Fleet Foxes modest about being labeled "America's next greatest band"

Fleet Foxes frontman Robin Pecknold is a reluctant rock star. He says he doesn't have the swagger for it.

But if rave reviews are any indication, the 22-year-old Seattleite and his folk-rock-pop band are doing something right. Both Rolling Stone magazine and Pitchfork loved Fleet Foxes' recent self-titled album. And, other critics have been naming the band America's next greatest.

Yet, life hasn't changed much for the Lake Washington High graduate. He tries to ignore the hype and focus on the work of making music. And he says the band still has to drive itself on tour. It just has to cover more ground now — so more driving.

Fleet Foxes will play SP20, the Sub Pop 20th anniversary festival, this weekend; the Capitol Hill Block Party in two weeks; and then open up for Wilco in Spokane and Bend, Ore.

We talked to Pecknold as the band was driving through Tucson, Ariz.

Q: What's the story behind your band name?

A: That was totally just random. ... When we named the band, we had no idea we would have to ever answer for the name. ... I like the alliteration.

Q: How would you describe your music — it's been quoted as "baroque harmonic pop jams" — but it sounds almost reverential.

A: Right. I think it's pop in a way; it's not really rock music. ... I don't know. It's pretty low-key bad music. (laughing)

Q: Tell me about how you guys created your hit "White Winter Hymnal."

A: We never played it together. ... The performances that you hear recorded on that song were the first time those were done. So that one totally came together in recording.

Q: Did you guys think about the harmonies or did it just come together? They fit just right.

A: Yeah yeah. Like in that song, it would be great to have a song totally based around singing, where it couldn't just be one voice. If it was just the one voice, it wouldn't be the same song, where it was really reliant on that, group singing.

Q: That song seems to conjure up so much imagery, was that something conscious you did?

A: I think there is a lot of imagery. I like that kind of lyric writing, I guess. I think some of that has some seed of escapism.

Q: Why did you guys decide to go with Seattle's Sub Pop Records?

A: They seemed really sweet. We weren't really concerned about how big or small the label we ended up signing with. We just wanted to be working with people that seemed genuinely excited about what we were doing. And, it seemed like they had their heads on their shoulders.

Q: How does it feel to be called the next greatest?

A: I think all that stuff is really cool, but I think if you believe the good stuff people say, you should believe the bad stuff people say, too, so you kind of should just ignore it all. ... Just do what you do.

Q: With all the rave reviews coming in, has life really changed much?

A: No. It's weird, because you start playing music because you want to play music, you want to write songs and be creative and all that. But then when you start playing music all the time, then you kind of end up just driving, what you're really doing is just driving all the time. We do a lot more driving now, that's changed.

Q: How would you describe yourself? I read that you embarrass easily.

A: That's probably true. I don't know that I'm suited for the rock-style profession so much. ... I think that takes a little more bravado than I've got in me.

Q: Do you think you'll ever grow into the rock-star mold?

A: I hope not. We'll see.

Q: How would you describe your bandmates?

A: They're all really sweet dudes. It's just like being with your friends all the time, so much better than just hired guns.

Q: Your family is all into music — your sister tour-manages, your mom handles bookkeeping, and your brother produced your video. On top of that, your father was in a soul band. What is it like working together?

A: It's awesome. I wouldn't really want it any other way. I think like this experience is so rare that you would kind of ruin it if a bunch of people we didn't know were involved. If we had some hotshot, big-name manager ... I wouldn't be comfortable with that.

Q: How far are you thinking of taking Fleet Foxes?

A: I have no goals. ... Everything that has happened so far has been a surprise. I'd like to keep it that way.

Q: It's become a revival of sorts for Seattle bands that are getting the national spotlight, so what kind of advice would you give to artists on the come-up?

A: Just worry about songs first. Don't worry about anything else until you're happy with your songs. Everything else is totally meaningless.

Marian Liu: 206-464-3825 or mliu@seattletimes.com