November 23, 2012 11:39

The Vaccines: 'X Factor is valid route into music industry'

Justin Young defends reality TV, saying it's some people's only opportunity for success

Photo: Andy Willsher/NME

The Vaccines have said that they have no problem with TV talent shows like The X Factor, saying they are as valid as any other route into the music industry.

Singer Justin Young spoke to BBC News about his thoughts on the shows and, despite describing them as "old fashioned", admitted that he doesn't see any difference between performing in front of the X Factor judges and being in a band who play hundreds of gigs in order to get noticed. "I actually think the talent shows hark back to the '50s, '60s era of variety stuff," he said.

He added: "I think they're the old fashioned way. People expect us to turn our noses up at these shows, but I think that for a lot of people it's the only opportunity they're going to get and I think it's as valid as going out playing show after show every night."

Young recently said he believed Rihanna is as important as Radiohead. Speaking to NME, Young argued: "I just feel bands can be misunderstood, and I think people can over-intellectualise music." he added:

I think an artist like Rihanna is as important as a band like Radiohead. They serve different purposes, neither is more important. As for us, people might think of us an indie band that got big, but I think of us as a small pop band. I think there is a crucial difference in that we make records for ourselves, but we don't make decisions based on that. We're not scared of selling records and like the idea of it. The idea of getting bigger is desirable as long as you're getting better. I wouldn't want to be big and bad, or water anything down.

The Vaccines recently played their biggest headline gig to date at Alexandra Palace in London.

Video: 60 Second Interview - The Vaccines

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