The soul-pop quartet preps its sophomore LP, Contra, for a January release, and offers its keys to success.
If everyone gets fucked up enough, then everyone might share some drugs. Even if it's only a little, you gotta split it up. Drugs are there to be shared—what's the point of doing drugs on your own?
—ROSTAM BATMANGLIJ, KEYS
I hear that bass players do very well with women, but I've been in the same relationship for six years, so it kinda doesn't apply. But my advice is that you can't hit a home run if you don't swing for the fences. You gotta be willing to put yourself out there, and not fear rejection. It's a part of life, and if that becomes normal for you, it can really do wonders.
—CHRIS BAIO, BASS
We used to play these small shows every week and we didn't need to rehearse, but you have to realize that you could always play a little better. But you also probably don't suck quite as bad as you think. I believe that about myself and my band—but I don't think I could give that advice to everybody. Sometimes you do suck as much as you think.
—EZRA KOENIG, GUITAR & VOCALS
Do the Half Baked scenario: "Fuck you, fuck you, fuck you, you're cool, and I'm out." If you don't like your job, that is. Or if you like your job, just talk to the boss and say, "I think I'm gonna do something else..."
—CHRIS TOMSON, DRUMS
