As many of you know I'm quite a fangirl (c'mon, we all know what happened when I met Peace in April, don't we?) and I've met most of my favourite bands and band members over the last few years, made a few friends along the way and been in many fandoms; so this week I decided to interview a few fangirls and asked them a few questions about the fangirl life.
Interview 1
Maisy (@upsetboulevard_)
Name your three favourite bands/artists.
Spector
Wolf Alice
Peace
What's it like meeting your favourite bands/artists/band members?
It feels really special, like these people produce music that is really important to you and to meet them you sort of feel like you are showing them your appreciation. And when they do/say extra specially nice things to you then it feels really great cause you do glorify them to be honest.
Do you have any special memories with your favourite bands, artists or a band member?
Yes, firstly when I saw Cavan at Glastonbury and he was really sweet and said he liked my phone case so I said he could have it and he gave me his phone case, and put his poncho round me to warm me up (it was cold). And secondly, at the Spector gig in York, when I handed Fred macpherson a my badge I bought with his face on it when he was on stage and he did a really cute long speech about the importance of this badge then said he loved me ON STAGE in front of all the people it made me so happy.
Do you find being a fangirl hard and if so; what are the hardest things about being a
fangirl?
Erm I sort of feel like sometimes people who don't consider themselves to be 'fangirls' are quite condescending, like they seen to consider themselves a bit more cool than you for not being a fangirl? They sort of think that we are just in it to meet the bands and fangirl over the hot singer than actually appreciating their music? And I used to sometimes you feel a bit annoying when I talked to bands but now I'm just like "ey screw it" and say what I want.
What advice would you give to fans for when they meet their favourite bands/artists/band members?
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| Peace |
If you want them to remember you be outgoing like I'm quite shy in life but when I talk to bands I get giddy and just talk crap but they laugh at me and I think they're more likely to remember me which is nice to know. Also if you want a photo with them try meet them before the gig cause your all sweaty afterwards!!
Who has been your favourite band/artist/band member to meet? Why?
Fred macpherson is always really nice to meet and he's quite a laugh, I love Joel from wolf alice as well he was so nice and sweet! Everyone (pretty much) is nice to meet!
Who is next on your list to meet then?
Well my ideal person to meet would be Jarvis cocker because I sort of idolise the man, and I really want to meet la shark if they come on tour! And I fully intend to meet the peace lads when I see them on Monday.
What is it like being in a fandom?
To be honest I don't fully understand what a fandom is and if I'm part of one? Like I love lots of things that tumblr people have fandoms for (doctor who, Sherlock, mighty boosh, hunger games, Harry potter) and I reblog stuff to do with those things but does that make me part of the fandom? Not sure!
What's it like meeting other fans with the same interests as you?
Really good because you can talk about stuff that normally you find bores your other friends? Although sometimes I hear someone likes something that I do and I go pretty intense and it turns out that they're not that bothered, but when you meet a real fangirl like yourself it's great.
Have you ever read or written fanfiction? What's appealing about it?
No I don't like or understand it. It's really creepy? Like I've only ever read something that Fred linked on his twitter about him and chris and it was wierd fictional porn and it creeped me out. Sherlock fan fiction is wierd as hell too.
How do you feel when your favourite bands win awards?
Happy for them, it's all about their music after all and when they get an award for their music it feels nice! Although it often happens that I have lots of bands I'm a fan of in the same category at an awards thing so I'm happy for the band thats won but then bummed that my other favourite band didn't win as well if that makes senses.
What's your biggest fangirl achievement?
Probably that Swim Deep know who I am and have recognised me before, or non-music related just meeting Noel Fielding was a huge boosh fangirl achievement because I just bumped into him in a shop.
What's the best thing about being a fangirl?
The feeling of meeting one of your favourite people/ bands and talking to them and having them like you it's a feeling that's difficult to beat.
What's the worst thing about being a fangirl?
When you meet a band/person and they are rude or not what you expected them to be like.
Do any bands or their crew know who you are? If so, who and how? And if not; would you like them to?
Swim Deep know who I am, and Mikey their roadie knows who i am too which is quite special! And I'd really like Spector to properly know who I am and also Harry violent from Palmas cause he's like my favourite ever.
And finally; can you recommend a song or two by your favourite band with reasons why people should listen to them.
If you haven't already, Bros by Wolf Alice it is one of my favourite songs by one of my favourite bands, I think it's quite unique? And I've loved them for so long I think they deserve so much recognition.
Interview 2
Emily (@LetItShineTT)
Name your three favourite bands/artists
Take That
Olly Murs
One Direction
What's it like meeting your favourite bands/artists/band members?
Well I've only met two out of eleven but it's very sureal. I had to pinch myself a fair few times and the first time I met one of them, I bumped into them by accident, he looked at me, I panicked and ended up hyperventilating down the phone to you. But in all honesty, it's like they aren't real people when you see them in the flesh because you are so used to only seeing photos and watching videos that it's like your mind can't adjust to it.
Do you have any special memories with your favourite bands, artists or a band member?
It would have to be the first time I saw take that live for the very first time. I had never seen any of them in the flesh before so I was shitting it. As soon as we got into the stadium, I went into panic mode and I couldn't hardly speak, I had to sit down on the floor in the crowd of people cause I couldn't cope with what was to come.... It was all over far to soon, that day feels like a lifetime ago.
Do you find being a fangirl hard and if so; what are the hardest things about being a
fangirl?
Yes, incredibly hard. It's like you're stuck in a whirlwind, constantly going round and round in circles. It's turned me into an emotional wreck. One day, I can be in tears because it's so overwhelming and others I can be the happiest person in the world, but that's fangirls for you, we live each day as it comes, we stick by the people we love, even if they don't truly love us back even though they say they do. You and I both know its a different kind of love.
What advice would you give to fans for when they meet their favourite bands/artists/band members?
Stay calm. I know that's a bloody big ask but it will make things a lot simpler. Ask them how they are, how their day is going, they really appreciate that. Use manners and don't scream in their face..... they don't like that a lot. Just remember they are human beings just like the rest of us, being a celebrity doesn't mean you should treat them any differently.
Who has been your favourite band/artist/band member to meet? Why?
That would have to be Mark Owen. He was the first member I had ever met. He was so sweet, he gave me the most incredible smile and even a cute little side hug, I even met his kids and wife as well.
Who is next on your list to meet then?
Harry (Styles) but he's a tricky sod.
What is it like being in a fandom?
It's the best thing in the world and I genuinely can't imagine not being in one. the laughs, the tears, the hurt, the frustration, the tiredness, the stress, the knowing that you aren't the only one going through it, knowing that there are people there for you when you need them.
What's it like meeting other fans with the same interests as you?
It's the best, knowing that you have something in common with someone that can be thousands of miles away from you, it really makes you appreciate the fanbase and the fans a whole lot more.
Have you ever read or written fanfiction? What's appealing about it?
Yes, I read it quite frequently and I think it the fact that the fans can put the lads in situations that they might not ever be in. When you write fanfiction, it's the control that you have over the lads and what you can do that's the most enjoyable.
How do you feel when your favourite bands/artists win awards?
Proud is an understament. It's like everything has paid off, such a brilliant feeling knowing that you helped them to get it.
What's your biggest fangirl achievement?
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| Take That |
When my friend and I camped out for one direction tickets. I wasn't as into the band then as I am now but it was still one of the best nights I've ever had. We expected to get tickets, maybe forth or even third row, what we didn't expect was to get front row tickets. I screamed far too much that day.
What's the best thing about being a fangirl?
The fact that I have a relationship that I never thought I would have. I feel so lucky to be a fangirl, even if it can be a pain in the ass at times.
What's the worst thing about being a fangirl?
The heartache is the worse, the stress is pretty brutal as well but for me the worst thing is that I'll never meet them, all of the stuff I do, we do, they will never know was us. It hurts like fuck.
Do any bands or their crew know who you are? If so, who and how? And if not; would you like them to?
Only the members I've met or been tweeted by and I'd love them to know who I was, but that's a long shot.
And finally; can you recommend a song or two by your favourite band with reasons why people should listen to them
A Take That one would be Never Forget 'cause is the song that got me into them and it's lyrics tell the story of them, an Olly Murs one would be Anywhere Else 'cause its lyrics make me think and a One Direction one would be Half A Heart 'cause the lyrics symbolise a lot to me.
Interview 3
Dannielle (@danniellesarah_)
Name your three favourite bands/artists.
Foals
The Killers
Tame Impala
What's it like meeting your favourite bands/artists/band members?
Overwhelming, mesmerising, encouraging.
Do you have any special memories with your favourite bands, artists or a band member?
Sharing cake and hugging with dan flint and taking selfies on his phone.
Do you find being a fangirl hard and if so; what are the hardest things about being a
fangirl?
No it comes naturally.
What advice would you give to fans for when they meet their favourite bands/artists/band members?
Don't forget to breathe and keep your cool.
Who has been your favourite band/artist/band member to meet? Why?
Dan Flint, because he always remembers me.
Who is next on your list to meet then?
Brandon Flowers or Yannis from Foals.
What is it like being in a fandom?
Don't belong to any.
What's it like meeting other fans with the same interests as you?
Euphoric, great sense of belonging.
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| Foals |
Have you ever read or written fanfiction? What's appealing about it?
Nope, never read.
How do you feel when your favourite bands/artists win awards?
Like a proud mother.
What's your biggest fangirl achievement?
Being remembered by my favourite band in my earlier teens.
What's the best thing about being a fangirl?
The sense of acknowledgement and appreciation between the fans and the band.
What's then worst thing about being a fangirl?
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Do any bands or their crew know who you are? If so, who and how? And if not; would you like them to?
-
And finally; can you recommend a song or two by your favourite band with reasons why people should listen to them.
Two songs I'd recommend would be out of the woods by Foals because it carries such a wonderful flow to it. From the lyrics to the music it's self. I'd also recommend flaws by Bombay Bicycle Club. Even though they're not in my top 3 bands, this song is absolutely beautiful and in could listen to it for the rest of my life.
Interview 4
Camille (@UdaPruda)
Name your three favourite bands/artists.
Foals
Coldplay
Marina and the Diamonds
What's it like meeting your favourite bands/artists/band members?
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| Coldplay |
Do you have any special memories with your favourite bands, artists or a band member?
From seeing Coldplay: Chris Martin shouting 'fuck me!' bc the crowd was
amazing. From Foals: Yannis touching his heart while saying goodbye+going off stage because, once again, the crown was incredible. Feeling
as one with a bunch of people and making the band happy is the most special to me.
Do you find being a fangirl hard and if so; what are the hardest things about being a
fangirl?
I live in a country where anyone rarely ever tours, it's barely better
in the neighbouring countries as well so I guess I could say it's difficult. On top of non existant tour dates, my country doesn't have
HMV-type chain stores nor independant ones so I can't even support my bands without a lot of hassle with shipping, that's very frustrating but
I try to do my best. The most tedious thing to me is getting actual tour dates, they always feel like a blessing from heavens above on which I still have to work a lot to get to.
What advice would you give to fans for when they meet their favourite bands/artists/band members?
Breathe & remember they're only human. It's also good to have
something thought over to ask/say as it could carry out into a
conversation.
Who has been your favourite band/artist/band member to meet? Why?
Walter Gervers from Foals - he's incredibly polite, attentive and always
tries to carry out the conversation to make it easier for the fans.
Who is next on your list to meet then?
Yannis Philippakis - I managed to miss him at my gig because of being overwhelmed and getting stuck to other Foals members.
What is it like being in a fandom?
It had both positive and negative aspects. I got in touch with a lot of
amazing people all over the world, some of them became really closeIt had both positive and negative aspects. I got in touch with a lot of
amazing people all over the world, some of them became really close friends of mine. But then again, there was a lot of elitism going on -
mostly debates on who is a 'true fan'. Oh, also 'shipping' is an absolute nuisance, in my opinion. I'm very glad the band's I currently
enjoy the most (Foals) fan base isn't even called a fandom. Saves from a lot of embarrassment.
What's it like meeting other fans with the same interests as you?
The day I could openly talk about the thing that sincerely interests me -
bands - was the happiest of my life. The thing is music is not a valid interest where I live - that, or people hide it as well as I do. I
will always cherish the people I met while queuing for Foals. It was as important as seeing the band and then meeting them afterwards.
Have you ever read or written fanfiction? If so; what's appealing about it?
I don't read fanfiction, tried writing some for the sake of practicing English/writing skills but abandoned this idea very soon.
How do you feel when your favourite bands/artists win awards?
I always feel happy if they're awards I consider credible. I usually think my band deserved it.
What's your biggest fangirl achievement?
-
What's the best thing about being a fangirl?
The best thing: finding friends. I'm very lucky to have met someone
online who I became really close with. It was just in time for all the Ssmmer festival streams and radio interviews so looking out for those
felt quite rewarding too. Basically, the internet and what it can give you is the best thing.
What's then worst thing about being a fangirl?
The worst thing is definitely the distances. Whether it's the miles
between you and your band's new tour dates or the ocean separating you from your friends, it always makes me feel miserable.
Do any bands or their crew know who you are? If so, who and how? And if not; would you like them to?
The bands definitely don't know me. I met a couple of people from Foals
crew for a quick chat and while one of them was surprised I knew his name I'm sure he doesn't remember me. I think it would be lovely to
become a familiar face for the band, even more so the crew - that's my goal if I ever get the chance to see multiple shows on one tour.
And finally; can you recommend a song or two by your favourite band with reasons why people should listen to them.
I'd suggest listening to Moon and Stepson by Foals because I have a
feeling they might seem like quite an arrogant and inaccessible band
for someone who doesn't know them well and these two songs show how honest and soul baring their music really is.
Interview 5
Federica (@somecandytalk)
Name your three favourite bands/artists.
The Jesus and Mary Chain
The Vaccines
The Smiths
What's it like meeting your favourite bands/artists/band members?
When I get to meet musicians I admire, I try to talk to them rather than
asking for pics/autographs. But I also scream internally, a lot ^^ I act all cool on the outside but die on the inside basically.
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| The Vaccines |
Do you have any special memories with your favourite bands, artists or a band member?
Then my most special memory was getting to spend a whole day/night with a
band I really love: soundcheck, dinner, gig, afterparty and so on.
Do you find being a fangirl hard and if so; what are the hardest things about being a
fangirl?
Never having enough; the fact that I'm constantly awaiting the next gig.
What advice would you give to fans for when they meet their favourite bands/artists/band members?
Don't act like a fan ^^ also try to say something interesting or ask
something specific rather than saying "the show was rad" or such things.
Who has been your favourite band/artist/band member to meet? Why?
Maybe The Vaccines because it was the first band I got know personally and also because I love them.
Who is next on your list to meet then?
At the moment I'm really looking forward to meeting Peace again but if I have to name a band I've never met, I'd say Temples.
What is it like being in a fandom?
If it's a "healthy" fandom such as the vaccinateds, it is awesome because you can meet really great people...... But if it's ruled by jealousy such as the victims, it could really put you off of going to gigs.
What's it like meeting other fans with the same interests as you?
Really awesome most of the times, but I've also met some crazy fans who can be really mean and jealous. Anyway I've met one of my closest friends because of a band so yeah it's definitely positive.
Have you ever read or written fanfiction? If so; what's appealing about it?
I haven't.
How do you feel when your favourite bands/artists win awards?
I'm obviously happy for them, but I don't care that much.
What's your biggest fangirl achievement?
What's the best thing about being a fangirl?
Hanging out with bands.
What's then worst thing about being a fangirl?
As I've said before, that shows are never enough.
Do any bands or their crew know who you are? If so, who and how? And if not; would you like them to?
-
And finally; can you recommend a song or two by your favourite band with reasons why people should listen to them.
I'd recommend any song by the Finnish band "French Films" because they're really really good and they deserve some hype ^^'
