One of my favorite bands of the last 20 years finally came over to the house. 🖤 Simon Neil and Ben Johnston of Biffy Clyro joined me for an honest conversation about friendship, longevity, songwriting, mental health, aging, creativity, and what it takes to keep a band together for more than 25 years. We dive deep into their incredible new album Futique, recording at the legendary Hansa Studios in Berlin, working with producer Jonathan Gilmore, and why this record feels so special. We also talk about: ⚡️ Returning to the U.S. after years away ⚡️ Recording at Hansa Studios and the magic of Berlin ⚡️ Working with Jonathan Gilmore (The 1975, Nothing But Thieves) ⚡️ The themes behind Futique and songs like "Hunting Season" ⚡️ Their songwriting process after 10 studio albums ⚡️ Family, kids, baking, and life outside the band ⚡️ "Shot One" and appreciating life in the present moment ⚡️ The emotional story behind "Goodbye" ⚡️ James Johnston's mental health journey and the band's brotherhood ⚡️ The healing power of live music ⚡️ Aging, creativity, and protecting your energy ⚡️ Brian Wilson, "God Only Knows," and Glastonbury ⚡️ Human creativity vs AI ⚡️ Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Jeff Buckley, and their musical influences ⚡️ The lessons they've learned after 25 years together ⚡️ Advice they would give their younger selves Plus: brownies, Scotland stories, Glasgow rugby players, and some of the most thoughtful reflections on music I've heard in a long time. If you're a longtime Biffy fan or simply love conversations about creativity, resilience, and finding meaning through music this one is for you. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: https://play.megaphone.fm/sxhb2ibzrw-vle8ombutpa ❤️ FOLLOW ALLISON ON SOCIALS ✅ YouTube: https://youtube.com/AllisonHagendorf ✅ Official Website: https://allisonhagendorf.com ✅ Instagram: https://instagram.com/allisonhagendorf ✅ TikTok: https://TikTok.com/@allisonhagendorf ✅ X: https://x.com/allihagendorf #BiffyClyro #SimonNeil #Futique 00:00 - Welcome 01:39 - Intro 02:24 - Finally Back in the U.S. 03:37 - Playing the New Music Live 04:27 - Recording Futique at Hansa Studios in Berlin 07:15 - Working with Jonathan Gilmore 08:28 - Themes of the Album & "Hunting Season" 10:09 - Songwriting After 10 Albums 12:07 - Baking & Brownies 15:03 - Kids & Family 16:45 - "Shot One" 19:04 - Reflection & Living in the Moment 19:55 - "Goodbye" 24:10 - James Johnston & Mental Health 25:09 - How They're Feeling Right Now 26:50 - The Healing Power of Playing Live 30:01 - Sustaining the Physicality of Touring 31:10 - Glastonbury, Brian Wilson & "God Only Knows" 33:29 - Aging, Songwriting & Perspective 35:39 - Human Creativity vs AI 39:39 - Finding Your Own Music & Influences 43:29 - Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Tron & Jared Leto 45:42 - Lessons Learned After 25 Years 49:39 - Glasgow Stories & Scotland 51:22 - Advice to Their Younger Selves 54:03 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices