Big Deal

Set to release their debut album, 'Lights Out', the entrancing American duo Big Deal will be setting off on their first headline tour of the UK supported by Weird Dreams and Netherlands. After mesmerizing audiences on the NME radar tour earlier this year, Kacey Underwood and Alice Costelloe have now returned with their excitingly named new single 'Chair', out on 5 September. Here we speak to the pair about their sugarsweet sound and the many talents they hide...

WHAT'S…

...your secret talent?
Kacey: We can both turn our thumbs completely backwards. It's hard to describe but seems to make people nauseous when we do it.

 …the story behind your name?
Kacey: It's kind of more like a morality tale than a story. We weren't taking it seriously and didn't think that anyone else would either at the time, so we didn't give it a lot of thought.
Alice: We thought the name 'hard cheese' was funny but then we found out it was already this hardcore jazz funk band and we just felt that we couldn't compete with that.

... your favourite sound?
Kacey: I like the 'swish' sound of a basketball net. And leaves rustling in the wind.
Alice: I like the sound of the key turning in the lock in the front door so I know someone's home.

... the world coming to?
Kacey: A party. At our house.
Alice: Bring some crisps.

...your worst fashion secret?
Kacey: If we don't call each other before a gig we tend to wear the same thing, like tie dye shirts or sweaters with whales on them. It's uncanny.
Alice: At our last interview we both showed up wearing a red tartan shirt, I felt like they were gonna think we were like Westlife or something, one of those bands that coordinates outfits. Next time we'll both show up wearing white suits... and then we should worry.

 ...your favourite website?
Kacey: I've been into The Gawker lately. I lose large portions of days on Wikipedia as well.
Alice: My sister's blog http://www.helenglory.com

...the best thing about where you're from?
Kacey: Do you mean London? There are riots going on right now. Last night about a hundred men in balaclavas ran down my street throwing bottles and banging on cars. Maybe not the best thing for people on my street but they looked like they were having fun.
Alice: You're not from London, you're from the desert, so i'll answer it for you. I like the Mexican food.

...at the top of your shit list?
Kacey: This summer’s weather has been really, really shit.    
Alice: When you're really, really tired and people won't let you sleep.

...are you listening to now?
Kacey: I have been listening to a lot of Owen Pallett.  I've also gone back to The Strokes "Is This It" as I'm finally going to see them at reading this month.
Alice: We both really like Kurt Vile's most recent record.

... a song everyone should hear?
Kacey: Se Telefonando by Mina.
Alice: Total Eclipse Of The Heart by Bonnie Tyler.

How would you describe your work?
Kacey: Play.

Big Deal's new single 'Chair' is out on 5 September.