As Radiohead head into the studio to record their eighth album, guitarist Ed O’Brien answers questions from The Big Issue in Australia about fame, touring, downloads…and Kylie.

Is it true that the band’s name came from a Talking Heads song? To what extent did Talking Heads influence you or other band members?
Yes, it’s a track off [the 1986 album] True Stories. Talking Heads were a huge influence. Remain in Light (1980) is just one of those albums that you aspire to make…if only.

Radiohead toured early on with REM. Any thoughts on REM, their career trajectory, and the problems inherent in making the transition from a college/cult band to stadium status?
It felt like they were our bigger brothers when we toured with them in 1995 – such a generous band in every way. Those albums from Murmur (1983) through to Green (1988) played a huge part in my teenage years. As for the transition from college to stadium, it’s a very hard thing to do and I don’t feel qualified to comment, as it’s not something that we have wanted to do.

Radiohead used ‘crazier’ instruments (such as the ondes martenot, an early electronic keyboard machine) – on Amnesiac (2001) and especially Kid A (2000). But there’s much less of that in In Rainbows (2007). Does this reflect a change in role or musical direction?
It was simply an exercise in trying to do justice to those beautiful songs.

Much was made of the download-only pre-release for last year’s album, In Rainbows. Was it deemed a success by the band, or did it introduce a whole new realm of commercial pressure?
It was brilliant for us – it totally re-energised and empowered us. It was simply huge fun and you cannot put a price on that.

You are the only band member to provide backing vocals. (Is that right?) So what’s wrong with the others’ singing? Any plans to grab the centre microphone?
Not quite true, Philip [Selway; drummer] has a good voice and is in there in ‘There There’ [on the album Hail To The Thief, 2003]. As for any lead singer ambitions, I’m still struggling with playing the guitar and singing at the same time!

You are famous for using many effects pedals, but no Flanger Pedal. Are you fearful that, by utilising this ‘purple magic box’ you’ll end up sounding like Dave Stewart [of the Eurythmics] circa 1985?
In an early incarnation of the band in 1985 there was a Yamaha Flanger pedal kicking around. Everyone had one, it was de rigueur in those days, for that Cure/Siouxsie sound. I believe the kids are into them now.

Downloading/shuffling: do they really represent the end of the album? Could anyone ever release another Sgt Pepper’s or Pet Sounds and expect people to listen in any particular order?
No, I still really believe there’s a place for the great album that one listens to from start to finish. It’s simply that the iPod means that people are less tolerant of shit records and that’s no bad thing because, let’s face it, standards have been slipping for a long time now.

What are some of your most played songs on your iPod? What Radiohead songs, if any? What Dannii or Kylie songs? Are you a shuffler?
I’m a huge fan of Kings of Leon, so Because of the Times (2007) has been on heavy rotation for the last year and a half. I’m liking the new one [Only by the Night], although it’s taking me a while to get used to its directness. No Dannii or Kylie, but for the right kind of party (ie, a very drunken 40th) ‘Better the Devil You Know’ might make an appearance. Yes I am a shuffler, but it has to be the right time…if I’m undecided as what to play.

Because you are in a well-known band do you A: try to maintain anonymity (if so, what disguises do you use?) or B: love any attention and revel in the spotlight?
Mos’ def ‘A’. No disguises needed!

Rolling Stone magazine once listed you and Jonny Greenwood [Radiohead’s lead guitarist] as 59th & 60th Greatest Guitarists of All Time. Johnny Ramone (of the Ramones) came in 34 places ahead at number 16, yet he never used a major-seventh chord. Were you robbed?
Of course not! Rock ’n’ roll is not about virtuosity, it’s about vibe, sound and energy.

Was it you who, during the recording of ‘Creep’ [the band’s first single, 1992] turned the guitar levels up to 11?
You’ve got the wrong man, I’m afraid… It was the boy wonder, Jonny Greenwood.

What do you imagine the music industry might look like in a few years – ie, is it possible to be a successful recording artist in the digital age – especially for young, unknown bands that don’t sell concert tickets like Radiohead?
It’s going to be great – it will be trimmed down and young bands will hopefully own their own songs, unlike us and most past and present bands, thanks to the Featured Artists’ Coalition. It’s an exciting time, because bands and fans can communicate directly with one another for the first time and that’s got to be a good thing. Everything’s up for grabs. Young bands, as long as they are good, will always do well. There’s some amazing music out there and bands will have to get used to the fact that their money will be largely made through gigs, merchandise, etc, which will have to subsidise recording. Twenty years ago bands made their money through records and not touring, now it’s flipped right over and the opposite is true. Nothing to fear.

Are there any other bands you find especially interesting?
Yeah, 22-20s are making some great sounds in the studio and I just checked out a fantastic unsigned three-piece called Skulls.

Any plans to return to Australia, or is it just too damned far away?
Unfortunately, not for the foreseeable future. I’d love to, but only if we got to spend a good chunk of time with you lot, rather than the ridiculous in-and-out job we did in 2004, where we all got ill and had to cancel a show in Melbourne. We never cancel shows, so that was a huge disappointment for us… Apologies again to those who we failed.

It’s said you’re not a fan of festivals – Glastonbury etc. Is this right?
Utter bollocks! We/I love festivals and Glastonbury is a jewel. You just can’t play them too often.

Are family life and a band compatible?
Er, I’m not sure. Just back from six months on tour…best to ask my wife!

Who’s your favourite sister?
Anna. She works for The Big Issue in Melbourne, but I’d much rather see her working for The Big Issue in London! I’d get to see her more often.