EP. 304 - Kids In Glass Houses (Aled Phillips & Iain Mahanty)

·1 hr 21 min·5 clips

Kids in Glass Houses are back with a new album, Pink Flamingo, a decade after their emotional farewell tour.

The episode features an interview with Aled Phillips and Iain Mahanty of the Welsh pop-rock band Kids in Glass Houses, marking their return after a 10-year hiatus. Hosts Sean Smith and Morgan Richards, both connected to the music scene, guide the conversation at Cardiff's Music Box Studios. The band announces their new album Pink Flamingo, set for release on October 25th, with pre-orders available and tour dates in London, Cardiff, and Glasgow. Aled and Iain reflect on their 2014 farewell tour and the organic decision to reunite, sparked by the 15th anniversary of their debut album Smart Casual and an offer to play Slam Dunk festival. Aled admits he was initially hesitant about reuniting, wanting to ensure it felt right for everyone, while Iain discusses missing the camaraderie and live performances. They talk about their post-band careers: Aled worked in music production and writing for artists like Azaya and Humane The Moon, and Iain shifted to design, eventually working for Kerrang magazine. The band describes the anxiety and excitement of their comeback shows, including pre-show nightmares and the overwhelming fan response. They delve into the making of Pink Flamingo, emphasizing a rule-free creative process that blends their classic sound with new influences like Prince. The album was produced by Aled with co-producer Cecil, allowing for flexible studio time and last-minute changes. The conversation touches on the changing music industry, the resurgence of 2010s emo bands like The Blackout and Funeral for a Friend, and nostalgic stories of the early Cardiff music scene. The hosts and guests joke about a potential Kids in Glass Houses vs. The Blackout tour and share personal anecdotes, such as Aled rushing home from boxing to record a song idea on a bus. The episode concludes with details on upcoming album release shows and a UK tour in November, along with thanks to Patreon supporters.

As heard by us

Kids In Glass Houses return with reunion nerves, a Cardiff reveal, and a pink flamingo that refused to leave.

Kids In Glass Houses' return is framed with a nicely human touch, as Aled Phillips and Ian Mahanty talk through the band's new studio album, Pink Flamingo, while Sean Smith and Morgan Richards keep the reunion tied to the odd, specific details that make a comeback feel lived-in.

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Why you'd press play

You want the story behind the pink flamingo that followed Kids in Glass Houses from a T-shirt idea into a new album title.

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