Art Brut are currently touring the US, bringing their distinctive UK sound to all the corners of this vast land. Eddie Argos recently took the time out of his hectic schedule to answer a few of our questions:

Christian Pielow: What do you think of the comparisons to Athlete and Franz Ferdinand? And the suggestions that you are part of the ‘art wave’ scene? Basically, how do you engage with the press and the labels you are given?

Eddie Argos: I think those labels are a bit odd as we don’t really sound like either band. I think we got lumped in with those bands as we have ‘Art’ in our name. One definition of Art Brut is that it means unschooled so I always thought it was funny to be called an Art School band. We’ve been labeled so many things we just ignore it. I think most bands do.

CP: How do you find South London has influenced / supported you?

Eddie Argos: That was a long time ago now. At the time it really was a scene. We’d all go to each others gigs and help each other out. Some of my best friends still now I met from that time.

CP: How was it to collaborate with Black Francis? And what was it like performing with the Pixies at the Brixton Academy?

Eddie Argos: It was brilliant to collaborate with Black Francis. Performing with the Pixies was brilliant too. Everybody loves the Pixies but I think my little brother likes them more than most. Watching him watching the Pixies will be one of my happiest memories forever. He was jumping about 12ft high in the air with a huge grin on his face.

CP: And what was it like working with John Fortis?

Eddie Argos: It was ace. We still hang out. That was our first album he is a brilliant person to work with.

CP: We recently interviewed We Are Scientists and they are listed as one of your franchises. Explain the concept of Art Brut franchises?

Eddie Argos: I felt bad that we had taken the name Art Brut as its quite a good name so jokingly suggested we franchise the name out. It got on the internet and out of control. There are Russian, Swedish, Swiss and Polish Art Brut’s. The first franchise I knew of was Art Brut 3.14159265 from West Virginia he played Formed a Band in a Blue Grass style.

CP: You have recently extended your US tour. How do you find the audiences stateside?

Eddie Argos: I like them. British people can be very cynical and I think audiences in the states understand that we are being sincere.

CP: Are you excited to do such an extensive tour and what are the best and worst things about touring?

Eddie Argos: I like touring. i like meeting new people and traveling the worst thing is probably having to queue up for a shower. When we travel there are about 8 of us.

CP: What are your biggest vices?

Eddie Argos: I spend too much money on comics.

CP: What does the future hold for Art Brut?

Eddie Argos: More albums and touring.

Talking of tours, Art Brut just extended their US Fall tour – so grab them while they are still stateside!

And if you haven’t heard much about them, check out their myspace or head over to youtube to watch the video of Alcoholics Anonymous off their latest album, Art Brut vs Satan.