White Lies tell the secrets of their success

White Lies talk to Ed Power in advance of their appearance at Indiependence in Co Cork

SEVERAL weeks ago Charles Cave stood in front of 100,000 people, quaking in his fashionable sneakers. On stage at Glastonbury with his band White Lies, there was just one thing on the guitarist’s mind: would he remember the new songs? It was far from a trivial concern.

“In the studio we write by gradually adding to a piece of music, recording bit by bit, replacing parts until we are all happy,” says Cave. “Then we have to book a rehearsal room at vast expense and learn how to play the new stuff. We don’t have much time — usually three days. For that reason, the only moment I get nervous is when playing material for the first time. I’m terrified of blanking out.”