balanced his critiques are. He doesn't just heap praise or criticism for the sake of it; instead, his reviews feel fair and well-considered. He’s not afraid to point out a flaw if it's there, but he also acknowledges when artists take risks or try something innovative, even if it doesn’t quite land. That sort of honesty is refreshing!! He’s clearly someone who loves music, and that genuine passion shines through in every video. And as for that brown shirt-there’s something classic about it that fits his personality. It’s like his style mirrors his work: no flashy gimmicks, just straightforward and real. I’m going to be me, he says. Honestly, I’m always excited when I see him on screen because I know I’m going to learn something new or gain a deeper understanding of the music. He’s really top-notch at what he does!

[@1ydiia..]

i love him omg

[@rebeccawatson3126]

Grian always outwits his interviewers...but he's always humble. Such a sign of genius.

[@seanpellegrino2989]

I think when Elton John interviewed him, he seemed more like he was just humble and was taking in the compliments.

[@final_mile_music9713]

I totally get the weather comment. Getting on a plane. Imagery. That’s how I feel when I listen to music so it make perfect sense to me.

[@Victor.Santana]

Yes, Grian! Bring the boys to South America! 🇧🇷

[@jasonlyons1970]

Great interviewer. Met the Fontaines on their way up, they filled in for a late cancellation act at Kilmainham Castle, Dublin, they were just back from Glasto 202?, they are absolutely 100% sound & interested in people too, best live band I have seen in years

[@rogue7923]

much love from romania!

[@jake-np5oy]

all their albums are great 4/4

[@reeleyle]

thanks for the interview!

[@aiHappiness]

Can't wait for the Toronto show, best band at the moment

[@arcticmonkey3]

It was awesome 🤩

[@warmbread16]

I feel like Grian should write a song with Raye, that would be amazing

[@daysessionofficial]

Strong Mullet.

[@lordluckylucan]

you never been to Virginia or Kentucky.

[@ourkidof91]

Life ain’t always empty

[@alpinecobra8849]

They will be massive. MASSIVE. Mark my words.

[@sratus]

They're about as big as they can get. They'll get a number 1 album with the new one but in terms of being MASSIVE, they're not really commercial enough to truly cross over plus the age of the guitar band is over now.

[@alpinecobra8849]

@@sratus I think that there is a real hit somewhere in them. Breaking mainstream is not something that they are working towards I think but I think they could have that one massive song. Maybe not on Romance but on a forthcoming album,

[@rebeccawatson3126]

They already are!🎉

[@NosajKnows]

Nobody listens to them in USA and honestly, I'm glad. I'm just glad they're massive in Ireland, nevermind the rest of Europe!

[@adinfinitum000]

No, if they support islamic theocracies like in Gaza and their terrorists supported by Iran,Turkey. Typical naivete and idiocy from clueless western (young) lefties.

[@kasugai11]

Is he going to get a driving license and the driving soundtracks? Let’s f**king gooooooooooo🚗

[@TheNiz78]

“Just joking … they knew that all the time” 🤣

[@JohnBibidy]

Made me crack up

[@NosajKnows]

6:50

[@blakelyhall8191]

I knew I loved these lads!!!!! #free Palestine

[@stevecraig7643]

They were great in Chicago in October

[@JuliusX04]

🇲🇽 👋🏼 Saludos, Grian!!!

[@dania4647]

I have a crush on him

[@HoundsBane]

Same

[@kasugai11]

He would be a poet like T.S.Eliot and W.C Williams and more also if he was born in different time

[@mind-blow-masterminds]

Yeats, maybe?

[@h4r4]

Definitely got a bit of Kerouac in there too.

[@tortugarah]

Dr. Suess Goth Granny Chic has never looked better

[@munface2]

Nice one👍

[@niallq8447]

Best band to come out of Ireland since U2.

[@gavintuesday4959]

Since U2 , Ireland produced : Whipping Boy - who Fontaine’s are a carbon copy of ; Ash; The Cranberries ; Therapy ? ; The Frames If you like Fontaine , you will like the above named bands or at least some of their music Then you got Manchester Irish Bands like The Smiths and Oasis (note Dave Fanning’s cheeky comment about Oasis being the best Irish band since U2)

[@niallq8447]

@@gavintuesday4959 like the cranberries. I'm from the same city like them that Limerick.

[@niallq8447]

I'm going to see oasis next year in Dublin.

[@Thesultanofsw4t]

My goat❤

[@zlogyxide]

I want the poetry booook

[@davidslebodnick3452]

legend

[@DaveTricks_]

There's a man with a mullet going mad with a mallet in millets

[@lejnbolejn]

🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸

[@malcolmpalmerjones3465]

I need an example of ‘etymological swearing’

[@louisdfc]

You know what I mean

[@nightingalesscroll]

I think writing is important.

[@davestingermanotta5266]

7:10 how poetic lmao

[@robertcoulter7592]

Legend.

[@ObstacleOne1]

What bands and songs is he referencing at @13:10 ?

[@maryburke5423]

The La’s - There She Goes 1988 The Only Ones - Another Girl Another Planet 1978 If you haven’t heard these songs, go have a listen. That Only Ones track was probably on every mixtape or party tape made in the early post punk days.

[@Marlondurran]

Top lad

[@gomerhanger2285]

✝️

[@gnarchar]

What artists is he referencing in the portion talking about Favorite?

[@michaelcurran5245]

which side are you on?

[@dumbbrunettevalou7]

he looks so tired

[@tiwiogunye]

He looks like he just woke up. How early did you film lol?

[@JoshTT2]

Probably still recovering from Glasto 😂

[@annipreuss]

And they filtered the sh*t out of him too lol

[@gavintuesday4959]

Nah, he probably spent a good hour before the interview making sure that he got that look

[@TheLotusEater11]

please add subtitles

[@ClockwiseCat]

I am glad you said it. I put the CC on. I have been to Ireland several times and usually have no issues, but I think he speaks very fast.

[@BaleBeats]

Happy you said that! I thought I was the only one having troubles understanding, not being English my first language

[@sethdavid9705]

Dude is a giant

[@annipreuss]

I hate reading these comments cause there always some miserable old people complaining.

[@gavintuesday4959]

Nice balance from the sycophants

[@annipreuss]

@@gavintuesday4959 what’s up with you dude

[@barrymccloskey]

Wow! You guys are too young to be talking about Akira! Gotta be a biker too,,, If not. try it ;-)

[@mattyram]

Genius

[@gabrielh634]

why is there a weird AI filter on his face?

[@vikinginspace4881]

Anyone else kinda bored of hearing politics being brought into music?

[@callumkent7155]

Good band but why all the Palestine stuff. When Europeans are killed in terror attacks by Muslims. You don’t see any band brave enough to have solidarity with us. Sort but it’s the truth. Do you think the people in Palestine were sad when terror attacked are committed in dublin. Manchester. Germany. Etc against Europeans ?

[@1981Marine]

Words of wisdom. Music and politics don't mix.

[@final_mile_music9713]

‘Which side are you on…??’ Isn’t that the problem? The Palestinians are in a terrible predicament. But Hamas also reigned terror down on Isrealies.

[@gavintuesday4959]

True, but .. their government bring on on themselves with their continuous illegal land grabbing over the past 20-30 years. West Bank is the prime example Supporters of Israel always had their extremists who always wanted to wipe out the Palestinians and create their exclusive Jewish State. Remarkable the sectarianism considering their background

[@neuzethmusic131]

Love how nowadays 28 year olds look like they are 42 😂

[@jayelewis4516]

Are you serious? How does he look 42? 🤔

[@jamesdavies5266]

If these guys had one good song...I'd buy it

[@Chrisamusic1]

Why are you here?

[@xCoolStoryBra]

If you meant The Libertines then yes

[@Digsflow222]

so boring

[@themichael3105]

Wish you would've asked him why the bloody hell they started dressing like they've been dressing recently. Rubbish...

[@seanpellegrino2989]

He conveniently avoided that question by dressing down for the interview. 😅

[@Qkdkdq]

He looks like noel gallagher

[@alfinmiami7585]

that album is not that good..

[@butlayf-dy2sj]

What the FVCK is everyone styled like how we grew up now ? It is literally Cosplaying Eras we grew up in and telling Our Stories ? Is this a Frickin JOKE ?

[@jcaes2365]

worst band ever, most pretentious front "man" ever.

[@tristanjones4788]

They're fucking brilliant

[@alp1738]

I get why you say that - I reckon he’s a complex bloke, but the fact he himself used the word pretentious in his own intro proves you’re wrong😂 there are elements of humility scattered through this interview. Getting interviewed isn’t exactly easy and I reckon you only watched the first few minutes.

[@BarneyHahabd1963]

An idiot is someone who lets their education do all of their thinking

[@paranoidfrandroid]

@@BarneyHahabd1963And Money is the sandpit of the soul.

[@nzhrhzn]

Zionazi? Or just your bad taste in music?

[@Ghostgrldoll]

such a crushhh

[@littlesunniebby]

I never noticed how big he is !!! 🫠 hot

[@GeorgeLawrence-hs5bn]

His childhood was small, but he’s gonna be big

[@drzazgi666]

this bloke is coked out of his mind

[@gavintuesday4959]

Or he is pretending to be . Wouldn’t surprise me

[@Marlondurran]

Top lad