It's hard to believe these guys started out by singing country music in rodeos...especially when you look back through the trail of albums released by this fabulous band over the last few years. This year has been no exception, with the release of Because of the Times. Kings of Leon aren't stopping there—they are already fast at work on yet another album and touring around to promote their latest offering—things are definitely on the move for them.

Despite the busy schedule the band has undertaken, Matthew Followill, lead guitarist for the Nashville quartet, talks with ACED about the band's latest album, fans, critics and how he is "lighter" when he's on the road.

{mosgoogle right} Sometimes bands worry and fuss over what critics say about their music or performances, but Matthew has the right attitude, "If a critic doesn’t like us it really isn’t important at all. It doesn’t effect us if people don’t like what we do. Our fans' opinions matter a lot more than critics. They definitely make us think about things we might not have."

There has been much talk about this being the first album the band has really worked together, but Matthew quickly discredits that rumor, " We have always worked on songs together since the first record. The only difference is this time people would bring initial ideas to the table for songs and we used those ideas to write around them."

A lot of thought went into the creation of Because of the Times. One of the driving forces in their latest efforts came from being on the road. "Well, we toured with bands that were bigger than us and we got to play in stadiums and arenas. We all really liked the way that it sounded every night. So, we knew we wanted a bigger sounding record," says Followill.

Among the vast selection of tracks within the current album release, there has to be a favorite one—one that stands out from the rest. "True Love Way—No song makes me feel as good as that one right now. The way a song makes you feel is important," he reflects.

Early on, when the tour dates became available, and tickets were first on sale, many of the Kings of Leon shows immediately sold out. This might make some bands a little snooty, but not these guys. "Now that the record is out I’m looking forward to being able to play as many new songs as we want. It’s a great feeling to know that the shows are sold out. It’s good to know that people can’t wait to see us because we can’t wait to see them."

When they do go out on the road, Matthew thinks of this as a great time to shed a few extra pounds along the way. "I like that I don’t eat as much and I loose weight…" he says. Of course, he can't leave home without his "guitar, wallet and credit cards."

While on tour, Followill hopes to inspire and motivate fans with one song in particular off the latest album. "True Love Way - it should inspire people to follow their hearts." And what is more noble than that?

Of course, we wish Matthew all the luck in the world - he is definitely tops on our list!

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plopculture.blogspot.com   |2007-05-21 19:29:28 i still have the new cd on my desk unlistened to...the label sent to me...going to have give it a hear now plopculture.blogspot.com Reply 0   0

Jess   |2007-05-13 18:54:08 Great interview - I love these guys! Reply 0   0

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."