Arctic Monkeys (2011)
Interview Background
It’s interesting to see and hear how an artist can change in the time which elapses between interviews. As I mention in the opening paragraph of this interview, the Matt Helders I interviewed ahead of the band’s debut Adelaide gig was an excitable kid who spent the conversation picking at his bandaged fingers in a dark and drab backstage room. A little over five years later, the Arctic Monkeys drummer was a confident character who was revelling in the band’s unlikely friendship with Josh Homme and the success of new album Suck It And See. In spite of the extensive acclaim he’d enjoyed since our first conversation, Helders still sprinkled the interview with a self-deprecating touch. Even with the Hollywood friends and expensive new haircuts, it suggested he was still a down-to-earth lad who hadn’t let success go to his head. Interesting point of note: Helders ended up marrying the girl from the Suck It And See music video he mentions below, although he ended up filing for divorce in 2019.
The following is an edited version of an interview first published in Rip It Up, November 2011.
Arctic Monkeys - Unfinished Monkey Business
by Scott McLennan
When Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders spoke to Rip It Up backstage at Thebarton Theatre during the band’s first Australian tour in 2006, he was a pimply and enthusiastic teen with a Chopper fetish. It’s a long way from the beefy, dope-growing, Harley-riding, crossbow-shooting American redneck he plays in Arctic Monkeys’ latest music clip Suck It And See.
“That’s what made it fun to do, since it weren’t really that close to what I’m normally like,” Helders suggests of his starring role. “I’d shot guns before [in the desert with former producer Josh Homme], but not a crossbow. I’m not experienced at it by any stretch, but I’ve had a go at a few different ones and just managed to look like I knew what I was doing on video.”
The Sheffield musician says he was less confident with the scenes involving cavorting with his naked ‘girlfriend’, actress Breana McDow, on a grimy bed.
“She was straight in! Obviously I’d not done anything like that before but she is an actress, so she’s used to all that. I was the one that were… well I weren’t holding back or anything, but I was the one that was new to it! She was professional. She came and watched us play at the Hollywood Bowl with the directors and all that. I don’t think she actually knew Arctic Monkeys before the video - she didn’t really react as if she had heard of us, but maybe she was playing it cool.”
With Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner suggesting of late the band will take a long break after the touring of fourth album Suck It And See concludes, Helders could have time to pursue more acting roles and sideline opportunities.
“Well I wouldn’t say no if it was the right thing. I didn’t really have to do any speaking parts in the Suck It And See video, so that might be where I struggle. If I can do what I did in that video then that’s easy. It weren’t too hard to look like I was enjoying myself. I would consider a side-project too, but I don’t know what it would be yet. It will probably be in the rock world, but I’d be up for doing anything. It depends how well my acting career goes!”
Although Arctic Monkeys now comfortably mingle with all manner of rock stars and actors, an awkward meeting with David Bowie in 2006 left the Sheffield youngsters red-faced. Touring their debut album, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, the backstage audience with the Thin White Duke quickly sputtered to a muted halt.
“That was the first time we’d been to America. We’d played a show in New York, Bowie came backstage and it was all a bit overwhelming. We’ve got more used to it now and we can hold a conversation. When we meet fans it can be a bit embarrassing though, because when people react to you by screaming you don’t really know how to take it. It’s a bit of an unnatural thing, but I suppose I can understand it. The best trick is to make them laugh, then they can relax a bit.”
Although Arctic Monkeys have always preferred to let their wry and acerbic songs do the talking, Helders is an affable interviewee. As the most outgoing and eager band member, the drummer is the default party-starter. Frontman Alex Turner recently commented on his mate’s skills when it comes to singing karaoke versions R Kelly’s Bump N Grind.
“I’m pretty much up for karaoke any time of the day,” Helders reveals. “I’m always one of the first up to get everybody into it. Sometimes there’s drink involved, but once I’m going I’ll do anything. I think I could probably tackle a lot of new stuff. Lately I’ve been thinking about doing Katy Perry’s Firework, but she’s got a good range so I might struggle with that one.”
You can’t perform Firework at karaoke unless you’re willing to go all the way with sparks shooting from your breasts.
“Yeah, you’ve got to take it seriously.”
From Katy Perry to peri-peri, Helders is a committed fan of Portuguese chicken restaurant Nando’s. The drummer goes as far as listing nandos.com as his homepage on his Twitter account.
“I used to get it free for a year but now they’ve snubbed me,” Helders admits with disenchantment. “I keep trying to say nice things about them but they must be a bit more exclusive with their [VIP] cards this year. It’s a black and gold card that gives you a free meal for you and four friends. I was DJing at this Ibiza gig and this guy says, ‘Do you like Nando’s?’ and I said, ‘Yeah’ and he got me the card, but I don’t know what’s happened now. For the two years I had their card I made the most of it, but I didn’t abuse the system.
“The thing is that Nando’s at home is a bit different to Nando’s in Australia. Back home it’s more of a sit-down restaurant, but there in Australia it’s almost like a fast food place, isn’t it? The food is similar, but in England you can sit down and have a nice meal.
“It’s got something for everybody,” Helders declares, before catching himself and laughing. “I’m just trying to promote it, now, aren’t I!”
Suck It And See (Domino/EMI)
Unpublished Interview Material
We last chatted five years ago on your debut Australian tour. What do you know now you didn’t know then?
“We’ve got more used to doing it: going on tour, going home briefly, making records and then touring again. I think that has all become a little more natural these days. That time has gone quite quickly, but you look back at it and the records and the places we’ve been and we’ve done quite a lot in that space of time. I wouldn’t change anything that we did – we’re going to look back in a way that we’re not embarrassed by, so we don’t have any regrets really.”
Wu Lyf appear to be the latest UK band causing a whole lot of interest by not going about courting fame in the regular way. What tips could you offer them in terms of traps you fell into in your early days?
“Well I’ve not heard anything of theirs actually – that’s how secretive it is! Lawrence from Domino was telling me about them last year when they had a tune out that was interesting, but I really know nothing about them. In terms of tips, a lot of what we did was never a massive plan or genius marketing scheme, it just seemed like the way to do it for us.”
You were listening to the first Stone Roses album while recording Suck It And See in LA. Does the recently announced reunion interest you at all considering you were still wearing nappies when their first album was released?
“It’s pretty exciting. I heard rumours about it a few months ago but you never know if it’s going to be true or not. Everyone is going mad for it in England so it will be exciting if we’re playing alongside them. I think we will be, since they’re playing a lot of shows around the world I reckon. We’ve met Mani a few times at festivals, so I’m sure we’ll cross paths again.”
You opened with a cover of Nick Cave’s Red Right Hand during Big Day Out tour. Is that like selling ice to Eskimos, opening a set with a tune by one of the country’s favourite sons?
“We got a good reaction to that one, definitely. When we played it anywhere, once people knew what it was they quite liked it, but down there in Australia was the place to do it! I don’t think there were any nerves about performing it in Australia – we’d played it long enough to know we were doing an alright version.”
Tell me about your friendship with P Diddy.
“He renamed me Rufus Black - I think the name was off the top of his head – while I were playing with him and doing the soundcheck for a TV show in the UK. He just came out with it, but I don’t think I’ve made the most of my Rufus Black alter-ego to be honest. [Diddy’s world] is definitely eye-opening, but he deals with it quite well and is really nice about it. I think he’s interested in where we’ve come from and what it’s like being in a band, which is different for him. He doesn’t do big tours and big shows – before Jay-Z did Glastonbury, rap music didn’t really exist in [that world] and the idea of being a rock star is interesting to him.”
It’s interesting to see and hear how an artist can change in the time which elapses between interviews. As I mention in the opening paragraph of this interview, the Matt Helders I interviewed ahead of the band’s debut Adelaide gig was an excitable kid who spent the conversation picking at his bandaged fingers in a dark and drab backstage room. A little over five years later, the Arctic Monkeys drummer was a confident character who was revelling in the band’s unlikely friendship with Josh Homme and the success of new album Suck It And See. In spite of the extensive acclaim he’d enjoyed since our first conversation, Helders still sprinkled the interview with a self-deprecating touch. Even with the Hollywood friends and expensive new haircuts, it suggested he was still a down-to-earth lad who hadn’t let success go to his head. Interesting point of note: Helders ended up marrying the girl from the Suck It And See music video he mentions below, although he ended up filing for divorce in 2019.
The following is an edited version of an interview first published in Rip It Up, November 2011.
Arctic Monkeys - Unfinished Monkey Business
by Scott McLennan
When Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders spoke to Rip It Up backstage at Thebarton Theatre during the band’s first Australian tour in 2006, he was a pimply and enthusiastic teen with a Chopper fetish. It’s a long way from the beefy, dope-growing, Harley-riding, crossbow-shooting American redneck he plays in Arctic Monkeys’ latest music clip Suck It And See.
“That’s what made it fun to do, since it weren’t really that close to what I’m normally like,” Helders suggests of his starring role. “I’d shot guns before [in the desert with former producer Josh Homme], but not a crossbow. I’m not experienced at it by any stretch, but I’ve had a go at a few different ones and just managed to look like I knew what I was doing on video.”
The Sheffield musician says he was less confident with the scenes involving cavorting with his naked ‘girlfriend’, actress Breana McDow, on a grimy bed.
“She was straight in! Obviously I’d not done anything like that before but she is an actress, so she’s used to all that. I was the one that were… well I weren’t holding back or anything, but I was the one that was new to it! She was professional. She came and watched us play at the Hollywood Bowl with the directors and all that. I don’t think she actually knew Arctic Monkeys before the video - she didn’t really react as if she had heard of us, but maybe she was playing it cool.”
With Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner suggesting of late the band will take a long break after the touring of fourth album Suck It And See concludes, Helders could have time to pursue more acting roles and sideline opportunities.
“Well I wouldn’t say no if it was the right thing. I didn’t really have to do any speaking parts in the Suck It And See video, so that might be where I struggle. If I can do what I did in that video then that’s easy. It weren’t too hard to look like I was enjoying myself. I would consider a side-project too, but I don’t know what it would be yet. It will probably be in the rock world, but I’d be up for doing anything. It depends how well my acting career goes!”
Although Arctic Monkeys now comfortably mingle with all manner of rock stars and actors, an awkward meeting with David Bowie in 2006 left the Sheffield youngsters red-faced. Touring their debut album, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, the backstage audience with the Thin White Duke quickly sputtered to a muted halt.
“That was the first time we’d been to America. We’d played a show in New York, Bowie came backstage and it was all a bit overwhelming. We’ve got more used to it now and we can hold a conversation. When we meet fans it can be a bit embarrassing though, because when people react to you by screaming you don’t really know how to take it. It’s a bit of an unnatural thing, but I suppose I can understand it. The best trick is to make them laugh, then they can relax a bit.”
Although Arctic Monkeys have always preferred to let their wry and acerbic songs do the talking, Helders is an affable interviewee. As the most outgoing and eager band member, the drummer is the default party-starter. Frontman Alex Turner recently commented on his mate’s skills when it comes to singing karaoke versions R Kelly’s Bump N Grind.
“I’m pretty much up for karaoke any time of the day,” Helders reveals. “I’m always one of the first up to get everybody into it. Sometimes there’s drink involved, but once I’m going I’ll do anything. I think I could probably tackle a lot of new stuff. Lately I’ve been thinking about doing Katy Perry’s Firework, but she’s got a good range so I might struggle with that one.”
You can’t perform Firework at karaoke unless you’re willing to go all the way with sparks shooting from your breasts.
“Yeah, you’ve got to take it seriously.”
From Katy Perry to peri-peri, Helders is a committed fan of Portuguese chicken restaurant Nando’s. The drummer goes as far as listing nandos.com as his homepage on his Twitter account.
“I used to get it free for a year but now they’ve snubbed me,” Helders admits with disenchantment. “I keep trying to say nice things about them but they must be a bit more exclusive with their [VIP] cards this year. It’s a black and gold card that gives you a free meal for you and four friends. I was DJing at this Ibiza gig and this guy says, ‘Do you like Nando’s?’ and I said, ‘Yeah’ and he got me the card, but I don’t know what’s happened now. For the two years I had their card I made the most of it, but I didn’t abuse the system.
“The thing is that Nando’s at home is a bit different to Nando’s in Australia. Back home it’s more of a sit-down restaurant, but there in Australia it’s almost like a fast food place, isn’t it? The food is similar, but in England you can sit down and have a nice meal.
“It’s got something for everybody,” Helders declares, before catching himself and laughing. “I’m just trying to promote it, now, aren’t I!”
Suck It And See (Domino/EMI)
Unpublished Interview Material
We last chatted five years ago on your debut Australian tour. What do you know now you didn’t know then?
“We’ve got more used to doing it: going on tour, going home briefly, making records and then touring again. I think that has all become a little more natural these days. That time has gone quite quickly, but you look back at it and the records and the places we’ve been and we’ve done quite a lot in that space of time. I wouldn’t change anything that we did – we’re going to look back in a way that we’re not embarrassed by, so we don’t have any regrets really.”
Wu Lyf appear to be the latest UK band causing a whole lot of interest by not going about courting fame in the regular way. What tips could you offer them in terms of traps you fell into in your early days?
“Well I’ve not heard anything of theirs actually – that’s how secretive it is! Lawrence from Domino was telling me about them last year when they had a tune out that was interesting, but I really know nothing about them. In terms of tips, a lot of what we did was never a massive plan or genius marketing scheme, it just seemed like the way to do it for us.”
You were listening to the first Stone Roses album while recording Suck It And See in LA. Does the recently announced reunion interest you at all considering you were still wearing nappies when their first album was released?
“It’s pretty exciting. I heard rumours about it a few months ago but you never know if it’s going to be true or not. Everyone is going mad for it in England so it will be exciting if we’re playing alongside them. I think we will be, since they’re playing a lot of shows around the world I reckon. We’ve met Mani a few times at festivals, so I’m sure we’ll cross paths again.”
You opened with a cover of Nick Cave’s Red Right Hand during Big Day Out tour. Is that like selling ice to Eskimos, opening a set with a tune by one of the country’s favourite sons?
“We got a good reaction to that one, definitely. When we played it anywhere, once people knew what it was they quite liked it, but down there in Australia was the place to do it! I don’t think there were any nerves about performing it in Australia – we’d played it long enough to know we were doing an alright version.”
Tell me about your friendship with P Diddy.
“He renamed me Rufus Black - I think the name was off the top of his head – while I were playing with him and doing the soundcheck for a TV show in the UK. He just came out with it, but I don’t think I’ve made the most of my Rufus Black alter-ego to be honest. [Diddy’s world] is definitely eye-opening, but he deals with it quite well and is really nice about it. I think he’s interested in where we’ve come from and what it’s like being in a band, which is different for him. He doesn’t do big tours and big shows – before Jay-Z did Glastonbury, rap music didn’t really exist in [that world] and the idea of being a rock star is interesting to him.”
Content copyright is retained by the author unless otherwise stated. Republishing content is prohibited unless permission specifically granted by the author.
