On their 2009 debut Aim and Ignite, NYC-based alt-pop rockers fun. delivered ten tracks that were as whimsical as they were riotous. The band (founded by The Format’s Nate Ruess) returns next year with Some Nights, the band’s major label debut. “We Are Young,” the first single from the effort, features Janelle Monáe and is a lush continuation of what the band started in 2009.
The guys released a limited edition vinyl picture disc single of the track this week via Fueled by Ramen, but we have one to win here at TVD! fun.’s Andrew Dost also had a chance to chat with us about the new album, touring, and vinyl.
How did you approach recording the album?
It was very different from Aim and Ignite, in every way. We wanted to step outside our comfort zone and work with a hip hop producer, and Jeff Bhasker really opened us up to a lot of new sounds and ideas. We also did some of the album in New York with Emile Haynie, who is incredible, too. Instead of staying in one studio the whole time, we were kind of all over the place, which was a pretty big change. I think you can hear that travel/motion in the songs.
You had been touring a lot—did you work on the road?
It’s hard to write on the road. We mostly just talked about things and listened to mixes on the road. So much of the day touring is spent on touring things (for me, it’s mostly about finding coffee), it’s hard to find time and energy for other stuff.
You’ve toured with Jacks Mannequin and Paramore. Who’s your dream tour mate?
I’d love to tour with Vampire Weekend. Or Kanye. Or Drake. Really, every tour is kind of a dream in its own way.
”Must-have” album on vinyl?
Abbey Road. Or Nilsson Sings Newman.
fun. – One Foot
In the anthemic “We Are Young,” fun. proclaim “Tonight/ We are young/ So let’s set the world on fire/ We can burn brighter than the sun.”
For a chance to win the “We Are Young” b/w “One Foot” limited edition picture disc 7″, tell us in the comments below, the song that makes you feel young, that makes you want to set the world on fire.
The winner will be selected after the holidays on Tuesday, January 3rd, and must have a mailing address in North America.
