NOT INTERESTED: We catch up with Button Up bass player and songwriter Garry John Kane ahead of the release of their brand new single "Not Interested"!

 

Button Up are Scotland's premier soul outfit of the moment. With a whole host of albums, EPs and singles behind them already, they are heading into a new exciting chapter; with a new line up and a new album in the pipeline, it's a good time for the band.

 

We catch up with bass player and songwriter Garry John ahead of the release of their new single, "Not Interested". We also have a go at reviewing the track.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

PART 1 - THE INTERVIEW

 

Hi Garry John, how you doing? What have the Button Up band been up to since we last chatted?

 

Garry John: "Been gigging and writing new material. First single 'Not Interested' is out not - plug, plug."

 

Around the time of our last interview and the release of your third album there was a slight change in line up. How and why did this change come about?

 

Garry John: "Our singer and drummer left after 'Beat Street' to do their own music so I quickly got some young blood in and it's exploded ever since. Been such a joy to play with this line up, very exciting."

 

What would you say the new members bring to the band?

 

Garry John: "Great energy and playing. They have added everything from enthusiasm to friendship to performance. The gigs have been great and everyone is enjoying being in the band which helps."

 

You played a charity gig in Coatbridge around Christmas time. How did this go? Was it a success?

 

Garry John: "Yes, the gig was great and sold out so we raised a lot for the local Food Bank charity and Maggie's cancer. Great support from local band Ripley too."

 

You are currently releasing a brand new single entitled "Not Interested". What is the track about and what would you say influenced it?

 

Garry John: "It's about people with delusions of what they are but also it's a pop song so you can make up your own mind when you listen to it."

 

What's up next for Button Up?

 

Garry John: "Video for the single and some gigs in March to promote the new single. Saturday 21st March at Stereo in Glasgow, Sunday 22nd March at Tunnels in Aberdeen and Saturday 28th March at Brown Bull in Lochwinnoch."

 

Last one; who would be in your dream supergroup?

 

Garry John: "Donald Duck Dunne (Booker T) on bass, John Bradbury (The Specials) on drums, Mick Jones (The Clash) on guitar, Ian McLagan (Small Faces/Faces) on keys and Otis Redding on vocals."

 

 

THE QUICKFIRE ROUND

 

Favourite Beatle?

 

Garry John: "George Harrison."

 

Favourite band or singer?

 

Garry John: "James Brown."

 

Favourite new band or singer?

 

Garry John: "King Khan And The Shrines."

 

Favourite song?

 

Garry John: "Green Onions."

 

Favourite album?

Garry John: "Mr Soul - James Brown."

 

Dream collaboration?

Garry John: "Button Up with The Hives."

 

Vinyl, CD or download?

Garry John: "All three but vinyl is special."

 

When you press shuffle on your iPod, what is the first track that comes on?

Garry John: "Usually Button Up!"

 

Style icon?

Garry John: "Mid sixties look."

 

Favourite film?

Garry John: "Young Frankenstein."

 

Favourite TV show?

Garry John: "The Thick Of It."

 

Who would play you in a film of your life?

Garry John: "Tom Sellick."

 

Favourite food?

Garry John: "Thai."

 

Football team?

Garry John: "Celtic and Albion Rovers."



PART 3 - THE REVIEW

The pioneers of modern Scottish hammond sound are back again with another strong single. This time entitled "Not Interested", it is written by bass player and Proclaimers member Garry John Kane. The track is yet more proof of the supreme musicality of this Coatbridge-based band and moves and grooves through two minutes of soul, funk and Hammond a plenty. It provides a fine follow up to their third studio album and will surely be doing the rounds in any music lover's summer playlist.

To conclude, if this track is any indication of what is to come in the next stage of Button Up's career them bring on that fourth album.



Hope you enjoyed this feature on Button Up, be sure to check out our previous feature on The Phantoms!

Check out Button Up here - https://www.facebook.com/buttonupband

Button Up's new single is available digitally at iTunes and Amazon.

To stay up to date with future blog features then like our Facebook page at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords

AB RECORDS

WASTING TIME: We catch up with The Phantoms frontman Colin Simpson as they prepare for the release of their new single "Wasting Time"!

 

The Phantoms are a four-piece indie rock and roll band from Broxburn. Forming roughly two years ago they have already released an EP entitled "This Is How It Should Be" and an explosive debut single, "Revolution". Things are getting exciting as they gear up to the release of second single "Wasting Time" and there is a real sense that 2015 will be the year of The Phantoms. Be sure to check out their live show at King Tut's next month in Glasgow. It's not one to miss. 

 

In this feature we have a chat to frontman (and Catfish And The Bottlemen obsessive) Colin Simpson about all things Phantoms and we also review the brand new single.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

PART 1 - THE INTERVIEW

 

Hi Colin, how you doing? Been awhile since your last release, what have the band been up to since then?

 

Colin: "Hi Tom, yeah not bad at all mate. Just keeping the band busy with some top gigs to the end of last year. The second half of the year was special. Recently we have been recording our new song ‘Wasting Time’ and doing the video."

 

You're currently releasing your second single, "Wasting Time". What is the track about and what influenced it?

 

Colin: "It took me and Mckillop nearly a year to write that one. It changed so many times, we literally went to the studio and went for it. Lyrics where wrote the night before we went to record, so it's an 'in the moment' track. Lyrically and musically it's very moving I guess. The track is about mucking someone about and wasting there time, kinda being selfish and thinking about yourself, rather than that person."

 

You've hinted at a big show taking place in early 2015. Is there any update on this?

 

Colin: "King Tut’s Saturday 14th March, supporting Cold Ocean Lies. Gonna be pretty special I think, all the lads can’t wait. There is a real buzz around us just now. It’s a good time to be in The Phantoms."

 

What's up next for The Phantoms?

 

Colin: "Let’s get some festivals and some bigger gigs. Who knows, I’ve learnt not to have a plan because being in this band is an emotional rollercoaster at times. Wouldn’t change that though."

 

Last one, who would be in your dream supergroup?

 

Colin: "Ian Curtis - vocals, John Lennon - rhythm guitar, Johnny Marr - lead guitar, Paul McCartney - bass guitar and Keith Moon - drums."

 

 

PART 2 - THE QUICKFIRE ROUND

 

Favourite Beatle?

 

Colin: "John Lennon."

 

Favourite band or singer?

 

Colin: "Obviously Oasis and Noel Gallagher."

 

Favourite new band or singer?

 

Colin: "Catfish And The Bottlemen by a mile."

 

Favourite song?

 

Colin: "Cocoon by Catfish."

 

Favourite album?

 

Colin: "The Balcony by Catfish And The Bottlemen."

 

Dream collaboration?

 

Colin: "Noel Gallagher, see he's at the Hydro soon (hint)."

 

Vinyl, CD or download?

 

Colin: "CD."

 

When you press shuffle on your iPod, what is the first track that comes on?

 

Colin: "Courteeners - Welcome To The Rave."

 

Style icon?

 

Colin: "Van McCann."

 

Favourite film?

 

Colin: "Control Joy Division."

 

Favourite TV show?

 

Colin: "No time to watch TV."

 

Who would play you in a film of your life?

 

Colin: "No idea, I'd do it if the money was there."

 

Favourite food?

 

Colin: "Anything. Love a curry though."

 

Football team?

 

Colin: "Rangers."

 

 

PART 3 - THE REVIEW

 

The Phantoms new single, "Wasting Time", is another dark-edged indie rock gem; atmospheric guitar, driving bass, pounding drums, reverb and echo aplenty. This is the kind of song and kind of band that are destined for the stadiums. It shows a progression from previous single "Revolution" but retains a distinctive Phantoms edge; purely irresistible.

 

The Phantoms have an up coming show at King Tuts in Glasgow which cannot be missed if there Sneaky Pete's show in Edinburgh is anything to go by. The 'old classics' ("Revolution", "Dust", "We're Coming For You") were all there but the new tunes are equally worth a mention. Show opener "Take Me All The Way" is one to watch out for and the aforementioned "Wasting Time" takes on a whole new life live.

 

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on The Phantoms!

 

Check out The Phantoms at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/TMATW

 

Buy tickets for their show at King Tut's here - http://thephantoms2014.bigcartel.com/

 

To stay up to date with future blog features like our Facebook page here - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords

 

AB RECORDS

TIMING IS EVERYTHING: We have a chat to teen singer Stevie Mould and also review her debut album, "Finding Stevie"!

 

Stevie Mould is a teenage singer-songwriter from East Yorkshire. She has performed with artists including Edwina Hayes and has recently released a debut album entitled "Finding Stevie".

 

Below we have a chat to Stevie about her love of Kenny Rogers' 'The Gambler', her debut album and she also answers our quick-fire round. We also write up a review of the album.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

PART 1 - THE INTERVIEW

 

Hi Stevie, thanks for having a chat with us. The first question we always ask is what was your first musical memory and what kind of records were on around the house when you were younger?

 

Stevie: "Well I grew up with a mixture of music running around my head, my dad listened to bands like Status Quo, Black Sabbath, Bad Company and Fleetwood Mac. My mum listed to The Smiths, Soft Cell and Bon Jovi. When I was really young, around two or three, I used to go to my nan and granddad's during the day and they were huge country fans. My earliest memory is singing 'The Gambler' in the car with my granddad whilst my nan had popped into the shop. I must have been all of about three but I knew all the words and loved it!"

 

For someone unfamiliar with your music, how would you describe your sound?

 

Stevie: "I would describe my sound as acoustic country."

 

You have recently released an album entitled "Finding Stevie". Where did this title come from and why did you choose it for the album?

 

Stevie: "There are two reasons why the album is called 'Finding Stevie'. Firstly, I really felt like I grew as a person and really found myself whilst making this album both in my personal life and in my music. Secondly, my favourite Disney film is 'Finding Nemo'."

 

The album is a fine mix of originals and reinterpretations. One of the originals, "Great Grandma's Words", sounds like their is a heartfelt message there. Can you tell us what this song is about and what influenced it?

 

Stevie: "I wrote this song when my great grandma passed away about five years ago. It is mainly about a relationship and the advice that I knew my grandma would have given me if she had of been alive."

 

You have also recorded a number of covers. How do you choose what songs you want to cover?

 

Stevie: "All the songs that I cover all have a reason behind them. For example, when covering 'The Gambler', it's because it reminds me of when I was younger. 'Timing Is Everything' is from one of my favourite films, 'Country Strong'. I cover songs that are relatable so that a song that means something to me can also mean something to someone else but for totally different reasons."

 

What is up next for Stevie Mould?

 

Stevie: "I am in my last year of sixth form and currently applying to university, I am still singing at open mic nights but I am just focusing on my education at the moment."

 

And who would be in your dream supergroup?

 

Stevie: "Guitarist - Eric Clapton, guitarist two - Newton Faulkner, pianist and backing vocals - Carole King, male vocals - James Taylor, female vocal - Pink and backing vocals - Tim and Phil Hanseroth."

 

 

PART 2 - THE QUICKFIRE ROUND

 

Favourite Beatle?

 

Stevie: "John Lennon."

 

Favourite band or singer?

 

Stevie: "Brandi Carlile or Joshua Radin."

 

Favourite new band or singer?

 

Stevie: "A Great Big World or Six60."

 

Favourite song?

 

Stevie: "I can't think of a favourite song but a song that I listen to nearly every morning to get myself going is Peter Kent - Good Feeling."

 

Favourite album?

 

Stevie: "Dixie Chicks - Wide Open Spaces."

 

Dream collaboration?

 

Stevie: "I would love to sing with Dolly Parton and Kenny but I would also love to sing with Stevie Nicks."

 

Vinyl, CD or download?

 

Stevie: "CD."

 

When you press shuffle on your iPod, what is the first track that comes on?

 

Stevie: "Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O'Connor."

 

Style icon?

 

Stevie: "Ellen DeGeneres or Heather Peace."

 

Favourite film?

 

Stevie: "Country Strong."

 

Favourite TV show?

 

Stevie: "Coronation Street."

 

Who would play you in a film of your life?

 

Stevie: "Melissa McCarthy, I think she is hilarious and a great actress."

 

Favourite food?

 

Stevie: "Chicken korma."

 

Football team?

 

Stevie: "Liverpool."

 

 

PART 3 - THE REVIEW

 

Stevie Mould is a seventeen year old singer/songwriter from Beverly, East Yorkshire. She has always had a love of singing and performing and released her debut album, "Finding Stevie", in 2013. The album is a collection of original compositions and her renditions of classic tunes.

 

"Finding Stevie" opens with a unique and intimate rendition of Garrett Hedlund's "Timing Is Everything", originally taken from the motion picture Country Strong. This really does set the tone for the rest of the album; Stevie and her guitar playing a cross of Americana, country and folk; it proves to be a winning mix as well.

 

More covers follow in the form of "Why", "I Can't Make You Love Me" and an exceptional reinterpretation of Dido's "White Flag". Then on track five we are made aware that, as well as being a fine singer, Stevie is also a fine songwriter. The track in question, "Great Grandma's Words", is a heartfelt ballad which sees Stevie relaying the words of incouragement her grandmother had once given her.

 

A further mixture of covers and originals follow; with highlights being the cover of "Stuck On You" and the three further originals - "See Me", "Jack's Bride" (a song written in the English folk tradition; think a cross between Kate Rusby and Edwina Hayes) and "New Orleans". The set comes to a close with Kenny Rogers' "The Gambler". This version really shows Stevie's unique talent of taking a song and stripping it down to its bare bones, at its most intimate and showing the true grit of the lyrics.

 

All in all, this is an album to be proud of and something that Stevie can easily build on with her follow up albums. Good work!

 

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on Stevie Mould, be sure to check out our previous feature on The Broxton Hundred.

 

To keep up to date with future blog features you can like our Facebook page at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords

 

Check out Stevie Mould at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/StevieRMould

 

Get the "Finding Stevie" CD at the following link - http://www.steviemould.co.uk/#/my-music/4570437147

Shine on,
AB RECORDS

DIFFERENT BEAT: An interview with the brilliant Broxton Hundred about their latest single and a review as well!

 

The Broxton Hundred have recently released their second single and the follow up to "Circles". The track is entitled "Different Beat" and is classic Broxtons - an instantly catchy number with hints of psychedelia and a pop edge that proves to be irresistible.

 

Below we catch up with drummer Rich Ormond to discuss what the band have been up to since the release of "Circles", a bit about the new single and about some of Rich's favourite things - musical and non-musical. We also have a go at reviewing the track.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

PART 1 - THE INTERVIEW

 

Hi Rich, thanks for taking the time to chat to me. It's been a while since your last release. What have the band been up to since the release of "Circles"?

 

Rich: "Ha it has been a while we know! Well we played a fair amount of shows and we got the set sounding pretty tight so we just enjoyed letting others hear the songs. Highlights were supporting Bonehead and the Manchester show at Pretty Green...oh and the November show with the Clone Roses. You may also notice three became four; Joey Berry joined us on the bass."

 

The new single is classic Broxtons and its fair to say that I am a big fan of it already. What is the A-side, "Different Beat", about and what would you say influenced the track?

 

Rich: "Cheers Tom, well the fact is this tune is one that Rich Lucas and Gaz had from there former band although we've made it more catchy! As for knowing what it's about you'll have to ask Lucas...maybe he's trying to say he wants some different drums from me...hope not though."

 

What about the B-side, "Just Another Girl"?

 

Rich: "Like a few of our songs, and I imagine like a lot of bands, this started off as a bit of a jam in the rehearsal room. Joey put a banging bass line to it and it was born."

 

What is up next for The Broxton Hundred?

 

Rich: "We have a busy year planned. We have some interest from a well connected contact and have a meeting this month to plan out the year ahead. There will be two more releases earlish in the year and we'll get out and play a load more gigs."

 

Any plans to venture up north to do some gigs in Scotland?

 

Rich: "Yeah can't see why not, northern shows and shows outside London are a bit more enjoyable. Think it's done to London being so diluted, not saying those gigs aren't good but it's just...well dunno, can't really explain it without sounding like a London hater which of course I'm not."

 

And finally, who would be in your dream supergroup?

 

Rich: "Easy; Richard Lucas, Gaz Gerrard, Joey Berry and me."

 

 

PART 2 - THE QUICKFIRE ROUND

 

Favourite Beatle?

 

Rich: "George."

 

Favourite band or singer?

 

Rich: "The Stone Roses."

 

Favourite song?

 

Rich: "It changes daily...can't answer that."

 

Favourite album?

 

Rich: "The Stone Roses debut."

 

Dream collaboration?

 

Rich: "See above."

 

Vinyl, CD or download?

 

Rich: "Vinyl yes, CD no, download yes. Vinyl is a better sound than CD, there's no lost quality on sound as nothing's been compressed. They lied to us about CD's and they've been too expensive."

 

When you press shuffle on your iPod, what is the first track that comes on?

 

Rich: "Never press shuffle, I'm a creature of habit."

 

Style icon?

 

Rich: "Bobby Gillespie."

 

Favourite film?

 

Rich: "Withnail And I."

 

Favourite TV show?

 

Rich: "Breaking Bad...gutted it's over."

 

Favourite food?

 

Rich: "Burritos...fucking mega."

 

Football team?

 

Rich: "West Ham."

 

 

PART 3 - THE REVIEW

 

The latest offering from The Broxton Hundred has arrived and it certainly does not disappoint. Entitled "Different Beat" it captures the psychedelic nature of the Broxtons sound that has been hinted at in previous recordings such as "She Brings The Light" and "Who Put The Weight Of The World On Your Shoulder". The tune also manages to retain that irresistible groove and funk edge that we have grown to know and love.

 

The B-side, "Just Another Girl", is equally as strong. This track leans slightly more towards the pop side of the band's sound but again it has that funk edge that is becoming the signature of the Broxtons sound.

 

Overall, this is another strong instalment in the Broxtons back catalogue and sits well alongside "Higher Surroundings" and "Circles".

 

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on The Broxton Hundred.

 

To keep up to date with future blog features like our Facebook page at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords

 

Check out The Broxton Hundred at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/thebroxtonhundred

 

Listen to "Different Beat" at the following link - https://soundcloud.com/thebroxtonhundred/different-beat

 

Shine on,

AB RECORDS