Getting To Know... Filligar

Following up a heady dose of glittering releases over the last few years, Filligar recently returned to deliver their eighth studio album 'Future Self' alongside the new lead single '17th Hour'.

With notable comparisons to the likes of Tame Impala and Arctic Monkeys, '17th Hour' sees the group return in fine form. With its smooth and driven aesthetic, vibrant textures, and killer hooks layered throughout, these guys just seem to be getting better and better.

So with the new album and single available now, we sat down with them to find out more about their background and what has inspired them most over the years.

-

What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

Each of us fell in love with our own instruments in our own ways— Pete when he first auditioned for the percussion section in the school orchestra, Casey in his pre-school piano practices. Johnny and his guitar at open mics. Teddy and his bass before ice hockey practice.

What kind of music did you love when you were younger?

90's alternative on Q101 in Chicago. Our first song was a Nirvana cover, but that led to all kinds of music. Casey’s favorite composer was Chopin when he was starting out on piano, meanwhile we all loved bands ranging from Operation Ivy to Velvet Underground to Talking Heads.

What was the first album you remember owning?

Having flashbacks of Green Day’s "Dookie" and "What's the Story Morning Glory" from Oasis.

What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?

We're from the Windy City — there’s so many songs from Wilco our hometown heroes that we love. "Less than you think" stands out.

Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?

The recording studio itself is always a ritual. If anything, it’s our go-to food joints that are the biggest habits-- Sultan's Market for falafel in Chicago.

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

James Blake, Nicolas Jaar, Disclosure. Oldies reggae.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

That's a tough one. For us, it's maybe more about who is in the audience than who we're on stage with — we love playing in new parts of the world. We’d love to play in Scotland or Ireland one of these days soon. We love playing in the UK.

What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?

There's always new things to learn. Sharing new music too!

And what is the most frustrating part?

There's always new things to learn haha.

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

Garth Hudson of The Band once told us to pick our instruments based on how much we want to lug around on tour. Wise words from a wise man!

-

Filligar's new album 'Future Self' is available to stream now. Check out the new track '17th Hour' in the player below.