Fontaines D.C. has truly had a remarkable year in 2024. With the release of their highly acclaimed album 'Romance in August', they have expanded their sound, garnered widespread critical acclaim, and found themselves in front of their biggest audiences yet. This article delves into their journey, from the tour experiences to their thoughts on legacy and the future.

Unveiling Fontaines D.C.'s Journey in 2024

The Tour Experience

The band has been on an extensive tour that has been nothing short of incredible. As frontman Grian Chatten shares, "It's the first time that it's felt new for a while. The album and the crowd's response have given it a reborn feeling. Though I'm sipping on a Lemsip and feeling the effects of a weakened immune system, I'm full of gratitude for the gigs. They may not be easy, but they quickly turn wild."The energy levels at these shows have also seen a significant shift. Chatten recalls, "As soon as 'Romance' started getting momentum, we saw it reflected in the crowd's response. At first, it was a bit scary when they started kicking off, but it's been a lot of fun. The U.K. crowds, especially in many cities, are really up for it."

Live Performances and Song Translations

There are songs from 'Romance' that have taken on new lives on stage. Chatten explains, "You do this emotional learning of a song without being pretentious. But then there's the physical aspect, which takes a few shows to master. 'Desire' was a bit confusing at first, but now it's something new. And 'Here's the Thing' is currently the highlight of our shows. It's where we achieve a closeness to anarchy."

Keeping the Early Spirit Alive

The band includes a good number of older songs in each set list. Chatten emphasizes, "We have a skewed perception of which songs will go down well in certain places. But it's important to keep a fair bit of our early stuff in the set to remind ourselves where we came from and show appreciation for how far we've come. It's a gratitude thing."

Dealing with Success and Pressure

Drawing larger audiences with their recent creations brings a sense of good. Chatten says, "The locus of self-esteem is moving. There's a genuine confidence that grows with the audience size. I've become more comfortable with the idea that people want us to do what we want. But there's also pressure, like not being able to get sick on tour as there are too many people to disappoint."He also reflects on the creative process, "The songs grow themselves during the tour and we harvest them at the end. It's a kaleidoscopic shift that reveals an image already there."

Challenges on the Road

For Chatten, one of the biggest challenges is finding the energy to be conscientious of his friends and family back home. He says, "It's easy to get caught up in the tour life and forget about them. It's important to check in and not be a revolving door."

Industry Recognition

Being on several year-end best of 2024 lists is a mixed bag for the band. Chatten admits, "I like punching up. Being at the top of lists worries me as it might rob me of the opportunity to punch up. I'm just trying to play good shows at the moment and let these things percolate."

Bringing the Album Home

Playing two shows in Dublin at the end of the week holds a special meaning for Chatten. He says, "When I first moved to London and flew home, seeing the coastline of Ireland filled my eyes with tears. There's more than nostalgia; it's almost like upset. Bringing this album home and ending the tour during Christmas will be incredible."He also shares his favorite spots in Dublin, like Brogans, which has a unique Dublin charm.

Looking Ahead

The band has a busy schedule through next August. Chatten hints at working on another record around that time. He also considers taking a break to explore other pastures creatively. He says, "I don't want to saturate people's airwaves. It might be good to read the room and consider stepping away for a while."

Exploring New Avenues

Fontaines D.C. has expanded their sound on 'Romance' and is thinking about exploring trad-influenced folky records in the future. Chatten reflects, "It's always been on the cards. Looking at our series of records as a whole and considering the greater messages is important."He also discusses his thoughts on legacy, "I think about it more as I become more mature. Bowie's 'Black Star' set a precedent. I want to contribute something and leave an indelible mark."Chatten concludes, "I don't think we're stopping anytime soon. Stopping would be going backwards for me. I feel restless when I'm not moving."