When it comes to prolific songwriting, the Fiery Furnaces are definitely up there. In the last eight years, Matthew and Eleanor Friedberger have released eight albums as a band. On top of that, Matthew released a double solo album in 2006, Winter Women/Holy Ghost Language School, and has begun a series of albums for Thrill Jockey, which, if he delivers on his promise, will reach eight by the end of the year (so far he's put out three).
Not to be left out, earlier this month Eleanor released her debut solo album Last Summer via Merge Records, which she says was something she needed to get out of her.
"There wasn't any kind of lightning bolt shock," she tells Exclaim! "But it was a now-or-never thing since I'm going to be 35 in September. I've made all of these other records with my brother, and now I finally felt confident enough to do one. And I had time to myself. And Matt moved away so we've had a break. It's just something I've always wanted to do. I've had so many people encouraging me to do it."
The encouragement, Eleanor says, has helped her begin writing a second solo album, though she's unable to say exactly when we'll hear that. She says a new Fiery Furnaces album will likely come next, but not this year, like Matt previously hinted.
"That would be ambitious," she says with a laugh. "He talks a big talk. I don't think there's any way in hell there will be a new Fiery Furnaces record out this year. It's possible! But I don't think that's going to happen. It's unlikely, let's just say that."
In support of Last Summer, Eleanor Friedberger has lined up a short U.S. tour. You can see all the dates here.
Not to be left out, earlier this month Eleanor released her debut solo album Last Summer via Merge Records, which she says was something she needed to get out of her.
"There wasn't any kind of lightning bolt shock," she tells Exclaim! "But it was a now-or-never thing since I'm going to be 35 in September. I've made all of these other records with my brother, and now I finally felt confident enough to do one. And I had time to myself. And Matt moved away so we've had a break. It's just something I've always wanted to do. I've had so many people encouraging me to do it."
The encouragement, Eleanor says, has helped her begin writing a second solo album, though she's unable to say exactly when we'll hear that. She says a new Fiery Furnaces album will likely come next, but not this year, like Matt previously hinted.
"That would be ambitious," she says with a laugh. "He talks a big talk. I don't think there's any way in hell there will be a new Fiery Furnaces record out this year. It's possible! But I don't think that's going to happen. It's unlikely, let's just say that."
In support of Last Summer, Eleanor Friedberger has lined up a short U.S. tour. You can see all the dates here.
Eleanor Friedberger - Roosevelt Island from Merge Records on Vimeo.