Albie Interview

Thank you gothamist! "Albert Hammond Jr., Musician, Stroke
Six years ago, whether you are ready to believe it or not, The Strokes emerged from a lost and muddled New York music scene and gave a kick start to the current indie rock phenomenon that we are experiencing today. The backbone of their sound and style was the rapid fire rhythm guitar of Albert Hammond Jr. Fast forward to 2007 and all of the emerging talents from the beginning of the century are all growing up and branching out. Modest Mouse found a sound that got them the #1 album in the US this week. Jack White sold out clubs around the world with three guys not named Meg. And Al Hammond is now touring to support a pretty darn good solo album, finding a balance that maintains the Strokes edge while forging a sound completely his own.

Albert took the time to answer a few of our questions, as he got ready to open two shows in New York for Bloc Party and headline one of his own at Bowery Ballroom.

Tell us your favorite (and why)...

-NYC Music Venue
TRAMPS/ FELL IN LOVE WITH A GIRL/MADE A MOVIE WITH HER ON TOP OF A DOUBLE DECKER TOURIST BUS

-NYC Bar/Club
2A/MERCURY LOUNGE
LIVED THERE DURING THE MAKING OF IS THIS IT

-NYC Restaurant
LAVAGNA/HOME AWAY FROM HOME

-NYC Band (aside from your own)
YEAH YEAH YEAHS/BECAUSE THEY'RE REALLY GOOD.

What was the first/last album you bought on the day it was released?
BABYSHAMBLES EP "THE BLINDING"

How long have you been contemplating doing a solo record? Have you always had the idea in the back of your mind or did it spring about suddenly?
HAVEN'T/IT COME ABOUT WHEN THE MUSIC WAS THERE

What is the best thing about touring solo apart from the Strokes?
THEY WERE OLD FRIENDS/DIFFERENT EXPERINCES ARE ALWAYS GOOD FOR THE
MIND AND SOUL

What do you miss the most?
I CAN'T MISS WHAT I HAVEN'T LOST

How did the Incubus fans dig your stuff? Was it a good experience to get your music out to fans that may not have otherwise come across the record?
IT WAS A LOT OF FUN/I IMAGINE SOME PEOPLE LIKED IT AND SOME HATED IT

You played CMJ this year. What was your experience like with that, and had you played it before?
IT WAS AN INTENSE DREAM/NIGHTMARE/FANTASY"