Music Interviews

Tom Smith, one half of Smith & Burrows, answers Electric Banana’s questions. Editors’ frontman Tom has joined forces with ex-Razorlight drummer Andy Burrows to release a festive album called Funny Looking Angels – a fantastic Crimbo album that should be making its way into your indie-loving loved ones’ Christmas stockings this year!

The indie duo will be going their separate ways in 2012, with Tom going back to the day job with Editors to start work on their highly anticipated fourth album, which is expected to be out later next year. But, lets not get ahead of ourselves… We still have 2011 to complete yet!

Tom answers our (slightly) Christmassy-themed questions, giving us all an insight into his own personal favourite Christmas songs, his chances of becoming an athlete, his New Year’s Resolutions, and why the Editors won’t be buying each other Christmas presents this year! Bah humbug.

So, without further ado, here are his answers to our groundbreaking questions…

Smith & Burrows is you and ex-Razorlight man Andy Burrows. How did this come about?

We’ve been friends for a while now, always talked about doing something together and this thing just kinda happened. We weren’t really sure what we were doing to start with, just covers of tunes we liked but the record started to guide us into it’s festive self.

The album ‘Funny Looking Angels’ – released on 28th Nov – has a Christmas theme. Will we be able to listen to it all year round though?

That’s entirely up to you.

What are your Top 5 Christmas songs of all-time?

The Pogues – Fairy tale Of New York
Low – Just Like Christmas
Bruce Springsteen – Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Joni Mitchell – The River
Frank Sinatra – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

What have you been listening to most during 2011?

Bruce Springsteen’s Born To Run album, without a shadow of a doubt.

You are a big R.E.M. fan. Should Andy Burrows be worried that you are going to form a new super-group with Michal Stipe instead?

Andy worries about a lot of things, but that? No way!

You ran the London Marathon along with your band mate Russell Leetch and raised over £10,000 for charity. Was it an impressive display of athletic ability? Or did you almost die? Be honest!

It was very tough yes, seeing people getting carted off dying around you as you near the end. I think Russell and I were pretty impressive if im honest.

Do the Editors buy each other Christmas presents?

Nothing…We’re blokes! I dont think blokes really do.

What was the last DVD you bought?

‘Thor’. Well, I rented it. Does that count? [Not really. But we shall let you off. Ed.] It’s pretty good for that kinda thing.

What are your New Year’s Resolutions for 2012?

To start smoking and to swear more. In front of children.

Questions by Andy Parker
Photograph by Matt Spalding