Art rock and indie bands are becoming an increasing phenomenon in Britain but The Rakes aren’t your average bunch of indie-rockers. With music that’s been dubbed “the soundtrack to 21st century city life” and “music for the common people,” the quartet has been heating up the charts with their smart lyrics, post-punk ties and sharp dressing. We caught up with singer Alan Donohoe, guitarist Matthew Swinnerton, bassist Jamie Hornsmith, and drummer Lasse Petersen for a chat about their upcoming gig.

Is there a theme to your latest album, Ten New Messages? And what are the 10 new messages?
As with the first album, we wrote mainly about personal experience in an observational style. We wanted to address some broader themes relating to contemporary London life, but in the form of stories and characters rather than any political grandstanding.

Your music explores themes associated with the mundanity of life and escapism from corporate slavery. Do you think people relate to such angst?
It depends. Some people like to hear their daily lives coming back through the speakers, and others prefer being transported to worlds of pink robots and strawberry fields. With The Rakes, the raw punk energy of the music in our early songs reflected the intensity of the lyrics.

Hedi Slimane was so inspired by your music and your sharp dressing that he created a whole collection based on them. Is it the rule for British rockers to dress well? Do you think it makes a difference to the music?
Yes. Tight jeans give you a great falsetto.

What’s the most exciting thing that’s happening in the British music scene now? Other than Amy Winehouse going to rehab.
Amy Winehouse leaving rehab!

Tell us about your live performances. Some bands prefer the studio work to performing live and see it as a chore. What’s your feeling towards playing live and recording in the studio?
A good gig is really about the connection between the band and the audience. The studio is a more sterile environment. On our third album, we are looking to capture the live energy that The Rakes produce.

For your gig at the upcoming Heineken Green Room Session in Singapore, any surprises planned?
If there was we wouldn’t say!

Any plans for the future and anything you guys want to add?
We are halfway through writing our third album. We want to push ourselves as much as possible to make sure that the songs are the best we’ve ever written.