Fresh from dates in Australia, New Zealand and China, Canadian synth-punk sensation Handsome Furs are set for a whirlwind stop in Vietnam for shows in HCMC and Hanoi on September 10 and 11.

It’s the first visit to Asia for the husband/wife duo Dan Boeckner (frontman of Canadian indie rockers Wolf Parade) and Alexei Perry, who have been taking the world by storm with their trademark blend of electro, punk and indie rock.  AnyArena caught up with Alexei and Dan before the band’s appearance in Vietnam.

What are your feelings about coming to Vietnam? Anything you really want to see/do when you’re here?

Alexei: I am tremendously excited to come to Vietnam as it has always been a source of such interest for me. Growing up in North America, we learned such conflicting things about Vietnam and I am most excited to learn the actualities.

Dan: Mostly I want to meet young Vietnamese who are making art and music.  I'm really excited to see what the scene is like in Hanoi and HMC.  I'm also looking forward to seeing the countryside and eating real Vietnamese food.
 

What is it like being in a band with your husband/wife? Which came first, the relationship or the band?

Alexei: For us, it's perfect. I couldn't imagine a way of living that would make me happier. We are so fortunate to travel the world together doing what we most love. The relationship came first but the band followed rather quickly after.

Dan:  For me, the band is just a living extension of our life together.

Being in a band together and traveling long-term with someone are two ways to destroy a relationship. How do you guys make it work?

Alexei: I never thought I would want to work with a lover - in fact I have always been against working with any one artistically. As a writer, I tend to do things very much alone. I was shocked out of my very principles by loving Dan. I can't explain why it works but it does. I like that we get to share many experiences together but our perspectives on the world are so wildly different that when it comes to actually making art out of our experiences it's a really weird and exciting challenge.

Dan: Couldn't say it better myself.

A lot of Face Control was written on the road when you were in Eastern Europe - to what extent did that influence the album? Do you always write on the road and has anything come out of this tour so far?

Alexei: We've already been writing a lot in the last few days of being here in China and I am certain that many of the experiences we have here will influence our next work.

Dan: Yeah, just being here in Asia for 3 days has given us material for at least 3 songs!
 

You've been influenced by a pretty diverse range of acts - from Skinny Puppy to New Order - who do you think has had the biggest impact on the Handsome Furs' sound? What are you listening to on the road now?

Alexei: It's hard to choose your greatest influence. I could never do that. I think it's easier for critics to ascertain who we're being influenced by than it is for myself; I'm far too inside my own head and of course I'd like to believe we're just super original. ha. On this tour, we've been listening to some local bands we're being introduced to such as PK 14,Demerit, Off-set spectacles and Car Sick Cars.

Alexei, you're also a short story writer. Are you able to keep up the mental energy to write when you're touring?

Alexei: I'm a workaholic. I never stop writing. There is just so much material that is so exciting to write about that every minute I have to myself, I am frantically jotting it all down.

What do you miss most about home when you’re on the road?

Alexei: Not much. I love Montreal and I love our books and I love cooking and I love our local coffee shop. Of course, my only heart-strings pulled on tour are from the absence of many friends and family that comprise "home" to me. Fortunately, we are able to make a lot of friends in our travels.

You've played a host of gigs in fairly exotic locations so far - what's your favorite city to play? Any favorite music venues?

Alexei: There are, of course, numerous favourites. We have had incredible shows at Academy in Belgrade, Ikra in Moscow, Kudes Linje in Helsinki, The Bowery in New York, 007 in Prague, Kset in Zagreb, Debaser in Stockholm, and many many more.

The indie rock scene in Vietnam is microscopic. What do you expect from your gigs in Vietnam?

Alexei: Honestly, I am happy with a small turn out. I understand wholly that the indie music scene is a tiny one and I am just thrilled to be a part of it in any possible way and, rather selfishly, I'm just stoked to be able to travel to Vietnam. I couldn't feel more excited.

Do not miss this performance, Will be amazing !!!!

HCMC : Thursday 10th Sept @ Vasco's • Event by Jordan Howard  more event info

Hanoi: Friday 11th Sept @ Gió Sông Hồng • Event by C.A.M.A  more event info

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