GET ON IT: Our interview with Paul from The Toi! Read about their latest single, working with members of The Darkness and much, much more!

 

PART 1 - "THE INTERVIEW"

 

What is your earliest musical memory and what pushed you towards pursuing a career in the music business?

 

"It'd be my sister getting the 'Bad' album on cassette and playing it non-stop. Then 'Moonwalker' the film and my old man blasting Billy Joel in the car - that and eighties pop radio."

 

What kind of records were on around the house when you were younger and would you say that these records still influence your music today?

 

"Our folks have pretty much similar taste - the Eagles, Billy Joel, Queen etc...of course MJ featured heavily as did The Beatles...they are very much an influence.You've got to learn from and pay homage to the greats!"

 

Had you been involved in any other bands or musical ventures before The Toi?

"We've all done various sessions here and there and played with other bands with friends."

 

How did The Toi begin?

 

"We all knew one another from playing football as kids and then we'd hang about with mutual friends. I think the same as most bands do when they get together. We couldn't really play, had never written anything but we knew we wanted to be in a rock 'n' roll band, so we learned our instruments to a decent standard and played with different bands learning as we went. Then about two and a half years ago we thought 'let's make a real go of this thing!' and here we are!"

 

Where did the name The Toi come from?

 

"It was an old friend - we were trying to get names or ideas of names...he hit out with 'The Toi' and it just kinda stuck. We'd like to point out we are not a buckfast fuelled street gang. We now decant our tonic!"

 

How would you describe the sound of The Toi?

 

"In a few words...big, melodic, catchy and hooky."

 

Your latest single is ‘Get On It’ – an upbeat slice of glam rock. What influenced the song and what is the song itself about?

 

"It's really a very Neanderthal chorus - it's very simple to sing along. It's about a certain type of woman that behaves in an entirely selfish way and she uses men for her own ends. There's at least one in every bar on any given night...I think both the guys and girls reading this know who we're singing about."

 

You are currently working on your debut album. What can fans expect from this?

 

"It's done - in the can. Eager to get it out! They can expect ten bombastic songs that are the perfect introduction to our sound. It's a great record with each song being very strong. Everyone will love it - we're convinced!"

 

Dan Hawkins (of The Darkness) is helping out in the producer chair. What is he bringing to the record?

 

"Dan brought a love of curry, cigarettes and disgusting pints of Red Stripe to the table. That and a great ear for hooks. We learnt a lot working with him and Nick Brine - there's a reason why these guys are so in demand. Incredible ears that really helped us get down on tape what the songs sounded like in our heads. They also taught us that it's work and there's a budget so don't mess around. Great experience and even better advice."

 

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

 

"We slag each other, listen to Bon Jovi 'Dry County 93 from Milton Keynes' and eat sushi. We love sushi."

 

Any live dates coming up?

 

"There will be - we shall keep you posted on the facebook page!"

 

Any new songs in the pipeline?

 

"Yes. Lots. One we're really proud of is called 'Judas"' - it's killer. Can't say anymore."

 

When can fans expect the next official release?

 

"Things are being ironed out contractually right now so we have no official word - as soon as we do we'll let you guys know."

Who would be your dream collaboration?

 

"Would love to work with Mutt Lange. He's immense - love his work. That aside, it's a great question...hadn't thought about it...would love to write songs for lots of artists...Michael Jackson...would have loved to have written a song for him. Maybe in the next life!"

 

Who would be in your dream super group?

 

"Great question...okay....drums - Nicko McBrain, bass - Steve Harris, guitar - Stevie Sambora and Adrian Smith, keys - David Bryan and Jonathan Cain and vocals - Steve Perry and Freddie."

 

PART 2 - "THE QUICKFIRE ROUND"

 

Favourite Beatle?

 

"John."

 

 Favourite band?

 

"The Beatles."

 

Favourite new band?

 

"Steel Panther."

 

Favourite song?

 

"I'll Make Love To You, Boyz II Men."

 

Favourite album?

 

"Bad, Michael Jackson."

 

Vinyl, CD or download?

 

"Vinyl and CD."

 

Style icon?

 

"Michael Jackson or Wham."

 

Favourite clothing brand?

 

"Don't look at labels!"

 

Favourite film?

 

"Spinal Tap, Anvil and Peter Pan."

 

Favourite TV show?

 

"Tony Soprano is the man!"

 

Who would play you in a film of your life?

 

"Stevie would be played by Kris Commons who's a footballer, Andy would be played by either Joey from Friends or the guy who did the voiceover for Pumba in the Lion King and I'd be played by Pippa Middleton in drag."

 

Favourite food?

 

"Bhuna lamb with nan. Love a good curry!"

 

Football team?

 

"Yuck! Hate soccer!"

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on The Toi! Check out our previous feature on Mama Blue & Son!

 

Check out The Toi here - https://www.facebook.com/TheToiOfficial

 

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

 

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LONG JOHN BLUES: Our interview with mother and son duo, Mama Blue & Son!

 

Mama Blue & Son's interview is the first Aldora Britain Records feature to be done as an audio file. It can be listened to here - https://soundcloud.com/aldorabritainrecords/mama-blue-son-interview

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on Mama Blue & Son! Check out our previous feature on Those Who Seek!

 

Check out Mama Blue & Son here - http://www.mamablueandson.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

 

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LOOK TO THE SKIES: Our interview with Mancunian 'heavy' pop punk outfit, Those Who Seek!

 

PART 1 - THE INTERVIEW

 

What is your earliest musical memory and what pushed you towards pursuing a career in the music business?

 

Matt: "I think, mine was probably learning to play drums. I first started when I was about twelve but gave up and then restarted when I was about fourteen again. What’s pushed me into my musical ventures has definitely been the feeling that you truly have an amazing time doing what you love, writing something that means something to you – yet at the same time, truly comforting people and helping them get through things. Makes it all worth it for sure."

 

Sean: "I remember listening to Oasis thinking music was the coolest shit ever - only years later did I actually consider it to be something I'd dedicate so much of my time to, and that's mainly just from watching so many bands live and loving the thrill of performing."

 

Nathan: "I'd say it was getting my first guitar when I was seven and that my dad played guitar when he was young."

 

Had you been involved in any other bands or musical ventures before Those Who Seek?

 

Matt: "Yeah, I mean, me and Nathan were in a year nine band back when I played drums and he played bass. It was a terrible high school band but it helped me gain a good idea for the industry."

 

Sean: "I've been in several bands before Those Who Seek, some more serious than others, typical 'high school band' Arctic Monkeys covers and what not."

 

Nathan: "Yeah...back when I was a bassist me and Matt had a year nine band and I had a year seven even before that."

 

How did Those Who Seek begin?

 

Matt: "Those Who Seek began back when me and Nathan had broken off from our old band. Looking for a side project we started messing about with things in 2011 acoustically. We slowly became a young Manchester band in 2012 but didn’t release anything and didn’t play any shows. The members didn’t last but finally at the end of 2012 we gained Sean and Dan and then Brad at the start of 2013. Ever since 2013’s come about I think it’s starting coming together properly. When we’re asked when TWS started we say 2012 because Those Who Seek as we know it, didn’t start until late 2012/2013, not really."

 

Nathan: "Ditto to Matt."

 

Where did the name Those Who Seek come from?

 

Matt: "When the side project started becoming kind of like an acoustic band me and Nathan were considering names. I’m quite spiritually attached to things – I looked at a bible verse from Matthew chapter 7 v7-8 and whilst I’m not Christian, I loved the phrase and it truly explained me and my way of going about things and getting them if I truly seek it. I’ve kind of introduced Nathan into all that stuff now, and he studies it all too but back then he didn’t seem to really care."

 

Nathan: "Matt's decision."

 

How would you describe the sound of Those Who Seek?

 

Matt: "Honestly, no idea. It’s a cross between every style of new rock/metal there is today. We can change our setlist accordingly to specific shows."

 

Sean: "Somewhere between pop punk and hardcore with a little bit of indie stuck in there for fun."

 

Nathan: "You know what, I don't even know anymore heavy pop punk, post hardcore."

 

Your debut EP is called “Because Really, We’re Just Animals” and was released earlier this year. Where did this title come from and why did you choose it?

 

Matt: "The term 'Because Really, We’re Just Animals' was something I came up with whilst we were all discussing EP names. It’s kind of an observation of tolerance and understanding to people; how they function and why. Many people don’t know humans are animals – I suppose it’s because we consider ourselves to be superior somehow, but sometimes I think it’s important to bring ourselves back to earth and remember that the bear skin and bone of us is simply nature and the animal instincts that are built within us. Likewise, I love how complicated we’ve made our lives to the extent we want more things than we need."

 

Nathan: "Matt's comments yet again!"

 

What influenced this EP on the whole?

 

Matt: "Lots of different things that have affected me lyrically. In terms of music I’d say we’ve all been heavily influenced by the likes of Bring Me The Horizon, Architects, You Me At Six and Deaf Havana."

 

Sean: "Many, many things. When this was being written I was very new to this kind of music, so musically it was me taking my alternative/indie roots and the rest of the band making them a little heavier."

 

Nathan: "Everyone had their own ideas and own taste which sort of merged into what we have (except for Brad, he came late)."

 

You have been offered a clothing endorsement already in your career. How did it feel being asked to be the face of as brand like this?

 

Matt: "It was really cool to be asked to do that. Atera are really nice guys and have hooked us up with some nice threads. They’re going to be on our new music video so watch out for that!"

 

Nathan: "It was great knowing that people see so much potential in us and of course, nice getting free clothes."

 

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

 

Matt: "I just make sure I’ve got some warm water and strepsils and I’m fine. When we play a big show we have a huddle but that’s it."

 

Matt: "I like to keep the old school rock star feel and have a nap and a cuppa."

 

Nathan: "Not really a ritual but booze."

 

Any live dates coming up?

 

Matt: "Yeah man! We’re playing Norwich next week (19th) followed by Manchester on the 8th November and then Derby on December 14th. We had a tour booked but it fell through so we’re seriously booking down with demos ready to record."

 

Nathan: "Another thing Matt's probably said..."

 

Any new songs in the pipeline?

 

Matt: "Yeah, we’re getting ready to record demos in Liverpool in about three weeks time. Then after that we’re going down to Surrey with Matt O’Grady (You Me At Six, Bring Me The Horizon,Your Demise etc.) – we’re booked in to record two songs but we have some more songs ready to record after that – once we find the money for them."

 

Nathan: "Of course, just you wait."

 

When can fans expect the next official release?

 

Matt: "I can’t say for sure but it will be early 2014 for sure."

 

Sean: "When they least expect it."

 

Nathan: "Very soon but new songs wise a few months."

 

Who would be your dream collaboration?

 

Matt: "If we were to tour, I’d love to go with You Me At Six, Bring Me The Horizon, While She Sleeps and A Day To Remember or Mallory Knox."

 

Sean: "I'd love to sing a duet with Whitney Houston."

 

Nathan: "Mallory Knox easy, same vibe as us."

 

Who would be in your dream super group?

 

Matt: "Dan Flint on drums, Jeremy McKinnon on vocals, Lee Malia on leads, Sam Douglas on bass and Max Heyler on rhythm guitar."

 

Sean: "Thom Yorke and John Frusciante, accompanied by Rolf Harris on the didgeridoo."

 

PART 2 - THE QUICKFIRE ROUND

 

Favourite Beatle?

 

Matt: "Ringo."

 

Sean: "David Cameron."

 

Nathan: "John did the most he could to change the world with his influence."

 

Favourite band?

 

Matt: "You Me At Six or While She Sleeps."

 

Sean: "Radiohead."

 

Nathan: "Currently, I See Stars but that'll change in a week."

 

Favourite new band?

 

Matt: "Mallory Knox or Don Broco."

 

Sean: "This Town Needs Guns."

 

Nathan: "Don Broco."

 

Favourite song?

 

Matt: "Tigers & Sharks, You Me At Six."

 

Sean: "Idioteque by Radiohead."

 

Nathan: "You Wear A Crown But You're No King, Bless The Fall."

 

Favourite album?

 

Matt: "What Separates Me From You, A Day To Remember."

 

Sean: "Plans by Death Cab For Cutie."

 

Nathan: "S&M, Metallica."

 

Vinyl, CD or download?

 

Matt: "CD."

 

Sean: "Vinyl every time."

 

Nathan: "Vinyl cause I'm retro but I like my sound quality so CD probably."

 

Style icon?

 

Matt: "What?"

 

Sean: "I don't know what that means."

 

Nathan: "Oli Sykes maybe but not intentionally."

 

Favourite clothing brand?

 

Matt: "Atera Apparel!"

 

Sean: "Atera Apparel of course."

 

Nathan: "Primarni."

 

Favourite film?

 

Matt: "Troy."

 

Sean: "School of Rock."

 

Nathan: "Inglorious Bastards or Gladiator."

 

Favourite TV show?

 

Matt: "South Park, One Tree Hill or newly Breaking Bad."

 

Sean: "Breaking Bad!"

 

Nathan: "Dr. Who."

 

Who would play you in a film of your life?

 

Matt: "I hope Lucas from OTH."

 

Sean: "Britney Spears obviously."

 

Nathan: "Matt Smith."

 

Favourite food?

 

Matt: "Chicken strips."

 

Sean: "Pasta."

 

Nathan: "Curry."

 

Football team?

 

Matt: "Manchester United."

 

Sean: "I'm afraid I couldn't care less."

 

Nathan: "Newcastle United."

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on Those Who Seek! Check out our previous feature on Suspire!

 

Check out Those Who Seek here - http://www.thosewhoseek.co.uk/

  

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

 

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DODOS: Our interview with Glasgow's very own...Suspire!

 

PART 1 - "THE INTERVIEW"

 

What is your earliest musical memory and what pushed you towards perusing a career in the music business?

 

Chris: "Listening to music with my family CDs and occasionally my parents would bring vinyl down from the loft and we'd listen to old records. My love of playing the guitar and being creative pushed me to follow a career in music."

 

Brian: "When I was six, I remember listening to a song called 'Nobody's child' on a sixties compilation and being really moved by the lyrics. Since an early age I enjoyed expressing myself with whatever was at hand; pencils, sellotape, shouting, and as a relatively fat child entering puberty I found it important to increase the possibility of finding myself in 'sexual' situations. I had read that pop stars had an affinity with eager young woman so I decided I would use a guitar to express myself, and start working out before school."

 

Clare: "I remember playing my mum's old 45 vinyl records on this wee turntable. At family parties, I would pretend to be their DJ. I remember being curious as to what the reaction would be to the record I put on."

 

Had you been involved in any other bands or musical ventures before Suspire?

 

Chris: "I'm involved in another band - Touring Barcelona. Our first EP was recorded by Brian." 

 

Brian: "I cut my teeth in a band called Daedalian which was my apprenticeship into musicianship and song-smithery. I also wandered the toilets of Glasgow playing my songs on an acoustic guitar for anyone who would listen. I spent a few years involved with a musical charity called Loud n' Proud which culminated in a fantastic musical called 'I was there' at the SECC Armadillo. It was about the Glasgow Apollo Theatre and it was an absolutely fantastic experience."

 

How did Suspire begin?

 

Clare: "Paul and I met a small lifetime ago through a mutual musician friend at the time in King Tut's. He joined the band (a very different band at the time) shortly after on bass. Our sound - and members - have evolved hugely since then. I've never been more excited about our sound. Brian has brought so many fruitful ideas to the table."

 

Where did the name Suspire come from?

 

Clare: "It's a Shakespearean term, meaning 'to breathe' or 'exhale'."

 

How would you describe the sound of Suspire?

 

Brian: "Jagged pop."

 

Last year you made a music video for your superb single ‘Dodos’. What influenced the song and what is the song itself about?

 

Brian: "The song was a collaboration between Paul and myself and was written (in its elemental form) several years before I became part of Suspire. Lyrically, it is Paul's baby. However, my lyrical input was the rather nonsensical 'do, do then don't like you did with dodos'. Never let logic get in the way of a good metaphor is something we always say...without ever saying it. Music, production and community was the main purpose of that song. The lyrics are less important when you visualise the creation of the song as a holistic piece."

 

You are currently recording your debut album. What can fans expect from this?

 

Clare: "I think some of the tracks will surprise our fans. My favourite track on the album is 'On a Clear Day' - and we haven't even played this live yet."

 

Brian: "Pop driven synth-rock. There is a blend of acoustic and electronic textures. I believe the product, as a package, is documenting a transitional time from our more fundamental rock musings into a more dynamic, through-composed pop."

 

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

 

Clare: "I like sound-checking with enough time to chill for a bit. A good quality black coffee and a Stoats Oats bar also works a treat."

 

Brian: "Usually pouring my Buckfast from a glass bottle called a "boatle" into a non-descript, family-friendly bottle."

 

Any live dates coming up?

 

Clare: "We're playing at the Darvel Music Festival for St Andrew's weekend on 29th November, Darvel Town Hall. We also have an invite-only album preview coming up in January 2014 - more to be announced!"

 

Any new songs in the pipeline?

 

Clare: "Loads! But, we'll realistically only select a handful of the strongest for future releases."

 

When can fans expect the next official release?

 

Clare: "We will release another digital single next month, with limited edition albums also going out to our most dedicated fans late December. After that, we should have a shiny new album out at the beginning of 2014."

 

Who would be your dream collaboration?

 

Clare: "Too many to mention, but a stand-out one for me would have to be with PJ Harvey. She's very cool."

 

Brian: "I would love to write with Dave Grohl and Josh Homme. It's a little cliché but it would give me the chance to record on the Sound City Neve console and filth things up again."

 

Who would be in your dream super group?

 

Chris: "Joe Bonamassa on guitar, Gavin Harrison on drums, Tony Levin on bass...no idea who would sing."

 

Brian: "I'm in one. The atomic strength of Suspire, Touring Barcelona and Daedalian all in one badly-groomed package."

 

PART 2 - "THE QUICKFIRE ROUND"

 

Favourite Beatle?

 

Clare: "McCartney."

 

Chris: "Harrison because he worked with Clapton - who is a big influence on my playing."

 

Favourite band?

 

Clare: "Incubus or Radiohead (can't decide)."

 

Chris: "Too many to choose from."

 

Favourite new band?

 

Clare: "Everything Everything."

 

Chris: "CHVRCHES."

 

Brian: "I think Bruno Mars' latest album was spectacular."

 

Favourite song?

 

Clare: "Consistently, You Can Call Me Al by Paul Simon makes me happy."

 

Favourite album?

 

Clare: "In Rainbows, Radiohead."

 

Brian: "In Utero by Nirvana, Hate by The Delgadoes or Holy Bible by Manic Street Preachers."

 

Vinyl, CD or download?

 

Clare: "Vinyl."

 

Style icon?

 

Clare: "PJ Harvey, but she has her mental days - sort of love those too."

Favourite clothing brand?

 

Clare: "I prefer a good charity shop hunt for clothes, so it varies."

Favourite film?

 

Clare: "Home Alone, but only at Christmas time. Love Christmas movies."

 

Favourite TV show?

 

Chris: "Game of Thrones."

 

Brian: "Breaking Bad or Match Of The Day."

 

Who would play you in a film of your life?

 

Clare: "Kirsten Dunst."

 

Brian: "Paul Duffin."

 

Paul: "Wesley Snipes. (Yes, Paul is alive)."

 

Favourite food?

 

Clare: "Fillet of sea bass with a roast red pepper sauce (Guy's Restaurant, Glasgow. LOVE this place)."

 

Football team?

 

Clare: "In the band, we have 1.5 Celtic fans; one Clyde fan and one with no interest in football. So, let's just collectively say Arsenal and be done with it!"

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on Suspire! Check out our previous feature on Little Liam!

 

Check out Suspire here - http://www.suspire.net/

  

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

 

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LIVE FROM THE HEART: We review Little Liam's debut release from 2012, 'Live From The Heart'!

 

"THE REVIEW"

 

Little Liam's debut release, 'Live From The Heart', is a stunning snapshot of the OCS apprentice, Liam Garland, as he was almost two years ago. It presents each of his songs in their most primitive forms - just a voice, a guitar and occasionally a piano (Liam being accompanied just by his guitarist - Jimmy Pyatt). From the groovy riff of 'Last Dragz' to the magical yet simple piano of 'I Know Now', this is certainty one of the finest debut releases from any act in recent years. Not to mention the stunning finger work on 'Our Time Will Come', which has since been reworked on piano as the closing track to Little Liam's debut EP, 'The Beginning'. Other highlights include 'It Gets Better', 'Round The Coast' and 'You Don't Know'. All together a fine live set that deserves a listen from any true music lover. And things can only get better for Liam and his band from here as they have just completed some support slots with the legendary Mister Steve Cradock and have also just released their superb debut full band EP, 'If I Wasn't Me'. Little Liam are definitely a group to watch out for in the future.

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on Little Liam! Check out our previous feature on Dogstar Rose and Futurejack!

 

Check out Little Liam here - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Liam/76997510217

  

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

 

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