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Gigging Northern Ireland recently had a chat with Radar-bound The Flaws before their show in Belfast this week. Hailing from down south, the band are coming up to our captial to shake things up a bit. We talk about their influences, things they can't live without on the road and what piece of equipment they name 'Peggy'!

It seems that you haven't had the coverage in the press that you deserve, so enlighten us all! Tell me a bit about yourselves.

The Flaws are born out of a common interest in making music that sparks nostalgia in the listener, who we are and what our personalities are is secondary to the music we make. We're serious about our intentions but we're too grounded in reality to get big heads about either achieving or not achieving our goals. We all have a great sense of humor which is a necessity when dealing with the "industry". We've encountered many troubles in our career that have made us more determined to write our next song and it's the "song", the idea of "the song" and its strengths to communicate that have made us who we are.

Tell me a bit about the bands that have influenced your sound, and why they have been such pivotal figures in your music.

Influences change every few weeks or so, but in terms of the first song that made us lift an instrument, it wasn't always music related. I broke my leg and I figured I'd need something else to do while my body returned to normal.

You've toured with some pretty high profile acts, such as 'Editors,' but who's been your favourite, and why?

The best bands we've played with have been our friends, Ham Sandwich, Delorentos, Director, Sanzkrit - the list goes on and on, and the why is simple, we always have a good time.

What's the best thing about packing up your gear and going on tour?

It's like going camping, and we love to go camping. It's a chance to play the songs to an audience and if that audience is receptive, its one of the best experiences imaginable.

And what can't you live without while you're on the road?

Clean socks and the Flight of the Conchords DVD.

Tell me about the best (and worst) venue you guys have ever played in, and why?

Worst venues, there are a few, and it might not be related to the actual state of the venue, its usually a people thing - if people with negative personalities stand between you and the audience it can lead to a negative experience. The best venue also can be triggered by the same situation.

Your last album, 'Achieving Vagueness,' was released back in September 2007. So, 2 years on, have you any plans for some new music, and can you give us all a sneak preview?

Our new album should be out by February 2010, as for sneak previews, we'll be playing some new songs at the show.

On a lighter note, who names their instruments, and what are they called?!

Hmmm...I can't think really - we call the ampeg bass cab "Peggy".

Are you all looking forward to coming back to Belfast, and if so, why?

Belfast is a cool city and it ain't far from us. We've made some friends up there and so it means a lot to us to get back up there and play some songs. It'll be good, trust me.

Gigging Northern Ireland says The Flaws will be playing in the Speakeasy Bar on the 8th October as part of the Radar Live in association with BBC Introducing.

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