Interview with French Police

“We are not goths, we only wear black.”

After conquering the Mexican public with his mix of melancholy, synthesizers and guitars full of darkness, French Police returns to Mexico with a new single and the promise of a show that reaffirms its connection with the country. Since Chicago, the trio has been able to build a sound that moves between post-punk, new wave and a somber aesthetic that—although they do not seek it—has become part of their identity.
In interview with Indie Rocks!the band talks about their relationship with the gothic scene, the unexpected success of Vampiretheir next album and what it means to return to a place they consider their second home.

Indie Rocks!: They're back! It has been a year and a half since your last visit. How does it feel to return to Mexico?

French Police: It feels amazing. Every time we play in Mexico it is very exciting: the energy, the people singing all the songs, everything. It really feels like a second home to us.

Indie Rocks!: When people search for “French Police” on the Internet, the first thing that comes up is dark wave or goth. Do you identify with that label?

French Police: Not really. We do not consider ourselves goths, although we like that community to accept us. We only use black! (laughs) I actually grew up listening to more indie and alternative rock than post punk. Sometimes it's weird to be labeled that way, but it's okay to be part of that space.

Indie Rocks!: And when you play live and see so many people dressed in black, do you feel pressure to be “more goth”?

French Police: Not at all. I think people accept us as we are. There's no pressure, they like our style, and we just do our thing.

Indie Rocks!: Let's talk about Vampirehis most listened to song. Why do you think it connected so much with people?

French Police: Honestly, we have no idea. It's actually just a demo, it's not even finished. I uploaded it randomly and it became our most popular song. We have better songs, but I think people like the name. (laughs)

Indie Rocks!: Do you feel like you are now competing with that song?

French Police: A bit. I've tried to make music that surpasses it, but I don't know if that will happen. It's okay, anyway. We always play it live — people would probably hate us if we didn't!

Indie Rocks!: That happens to many bands. Radiohead has “Creep”, Depeche Mode has “Just Can't Get Enough”…

French Police: Exactly, it's the same for us. When we do the setlistwe always end up adding Vampire. The public waits for it. It's fun to play, even if I sometimes say I hate it.

Indie Rocks!: Speaking of setlistWhat can we expect from the next show in Mexico?

French Police: we made a mashup of two songs, that's something new. Outside of that, it will be a long set, about 22 songs, about an hour. Our songs are short, so the energy is maintained.

Indie Rocks!: Have you thought about making longer songs?

French Police: Not much. People have short attention spans now! (laughs) I like short and direct songs that leave you wanting more. I guess that comes from our punk side. Two minutes are enough.

Indie Rocks!: His voice is quite unique, that deep voice surprises everyone.

French Police: (laughs) Yes, they tell me that a lot. Honestly, I hate how I sing. I think I sing like that because I don't really know how to sing. But people like it, so I appreciate it.

Indie Rocks!: What do you listen to when you're on tour?

French Police: Anything but French Police! (laughs) We listen to everything from country to Zach Topp even heavier things. It depends on the day.

Indie Rocks!: You started French Police after another project, right?

French Police: Yeah, I had an indie pop band called Karma Wears White Ties. I wasn't going anywhere, so I decided to start something new. I listened to Motorama and I thought, “This sounds great, and it looks easy to do.” So I tried it, and it worked.

Indie Rocks!: It is a strong change, especially being a Latino playing a genre that is not usually associated with “Latin.” What does it feel like to play in Mexico?

French Police: It's surreal. I never thought we would leave our city, much less play in Mexico. The passion there is unreal. We are very grateful for all the love.

Indie Rocks!: People even call them “Orgullo Mexa”.

French Police: Oh really? It's an honor. If what we do inspires someone, that's what matters. Anyone can do it, you just have to want it and work hard. Risk everything, regardless of losing friends or whatever. Just do it.

Indie Rocks!: In your next show They will share the stage with Bilebo and San Charbel. What do you think of the poster?

French Police: It's great! We know Bilebo, We call them our cousins. (laughs) A Saint Charbel Not yet, but we like their music. It will be an interesting mix, they are more of the gothic image, while we try to get away from that.

Indie Rocks!: Your live visuals are very striking. What inspires your aesthetic?

French Police: I like to keep things simple. Blue light, always. Set the mood. When I had my studio at home, I painted the walls blue because it made me feel creative. Blue makes me feel like I can do anything.

Indie Rocks!: After this show and from the release of “Libra”, what's next for French Police?

French Police: I plan to start a new album after the tour, maybe eight songs. I want to do something different. Not everyone may like it, but it doesn't matter. It will be new, and that's what counts.

Indie Rocks!: There are those who say that people either love or hate French Police but in the end, everyone ends up loving them. Why do you think that happens?

French Police: (laughs) I think it's because we're shy. People might think we are distant or arrogant, but that is not the case. We're just introverts. That's why I wear dark glasses on stage, I don't like to see the audience. Half the time I don't even look up. Maybe that's why music sounds the way it does.

Indie Rocks!: Could be. Darkness, shyness, mystery, everything fits.

French Police: (smiles) Yes, that's life. All positive. Everything happy. And all darks.