URB: “Most electronic music is crap live….” did one of you say that?

PH: Not me, probably Paul. It has definitely evolved over the years, from the early experimental stuff in the ’60’s. When we started in the 90s we were still getting a weird attitude, a lot of resistance, especially from established British music mags. But now you can be so creative with it and make a good show with it.

URB: What’s next after Glasto?

PH: We got Summersonic in Japan. Getting ready for the tour. Trying to get this album out by spring 2011. It would be nice to start out the year like that, but we’re not going to just put something out if we’re not happy.

URB: Would there be any other people involved, or just you guys?

PH: We just started working toward a complete album, so we don’t know at this point really. We haven’t really put a lot of thought into it and we haven’t got anything in stone. I’m liking La Roux’s voice, so we’ll keep her in mind and people like that.

URB: The first couple of singles are, well, “bangers”–you guys are not playin around or slowin’ down.

PH: They’ve been developing on their own really. “The Gun is Good” is about religions fighting religions, which is an odd thing, really. “Don’t Stop Me” came from that feeling of being obsessed, not always good, but you can’t stop, until it’s all over.

URB: What other stuff do you have going on? I’m sure the comeback has you busy, but I suspect there’s more.

PH: I was involved with a project called Long Range, which I really loved. Then we found Kelly Malone, she’s an Australian folk singer, she doesn’t have a deal at the moment and I loved her voice. But that was then and it was great at the time. I think some of the guys are carrying on. I didn’t really leave on the best terms. It was the right time to leave.

URB: Reception in Europe and the rest of the world has been great. Any concerns about cracking the States?

PH: We did a gig in San Francisco before Coachella and it went really, really well, but we were worried because people have such short memories – especially in dance music, you know? But honestly, I don’t mind if there’s only 3 people there as long as they’re having a good time. So it was encouraging to see the turn out.

URB: Is Youtube a convenient feedback loop to you? You try something live and then it gets posted and a million comments about how awesome it is or how much it sucks…

PH: My brother keeps up with that; I’m too sensitive. He will come to me with that and I’ll start screaming “I don’t know wanna know, I don’t wanna know.” People can be so critical. When we play, it’s very improvised. The audience plays a big part in how we perform. I really enjoy the give and take. Things develop, mistakes happen live. And it’s nice to have the option of saying later, let’s keep that mistake.

URB: So, you don’t go on with a set list?

PH: We have bridges from one track to another, we definitely play in an order. But there’s no set beginning, no set ending. We’ve got the freedom to improvise in response with to the audience. Arrangements change based on equipment and venues.

URB: Who does what?

PH: My brother focuses on the arrangements and I focus on the mixing desk, the 303.

URB: How about the writing?

PH: We have a studio and we do all that there, just down the road. It’s our place, we don’t do anything away from each other. We’re very conscious that every second of creation is something we do together.

URB: Something you didn’t do entirely together – I heard you got married recently?

PH: Yes! We sparked in Winter Music then made plans to get together at Coachella. Then this volcano happened in Iceland and we couldn’t go anywhere! We were just going to spend a few days together and that turned into a week. And then we’re off to Vegas in a helicopter and we got married in the helicopter. I said “I do in the stratosphere”

URB: How many people can you fit in a helicopter?

PH: The pilot and 4 people – the photographer, us and a minister.

URB: I heard Scott from Crystal Method was involved.

PH: Yes, he was. We met in Coachella. We’ve known him for years. He’s from Vegas. He was a sweetheart. He really helped the wedding go off with a bang. A diamond, really. The whole thing was quite lovely. Thank you, volcano.

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