Enter Shikari's Rou Reynolds is in the Rock Sound 50. Here he talks about being a spokesperson for a generation.





SEEING THE WORLD THROUGH THE EYES OF ENTER SHIKARI, HOW DO YOU FEEL THINGS IN MUSIC HAVE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?



“I’ve always tried to make music that is dynamic and passionate and not bothered with fads and different coming and goings; of what is vogue, if you like.



"A lot has happened over ten years and a lot of music has come and gone. Because we’ve never really felt part of any particular scene and we have felt as though we shouldn’t fit in anywhere, that has enabled us to enjoy more freedom when it comes to writing music.”



HAS IT BEEN A CONSCIOUS DECISION TO REMAIN AS DIY AS POSSIBLE THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER?



“It’s not really something I think about, it’s just something that we do. It’s really important to have people around you that know the real you.



"Because the band all knew each other before we had any real degree of success, keeping that DIY punk ethic has always felt easier. You don’t have to contend with the barrage of bureaucratic nonsense and the layers of people at labels you have to go through to get a video cleared. That’s just not what we’re about.”



HOW IMPORTANT IS IT THAT OUR COMMUNITY SPEAKS ABOUT SUBJECTS SUCH AS POLITICS?



“The most important thing for me is honesty. It’s very easy to fall into the trap of second-guessing what people think and take away from songs and lyrics.



"Regardless of how subtle or specific lyrics can be, if you’re writing them honestly enough that’s what matters. Keeping the honesty above trying to force a connection is really important and that is what ultimately drives our politics.



"It’s always been about unity and empathy and creativity and trying to concentrate on the positives in a world that reinforces the negatives.”



This interview is adapted from the Rock Sound 50 issue of Rock Sound. You can pick up a copy below...