Earlier today, I had the distinct pleasure of chatting with the bassist for White Lies: Charles Cave. Here’s how our interview panned out:

1. Congrats on all of your international success. I know that your North American trek is winding down this week. How is it going? Also, as this is your second time traveling with Friendly Fires, do you care to share any thoughts on your touring buddies?

Thank you! The tour has been going really well. It’s always a challenge when a British band comes to the US. It’s a lot of hard work. It’s a big place and we’re trying to have our music heard by as many people as possible but response has been great. Many folks have come down to see the show simply because there are two British bands playing. We meet these fans after the show, and while they agree that it’s an odd pairing with Friendly Fires, they give us lots of praise. It’s interesting because Friendly Fires are dance inspired and we’re offering an intense collection of songs. But I’m glad it’s this way, as they are great guys and I’d rather tour with a band that doesn’t sound exactly like us.

2. Who’s been a bigger influence: Joy Division or New Order?

Definitely Joy Division.

Read the remainder of the Q&A session AFTER THE JUMP…

3. Do you have any musical icons. If so, whom would they be?

For me, I have three: Paul Simon, David Byrne & Nick Cave. Especially Paul Simon - I’m a huge fan of everything he’s done since I’ve been very young (about six years old). My dad used to play his music in the car and it’s one of those artists that I’ve never stopped listening to. When you’re young you get force-fed music but this is more than nostalgia. I love what he does. I was lucky enough to see him in concert recently and it was amazing. He’s really inspiring. An amazing live performer. Especially for a man in his late 60’s!

4. Which track is your favorite to perform live?

‘Fifty On Our Foreheads’. The other night, we played ‘Nothing To Give’ for the first ever time and it got a great response. That too may become a favorite.

5. What’s your drink of choice?

Actually Harry (frontman/guitarist) & I gave up booze for Lent. Surprisingly, it hasn’t been too tough on this tour. There have been a couple of times when I wanted something after the gig, as a reward, but I haven’t been bothered by it too much.

6. Along with Glasvegas, White Lies have been at the forefront of the latest British invasion. While the music that both bands create is indeed different from one another, there are certain similarities and an aesthetic that can’t go unnoticed: the dark ambiance, black clothing, songwriting style. Do you think this is a sign of things to come and do you feel any sort of kinship to Glasvegas (or any other noteworthy British buzz act)?

The similarities between us and Glasvegas are entirely coincidental. The UK press may have tried to fabricate a sub-genre for us but Glasvegas is not included in that. Glasvegas is gothic & new wave-y. Both us and them write intense & emotional songs but we really don’t fit within the same kind of brackets. They’re more vintage. Don’t get me wrong, they’re a great band that we’ve toured with and had a fun time. The perception of what’s happening with the two bands is different in the USA versus the UK. Because we’re gaining popularity at the same time here, we’re often lumped together. Also, for the record, I’d like to say that many UK journalists are actually bitter ex-band members that love power. We feel a lot more trusting of the American press, in particular blogs, because they say what they think!

7. Other than your upcoming Euro tour with School Of Seven Bells and festival appearances, what else is on the horizon for White Lies before year’s end?

We’re finalizing another North American tour to begin in the fall. We probably won’t be doing any recording because we don’t like to write while on tour. We need to be in our own place and in the right mindset. We need to entertain our perfectionist ways. Also, we don’t like to expose new material before it’s ready. That said, we’re really excited to be writing again, but it probably won’t happen until next year.

8. Are there any misconceptions or falsities about the band that you’d like to clear up?

Yes. It seems as if the American press looks to the English press to get some background information and whatnot. Often times, the British press is fickle and trying to be super cool. There’s this impression that last our last band (Fear Of Flying) had a big influence on our sound but that’s not the truth. That was a college band. It was a ‘weekend’ thing. We received two or three mentions in the entire band’s existence. NME paid no attention. The British press is just trying to be all-knowing! Don’t believe it.

MP3: White Lies - Farewell To The Fairground (Yuksek Mix)