Q&A with French group We Were Evergreen

Courtesy of We Were Evergreen, We Were Evergreen

After hearing that quirky French group We Were Evergreen were supporting King Charles on tour I caught up with Michael Liot to get a proper insight into their world.

They are in the middle of a US and European tour and will return to the UK on 29th May to headline Bush Hall in London.

How do you feel your French background affects your music?

Our influences come from all over the place. There might be something French in our music; probably in the more electronic parts of it, as well as our way of writing. French "chanson" has a storytelling tradition which could be found in some of our lyrics or our way of singing. And artists as diverse as Mathieu Boogaerts, Para One & Tacteel or The Do have probably had an impact on us.

You guys have such a unique sound, who influences you?

Pop music in all its dimensions, South American rhythms, Walt Disney films, some classical music, and our experiences growing up.

Where did the name come from?

We Were Evergreen is both a nonsensical and non-grammatical phrase: it comes from our affection for youth and our preoccupation with passing time.

How would you describe your music?

Courtesy of We Were Evergreen, Headline Show: 29th May

As something you should listen to.

What has it been like supporting King Charles on tour?

It's been great. It was our second support tour in the UK and we were able to visit many great places and reach many audiences. King Charles and his band were amazing; great people as well as great performers, we can't wait to see them again.

I find the video for 'Penguins & Moonboots' so intriguing! Who comes up with the ideas for your videos?

We made this video a long time ago; during the band's early stages. It was made by and with friends; the ideas were brought in by everyone. We shot it in three whole days in one single room, almost without sleeping. It was crazy!

Where's your favourite place to perform? (Don't feel like you have to say somewhere in the UK!)

We loved playing UK festivals this summer - Wilderness and Secret Garden Festivals especially. It seems UK Festivals have more creativity and more atmosphere than the ones we've seen in France. Other than that, we love intimate venues. Our dream place to play would be La Maroquinerie in Paris.

What can you tell us about your London EP launch in May?

A new EP will be out in early summer which will include our single 'Baby Blue'.

What else have you got planned for the future?

Quite a few festivals this summer in the UK and in other European countries - and our first album, which should come out at the end of the year or early 2013.

Find out more from We Were Evergreen and buy tickets at their official website, Facebook and Twitter.

Below is We Were Evergreen's music video for 'Penguins & Moonboots':