Music & Me: Gareth of Los Campesinos

[GUY LEVY/EMPICS/PA]

The first record I bought was…

“CU when u get there” by Coolio. I’ve held my head up high, poor and righteous ever since, just like Coolio wanted.

The first gig I went to was…

Hear’Say. Birmingham NEC. Totally Rad.

My favourite album is…

At The Club – Kenickie. I wish I had a different answer, but this is the album I know I can always turn to, regardless of my mood. One day I’ll meet Lauren Laverne, and then I can quit all this band stuff.

But my parents always liked…

The Housemartins and The Smiths. There doesn’t really need to be a “but” there when my dad liked such good stuff.

I couldn’t marry someone who liked…

George Lamb. Championing bad music is one thing. Being the poster child for idiocy is another.

Onstage I like to wear…

Umbro Classic football shorts. Band T-shirt in an attempt to make friends.

I’d love to perform with…

Nobody I liked. I’d be too fearful of messing up. I wouldn’t want to join them on that pedestal.

One thing that must change in the music industry is…

Quality control on A&R people. Pop quizzes and stuff.

A great album cover is…

Fabulous Muscles by Xiu Xiu. Jamie Stewart looking smart and nuzzling a stuffed toy cat.

On my iPod I listen most to…

The second half of whatever album I was listening to before leaving the house late, in a rush for the bus.

If I could have written any song it would have been…

“Just Wait Til Next Year” – John Maus. It’s pretty much the most honest, brutal love song I’ve ever heard. "Oh oh, I’d cut off all my fingers just to touch you”. Damn straight John!

The worst song I have heard is…

You have no idea how badly I’d love to slag off some awful bands, but I’ll resist. Lets be positive, listen to more Times New Viking. Fanxalott.

‘Hold On Now Youngster’ is out now. Los Campesinos play All Tomorrow’s Parties at Camber Sands this weekend, Glastonbury festival 28 June, Redfest 5 July and Standon Calling 3 August