IDLES | Broken Record

Hip Hop Influence

Joe Talbot and Mark Bowen of IDLES discuss the profound impact of hip hop on their music. Joe highlights his love for wordplay and poetry, drawing parallels between hip hop's use of repetition and IDLES' musical style. He explains, "I like wordplay, poetry, and obviously rap music. So I kind of grew up on hip hop" 1. Mark adds that their latest album, TANGK, incorporates samples and repetition in a way that reflects their hip hop influences more purely than before 1. This approach allows them to create a unique sound that resonates with listeners on a deeper level.

   

Cross-Genre Inspirations

IDLES' music is a melting pot of diverse genres, including punk, soul, and techno. Joe and Mark describe how they blend these influences to create a sound that is both chaotic and joyful. Joe shares, "The band's been growing steadily ever since with their bombastic sound that brilliantly balances joy, chaos and an often critical take on the powers that be" 2. This eclectic mix is evident in their creative process, where they experiment with beats and feedback to craft innovative compositions 3. Mark's role in finessing these elements ensures that each track maintains its unique identity while contributing to the band's overall sound.