When in Denmark last year, all the talk was about a band called Thee Attacks.
The mention of Danish bands like Kashmir, Nephew, Mew – some of our favourite Danish bands- were met with the look of someone who had just passed wind in company.
“No, no, these guys are young,” we were told. “The others are now old.”
Jeez, that would make Denmark’s most successful musical export – Michael Learns To Rock – bloody ancient.
As things turned out, Rene aka Ritchie, the drummer for Thee Attacks was sitting in with the band booked for the wedding I was forced to attend.
And if you don’t speak Danish, never ever attend a Danish wedding.
They go on and on and on and you feel like Kunta Kinte at a Ku Klux Klan meeting.
As for Thee Attacks, yes, they re young, they have plans, they are making waves outside of Denmark in places like Japan.
Here is a band we believe will be embraced by the Indie scene in Beijing.
Screw booking 30 Seconds To Mars for Rock Festivals in China and thinking they’ll make it over there.
They have been trying to make it in China for years and nothing has happened for them.
Hell, they even filmed a HUGELY expensive music video in China and … and, well, nothing, nana, squat.
The only thing that has changed for the band has been Jared Leto’s various hairstyles.
Thee Attacks?
They have the talent, the energy and are a ‘live’ band.
They remind us of the early Who and the start of that whole Mod Movement.
Even in their studio recordings, this energy comes through.
Listen to them.
In the meantime, read about them in this exclusive interview with Fast Track.
FT: What does it mean for a band in Denmark to “make it?”
THEE ATTACKS: Getting airtime on the radio. Seeing a lot of new people showing up at our concerts. And also getting on the bill of the big festivals and venues.
FT: How are Thee Attacks trying to make it?
THEE ATTACKS: We’re trying to write a lot of good songs and standing out of the crowd. We’re always trying to do something no other Danish act can do. We’re always trying to become the greatest live act the world has ever seen.
FT: How long can a band last in Denmark? For example, are their touring opportunities, festivals etc? Do they help move a band’s career?
THEE ATTACKS: In Denmark it’s about choosing whether you want to make it big here or go abroad. We want to keep our home base happy in Denmark by touring a lot, but we’re still aware of the market here is too limited. That’s why we tour a lot abroad and our focus is mainly international.
FT: Your favourite current bands and most influential musicians?
THEE ATTACKS: White Stripes, Wolfmother, Black Keys …
FT: Your music and image is pretty retro: Why?
THEE ATTACKS: Why not?
FT: Ideally, if you could, name five acts you’d like to open for?
THEE ATTACKS: The Who, Rolling Stones, Dead Weather, Them Crooked Vultures, Mötorhead.
FT: Do you see yourselves playing in Denmark forever? What countries – other than the whole world – would you like to play?
THEE ATTACKS: We’ll always want to do a show or two in Denmark but we’d really love to play in China. We’ve heard about Chinese people going crazy at concerts.
FT: Who are your fave bands in Denmark – and why?
THEE ATTACKS: The Blue Van, The Raveonettes, Baby Woodrose! These three bands have got something else. They all helped inspire us to do what we do by having a different sound than what else is around here.
FT: What do you think will help give you that BIG break?
THEE ATTACKS: Looking good and making great albums!
FT: The studio or playing ‘live’: Which do you guys prefer?
THEE ATTACKS: Live! We’re a live band!
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