Lee Kiernan (IDLES) on chaotic creativity, filmmaking, and the therapy of golf

We sit down with Lee Kiernan, guitarist for the Mercury Prize-nominated band IDLES and co-founder of the film collective Holding Hands with Horses.

Known for his visceral stage presence - often launching himself into the crowd with a grin - Lee explains how IDLES were forged on stage rather than in the studio, guided by a simple philosophy: “If you couldn’t perform the song, is it really a good song for us?” He unpacks his highly intuitive approach to guitar, describing it as “stabbing in the dark,” and how he builds a deliberately rough “bag of hammers” on his pedalboard to serve the song, not showcase technical skill.

Join us for a conversation that is enlightening, beautiful, and - in true Lee Kiernan fashion - really uncomfortable and awkward.