Black Kids - win when you're singing?

Possibly the most addictive thing to come out of Florida since Sunny D, Black Kids' indie-pop has become a festival staple during 2008. But instead of turning children's skin orange, the four-piece have been twisting faces red with sheer dancing exhaustion.

And now, for all their hard work, the band are up for Best Newcomer and Anthem For The Summer for their first single 'I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You' at this month's UK Festival Awards. VF spoke to bassist Owen Holmes about his favourite festivals, moments and acts this summer, as well as brewing beer at home.

Virtual Festivals: You've had quite a whirlwind year so far, how has it all been?
Owen Holmes: "It's been fantastic. We played in New York and we're playing in Boston tonight and we're somewhere else the next day and the next day. Then we're coming to your side of the world in a few weeks and it's all great. It's taken some adjustment and we've had to work really hard, but I think we’re coming along."

VF: Things haven't slowed down for you yet then?
OH: "No not really. It’s getting a little less strenuous but other than that it's full steam ahead."

VF: You've done a few festivals this year, what"s been your favourite? What sticks out?
OH: "I'd say Camp Bestival."

VF: Why's that?
OH: "It had a lot to do with the weather. The scenery was amazing as were the people they had playing. Things were really well organised, clean and the crowd all seemed really up for it."

VF: Have you got used to the British weather yet?
OH: "[Laughs] It's insane, you guys are crazy."

VF: We've asked people what their most memorable moment of the summer was. What's been yours?
OH: "Do you know David Letterman? We played on his show in July and that was pretty crazy."

VF: Why was that?
OH: "That was the kind of 'oh shit' moment. When everything hits you and you realise what’s going on."

VF: What about at a festival? How much have you seen much from a fans point of view?
OH: "I don't think that any of us have ever been to a festival as a fan because they are not as big a deal in the States, especially in the south where we are from. There's Coachella in California and Lollapalooza as well, but we haven't had much of a chance to see anything as a fan. Of course when we played festivals we got to check out some different bands which was fun."

VF: Any bands in particular stood out for you? Have you had a favourite this summer?
OH: "Kate Nash, we toured the UK with her in February and it was great to catch up with her again. That's all I can think of…"

VF: Do you get to spend a lot of time with the same bands backstage? Or do you go out and explore the festival once you finished?
OH: "We had about a full day at every festival, so we sat with a lot of the other groups while we were eating. You get to do what we call 'high school' – you get to see the same kids everyday."

VF: What are the main differences between US and UK festivals?
OH: "I think that audiences at UK festivals are more engaged in the music. They're crazy, in the best way."

VF: Do you think the UK crowds are more into your music than they are in the US?
OH: "I think so yeah. We're definitely considered an indie band in the States, but in the UK indie bands can be in the mainstream. I think we have more mainstream audience in addition to the indie audience in the UK."

VF: You've been nominated for Best Newcomer at the UK Festival Awards. How does that feel?
OH: "You're kidding? That's news to me – it's fantastic. It's really an honour. Who else is on the list? Do you know?"

VF: Duffy, Glasvegas, Laura Marling, Lightspeed Champion, Noah and the Whale, The Last Shadow Puppets, MGMT, The Ting Tings and Vampire Weekend.
OH: "Wow."

VF: Do you think you can beat them?
OH: "[Laughs] Probably not. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top, we'll have to start placing our bets."

VF: Have you seen any of them perform at all?
OH: "I think I've seen them all perform actually."

VF: On that basis, who do you want to win and why?
OH: "On that I'd probably say MGMT because they're psychedelic."

VF: There have been mixed reports about their live show. Some say they're not as good live as they are on record. Would you agree?
OH: "Yeah they seem to be - and this is probably the same in our case too - they seem to be hit and miss depending on the amount of substance they've taken."

VF: And that's the same for you? You’re only as good as the amount of substances you've taken?
OH: "Alcohol by all means, but we don't do too much else. I've seen them at a few festivals now, but hopefully we'll beat them."

VF: You'll also up for Anthem Of The Summer for 'I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You'. How do you think you fare in that category? You're up against a lot of the same people.
OH: "Wow. I think we've got that one in the bag."

VF: So you'll be down to pick up your award on 30 October?
OH: "Well, we'll probably come because we'll be in Europe. That will be amazing."

[They are playing a sold out gig at London's Astoria that evening]

VF: You've probably noticed there's a bit of economic struggle in the US and the UK at the moment, have you got any money saving tips?
OH: "Drink tap water instead of bottled water – you can't lose!"

VF: Is that it? No brew your own beer?
OH: "I’ve dabbled in that actually, it wasn't such a success."

VF: Did you make your own beer or was it more a cocktail concoction of a drinks cabinet?
OH: "It was beer, I started to brew my own beer, but you have to put it all together and let it ferment for a while. Then you open it and it's not as good as Budweiser or something."

VF: It seems a lot of effort for little reward. What are your plans for the future?
OH: "We plan to record some new material in January, but it won't be for the next record, it will be for an EP or something. So we'll record that and then we'll be doing so more touring."

VF: Have you been playing any new songs in your sets?
OH: "Yeah we have. We've been playing a couple of B-sides and a cover."

VF: Who have you been covering?
OH: "We've been covering a song by a band called The Magnetic Fields, they're a quite well respected indie band from the States."

VF: Cool. Are their any other bands we should be looking out for?
OH: "Right now we're touring with The Magic Wands and they're from Tennessee and they are lovely. We're also touring with a band called The Virgins and they're great too, especially the rhythm section, which is really tight and funky and fun."

VF: Hopefully I'll be speaking to them this time next year then.
OH: "Yeah they deserve to win some stuff. Vote Black Kids this year, though!"

Black Kids return to the UK to play Liverpool Music Week on 1 November. Vote for them in the UK Festival Awards HERE.