Showing posts with label last. Show all posts
Showing posts with label last. Show all posts

Monday, 28 July 2014

LAST TRAIN FROM SILVER STREET: Our interview with Lester Clayton!

 
Below is our exclusive interview with London-based street folk artist Lester Clayton!
 
To stay up to date with future interviews and features like our facebook page at the link below!
 
 
 
PART 1 - THE INTERVIEW
 
What was your first musical memory and what pushed you towards pursuing a career in the record industry?
 
"My first musical memory was being a little kid maybe four or five, hanging around my dad's friend's Reggae Stall in Notting Hill... I was always surrounded by music and remember playing piano when I was tiny! So I was never pushing the 'industry' I just grew up in and  fell in love with the culture and could always remember seeing music that could make people smile and dance as a beautiful thing."
 
What kind of records were on around the house when you were younger and would you say that these records still have an influence on your music today?
 
"Growing up around so many different types of music has definately had an influence on the music we write... My dad was really into reggae, jazz, soul and rock 'n' roll, he was an old school hippy with the full beard and everything, he grew up with the BEST music, and so he passed that onto me, always having his records and tape collection playing in the house. Then on the flip side of that at school we were all listening to hip hop, people like Dre, Busta Rhymes, Nas,  Eminem, 2Pac, Biggie, Wu-Tang Clan and then the UK scene was coming up aswell. I really loved the story telling and social commentary of that era of rap. Our music just became elements of everything I've ever listened to."
 
How would you describe the sound of Lester Clayton?
 
"We call it street folk, with elements of reggae, soul and hip hop... I am blessed to have been working with a wonderful band over the last six years. We are a family and seem to creatively bounce off each other, we are quite different to other bands in that we don't put ourselves in a box to only play one thing, we play whatever we feel is good for the song... so some tracks are straight soul, with a ballad edge, or a reggae tune with a hip hop edge for example."

"Mehmet Raif on bass guitar comes from a jazz, funk and metal background and writes some really cool instrumental music, Wolfe Hogan on violin comes from a folk, country and classical background and is a fantastic songwriter in his own right, and 'Big Daddy' Steve on percussion has worked with some amazing artists like Benjamin Zephaniah and Desmond Dekker. With all of these backgrounds and a combination of instruments that you wouldnt necessarily see together, we sound very different and organic."
 
What instruments do you play when performing your music?
 
"I play guitar but then put some piano on the recordings, Wolfe plays violin and does backing vocals and has played some guitars and keys on the EP's, Mehmet Raif plays bass and guitar, Big Daddy Steve plays cajon, percussion and drums and has dropped a few guitar lines too! We like to mix it up a bit!"

You have recently released an EP entitled ‘The Lifeline’. Where did this title come from and why did you choose it?

"Our first EP was called 'The Breadline' which was about a time when I was growing up around lots of disillusioned young people, with no direction and a lack of money and this EP came out just before the riots happened. 'The Lifeline' was a followup to 'The Breadline'... the title is about unity, about needing to treat each other with a bit of love and respect, and was about trying to be a bit more positive in a difficult time."

The artwork from the EP is quite striking visually. What was the influence and direction behind this?

"The artwork was an idea I came up with when looking at a cheeky fiver I had in my wallet, I was skint, and so was everyone else around me... and I saw the picture of the queen on it and thought that people like you and me are as important to this country as she is, so why can't your average Joe's face be on our currencey!"

One of the finest songs on the EP is the final track ‘Last Train from Silver Street’. What is this song about and what influenced it?

"Cheers I'm glad you like it mate! A few years back a mate of mine, director Lee Tarrier from DOF Producions had written the script for 'Last Train To Silver Street' and sent it over to me asking if I could work on a song for the movie. The film is about a young kid who has just been released from prison, but is struggling to break free from a life of crime, he makes plans to get on the last train from Silver Street, in Edmonton, and escape to a better life. The script blew me away and was something i could relate to having seen it a lot growing up and so this is the song that I came up with..."

"Originally the song was just me and guitar, but I recorded it at Wolfe Hogan's house and left it with him, two weeks later he called me to say he had written some extra parts for it, and what he had done was make it sound so much more epic than I pictured it could be... so most of the love for that song has got to go to Wolfe for making it epic, and Lee Tarrier for the inspiration from a great script."

You have played a support tour for Ed Sheeran. How did it feel to get this recognition and opportunity?

"Supporting Ed was an amazing experience! We were lucky enough to have known Ed since he moved to London about six years ago as a fresh faced teen just starting out playing loads of nights in London, including one that the band and myself were running... we became good mates and like the gentleman that he is, when he made it big with 'The A Team' in 2011, he chose us, and a few others that he came up on the music scene with, like Kal Lavelle, Ryan Keen, Antonio Lulic and others on a couple of tours with him to support him. It was a mind blowing couple of tours that got us loads of exposure and helped us get a loyal following from some of his awesome fans! We also got to play some of the biggest venues in England because of it! It was very surreal!"

What would you say you learnt from playing the bigger venues that you did on this tour?

"I definitely learnt to not let the nerves get the better of me... if anyone had told me six years ago I would play to a sold out Brixton Academy I would probably have shat a brick, but I managed to keep it together on the tours! It also helped me massively learn how to talk to a crowd, its so different from playing a 200 capacity more intimate venue... when you've got 3000+ people looking at you, they don't want to hear you talk, they want you to make them dance and feel good so its a completely different setup."

Do you have any 'rituals' before going on stage?

"I don't really do the whole singing scales thing but I do tend to sing 'No Woman No Cry' at the top of my lungs to warm up a bit. Which is always wierd if you're getting funny looks from others who don't know you're going on stage!"

Any live dates coming up?

"We'll be announcing live dates later in the year, but in the meantime we always run nights where we give others the chance to perform. Check the Facebook page for details on our upcoming gigs and our 'Lester Clayton Presents...' shows!"

Any new songs in the pipeline?

"Yes! I'm writing loads at the moment. My latest song is abut racist English people who blame foreigners for all of their problems... there is a lot of underlying racsim in this country, and this new song is about how the real problem with this country is closed minded racists who put up barriers instead of building bridges. I can't wait for people to hear that one!"

When can fans be expecting the next release?

"Hopefully by the end of the year."

Who would be your dream collaboration?

"Wow - it would be mental to work with some of the great lyricists - Bob Dylan, 2Pac, John Lennon, Bob Marley or Gil Scott Heron."

Who would be in your dream super group?

"Bob Marley on lead vocals with 2Pac as his hype man, The Beach Boys on backing vocals, Flea from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers on bass, Van Morrison on sax, Prince on guitar and Ringo on drums... that would be madness!"



PART 2 - THE QUICKFIRE ROUND

Favourite Beatle?

"John Lennon."

Favourite band?

"The Wailers."

Favourite new band?

"Hot Under Collar."

Favourite song?

"No Woman No Cry, the live version by Bob Marley."

Favourite album?

 "Moondance by Van Morrison."

Vinyl, CD or download?

"Vinyl."

Style icon?

"Sully from Monsters Inc."

Favourite clothing brand?

"Riess."

Favourite film?

"Forrest Gump."

Favourite TV show?

"The Wire."

Who would play you in a film of your life?

"Jim Carrey!"

Favourite food?

"Chinese - New World, China Town, Dim Sum. The best!"

Football team?

"Spurs!"



Hope you enjoyed this feature on Lester Clayton!

Check out our previous feature on Neighbours!

You can check out Lester Clayton here - https://www.facebook.com/LesterClaytonMusic

You can also like our facebook page at the following link to stay up to date with all future interviews and reviews - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords

AB Records

Monday, 28 April 2014

ONLY REMEDY: We catch up with Joel from The Last Of The Troubadours!

 
The Last Of The Troubadours have had a busy last few months, topped off by a UK tour supporting The Rifles. However, just as the recording process for their debut album begins, two key members depart including frontman Darron J Connett. We have a little catch up with guitarist Joel Rogers to find out why and to see what the future holds for the band.
 
Enjoy!
 
 
AB Records: "The Last Of The Troubadours have come a long way in the last few months - you have continued to gig heavily, have supported The Rifles and have started work on a debut album. It seems, from the outsiders perspective, to be a really exciting time for the band. You have however just announced the departure of singer and frontman Darron. How did this come about?"
 
Joel Rogers: "We had a great end to 2013, as you say, with some great shows and ending the year with supporting The Rifles on their tour. The dates we did were amazing and we all had the best time! Yeah, Darron has decided to leave and we wish him the best in whatever he does. It came about by him saying he wanted to leave. I wish I had a better story, but that's it. We will always love him, but he felt it was his time to go. That said, TLOTT roll on regardless and as you mentioned there is a debut album bubbling over which we are really excited about!"
 
AB Records: "How will Darron's departure change the dynamic and set up of the band. Will you bring in a new lead vocalist or will you step up to fill these shoes?"
 
Joel Rogers: "We become a four piece again I suppose. For whatever reason, the line up has evolved since we kicked off and very rarely, if at all, out of choice. But I guess this is the next stage. No, we are spoiled for vocals. With Neil Amon now in the fold on bass, we not only have a great all around musician, but also another vocalist, in addition to the vocal talents of Tony and Luke, we have so much scope to explore."
 
AB Records: "You have already begun work on your debut album. How will Darron's departure affect this? Will you start anew or keep going with the current album?"
 
Joel Rogers: "The album we started writing will continue, nothing changes there. What is written so far is sounding interesting so there is no reason to change anything, we will just take our time to make sure we have the sound we want for it. It's pretty clear in our minds the feel and sound we want from the new tracks."
 
AB Records: "What can fans expect from the long awaited and eagerly anticipated debut long player?"
 
Joel Rogers: "Well I hope, a great  collection of eclectic tunes that will get everyone going, singing and moving!"
 
AB Records: "Over the last few months the band have gone from strength to strength. A definite highlight must have been supporting The Rifles. Would you say that playing these bigger venues with acts such as The Rifles make you 'up your game'?"
 
Joel Rogers: "We had the best time on that tour! We just enjoyed every minute but in all honesty, we play every show as if it's the Albert Hall. Even if it's only a half full venue."
 
AB Records: "Away from the gigging you have also found time to record a video for the 'Don't Stand On Shadows' track, 'Shame On You'. Why did you pick this song for a music video and what is the song itself about?"
 
Joel Rogers: "It was a natural choice from the last EP. We have done a Christmas gig/party for the past two years, and we decided to shoot a 'warts and all' live video last year for this video. We were pleased with how it ended up."
 
AB Records: "As a very style conscious band you must have been excited to design the Troubadour shoe with Delicious Junction. Thanks again for my free pair! How did this project come about and can we be expecting more Delicious Junction-Troubadour collaborations any time so?"
 
Joel Rogers: "Glad you liked them. Yeah we loved the end result. Not every band can say they have their own designed shoe. We will always love Delicious Junction, all they have done for the band and every thing we have done together."
 
AB Records: "Just before you go can you let us and our readers know what sounds you are currently grooving to in The Troubadour camp?"
 
Joel Rogers: "Most of our time currently is grooving to what we are writing! We really hope eventually you all do too!"
 
 
 
Hope you enjoyed this feature on The Last Of The Troubadours! Check out our previous feature on Eddie Japan!

Check out The Last Of The Troubadours here
-
https://twitter.com/TLOTTROUBADOURS

You can also like our facebook page to keep up to date with all future interviews at the following link
-
 
AB RECORDS

Monday, 27 January 2014

JUST THE WAY WE LIKE IT: Our feature on Kartica's new EP 'Last Gang In Town'! Features a review and band member Joe talks us through the EP track by track!

 
 
Below is our feature on Kartica's superb EP 'Last Gang In Town'! You can see our review of the EP in Part 1 and in Part 2 you can see band member Joe Troughton talk us through the EP track by track!
 
To stay up to date with future interviews like our facebook page at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords

 
 
PART 1 - "AB SAYS..."
 
"To fill stadiums the eighties had U2, the nineties had Oasis, the noughties had Kasabian and the 2010's will have Kartica. This six-song EP entitled 'Last Gang In Town' backs this up perfectly as the band unleash their arena rock sound on our hears in a beautifully crafted set of songs that clocks in at just under half an hour. You can hear it all - soaring vocals, roaring guitars and a driving rhythm section. It may be easy for reviewers to pigeon hole this band as 'the new Oasis' but we truly do believe there is something more to them than this which is perhaps best demonstrated in the anthemic tones of lead track 'Hard To Find'. Other highlights include the opening combo of 'Where It All Begins' and 'Lonely When It's Gone' which truly do set the tone for anthemic rock with the swagger of the britpop movement of the nineties. However, Kartica are not all flat out rock and roll as they demonstrate well on the acoustic guitar driven 'Fortnight From Now' and the much more laidback 'Dare To Dream'. The EP finishes with a bang with perhaps the strongest song of the lot in the form of the superb 'Just The Way We Like It'. This has perhaps the strongest chorus and will surely be a huge sing-along moment live. Overall, an exceptional EP by a band that will surely be filling the stadiums one day soon."
 
 
PART 2 - "KARTICA SAYS..."
 
Band member Joe Troughton talks us through the EP track by track!
 
"Where It All Begins"
 
"This is an upbeat & catchy song with a weird chord in it that I don't even know the name of! I think it's Bsus98add7A. Lyrically, and the last thing I want to do is sound political in any way, it is basically about the contradictions and hypocritical nature of today's society. It drives me mad and it upsets me that it leaves so many people confused at the thought of what to do to 'fit in'. Think 'Daily Mail'. Everyone should just feel free to be their self!"
 
"Lonely When It's Gone"
 
"Sing-along chorus! I love the simplicity of this song in terms of chords, riff and structure. It's basically about fighting to keep hold of something that has meant a lot to you for a number of years (not necessarily your missus!) It's immense to play live with the tempo changes etcetera - the crowd go mental! I love how it's recorded which is amazing really considering we'd gigged the night before, been blind drunk and the bass player had had zero sleep!"
 
"Hard To Find"
 
"One of my very favourite Kartica songs. To me, musically, it sums up everything about what Kartica should be and are. The lyrics are about keeping things simple and not having your thoughts clouded by surrounding nonsense. It's about perspective; most things are sorted pretty easily if you take a step back. 'It's getting hard to find, but it's easy to see'."
 
"Fortnight From Now"
 
"I love this one although I would say that because I sing it! Recorded in five hours from start to finish in what was meant to be the first of two studio sessions; it came out so well I didn't want to change anything about it. Lyrically, it's basically about not being afraid to make decisions; sometimes you've gotta make your mind up and embrace change. Positivity all the way. There's also a touch of sentiment in there which I'm a sucker for, to be honest."
 
"Dare To Dream"
 
 "Written by Hooky so you'd have to speak to him about the lyrical content. My take on it is that it's about sticking together, not worrying too much and looking forwards; telling someone close to you that you've got their back no matter what. The riff is beyond epic in my opinion."
 
"Just The Way We Like It"
 
"Again, an absolute live winner. It's just catchy rock and roll with a massive, uplifting chorus. That's what music is all about as far as I'm concerned. It's about unity, hope and belief."
 
 
Be sure to bag yourself a copy of this EP it's going to be a rare gem one day! Also, if you happen to be in Sheffield on the 29th March be sure to get along to the Bar Abbey on Abbeydale Road to see Kartica perform live as part of 'The Underground Gig'! It promises to be a good night and the performance is being filmed!
 
 
Hope you enjoyed this feature on Kartica! Check out our previous feature on The  Most!
 
Check out Kartica here - https://www.facebook.com/Karticamusic

Get your copy of 'Last Gang In Town' here - http://kartica.bandcamp.com/
You can also like our facebook page to keep up to date with all future interviews at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords
 
AB RECORDS

Saturday, 14 September 2013

YOU CAN'T GO ON, YOU GO ON: Our interview with alternative trio, Last Of The Light Brigade!

 
Part 1 - "THE INTERVIEW"
 
1 - What was your earliest musical memory and what inspired you towards persuing a career in music?
 
 "Attempting to sing along to 'What Became of the Broken Hearted' in a car. Probably about three. Still love that song. My dad bought me my first guitar for my 13th birthday and I listened to 'What's the Story Morning Glory?' for the first time. That's where it all began."
 
2 - Had you been involved with any other bands prior to Last Of The Light Brigade?
 
"Not really, in some form it's always been LOTLB. Don't think I could ever be in another band to be honest, that's probably why our stuff seems quite diverse, just however I'm feeling!" 
 
3 - How did Last Of The Light Brigade begin?
 
"Well it all began at School just under a different moniker. We played out first gig at fourteen." 
 
4 - Where did the name Last Of The Light Brigade come from? 
 
"A very late night discussion with two good friends of mine. We were talking about how romanticised The Charge of the Light Brigade has become. Typical British really. it just clicked." 
 
5 - How would you describe the sound of Last Of The Light Brigade?
 
"That's quite tough as it can vary. I'd be more than happy for anybody to help me out on that one!"
 
6 - You're a fairly young band right now but have already had acclaim from the likes of Janice Long and Wilko Johnson. How does this feel and did this acclaim have a boost in your career?
 
"Yeah definitely, supporting Wilko was great. One of our best gigs I think. It's great to be able to say we were the last band ever to support him too… (I think)." 
 
7 - Your latest single, 'You Can't Go On, You Go On', was out just last month. What is this song about and what influenced the song?
 
"It's about a young lady struggling to adapt to working life. with a twist obviously. Very Morrissey I suppose."
 
8 - Who would be your dream collaboration?
 
"Shirley Bassey."
 
9 - Any new songs in the pipeline?
 
"Tons!"
 
10 - When can fans be expecting a new single, EP or album?
 
"We will be releasing new material at the end of the year, hopefully Christmas time. Don't worry though it won't be a Christmas song!"
 
11 - Any live dates coming up?
 
"Yep, we got a ton coming actually which you can find out about on our website or facebook page. Really looking forward to it. 
 
12 - Who would be in your dream supergroup?
 
"No such thing as a supergroup unless it's by accident."
 
Part 2 - "THE QUICKFIRE ROUND"
 
1 - Favourite Beatle?
 
"John."
 
2 - Favourite band?
 
"The Smiths."
 
3 - Favourite new band?
 
"Pass!"
 
4 - Favourite song?
 
"There Is A Light That Never Goes Out or Slide Away."
 
5 - Favourite album?
 
"Queen Is Dead."
 
6 - Vinyl, CD or download?
 
"Doesn't matter, along as the sound's good."
 
7 - Style icon?
 
"James Dean."
 
8 - Favourite clothing brand?
 
"Levi's"
 
9 - Favourite film?
 
"Withnail And I."
 
10 - Favourite TV show?
 
"David Dickinson's Real Deal."
 
11 - Who would play you in a film of your life?
 
"Morgan Freeman."
 
12 - Favourite food?
 
"Anything Italian."
 
13 - Football team?
 
"Leeds."
 
 
 
 
Hope you enjoyed this feature on Last Of The Light Brigade! Check out our previous feature on The Oreoh!s!
 
 
You can also like our Facebook page to keep up to date with all future interviews at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords
 
AB Records
 
 
 

Tuesday, 6 August 2013

WHO'S GONNA LOVE US NOW: We have a chat with Joel from The Last Of The Troubadours - he talks about their latest EP, the collaboration with Steve Diggle and much, much more!

THE 'INTERVIEW'


1 - How did the Last Of The Troubadours begin?

Basically myself and Darron met at a gig (can't really remember who) in about 2011. We got chatting about all things music. He had a band going called Connett and we talked about having a go at writing together. I'd only ever been a solo artist really and was interested in the idea of writing with someone else.
We exchanged a few ideas via little sound recordings on phones and finally got together with a guitar and a few beers. We quickly had a batch of about 6 songs, only acoustically, that we were really excited about. Our original idea for the band was to have a kind of collective, with various friends from bands we knew coming in and out on different tracks. Luke had just moved to my flat in London, so he was the obvious choice to get in on drums.
 
After a few simple rehearsals Rob Pyne joined, having left The Rifles, and it all just clicked.

 
2 - You seem to take a huge amount of pride in your appearance and are always looking very sharp, do you consider yourself a 'mod' band and is style as important as the music?
 
Style is very much a part of us, and yes it is important.
 
I don't  consider us to be a Mod band personally. I think that Mod is such a broad thing and when I think of Mod bands, I think of the sort of bands that have targets all over the shop and play scooter rally's and jump around trying to imitate Weller from 1979. That is not us at all. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with that, if that is what people are into, its just not for me.
 
 I dislike the whole 80's Mod revival. I can't think of much of the music from that period that I like? Once again, I'm not saying there is anything wrong with it, but that doesn't inspire me, but then it shouldn't really. That was the people of the 80's take on it, which is what its all about. Mod is an evolving thing.
 
 I am inspired by the 60's. The music, the style and the culture. At the same time, we are not dressing up. It's just who we are 24/7, and its our interpretation of a style.

3 - How did the relationship with Delicious Junction begin?
 
Darron had a long standing relationship with DJ. I became involved with them with my Music Promotion Company Leamington Daze Music. Once me and Darron started to work together, Delicious Junction were keen to be part of it. They were at our very first live show, which was a LDM event. We had The Real People playing in London for the first time in years and TLOTT did a support slot. It was an acoustic set with just myself and Darron.

On the strength of the set Delicious Junction Records was formed and we have worked very closely ever since.

We have designed our own line of shoes which are due for release in September this year.

With the world in the financial mess it currently is, we cannot stress strongly enough how grateful we are for the backing DJ have given us in putting out our first 2 EP's

4 - The title of your new EP is 'Don't Stand On Shadows'. Why?
 
Basically, I was walking with my daughter Lyla, it was a beautifully sunny day and we were playing " i spy" and various other little games. She then said " Ok Daddy, here is the new game! Don't stand on Shadows"
 
I just thought it sounded really cool and wanted to get it in a lyric at some point.
 
I sat on it for a while and then when we were all booked in to the studio for the new EP sessions, we had 4 tracks ready to go that had been in our live set for some time but not been recorded. I really wanted to get something brand new on the EP that no one had heard, and it all fell in to place nicely.
 

5 - How did the collaboration with Steve Diggle come about?
 
I had known Steve for a while via my good friend Terry Rawlings. We had had many boozy nights over the years all together. We had often talked music and ideas.
 
We then had a gig at Pretty Green in Covent Garden postponed due to licencing issues at the last minute, and as a lot of people had arranged to come, we decided to turn it into a bit of a booze up.
 
We plotted for the day in the sun outside the Spice of Life on Charring Cross Road and had a great day with a big crowed. Steve was there and me and Darron were talking about our new tracks and the planned EP and we asked Steve if he would be interested in playing on a track. He said he would but we thought it might have been due to the various drinks that had been sunk by then.
 
I sent over the demo of Never Forgive You for him to check out and again he said he was up for playing on the track.
 
Anyway, a couple of months passed before we were in the studio. Steve as always was very busy but we gave him the dates and just left it that it would be great if he could make it but we would understand if he couldn't.
 
Well it was Jan 2013 and London was at a complete stand still under about 3 foot of snow. Being the top man that Steve is, he came all the way across town on a Sunday in that horrible weather and really made the track.

 
6 - Having already collaborated with Steve Diggle, who else do you want to collaborate with?
 
There are no plans at the moment, but in all honesty, we are happy to work with anyone if we are in to what they are doing
 

7 - Any new songs in the making?
 
There are always a few bubbling over so I'm sure we will be bringing a few new tracks to the set soon

8 - When can we expect more music to be released from the band?
 
We are busy with live shows up and down the country for the rest of 2013 so there won't be anything this year
 
 
THE 'QUICK FIRE' ROUND
1 - Favourite band? The Beatles2 - Favourite new Band? Kasabian/ Arctic Monkeys / Miles Kane3 - Favourite song? Too hard to call as it changes by the hour. I would say my favorite song released in my life time would be THE RIVER BOAT SONG - OCEAN COLOUR SCENE4 - Favourite album? Again too hard to call for same reason as above. 5- Favourite clothing brand? John Smeadly6 - Style icon? Serge from Kasabian7 - Who would you like to play you in a film of your life? If I could choose anyone ever it would be Oliver Reed8 - Favourite film? Another tough one??? Hmmm? Lock Stock and two smoking barrels and Snatch9 - Favourite food? I do love a roast! Either Beef or lamb with all the trimmings10 - Football team? Wimbledon (They don't exist anymore)
 
Hope you enjoyed the interview with The Last Of The Troubadours.
 
You can hear their latest single, 'Never Forgive You' here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNsVxPXH4Y0
 
You can also like our page on facebook to keep up to date with future interviews here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aldora-Britton-Records/348774015254547
 
AB Records