Les Savy Fav Interview

Seth Jabour, acclaimed guitarist of Les Savy Fav, took time out of the band’s busy touring schedule to answer a few questions before the 2008 Capitol Hill Block Party.

Jabour is typically the one ripping inspired, harmonic-laden guitar riffs while lead singer Tim Harrington climbs light beams and gives unsolicited kisses. The band is fresh off the release of their first live album, After the Balls Drop, recorded on January 1st in New York at 3 a.m.
Their most recent studio effort, Let’s Stay Friends, surprised fans and critics alike who had been murmuring about a possible break up. Coming out in late 2007 after a six-year hiatus from recording, the record is cause for celebration amongst longtime listeners.

Seattle.net: Isn't “Let's Stay Friends” what you say when you break up with somebody even though you don't really mean it?
Seth Jabour: Sometimes. Sometimes you break up with somebody and you don't even want to be friends. Ugh. Those are the worst! Let's Stay Friends—the record—implies neither of these. To me it means, "After all these years, let's stay friends. Let's stay in touch. Let's go to each other’s weddings. Will you be the godfather of my kid? Can you lend me 50 bucks? Are you gonna eat that?" That sort of thing.

What inspired the push for so many guests on this album?
Um...This album was, in a way, a collective effort. I equate it to making a movie or something of that caliber. Maybe more like a student film where you know you're gonna get the credit for it, but you still need someone to hold the boom mic.

How do you feel about people calling Let's Stay Friends a comeback album? Was there infighting in the band, or just too many distractions?
There was no infighting. Shit talking? Maybe a little. As far as "a comeback" goes, I think Let's Stay Friends—to a long time fan—may seem like a comeback. However, this album has enabled a lot of fans to become newly acquainted with us. To me it really just feels like another record.

Do you create any of the album art for Les Savy Fav?
I designed one of our 7" covers and came up with the initial concept art for "Inches." Tim is the design man in the group, although we've all at one time contributed here and there.

With each of the band members having other pursuits, Tim's clothing design and your illustrations for example, does Les Savy Fav ever feel like a side project?
Not exactly.

Before After the Balls Drop, was there a push for a live album after so many accolades for your live performances?
There was always some talk about doing a live album in the past. It's tough because it should still sound somewhat well produced. Usually our live shows don't sound all that great when mixed simply off the board. I'd still like for us to do a live album with as much attention to production as our studio efforts have afforded.

Do uptight stage managers or fans ever take issue with Tim's antics?
I don't think we have too many uptight fans. Most kids know what they're in for. You shouldn’t join the Navy if you get seasick. As far as stage managers go, I've noticed a few prepare for the worse only to be pleasantly amused and entertained by the end of the night. Of course that's not to say that there's still not the off chance that Tim won't get 86ed from a casino here and there.

If you guys break up, do you promise to reform thirty years later, release a greatest hits album and finally cash in?
30 years? Yikes! We'll be old men. I doubt I'll remember how any of our songs go.