In a new interview with the BBC, the Bristol five-piece voice their thoughts on being nominated in the British breakthrough category at the Brits.
Ahead of the Brit Awards ceremony later today (20 February), former Crack Magazine cover stars IDLES have spoken to the BBC about being nominated in the British breakthrough category alongside Jorja Smith, Mabel, Tom Walker and Ella Mai.
Lead singer Joe Talbot notes that IDLES has received considerably less mainstream recognition than other nominated acts. “It doesn’t feel right. Compared to the sales and money behind many pop acts… we’re a drop in the ocean,” he says. Not only does the quintet feel out of place on the nominees list, but they are ambivalent about wining or losing. “We’re not going to turn it down but it’s not on our radar. We’d be the same band before or after a Brit Award, it’s meaningless.”
However, the band maintain that they are grateful for the nomination and for “our hard work to be appreciated”. Furthermore, they add that the Brits provides an important platform and is a way of “being part of the conversation”. Talbot explains that their inclusion in this year’s ceremony might help open up audiences to alternative music. “When you’ve got some very similar pop music everywhere and not much choice for kids I think it’s important for them to see another side of things.” Guitarist Mark Bowen echoes this statement, observing that IDLES’ nomination is “maybe a sign that things are changing a bit”.
Read the full interview via BBC Newsbeat.