The Cops and Expatriate
Vineyards, Cannibalism and Co-headlining tours

The Cops and Expatriate are joining forces on the Strange Creatures tour, bringing their respective brands of new wave, post punk inspired rock to venues country wide. But there's much more interesting things to talk about when frontmen Ben King and Simon Carter get together to chew the fat on everything from Prince comeback singles to who would be the first to be devoured on a desert island. The Brag just tries to stay out of the way…

How did you settle on the headliner?

S: we've already decided who's headlining what. But we aren't saying. Which is just a really underhanded way of getting people to come to the show. B: That's right. Be there at 8 o'clock!

So no swordfights?

B: No, no swordfights. Not even flipping coins.

If you did have to have a fight, who would win of the two of you?

B: Well, there are more of the Cops.

IF you were stuck on a desert island with your band, which member would be eaten first?

B: Ha! Well, at the moment Damien has the largest girth. So he'd sustain us for the longest period of time. IS anyone a vego who'd be totally screwed on this island? B: no, not with us. Simon? S: Well, that's a good question.

Isn't it? It's really pertinent. All bands should think about it. It could be you, for all you realise!

S: Well, I am really just a giant chicken wing. I don't think there'd be much fighting over me. The drummer is always pretty meaty. Perhaps a bit tough though. B: Noone's particularly meaty in the Cops.

So, to change tack, what happens to you when you get what you want? When you get to a point with your band, which is something you've wanted since you can ever remember?

S: It's an indescribably awesome feeling to be able to make any sort of living out of pursuing your passion. I'm sure anyone would say that, an artist or not. All of a sudden you start making a living off all the hard work. It's an unbelievable feeling. Did it come easily once it started? Making it your living? S: No. I don't know about you, but it felt almost suicidal – when you come to realise "I want to do that as a profession," but what am I going to do if that doesn't happen? That hangs over your head for so many years. I've got no other qualifications. B: But you've done philosophy! C: It was interesting. But I didn't understand it! (all laugh)

How far along is material for your next records?

S: Well, Expatriate are going to be writing our third record.

At this point, Tiny Dancer comes over the stereo and the BRAG asks Simon to sing along,

S: Nah. This song needs to go in vault for me. You know when you've heard something just too many times, no matter how awesome it is? I think for about two years, it needs to go into the vault. B: I have no idea what the next record will be like. A bit more textured, layered. That's all I have as a feeling at this point. I've listened to a lot of Neil Finn and John Lennon – ultra singer songwriters.

Conversation turns to your correspondent's Zoo TV shirt.

B: We asked Eno to produce our first album. S: That's awesome! Awesome. B: His manager said he wasn't even considering doing anything. Which probably meant, "as if you can afford this!" (laughs)
So who is on your dream list of producers? B: Well Eno, definitely. Bowie. I'd quite like Bowie to drop in, produce a few tracks. S: Yeah man, he'd be so good as a producer. B: And he could probably do with the money, too. S: Well yeah. B: Someone like Timbaland would be cool.

Still listening to Tiny Dancer. You know, Elton John is playing a vineyard when he comes out here.

S: Aw, really? That's it, I think man. When you're on the downward kind of trajectory of your career and you're 60 years old, you'll be like, "ok! I'm doing a tour of vineyards!" Elvis Costello just did one.

Are you insinuating that Elvis Costello is on a downward slide? It's over?

S: Well no, But that last record he did fucking stinks. It's terrible! I love Elvis Costello, but when they start doing whatever crap, it's so awful. B: It's cause he married Diana Krall. S: Well yes. But you know, when I'm 60 years old, if I had a career like that, I'd be doing whatever the fuck I wanted to as well! I'd be doing a tour of museums or something.

Isn't it totally heartbreaking when artists we love get older, and they just completely lose it?

S: Did you hear Black Sweat, by Prince? Man, he lost it FOR YEARS. But then he comes back and pulls out this song which is the most amazing R'n'B shit which just slays everyone. Timbaland, Jay Z, whoever – just fucking forget it compared to this. So he dumps that and just keep son his happy Musicology crap way.

Well let's hope that never happens to you!

B & S: Thanks a lot!

Video of the full interview is available online at The Brag's YouTube channel