RC: How are things?
BC: We're home now from a tour of European '06 summer festivals. The shows were great but the tour schedule was challenging and we're glad to take this time to rest.
RC: How was Reading?
BC: Performing at the Reading and Leeds festivals was an extraordinary experience for us. The size of the crowd was overwhelming and to have them singing and moving along with our music is a powerful feeling.
RC: What's the story on your acoustic show at the Reading Festival?
BC: The acoustic show was a videotaped session for Tiscali.co.uk. Many of our songs work really well in a stripped-down acoustic setting and it's a treat to play those versions for a small audience.
RC: Your latest album, Show Your Bones departs quite a bit from your previous releases. It's mellower, less frantic. What pointed you in that direction?
BC: At certain points, one realizes it can be rewarding to say something without shouting. The louder something is said doesn't make it more important.
RC: Are you maturing as a band, as individuals, or both?
BC: Every day is a new day and new chances to stay open and honest.
RC: Your video for "Cheated Hearts" was a really innovative idea. How did that come about?
BC: Our fans played a big role with artistic direction of this album. We took submissions from fans to design a flag that would be on the cover of Show Your Bones. For "Cheated Hearts" we thought we'd again open it up to our fans and give the song to them. We've got the most creative fans in the world!
RC: How was your response?
BC: The response was extraordinary. Unfortunately, the song is too short to include all of the hours of footage we received.
RC: Did you have any really crazy or awful responses that you absolutely could not use?
BC: Some of the most shocking ones were the ones where the people lip-synched the lyrics with a completely blank and deadpan expression. We would have used it all if we had the space.
RC: "Cheated Hearts" is coming out as the next single with a remix by Peaches. Did you work directly with her on that? What's it like to work with her?
BC: Peaches had full control over her remix. She just did her thing.
RC: Aside from your musical talents, Nick is also a talented photographer. Which came first, his photography or the music?
BC: They both developed together and are intertwined closely. Nick always has a camera on his hip ready to capture whatever seems better not forgotten. As easy as that. The same with the guitar.
RC: Which lead to the book. Tell me a bit about that.
BC: The past few year's of our lives have been spent on the road with Yeah Yeah Yeahs and have provided us with some of the best and most interesting moments life has to offer. Nick's book showcases some of the moments from his perspective through the lens of his camera.
RC: Back to the music - what's next for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs?
BC: Up next are tours of the U.S., Mexico, and South America. It'll be our first time in South America, we're excited. We've been getting into coconuts and coconut milk recently and we hear they've got some of the best down there. Not to mention we've been getting fan mail from South America since pretty much after the release of our first EP came and now we get to go down there and be with them.
RC: Is there anything you'd like to add?
BC: Check out Peaches' new album, Impeach My Bush!
