Discourse: Fat White Family's Lias Saoudi discusses survival strategies, industry problems, and the album "Forgiveness Is Yours"
In the ever-evolving world of music, Fat White Family continues to make waves with their latest offering, "Forgiveness Is Yours." This album marks a significant change for the band, as they recorded it without their long-time guitarist and creative partner, Saul Adamczewski, who left permanently during the recording process.
The departure of Adamczewski is believed to have had a profound impact on the band's sound and creative process. However, without specific sources from 2025 or later, a detailed assessment of this impact cannot be provided with certainty.
Singer Lias Saoudi has been open about the difficulties faced by the band in the music industry, even with moderate success. He has expressed concern about the industry's cataclysmic state and the rise of banality, and has suggested that part of the band's idea is to prove people wrong by continuing in the indie rock genre.
Saoudi has also mentioned that the band had grown out of each other in fundamental ways after the pandemic, and that the interpersonal issues within the band were untenable during the recording of "Forgiveness Is Yours."
The music industry is facing a problem of decreased compensation for artists, with arena shows on the rise while grassroots venues are closing. Saoudi has expressed his concern, stating that selling 4,000 tickets in London may not be enough to cover expenses such as rent.
Despite these challenges, "Forgiveness Is Yours" was written in a more intimate, lyrical, and literary manner. The band sees itself as more of an experiential, running art project, and has followed the tradition of sensationalism and iconoclasm.
Interestingly, Domino Records co-founder, Laurence Bell, is also interested in karmic redistribution in the music industry. This shared vision could potentially influence the direction of Fat White Family's career trajectory.
In a broader context, Saoudi has expressed that the progressive arm of capitalism has convinced people that it's not worth pursuing indie rock. He has also stated that approaching 40 makes one question the sustainability of a career in indie rock.
Despite these reservations, Fat White Family remains committed to their unique sound and artistic vision, proving that indie rock is far from a dead medium. With "Forgiveness Is Yours," they continue to push boundaries and challenge expectations, demonstrating that they are a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
The departure of Saul Adamczewski from Fat White Family may have affected the band's sound not only in the realms of music but also in finance, as the band might face increased expenses due to the loss of a key collaborator. In the entertainment industry, this situation raises questions about the sustainability of indie rock bands, particularly as Fat White Family continue to prosper despite challenges such as decreased artist compensation and the closure of grassroots venues.
