Five Questions With Tindersticks (And Exclusive Premiere Of Their “Always A Stranger” Video)

Tindersticks’ Soft Tissue (Lucky Dog/City Slang) is the 14th full-length release from a band that’s been making music for more than 30 years—something that may come as surprise to anyone who’s not a diehard fan. Led by Stuart Staples, the Nottingham outift has gone about its business with an almost academic precision, turning out album after album of exceptionally moody and subtlety complex songcraft that’s invited frequent comparisons to Leonard Cohen and Lee Hazlewood, as well as Scott Walker and Nick Drake.

In the process, Tindersticks developed a reputation as band that rarely invites casual listening and rewards those in it for the long haul. It’s a stigma they may not be fully on board these days, judging by the warmth and humanity that pervades Soft Tissue, which is set for release September 13. Check out our exclusive premiere of the video for latest single “Always A Stranger” below.

“For some songs, it’s like I don’t know where the reference points are—they just kind of happen,” says Staples. “‘Always A Stranger’ is one of those songs that holds a kind of mystery at the real center of it. I had the basis of it, but when I gave this song and idea to the band, it just exploded.”

Here’s what Staples had to say about Tindersticks’ upcoming album, certain misconceptions about the band and any plans for the future.

What are the underlying themes running through Soft Tissue? I’ve read that it has something to do with the collision of the public and private worlds.
Not sure they’re underlying … Living with destruction, reaching for connection, the comfort of memories. Same old, in a new shirt.

This album seems to follow a more organic musical path than other Tindersticks outings. Right off the bat, there’s the horns on “New World.”
The guys in the band and our collaborators—they’re pretty good. I selfishly wanted to hear them all at their best. Julian Seigel, who made the brass arrangements, is a master and a brother. We’re blessed by a big, beautiful musical family.

Tindersticks seem to have this reputation—justified or not—as a cerebral act that’s somewhat of a challenging listen. Are you comfortable with that?
Not so comfy with the word “cerebral.” It was important that the music in this album was created in a physical way—with our bodies, away from screens. Dan McKinna and Earl Harvin are a formidable rhythm section; I can’t stand still when those guys get going. Also, I’m not so comfy with the word “act.” We try and be true to the emotions that drive the music and the moment we’re in.

Is Soft Tissue more of a “full band” album than past releases? It has that feel.
It takes a long time to be able to play music on a deep level with people, to get to a place of deep trust. Maybe we’ve just found a sweet spot.

Will there be a 15th Tindersticks LP?
Let’s see the condition of that sweet spot after these next 70 concerts. It’s all about collective desire. If it’s there, something will happen.

—Hobart Rowland