Following last years release of the bands second album, Foals were nominated for the prestigeous Mercury Prize as well as five NME awards, including Best British Band, Best Live Band, Best Album, Best Track and Best Album artwork. Here, Foals keyboard player Edwin Congreave takes time out from their hectic run of European festivals to talk about the highs and lows of life on the road, the success of the second album and his live piano of choice, the Korg SV-1.

What was the inspiration behind ‘Total Life Forever"?

Musically we’d been listening to a lot of classic disco and krautrock. Conceptually I’d say it was the result of reading various utopian futurologist bullsh*t and wanting a decent night’s sleep.

How do you think it differs from the previous album?

It’s deeper, a lot more varied and is the product of some quality studio meandering, as well as some proper song-writing. I think it captures us at our best, both live and in the studio. (...fortunately I don’t write our press releases.)

Are you involved in the writing process?

I wouldn’t know how to write a song to save my life, but we jam all the songs out and I contribute what I will in the studio.

How has the tour gone? Have you enjoyed being on the road?

It’s gone, thankfully. Most tours start with great enthusiasm and optimism and after a few weeks descend into grinding apathy. But we have the fortune of playing to crazy people every night, so it’s impossible to get on stage and not feel alive.

What was the best gig of the tour?

There’s been a lot. Mexico City was probably one of the most memorable, simply because the crowd was so loud that I couldn’t hear what I was playing for most of the show. I’m not sure that made for a “good” show as such.

Where did your musical journey begin?

My dad tried to teach me piano as a kid but I was a belligerent and disrespectful pupil and I gave up long before I properly got into music. I suppose “borrowing” my older sisters britpop cassette tapes might be some kind of beginning. I was asked to join this band way before there was any real ambition involved, so it’s been quite a journey since then...

You have been using the Korg SV-1 live. What is it that drew you to this piano?

As soon as I looked it up, it stood out as the ideal stage piano. Firstly, it doesn’t rely on an awkward digital interface and everything I need and want is right there in front of me ready to be fiddled with. I also think it has the best touch out of the digital pianos i’ve tried . All of its sounds and effects are essential.

What are your favourite features and sounds and which tracks do you think they work best on?

The pianos and clavs all sound fantastic. I love how aggressive and raw it can sound with the amp effects turned up. The rotary amp and tremolo effects give it style. I’m still getting into the organs and strings but they all sound great too. It works best on songs such as Miami, Total Life Forever, Black Gold ...

Have you used this in the studio too?

Not yet, as I bought it after we recorded the last album. However, it’s currently installed in our new mini-studio and ready to go.

Do you use any other Korg gear?

We’ve been using an MS-10 for years now, in various ways. we’ll be using it more as an in-studio effects unit in the future.

What are the plans for Foals in the near future?
We’re playing a few festival dates this summer, including Lake Of Stars in Malawi, but we’re mostly holing ourselves up in Oxford and working on a new record.

www.foals.co.uk