IDLES’ Joe Talbot thinks needing validation from awards is “toxic”

IDLES frontman Joe Talbot has said that although the band are “grateful” to be nominated for awards, the idea of craving validation from them is something he believes is “toxic”.

The band have been nominated for three Grammys for their recent album ‘Tangk’ – Best Rock Album for the record itself and Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song for the single ‘Gift Horse’. IDLES also scored two nominations two years ago for their 2021 album ‘Crawler’ and the single ‘Crawl!’

Talbot was asked about the recognition the band had received from the Recording Academy in an interview with Variety and explained why he didn’t want to garner too much validation from award nominations

“You shouldn’t ask another person for validation, you should be able to just believe in yourself,” Talbot said. “But we have entered into a conversation of validation by making something and putting it out into the world — which is the Grammy conversation. It’s not something you root for or beg for — you work for it. So I understand how lucky I am and I’m very grateful to be here, and to be part of that conversation is beautiful. But to need validation from the award itself would be toxic.”

He also elaborated on the inspiration IDLES are taking for their sixth album, which they will record in January. They are once again working with Kenny Beats and Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich, who produced ‘Tangk’.

“It’s always love,” said Talbot. “The reason I started the band is because I want to feel part of something much greater than myself. Seeking something better for everyone around you, not just yourself — that’s what love is; that’s what empathy is. It’s not my job to complain about how crap our government is and how dystopian the world is, and I’m not saying ‘Chin up, man, it’ll be alright.’ I’m saying ‘You’re not alone.’ And people who feel they are not alone are less scared, and less likely to turn to the quick fix of right-wing politics, and are more likely to listen to other people’s opinions.”

Regarding their musical evolution, he said: “My mum always said, ‘The boring get bored while the interesting stay interested.’ And I think if you’re interested, you have to go beyond your village perspective. If you stay within your lane, you’re gonna end up with six fingers — creative inbreeding. I’m influenced by so many things and I want to celebrate that. We’re not interested in staying in the village — there’s a beautiful world out there.”

‘Tangk’ was included in NME‘s countdown of the 50 best albums of 2024. NME wrote: “IDLES may have packed their expansive fifth album ‘TANGK’ with love songs and the odd restrained ode, but sonically and vocally, the Bristolians still sounded as visceral as ever. With a little help from LCD Soundsystem, they also looked good on the dancefloor. Look at them gooooo!”