Monday 30 December 2013

2013: An overview from some of the best up and coming bands of the moment!

 
As we approach AB Records' first ever New Year we catch up with some of the bands that have graced our blog over the past few months and we also feature future interviewees such as mod boys The Spitfires, soul boys Man & The Echo and the legendary Henry Priestman.
 
Before we get going thanks to Mamas Lips for the sounds they have brought to us over the last couple of years and best of luck with their future projects. Hopefully Mamas Lips will make a comeback in the not to distant future.
 
We hope to see many of you in the new year, you can keep up to date with all future interviews at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords
 
For this feature, we asked each band a set of five questions to which they provided their own individual responses to.
 
Have a read...
 
         
 
Question 1 - What’s the best thing you’ve heard all year?

Thomas McConnell: "The best thing I've heard this year must be Paul McCartney's new album, 'New'...he's still the greatest at 71!"
 
Garry (Button Up): "James Skelly And The Intruders - 'Love Undercover' - stunning."
 
Darling BOY: "My nephew laughing. The Everything Everything and Duckworth Lewis Method records. Every utterance of 'Alex, do you want a cup of tea?'"
 
Pedro (Casual Agenda): "The unmissable rotation of shopping trolley wheels around the Wharf Bar's dance floor. Oh, and how could I forget, Dappy getting kicked in the face by a horse!"
 
Bill (Bel Esprit): "Listening to Babyshambles’ 'Farmer's Daughter' for the first time was the best thing. Say what you want, he can still sing."
 
Glenn (Groovy Uncle): "'Clarifoil' / 'Never Been To California' by Bronco Bullfrog."
 
Ted (Decoy Jet): "Close tie between Arcade Fire's 'Reflektor' album and Kermit the frog - 'Wrecking Ball'."
 
Jason (The Electric Stars): "Temples."
 
Joe (Casual Agenda): "'The Notion'!"
 
George (Bel Esprit): "The squeal of horror as I walked in on my flatmate stealing my milk after repeatedly denying it."
 
Nick (New Street Adventure): "The new Arctic Monkeys album."
 
Mark (DC Fontana): "(Das) Poltergeist - 'Your Mind Is A Box (Let Us Fill it With Wonder)' and the incredible unreleased 'Pro-Juicer' by Kiosk."
 
Kerry (Tilt Shift Music): "I didn't even have to think about this question! 2013 I haven't had any time at all to listen to anything other than the music I am working with or the music I get sent really. I was totally blown away the first time I heard 'Sure Enough' from Red Sails, musical perfection! And it remains one of my favourite songs of the year! Also the young guy I work with, Luke Cusato, recorded his debut single recently at Parr St Studios in Liverpool with producer Rich Turvey. Rich is a fantastic producer and I knew the result would be special, the result was epic. The release of this track in early 2014 will be the start of something big, remember I told you first!"
 
Gaz (Man & The Echo): "The best thing I've heard all year? I don't listen to very much in the way of new music, not because I don't like it or have anything against it, simply because I've not finished listening to everything that was released in the sixties yet. Plus a lot of new music seems to be by people with thick arms who look good in T-shirts, and I have an innate mistrust of well built musicians. I did enjoy the new Duckworth Lewis Method album, and Fush (bass player) keeps telling me about various new bands which I always assure him I will listen to. I finally got Billy Stewart's 'Secret Love' on vinyl, so that would probably be the best thing I heard this year."
 
Sachin (Bel Esprit): "'Reflektor' by Arcade Fire."
 
Rich (The Broxton Hundred): "If we're talking albums then 'AM' - Arctic Monkeys ran away with it. If we're talking singles then Daft Punk - 'Get Lucky' was a clear stand out single."
 
Henry Priestman: "Bill Fay - 'Life Is People'."
 
Dan (Casual Agenda): "John Grant - ''Pale Green Ghosts'."
 
Frans (The Most): "The Strypes and We Are The Mods radio show."
 
Fahad (Bel Esprit): "'Inhaler' by Foals or 'Don’t Swallow the Cap' by The National."
 
Billy (The Spitfires): "Arctic Monkeys - 'AM'."

Little Liam: "The best thing I've heard this year without being biased is Simon Fowler's Merrymouth. Love the style, love the music and of course the people!"

Joel (The Last Of The Troubadours): "I think it's been a great year for music! I really loved 'AM'. Such a cool album."
 
Aaron (Stone Thieves): "James Skelly & The Intenders - 'Love Undercover'. Such a belting album. Proper songs. Proper singer. Proper instrumentation. Every song on that record could be a hit."
 
         
 
Question 2 - What’s the worst thing you’ve heard all year?
 
Thomas McConnell: "I can't think of anything specific but there's definitely been some really shit pop come out this year. I can't stand Mumford & Sons and all that Topman we're-rich-but-look-poor-folk."
 
Garry (Button Up): "I don't listen to shit records but watched Robbie Williams and Olly Murs sing a jungle book song, horrific."
 
Darling BOY: "Can't think of any truly terrible music I've heard - must have been a vintage year! Every utterance of 'Alex, we've run out of teabags'."
 
Pedro (Casual Agenda): "James Blunt is still making music."
 
Bill (Bel Esprit): "Relentless Vietnamese pop on a night bus while coping with food poisoning."
 
Glenn (Groovy Uncle): "Almost everything played on mainstream daytime radio."
 
Ted (Decoy Jet): "Another close tie between the foxes fighting outside my house at 4AM last week and Kanye West - 'Bound 2'."
 
Jason (The Electric Stars): "Everything on Radio 1..."
 
Joe (Casual Agenda): "Not sure, anything with a '#' in the title."
 
George (Bel Esprit): "A similar noise as they then caught me stealing their milk."
 
Nick (New Street Adventure): "The new Mayer Hawthorne album."
 
Mark (DC Fontana): "Traumatic stuff in my personal life which led my cerebral cereal box to dish out a little snap crackle and pop resulting in lyrics to a new DC tune called 'Bluebells & Peacocks'."
 
Kerry (Tilt Shift Music): "Ooo I can think of a few things that just haven't been my thing. I do tend to think that everything has it's place though. People put so much heart and soul into their music that it would be unfair for me to say what's worse than others...music is so subjective! That's why you have people like Lily Allen doing covers of Keane songs! Need I say more!"
 
Gaz (Man & The Echo): "The worst thing? Dunno, I'm pretty insulated from bad music as I don't watch TV much and hardly listen to the radio, except 6music. Have you noticed when you're in a cheap shop like Home Bargains or Matalan they have re-recordings of pop songs with karaoke singers singing them? I think its to avoid paying royalties. I heard one with a guy singing 'I Predict A Riot' and he ran out of breath on the big 'whoah', so that would probably be the worst thing I heard."
 
Sachin (Bel Esprit): "'Upstarts' by Johnny Marr."
 
Rich (The Broxton Hundred): "Anything from James Arthur."
 
Henry Priestman: "Don't really do negativity, we're all trying to make a go of it, but there IS a hell of a lot of rubbish around! How about, worst thing I've heard all year...all the guff the politicians speak!"
 
Dan: "Justin Bieber - anything he has released."
 
Frans (The Most): "The deaths of Gypie Mayo and Lou Reed."
 
Fahad (Bel Esprit): "'Wrecking Ball' by Miley Cyrus takes the biscuit."
 
Billy (The Spitfires): "That awful track 'Radioactive' that XFM and Absolute play every fucking day."

Little Liam: "This is a hard one because most of the stuff in the charts today is bollocks so yeah, too many to list!"
 
Joel (The Last Of The Troubadours): "The creation of McBusted!"

Aaron (Stone Thieves): "'I Love It' - Icona Pop. That song ruined my summer. Everywhere you went it was their. Like a bad smell."
 
         
 
Question 3 - What's the best gig you’ve been to this year?
 
Thomas McConnell: "I've only been to a couple this year because I've been so busy myself but it's got to be the Radio 6 gig / Q&A with Paul McCartney in October."
 
Garry (Button Up): "Toots And The Maytals in Glasgow ABC."
 
Darling BOY: "The Soho Hobo at the Groucho Club. Duckworth Lewis Method at Lord's."
 
Pedro (Casual Agenda): "The Rifles. Just an epic band. Underrated!"
 
Bill (Bel Esprit): "Palma Violets at the 100 Club."
 
Glenn (Groovy Uncle): "Zervas And Pepper at St Pancras Old Church."
 
Ted (Decoy Jet): "Hard Rock Calling hands down; Miles Kane, The View, Kasabian, Paul Weller and loads more."
 
Jason (The Electric Stars): "The Wonderwall Festival in Germany."
 
Joe (Casual Agenda): "Tough one, not been to as many as I would have liked, Johnny Marr at the Wulfrun in Wolverhampton does stand out."
 
George (Bel Esprit): "Everything Everything."
 
Nick (New Street Adventure): "Arctic Monkeys at Earls Court!"
 
Mark (DC Fontana): "Plastic Palace People at The Gutter."
 
Kerry (Tilt Shift Music): "Again so, so many to choose from...I do at least two gigs a week! I had a great time recently at The Cavern in Liverpool. Red Sails, Colour and Soho Riots were all brilliant. If this goes live after 21st December I am going to have to say Ali Ingle's Do Robots Dream Of Christmas at EVAC in Liverpool! Ali is my son, and my younger son Oli, is supporting him with a DJ set...it'll be Oli's debut gig so just a bit of a special night for me! Also am pretty excited about seeing The Tea Street band 19th December at EVAC too!! Brilliant band who are just electric live!"
 
Gaz (Man & The Echo): "The best gig was without doubt The Duckworth Lewis Method at Manchester Academy, a really tight band, their enjoyment of the gig was infectious and Neil Hannon is a fantastic entertainer."
 
Sachin (Bel Esprit): "Arcade Fire at the Roundhouse."
 
Rich (The Broxton Hundred): "Well as a band we attended The Stone Roses at Finsbury Park that was of course amazing. And I also went to Glasto so The Stones and Chic were also amazing."
 
Henry Priestman: "Low at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral the other week...transcendental stuff."
 
Dan (Casual Agenda): "The Rifles."
 
Frans (The Most): "Mavis Staples live in Uppsala May 2013."
 
Fahad (Bel Esprit): "Arctic Monkeys at London Earls Court, Suede at Southampton Guildhall or Biffy Clyro at le Trianon, Paris."
 
Billy (The Spitfires): "Arctic Monkeys at Earls Court."
 
Little Liam: "Ok I haven't been to too many gigs this year but of course without a doubt December 14th, Ocean Colour Scene - Marchin' Already Tour, it was my era of being around their studio and also I think my favourite!"

Joel (The Last Of The Troubadours): "For the overall experience of how we did it, and the spoilt way we got to enjoy it, Kasabian at the Olympic Park."

Aaron (Stone Thieves): "Springsteen at the Olympic Park. Shows why he is the boss every time. Also the Black Crowes were on the bill as well."
 
         
 
Question 4 - What’s the best thing to happen to you all year?
 
Thomas McConnell: "Going to the gig with McCartney I mentioned and getting to ask him a question, only for him to know who I was from the cover of 'New' I did...an unbelievable dream come true."
 
Garry (Button Up): "Playing in London and Birmingham with Button Up, just back tonight."
 
Darling BOY: "Argentina. Touring with great mates. Being whisked to Vegas as a birthday present. Cups of tea. Seeing my friend Sophie smile."
 
Pedro (Casual Agenda): "Writing tunes, playing your music to people, the hustle and bustle of getting gigs, buying guitars, recording, breaking strings. All of this with your mates! It doesn't get any better than that does it?"
 
Bill (Bel Esprit): "Forming this band, starting uni."
 
Glenn (Groovy Uncle): "Recording and releasing our latest album 'One Vowel Away From The Truth'."
 
Ted (Decoy Jet): "Starting Decoy Jet."
 
Jason (The Electric Stars): "Being asked to record a song for a Hollies psychedelic compilation album! It was released on limited edition coloured vinyl and sold out in two weeks...We met The Hollies at their Manchester show on stage at The Lowry and the press turned up, next thing we are on the front page of the local paper!"
 
Joe (Casual Agenda): "Gonna be mushy and say my misses, but also getting Dan Bott in on the drums, the kid is a living legend."
 
George (Bel Esprit): "Starting uni."
 
Nick (New Street Adventure): "Billy Farr returning on the lead guitar."
 
Mark (DC Fontana): "It has been a real 'annus horriblis' for me and the sooner 2013 f**** right off and doesn't darken the doorstep of my memory again the better. It will be but a couple of things stick out...firstly Rosemary Pratka and secondly being asked to play bass with The Sorrows as well as DC Fontana."
 
Kerry (Tilt Shift Music): "On a professional level the best thing has been watching the growth of Tilt Shift. We had a fantastic launch party at The Kazimier Gardens back in June...incredible night of live music surrounded by the support of my family and friends was pretty cool. Since then things have just gone from strength to strength. Also travelling to Berlin for some meetings with Luke Cusato was pretty epic! Also I have to say meeting bands like Red Sails and Colour. On a more personal level there are far too many things to name...all my kids have made me so proud this year...my son signing a record deal...my daughter graduating...another going off to uni! My family are everything to me and they never cease to amaze me how they've grown up so incredible."
 
Gaz (Man & The Echo): "The best thing to happen was the positive reaction to our debut single, 'Beg'. Within hours of releasing it we were being talked up by James Endeacott (head of 1965 Records and former A&R man for Rough Trade) and the single got a play on Geoff Lloyd's Unknown Pleasures show on Absolute Radio."
 
Sachin (Bel Esprit): "Getting majorly into The National and Interpol."
 
Rich (The Broxton Hundred): "I got a dog, that's pretty fecking sweet, not very rock and roll but it's my answer."
 
Henry Priestman: "Finally finishing my album 'The Last Mad Surge of Youth'."
 
Dan (Casual Agenda): "Joining Casual Agenda."
 
Frans (The Most): "Gigging in the UK, Germany and Spain."
 
Fahad (Bel Esprit): "Got new tubes in my amp, sounds like a joke but seriously it sounds great."
 
Billy (The Spitfires): "Going on our first tour and the positive reaction we’ve had from many people we’ve met on our travels."
 
Little Liam: "I think the best thing to happen this year is Mr Fowler joining us on stage at Welfest which was a dream come true!

Joel (The Last Of The Troubadours): "It's split between playing the Isle of Wight Festival and walking out to a breath taking sea of people at the Carnaby Sound Festival."

Aaron (Stone Thieves): "We played some really good shows this year and we loved them all. Our local ones make it all worth while. But Cardiff back in April was belting! The Welsh were mad for it! And we got to play a show case at the Pretty Green clothing store in the city centre. We also released our debut EP early this year, which held its own in Reverbnation's unsigned rock chart, reaching no. 43 in regional poles."
 
         
 
Question 5 - What are you looking forward to in 2014?
 
Thomas McConnell: "I'm hoping things will keep going the way they appear to be at the moment, more gigs around the country and more tunes!"
 
Garry (Button Up): "Recording new Button Up album 'Beat Street' in January 2014."
 
Darling BOY: "Loads of touring. Loads of good times. Loads of writing. Loads of tea."
 
Pedro (Casual Agenda): "Playing Wembley Stadium."
 
Bill (Bel Esprit): "Saints winning the title."
 
Glenn (Groovy Uncle): "Getting to work on a new recording project."
 
Ted (Decoy Jet): "Loads of great debut albums from Dexters, The Sundowners, Findlay, Baby Strange, Life In Film and Temples."
 
Jason (The Electric Stars): "In 2014 we are going to release more material including our second album."
 
Joe (Casual Agenda): "Got a new tune on the horizon (hopefully you will review it again!) which is gonna sound ace. Looking forward to playing at some new venues that we've got confirmed in the new year..."
 
George (Bel Esprit): "Finishing uni for the summer."
 
Nick (New Street Adventure): "The release of our debut album!"
 
Mark (DC Fontana): "2014 will be a busy year for both DC Fontana and The Sorrows. As well as recording the second DC album which we are at the very earliest stages of sorting now. Looks like we will be heading back to Europe to spread the new DC Fontana sound and that’s also a huge thrill. On so many levels I instinctively feel that 2014 is going to be an 'UP' year for me both in a personal sense as well as a musical one."
 
Kerry (Tilt Shift Music): "Things being as brilliant as 2012 and 2013! Also a feckin' holiday might be nice!"
 
Gaz (Man & The Echo): "In 2014 we're looking forward to gigging more and hopefully touring. We've also got a stack of new material so we're all keen to get in the studio and get some more material out there in the early new year. We're hoping it's gonna be a very busy year for us."
 
Sachin (Bel Esprit): "New Warpaint album."
 
Rich (The Broxton Hundred): "As a band we're looking forward to doing some live shows outside London, northern cities and abroad. Heading back into the studio to do a live session of us just playing. Bit like Abbey Road live in session but it's a tiny studio in Camden."
 
Henry Priestman: "Release of the album (out February 17th 2014)...and more importantly, my 25th wedding anniversary!"
 
Dan (Casual Agenda): "Casual Agenda!"
 
Frans (The Most): "More gigs and record releases."
 
Fahad (Bel Esprit): "Potential tour from The Strokes."
 
Billy (The Spitfires): "Going back on the road, home and abroad, and more recording."
 
Little Liam: "Gigging again & more recording I think!"

Joel (The Last Of The Troubadours): "The first Last Of The Troubadours album."

Aaron (Stone Thieves): "The calendar is shaping up nicely for 2014 already, we are looking forward to every event we are down to take part in. Especially 'March of the Mods' in association with Teenage Cancer Trust in the spring. Great bands for a great cause. This will be taking place in Camden somewhere we believe. We also are planning another release, probably a promo single. We are mainly looking forward to playing shows with other decent bands and seeing all the faces again from last year and a lot of new ones we hope! We would like to take this time to thank all the believers! We've got one more show next week at The Horn, St. Albans on Saturday 21st.
 
                
 
Hope you enjoyed our end of year feature!
 
Big thanks to all the artists featured above! Also, a big thanks to all the other bands that have featured on the blog over the last few months! And, once again, thank you to Mamas Lips for the tunes and the rock and roll - hopefully see you again one day soon!
 
Check us out on our Facebook page to keep up to date with all future interviews at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords
 
And we leave you with the immortal words of Stone Thieves frontman Aaron Gardner... "shine on..." and see you all in 2014 when we will be bringing you plenty more of the latest up and coming bands, singer/songwriters, producers, record labels and much more. Have a good one!
 
Thanks
 
AB RECORDS

Monday 23 December 2013

PLEASE COME BACK HOME: Glasvegas return home for a Christmas gig at the Old Fruitmarket! Support comes from The Strange Blue Dreams!

 
PART 1 - THE REVIEW
 
Glasvegas returned home to their native Glasgow on Sunday for their Christmas homecoming show after having toured latest album, 'Later...When The TV Turns To Static', extensively over the last few months. The setting for the night was The Old Fruitmarket which has kept all its period charm from back when it was actually a market back in the Victorian era. It was an apt setting for a Glasvegas gig and the lads demonstrated this well as they roared through a strong sixteen song set which spanned all three of their albums and of course, their Christmas EP.
 
 
The night got off to a good start when we met Paul Donoghue, the bassist, in the smoking area round the back of the venue (we originally approached him for directions before the penny dropped)! Anyway, after photos had been taken we were back on our way and arrived at the venue for 6:30 when we were told the doors were meant to open. However, the first (and only) snag of the night hit when we were told the doors were not to open for another hour! Anyway, we eventually got in and were immediately impressed by the venue.
 
 
Half an hour later, the support took to the stage in the form of The Strange Blue Dreams. This five-piece, also from Glasgow, take their influence from the fifties and play a mix of rock 'n' roll, rockabilly and country. They looked the part as well, as if they'd just come out a time machine from the fifties, and the double bass and mandolin were nice touches as well! They played a short half hour set in which they impressed the majority of the crowd. They had good stage presence, interacted with the crowd well and had a selection of catchy tunes which, after all, is exactly what you want from a support act. Hopefully these lads will go on to big things.
 
 
Next up, was the main attraction of the night, Glasvegas. They came on stage to the backdrop of their recording of 'Silent Night / Noapte de Vis' and with a four beat count-in from Jonna Lofgren, the drummer, they were away with the eponymous opening track from their latest album. The song provided the crowd with a driving beat and a great opportunity for a sing-a-long early on in the night. This was followed up by the rocking number that is 'Youngblood' and then by 'It's My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry'. This, the third song, was perhaps when the crowd really got behind the band as James Allan's lyrics were echoed back at him from all corners of the room. Next, the band performed 'Euphoria, Take My Hand' which demonstrated Rab Allan's immense skill as a lead guitar player as he picked his way through perhaps one of the catchiest riffs of recent years. Following this, a more sombre note came when the band played a haunting version of 'I Feel Wrong (Homosexuality Pt. 1)' in which James puts himself in the shoes of a homosexual warning the world that 'once a day I think about killing myself'. The song itself shows James' ability to relate to people in all sorts of situations through his songwriting, which is another rarity in bands and songwriters of today. The set continued to flow with single 'If'. Perhaps one of the best songs Glasvegas have ever put on record and with a really upbeat marching band rhythm throughout the verses it provides another opportunity for the crowd to get going. The lyrics again are a strong point for the band during this song and musically it is strong as well. 'If' was followed by a peculiar choice in the form of 'Secret Truth', especially considering that 'Flowers & Football Tops' was not played during the night. However, despite the fact it is not the band's strongest track, the performance was sound. The band got back on track with 'The World Is Yours' and 'Dream Dream Dreaming', crowd favourites in which the lyrics were again echoed back at the band. Then the band fell silence for a brief period of time before James introduced the next song in his strong Glaswegian accent: "this is Geraldine". The venue erupted as Rab once again demonstrated his fine guitar playing with another exceptional riff and by the time the drums came in, with the bass driving away in the background, the crowd were in full force. For the next three or so minutes, the crowd screamed the words of 'Geraldine' back to James in near perfect unison before the song came to its natural end. Meaningful lyrics followed again during 'Ice Cream Van' and the main set was concluded with a boisterous rendition of 'Go Square Go' - another point at which the venue erupted as a chorus of 'here we f****** go' brought the set to a grand finale. The band now departed the stage as the crowd continued with the chant.
 
 
James eventually reappeared clutching his guitar. He stepped up to the mic and explained that his sister had asked him to play a song of their Christmas EP for the occasion. This left the crowd guessing - 'Cruel Moon'? 'Please Come Back Home'? 'F*** You, It's Over'? However, James soon launched into a solo version of the brilliant 'Please Come Back Home'. This moment seemed even more poignant when you remember that a fan suggested they play this song tonight in the memory of all who died in the tragedy at the Clutha Bar and one cannot help think of this as James repeats the line, 'so please come back home', as if he is in deep emotional pain and he has actually lost someone in the tragedy. After this the full band return to the stage to perform the menacing lead single from their latest album. 'I'd Rather Be Dead (Than Be With You)' is a true break up song with hate and disgust coming through the vocals at every moment. The gig was concluded with the ultimate Glasvegas finale with their biggest hit 'Daddy's Gone', followed by 'Lots Sometimes'. The former providing as good a sing a long as ever with Paul's driving bass playing coming to the fore and the latter having just the same effect. However, I could've sworn that James got some of the words to 'Lots Sometimes' in the wrong order!
 
 
Overall, Glasvegas played a fine set and it provided a perfect homecoming show. However, it is in fact more than that, as in recent times Glasvegas have released, in terms of critical and commercial acclaim, a disappointing second album; been dropped from their record label and had disappointing sales for their latest album. So, Glasvegas definitely have a point to prove and they are certainly doing that in their live show. Away from the stage though they are still matching their contemporaries in both musicianship and songwriting and one can only hope that Glasvegas do one day get back the recognition that they have earned and that they had at the point of their ground-breaking debut record. An exceptional gig.
 
 
PART 2 - THE SETLISTS
 
The Strange Blue Dreams
 
In My Nature
Reverberatin' Love
Fallin'
Electricity
Pretending Everything
Warm Place
Twilight Zone
Anyway
 
 
Glasvegas
 
Later...When The TV Turns To Static
Youngblood
It's My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry
Euphoria, Take My Hand
I Feel Wrong (Homosexuality Pt. 1)
If
Secret Truth
The World Is Yours
Dream Dream Dreaming
Geraldine
Ice Cream Van
Go Square Go
(Encore)
Please Come Back Home
I'd Rather Be Dead (Than Be With You)
Daddy's Gone
Lots Sometimes
 
 
Hope you enjoyed this feature on Glasvegas and The Strange Blue Dreams! Check out our previous feature on The Capers!
 
Check out Glasvegas here - http://glasvegas.net/
 
Check out The Strange Blue Dreams here - https://www.facebook.com/theshiverinsheiks
  
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

Monday 9 December 2013

ANYONE BUT THE ONE: Our interview with The Capers, a heavily 60's-influenced outfit from East London!

 
PART 1 - "THE INTERVIEW"
 
What was your earliest musical memory and what pushed you towards pursuing a career in the music industry?
 
Mazza: "Sunday night TV. Sounds of the 60’s, had everything, great show. Who wouldn’t want to do that for a living?"

Brad: "From an early age decent music was always being played and my uncles are very musical and always playing guitars and being in bands."
 
What sort of records were played around the house when you were younger and did these records have an influence on your songwriting?
 
Mazza: "Beatles, Small Faces, Kinks, Capital Gold on in the kitchen."
 
Brad: "The Beatles, Small Faces, The Kinks and all that. Being in the car with me old granddad listening to Nina Simone and jazz, Stevie Wonder. Motown was always being played at some time or another."
 
Both: "You start off wanting to be like your heroes, so it's had a massive influence on our sound from the instruments we use to harmonies and trying to keep every track to a perfect three minutes."

Had you been involved in any other band prior to The Capers?

Both: "Yeah but I cant remember any of them."
 
How did The Capers begin?

Both: "The Capers began with some friends meeting in a club we used to go to every Friday. Pretty much everyone in there played so it was easy to put together a band of likeminded people."
 
Where did the name The Capers come from?

Both: "The Capers came from a title of a track from our album. We’d recorded the album before we’d decided on a name. We’d had the most fun (beer) recording that one so it was in acknowledgement of good times."
 
How would you describe the sound of The Capers?\

Both: "It's eclectic and everyone hears something different in it. We like to play upbeat driven music so hopefully that comes across. And hopefully you can hear a good sound of the sixties people here too! Once described live as 'like The Beatles on speed'."

Your debut album is called ‘While Crooks Pull Capers’. Where did this tile come from and why did you choose it?

Both: "'While Crooks Pull Capers' came from a track name on the album. The song pays homage to my favourite book 'Burglar Bill'. That's a nice tin of beans, I’ll have that."
 
You have recently released the single, ‘Anyone but the One’. What is this song about and what influenced it?

Both: "We’d recently moved from a three piece back to a four piece band. I’ve always been a fan of the way the guitars play off each other in The Byrds and wanted to try something like that. The song's about others expecting more from you than you do yourself."
 
All the artwork to your singles and album has been quite distinctive to date. Is the artwork an important part of a release for you?

Both: "The artwork is an important part of the release for us. Probably a mind set of those of us who still think of releases in terms of vinyl, but it’s still a good way to invite people to listen to your music. We want our music to be distinctive and would like to reflect that in the artwork."
 
You, as a band, are always well turned out with an obvious influence from the sixties and the mod movement. Is the look as important as the music for The Capers?

Both: "We like good music and good clothes. In terms of importance, it's what we feel comfortable wearing. I dare say a few of us sit around the house in the same clobber!"
 
You have supported artists including The Moons and the legendary Steve Cradock. Do you feel that supporting other bands is key to finding new audiences and new fans?

Both: "We think supporting bands is key to playing to new audiences and fans. There are lots of bands that I follow now who I first saw as a support act and I’m sure its the same for others. With support gigs you know the crowd have turned out for a good night and are always more receptive."
 
Do you have any 'rituals' before you go on stage?

Both: "Gin and cough mixture! And the last smoke before going on stage!"
 
Any live dates coming up?

Both: "January 24th, got a good slot at the 100 Club and March 8th we are playing the London leg of March of the Mods in support of the Teenage Cancer Trust. Both good'uns so get your arses down! No others in the pipe line yet..."
 
Any new songs in the pipeline?

Both: "Lots of new songs coming up, we’re just planning our next recording session."
 
When can fans be expecting the next release?

Both: "Hopefully a little acoustic number this month. Aiming to get in the studio soon to start recording some new tracks."
 
Who would be your dream collaboration?

Both: "PP Arnold."
 
Who would be in your dream supergroup?

Both: "Steve Marriot, Jack Bruce, Keith Moon, Keith Richards and Billy Preston."
 
PART 2 - "THE QUICKFIRE ROUND"

Favourite Beatle?

"Bongo."

Favourite band?

"Small Faces."

Favourite new band?

"Temples and High Learys - loving their sound."

Favourite song?

"Tin Soldier."

Favourite album?

"Would you believe, Bill Nichols."

Vinyl, CD or download?

"Vinyl."

Style icon?

"Steve Marriott."

Favourite clothing brand?

"Pampers."

Favourite film?

"Get Carter."

 Favourite TV show?

"Blackadder."

Who would play you in a film of your life?

"Knowing my luck, I'd get the part."

Favourite food?

"Pie and mash."

Football team?

"Two Hammers and one soon to be two maybe Tottenham whatever they're called!"

Hope you enjoyed this feature on The Capers! Check out our previous feature on The Electric Stars!
 
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