Arduous-Fi shaped in 2003 in Staines, Surrey. Frontman Richard Archer, guitarist Ross Phillips, bassist Kai Stephens and drummer Steve Kemp launched their debut album, Stars of CCTV, in 2005. That includes Money Machine, Arduous to Beat and Dwelling for the Weekend, it reached No 1 within the UK, offered 1.2m copies worldwide and earned Brit awards and a Mercury prize nomination. The band launched two additional albums earlier than happening hiatus in 2014. They reunited in 2022 and launched a brand new EP in 2024.
Richard (entrance)
This shoot was for an interview within the Huge Challenge. I nonetheless put on these garments now, however again then a superb jacket or pair of sun shades was a go well with of armour. With the proper pair of shades, I may face the Terminator.
The extra extrovert components of being a frontman didn’t at all times come naturally, so at instances I used to be enjoying a larger-than-life character. I wasn’t that assured performing – to not the extent I’d puke up backstage, however I’d get nervous and take a look at too laborious. I used to be additionally a bit gobbier and swearier again then. Lots of people thought I used to be off my face on coke, which I wasn’t. Adrenaline is highly effective stuff.
I typically had this outsider feeling – as if there was a celebration happening we weren’t invited to. We’d exit in Staines fairly than Camden, however, even although we weren’t a part of the “scene”, our reveals stored promoting out. By 2006, it felt like we have been on a prepare that was getting sooner and sooner. For years, we’d tour and do promo, with no days off – all of which was thrilling however exhausting. The entire time I believed: “We are able to’t cease, we will’t screw it up.” There was a lot strain that I didn’t get an opportunity to cease and soak it in.
After our third report, the label mentioned: “We’re not going to make one other album with you.” I wished to maintain the band going, however the power wasn’t there any extra. Ross had his first baby, cash was getting tight and I realised we must always transfer on. Within the years since, I’ve been writing and producing for different artists.
In 2020, I received in contact with the fellows and advised we do one thing. I used to be pondering, “Will folks really flip up?”, however we offered out the Kentish City Discussion board in 10 minutes. And right here we’re!
Steve (far left)
I had by no means worn a flat cap in my life. It was not my factor, so I felt self-conscious. However this was 2005 – I felt self-conscious completely. I used to be nearly definitely pondering: “Proper, a flat cap, is it? I’ll simply stand right here and attempt to look robust.”
Earlier than Arduous-Fi, I used to be on the dole. I’d go in and say: “We’ve received conferences at a report label, the band would possibly really occur.” They’d reply: “Certain. Have you considered getting a job at HMV?” Once we signed to Atlantic in December 2004, the dole workplace thought I used to be making it up. I used to be shocked, too – a lot in order that I wished to cover my portion of the advance in a pillow case. That strategy continued each time the band had success. As quickly as something good occurred, I couldn’t rejoice. I simply felt worry.
Our debut album was recorded in a taxi workplace lined in low cost asbestos tiles that appeared as in the event that they’d been painted yellow, nevertheless it was nicotine. They’d flip to mud for those who touched them, and there have been rats residing within the roof. It was grim, a very nasty place. All of which made the extra glamorous elements of the band extra surreal. James Blunt invited us to a celebration at his place as soon as. I used to be launched to Paris Hilton. She appeared me up and down, twice, then turned and walked away.
Being in Arduous-Fi is half household, half navy operation. Wealthy is the colonel. I’m the sergeant – I crack the whip. Ross is a non-public – “Sure, sir!” – and Kai is extra prone to be awol. We’re stable, however we will bicker about all kinds. I get wound up the simplest. I get the hump about something.
After the group went on hiatus, I wished to make use of my mind, so I ended up retraining as a nutritionist. Do I assist the band eat healthily now? Not remotely.
Twenty years later, I’m nonetheless the identical man. Though, nowadays I’d have the boldness to say no to the flat cap.
Kai (far proper)
These Versace shades positively helped me get into character.
After I joined the group, I realised I used to be in all probability not in the very best place for what may very well be a very thrilling alternative. I wasn’t getting sufficient sleep or residing my finest life, so I needed to sharpen up and straighten out. I had quite a lot of respect for Richard, I had come throughout Steve at college, and I received on with Ross immediately – we have been each simply lads from Staines.
Earlier than Arduous-Fi, I used to be doing pest management. We used my van for a few of these early gigs, and, as I had robust guts, I wasn’t bothered by a lot. As soon as somebody dropped one thing down a bathroom and I grabbed it out with my hand. When the taxi workplace had an ant infestation, I mentioned: “Why do you assume they’re right here? It’s not for the tunes. There’s sugar in every single place.”
When our first single made the High 20, I couldn’t imagine it was occurring. Wanting again, I don’t assume I responded effectively. Artistically I stepped as much as the plate, however personally I misplaced the plot. My impostor syndrome was enormous, and I used to be coping with it by changing into depending on alcohol. There wasn’t a lot discuss habit again then. To some extent, it was inspired by the trade.
After we have been dropped, we had a good break from one another for a good few years. Throughout that point, I went on an actual journey – dangerous habits returning, and dropping a cherished one. However I additionally received the prospect to turn out to be a superb father.
I really feel constructive about life now, however blended about what’s occurring with the band. As a lot because it’s thrilling to reside a little bit of 2005 once more, due to the loopy curve I’ve been on, there’s apprehension there, too.
Ross (second left)
We have been thought of “city” by the press, so most of our early shoots have been completed in automotive parks or bus shelters – anyplace that appeared dirty. This one would have been a nice change. My outfit is customary Arduous-Fi clobber – a black polo and military surplus. I felt comfy in that – able to go.
I used to be solely 21 when Arduous-Fi took off, and the final one to hitch. I used to be nervous, however they have been a simple bunch of fellas. I’m the youngest of three siblings, I waft, and I utilized that very same mentality to being in Arduous-Fi. It’s nearly inconceivable to wind me up. Solely my children can – they’ve received particular expertise.
In 2005, we have been out each evening and away from dwelling for months on finish. It was nice, however I discovered doing purple carpets hectic. Even after 4 pints, I appear like I’m pondering: “Ahh. What the fuck.”
When the third album got here round, I began having children and I believed it was time to get a job. Music stopped for me for just a few years – my guitars have been put in a cabinet to maintain them away from the youngsters. As we began up the group once more, I realised I had forgotten how a lot I cherished enjoying. However it’s a completely different dynamic this time round. Again then I used to be simply making music. I had zero duties. I knew completely nothing in any respect.