Lead singer of fun. discusses tour challenges and album inspiration

While currently headlining their U.S. tour in support of their debut album "Aim and Ignite", Nate Ruess, the lead singer from the indie-pop act Fun, talks about the band's recording process, influences and future plans.

The Hornet: When recording “Aim and Ignite” did you guys come across any challenges?

Nate Ruess: Yeah...we had a lot of scheduling conflicts...jack could only be there for a month because he was doing a tour with Steel Train...and Andrew and I had a tour with Jacks Mannequin in the middle of November...we did find a way to make it work though...but I always feel like there is never enough time to make a record...fortunately our producer Steve made us wrap it up at the perfect time.

TH: Is there a specific interpretation you’d wish a listener would receive when he/she listens to “Aim and Ignite” for the first time?

NR: I’m always ok to leave the interpretation up to the listener. But I do believe there are certain concepts that are easy to grasp onto. There is definitely a concept of change (I think for the better) that occurs a lot on the record. To me it’s a change to move on for the better. I think it had a lot to do with wanting to get out of Arizona and give myself the opportunity to become more independent and not so settled in.

TH: Do you believe the album is one that needs to be played uninterrupted from the first to last track? Or can a listener randomize the songs and still receive the overall message?

NR: It could be randomized. The only two songs that feel like they need to be there as far as track listing is the first and last song.

TH: What were the musical and non-musical inspirations when making “Aim and Ignite”?

NR: We were going to a lot of Broadway shows, so I think that was inspiring us to be a little more theatrical. Otherwise our inspirations were so separate from each other from a musical standpoint. I think that’s great because each person was bringing something different. And I think that itself was inspiring.... what one of the other members might bring to the song.

TH: When I first listened to the album I noticed there was a change of pace in your lyrics, especially on songs like “I Wanna Be the One” and “Take Your Time”.  Can you give a description behind the happiness that flows throughout your lyrics on this album compared to your previous work? Is there an overall feeling or theme you were shooting for?

NR: Kinda. Self-help was what I had in mind. I thought it would be nice to sing from a motivational standpoint. I like to think of myself as an optimistic person in life, and that rarely comes through in the songs. This time around I felt like singing that because it helps me as much as I want it to help the listener. And I do believe it’s worked.

TH: Now that you guys have a full length out and people are more familiar with all your material, do you still feel the need to play Format songs?

NR: Eh. Not really but kinda. There are some songs I really liked that I wrote/helped write and sometimes I want to play them.

TH: As a relatively new band you guys already have a full length album and a lot of touring under your belt, what are the future plans for the band?

NR: More touring. Always more touring. And any other challenges that might come our way. We embrace off-the-beaten-path opportunities.

Interview was conducted by Kevin Norris.