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Feb 07, 2014 By Under the Radar Staff Younghusband

For Under the Radar‘s 11th annual Artist Survey we emailed some of our favorite artists a few questions relating to the important issues of the last year, as well as some quirkier subjects. Check out our next print issue and digital issue for surveys from My Morning Jacket, Foals, Amanda Palmer, Local Natives, Wild Nothing, These New Puritans, Lanterns on the Lake, Xiu Xiu, and Summer Camp.

Here are answers from Euan Hinshelwood of England’s Younghusband. Younghusband’s debut album, Dromes, is out now on Sonic Cathedral.

Top 8 Albums of 2013

I don’t know if I can even think of 10 favorites. Here’s eight.

1. William Onyeabor: Who Is William Onyeabor?
2. My Bloody Valentine: m b v
3. Deerhunter: Monomania
4. Crystal Stilts: Nature Noir
5. Hookworms: Pearl Mystic
6. Julia Holter: Loud City Song
7. Cate Le Bon: Mug Museum
8. Connan Mockasin: Caramel

What was the highlight of 2013, either for you personally or for the band?

Releasing Dromes has definitely been the highlight.

What was the low point of 2013 for you?

Lou Reed passing away.

What are your hopes and plans for 2014?

Making our new record is on the forefront of our minds—we have touring and festivals happening, too. Hopefully we’ll get over to America to play some shows if we can. Hopefully some hijinks.

What are your thoughts on the passing of Lou Reed? Did his music influence you at all and in what way?

His music is a huge influence. And his attitude. Forever inspiring.

What are your thoughts on the U.S. government shutdown and the debt ceiling debate?

It blows my mind.

What are your thoughts on Obamacare, now that it’s being implemented?

Everyone should be entitled to free or affordable health care. It’s easy to take it for granted, living in Britain. The NHS has its problems but it’s a great thing.

What is your opinion on the extensive government spying on the world’s Internet/phone usage? Is Edward Snowden a patriot or traitor?

It’s hardly surprising. People are spending hard-earned cash on inadvertently bugging their own homes. Me included. George Orwell knew this was going to happen. Edward Snowden is very brave and has the interests and women and men in every country on his agenda, not just America.

What are your thoughts on music streaming services such as Spotify and Rdio? Are they good or bad for musicians?

I use Spotify occasionally. But if I hear something I love I’ll go out and get the record. I would like to see Daniel Ek distribute more of the profits back to the musicians that polish his head.

What was your most embarrassing moment in high school?

About five years.

Do bad reviews bother you and which negative review has affected you the most?

Not as much as badly-written pieces with lazy comparisons. If a bad review makes a fair/understandable point then it bothers me less.

What moment in history do you most wish you could’ve witnessed in person?

Maybe Otis Redding live in London, 1967.

What is your favorite word and why?

“Hijinks.” Sounds like a Dutch bar.

www.younghusbandmusic.com