LOVELY: An exclusive feature on Buenos Aires-based band Original Artyfacts!

 

Original Artyfacts are an exciting new band from Buenos Aires, Argentina. There sound is somewhere between the British Invasion bands of the 60s and the jangle pop sound of the late 80s/early 90s.

 

In the feature below we catch up with the band and also give a review of their debut single "Lovely" which is backed up with two brilliant b-sides.

 

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

 

Enjoy!

 

 

PART 1 - THE INTERVIEW

 

Hi guys, thank you for taking the time to chat to us. The first question we always ask to artists is what your first musical memory is and what records were on around the house when you were younger?

 

Pablo: "My first musical memory is with a Beatles song, I heard it in a CD that came with a computer’s magazine. I really liked all the classic bands when I was younger, I used to listen to Nirvana’s 'In Utero' at a really high volume."

 

Nico Z: "I remember listening to 'Under My Thumb' on the radio in my dad's car. I was about eight years old and had never heard anything like it. Since that day I fell deeply in love with The Rolling Stones. Also, I remember listening for hours to the Creedence Clearwater Revival records of my dad."

 

You are a young band from Buenos Aires. How did the band begin?

 

Pablo: "Nahuel, Nico Z and Pablo started playing songs after their previous bands broke up and then Nico F joined and in mid 2013 we played our first show as the Original Artyfacts."

 

Where did the name Original Artyfacts come from?

 

Nico Z: "It comes from one of the compilation album 'Nuggets: Original Artyfacts' from the first psychedelic era, which was a great influence in shaping the band's sound."

 

How would you describe your sound?

 

Pablo: "Like the caress of a wave through a kaleidoscope of colours."

 

There seems to be quite a few good bands coming out of South America at the moment; very British-sounding bands. Is that a fair reflection of the music scene there at the moment?

 

Nico Z: "There’s a big independent music scene in South America which takes a lot of the US and UK sounds. Specially in Buenos Aires; the Brit-sound has always been present but there’s a great mix of genres."

 

You have recently released your debut single, entitled “Lovely”; a very jangly, catchy number. What is this track about and what influenced it?

 

Pablo: "This track is a simple pop song in the way of boy leaves girl/boy wants the girl back/the girl has a boyfriend kind of scene. In it’s conception we tried to make a good song for a single of the likes of “Be My Baby” from The Ronettes but in a modern key. It’s a sincere song and we think anyone can sympathize."

What does the rest of 2014 hold for Original Artyfacts?

Nico Z: "We hope to play a lot of shows and that our music reaches more and more people. Also we want to release another single."

Final question – who would be in your dream supergroup?

Pablo: "It’s difficult, but we all love Lennon, James Jamerson could pick up the bass, John Bonham on drums and Keith Richards I guess. Ray Manzarek could join too. Backing vocals by The Miracles."



PART 2 - THE QUICKFIRE ROUND

Favourite Beatle?

Nico Z: "Stu Sutcliffe."

Nico F: "Ringo."

Pablo: "John."

Favourite band?

Nico Z: "The Gun Club."

Nico F: "The Velvet Underground."

Pablo: "The Velvet Underground."

Favourite new band?

Nico Z: "The Octocats."

Nico F: "Santos Wussies."

Pablo: "Fat Dojo."

Favourite song?

Nico Z: "Can't Stand The Pain by The Pretty Things."

Nico F: "Know Your Onion! The Shins."

Pablo: "Be My Baby, The Ronettes."

Favourite album?

Pablo: "Transformer by Lou Reed."

Nico F: "Night Falls Over Kortedala, Jens Lekman."

Nico Z: "The Complete 1961 Village Recordings, by John Coltrane."

Vinyl, CD or download?

Nico Z: "Vinyl."

Nico F: "Vinyl."

Pablo: "Vinyl."

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

Nico Z: "In the last weeks, a lost forgotten gem by James & Bobby Purify: You Can't Keep A Good Man Down."

Style icon?

Nico F: "Elvis."

Favourite film?

Nico Z: "At this moment, Das Boot (the director's cut of 210 minutes) by Wolfgang Petersen."

Nico F: "Annie Hall."

Pablo: "Mean Streets."

Favourite TV show?

Nico F: "The Sopranos."

Nico Z: "Cosmos, the old and new version."

Pablo: "I'm watching Sons Of Anarchy."

Who would play you in a film of your life?

Pablo: "Morgan Freeman."

Nico F: "Bridgette Bardot (young)."

Nico Z: "Herve Villechaize."

Nahuel: "Bela Lugosi."

Favourite food?

Pablo: "Pizza."

Football team?

Pablo: "Independiente."

Nico F: "Boca."

Nico Z: "Lanus."

Nahuel: "Boca."

 

PART 3 - THE REVIEW

Original Artyfacts debut single is first class. Entitled "Lovely" it demonstrates just what this band are capable of. The track is a tale of break up and heartache set to the backdrop of jangly, upbeat instrumentation - the perfect juxtaposition. All in all, it is extremely catchy.

The b-sides too are first rate. "Record Store" is quite simply sensational and is the most catchy out of the three tunes and "Radios" is slightly for sinister but equally as brilliant.

This single is one that you must get your hands on and is free from their Bandcamp page so there's no excuses!



All photographs are taken from the official Facebook page of Original Artyfacts.

"Lovely" is available now with 2 b-sides from the band's Bandcamp page!



Hope you enjoyed this feature on Original Artyfacts!

Be sure to check out our previous feature on The Theme!

To keep up to date with Original Artyfacts follow this link - https://www.facebook.com/original.artyfacts

To keep up to date with Aldora Britain Records follow this link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords

AB Records

TIME FOR CHANGE: An exclusive feature on The Theme's 2012 debut album! Check it out!

 

The Theme's debut album "Time For Change", released in 2012, was a real call to arms for guitar-driven rock and roll bands up and down the country. In 12 tracks it manages to recapture the imagination of the Britpop psyche and it provided a brilliant introduction to what this band stands for.

 

Check out our exclusive feature on this sensational album below. It features exclusive interviews with frontman Gary Davis and main songwriter/guitarist Paul Bassom. We also decided to conclude the feature with our own little review of the album.

 

Feel free to have a read and be sure to spread the word!

 

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

 

Enjoy!

 

 

PART 1 - THE INTERVIEW

 

Hi Gary, how are you? I’ve just received a copy of your debut album and it is a really strong set of tunes; slightly more ‘rocky’ than the follow up EP “Hits the Sky”. What were the influences for The Theme when recording the album?

 

Gary: "The influences of 'Time for Change' was made up of the individual influences of all the band members as it was our debut album; from mod revival to 90s britpop. Songwriter Paul Bassom is influenced by bands such as the Small Faces, The Who, Ocean Colour Scene, The Jam and Oasis. Martin Gamby is a massive Moon fan and you can tell that in his drumming; he is also a lover of the mod revival period. Me, I loved the 90s britpop scene; that's what got me into music in the first place."

 

The title of the album is “Time for Change”. Where did this title come from? Is it a reference to the current music scene and the state of the charts?

 

Gary: "Yeah, I'd say that's a fair point. Two years ago I think there wasn't any energetic guitar bands; think the indie scene was a bit tarty, with Two Door Cinema Club, the Foals etc! Not to mention the manufactured TV rubbish like X Factor which is terrible and is killing music."

 

“First Time I Saw You” is a highlight for me; a song that you co-wrote with Paul. Love the tune and love the harmonica parts as well! What is this song and what influenced it?

 

Gary: "Think Paul came up with the gist of the story. It's about finally finding that one special person only to find that because of circumstances beyond your control it ends. Basically based on my bad luck with woman!"

 

You are currently working on the follow up to your recent EP “Hits the Sky”. How is this going? Any planned released date as of yet?

 

Gary: "Well 'Hits the Sky' is doing better then anyone expected (believe me though it's fantastic, if you ain't got it, get it!) We're buzzing from the attention we're now getting and wanna keep the momentum going, the new songs have been there for some time and the best thing is we can take our time as 'Hits the Sky' is still relatively new. We're hoping early next year for a release date."

 

What can the fans be expecting from the new EP?

 

Gary: "Expect the unexpected, really does take you on a rollercoaster ride. Again shows how the band has evolved."

 

What will The Theme be up to for the rest of 2014?

 

Gary: "Busy second half of 2014, obviously the new EP is now started but we also plan to keep plugging 'Hits the Sky' with some amazing gigs coming up, notably the O2 Islington at the end of this month with The Swiines."

 

 

PART 2 - THE QUICKFIRE ROUND

 

Favourite Beatle?

 

Paul: "George Harrison."

 

Favourite band?

 

Paul: "Small Faces."

 

Favourite new band?

 

Paul: "Temples."

 

Favourite song?

 

Paul: "All Or Nothing."

 

Favourite album?

 

Paul: "Moseley Shoals."

 

Vinyl, CD or download?"

 

Paul: "Vinyl."

 

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

 

Paul: "See Emily Play, Pink Floyd."

 

Style icon?

 

Paul: "60s fashion."

 

Favourite film?

 

Paul: "Goodfellas."

 

Favourite TV show?

 

Paul: "Only Fools And Horses."

 

Who would play you in a film of your life?

 

Paul: "Michael Caine."

 

Favourite food?

 

Paul: "Indian."

 

Football team?

 

Paul: "Crystal Palace."

 

 

PART 3 - THE REVIEW

 

The Theme's debut album "Time For Change", released in 2012, was a real call to arms for guitar-driven rock and roll bands up and down the country. In 12 tracks it manages to recapture the imagination of the britpop psyche and it provided a brilliant introduction to what this band stands for.

 

They hit the ground running with the britpop anthem of "Change of the Times" and send a clear message that they are the band to bring British rock 'n' roll back to the top. This message is solidified by "In This Town", which hints at influence from The Jam, and "Shake Up the Youth", which sounds as if it could have been written and performed by The Enemy.

 

Away from the full throttle rock 'n' roll there are tracks which are slower but equally as well designed to fill the stadiums. For example, "So Alive" and "Out of Control". And of course, the brilliant acoustic wonder of the album closer, "Opened My Eyes".

 

However, the strongest tracks on the album are without a doubt the harmonica infused "First Time I Saw You" and "Face in the Crowd". These tracks manage to fuse multiple styles together to create classic Theme tracks - rock 'n' roll, britpop, British blues, indie and ska.

 

This album, all in all, is a must have for any lover of guitar driven indie rock and roll. Get your copy now!

 

 

All photographs are taken from the official Facebook page of The Theme.

 

Be sure to get yourself a copy of The Theme's sensational debut album "Time for Change". Their follow-up EP "Hits the Sky" is also available now!

 

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on The Theme!

 

Be sure to check out our previous feature on Groovy Uncle and Suzi Chunk!

 

To keep up to date with The Theme follow this link - http://thethemeuk.com/

 

To keep up to date with Aldora Britain Records follow this link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords

 

AB Records

BAREFOOT IN THE CAR PARK: A brand new feature on Suzi Chunk and Groovy Uncle's brand new single, featuring 2 brand new tracks!

 

Suzi Chunk and Groovy Uncle have returned with the follow up to their 2013-released studio album "One Vowel Away from the Truth". They have recently released a brand new single featuring two incredible tracks - "Barefoot in the Car Park" and "Wet Weekend". The tunes are taken from the "Persuaded" sessions and hopefully the full length album will follow shortly.

 

In the meantime we catch up with Glenn Prangnell of Groovy Uncle to discuss the new single and the forthcomig album. We also get Suzi to answer our quickfire round and we write up a review of "Barefoot in the Car Park". Check it out below!

 

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

 

Enjoy!

 

 

PART 1 - THE INTERVIEW

 

Hi Glenn, how are you doing? I know you are prepping for the release of your brand new album but before we get started on that I think we need to chat about some of your achievements from 2013. The Suzi Chunk album “Girl from the Neck Down” was Hard Rock Café’s album of the year, I know you were heavily involved in this project so how did it feel to get this recognition from such an established and respected company?

 

Glenn: "I'm doing very well, thanks. Yes I was very pleased with that and I'm just chuffed that people are actually listening to what we do and any positive feedback is a great reward. As I've always said, making music is the easy part. Getting people to listen is the real trick."

 

Since the release of your last album, “One Vowel Away from the Truth”, what have Groovy Uncle and Suzi Chunk been up to?

 

Glenn: "Immediately after the release of 'One Vowel...' my thoughts turned to the next record. I wanted to get back into the studio as soon as possible as I already had lots of ideas."

 

You’ve made your comeback with a brand new single which features two very strong tracks. The summery, beat a-side of “Barefoot in the Car Park” and the more moody, psychedelic-tinged b-side of “Wet Weekend”. What are the two tracks about and why did you pick them to launch your new album?

 

Glenn: "Well 'Barefoot' was one of the first tracks we recorded back in January. I wrote it a few years ago and it was one of those happy little nonsense songs with a bit of wordplay and double use of the word 'lying' which I liked. I didn't think that much of it originally but during the recording session it began to sound like a corker! Mole at State Records heard it and immediately suggested they release it as a single with 'Wet Weekend' on the flip side. That track was actually recorded at the end of the 'Play Something We Know!' sessions in 2011 (as was 'You Look Good To Me' - also featured on the new album) but never made it on to the LP. Such a big sounding track and we always intended to release it on vinyl at some point. 'Wet Weekend' was inspired by the Goffin-King song 'Wasn't It You' - that beautiful downcast kind of vibe which I like a lot."

 

The new album is to be called “Persuaded”. Why?

 

Glenn: "I recorded a demo of an instrumental just for fun at home. I put a drum pattern down, then a bass line, then guitar and so on. I made the whole thing up as I went along, not really working anything out at all. The end result sounded a bit like a John Barry theme I thought. He, of course wrote 'The Persuaders' so I called my tune 'Persuaded' as a nod to that."

 

 Can you give us any details about the album? What can the fans be expecting and when will it be released?

 

Glenn: "There are two versions of the title track which top 'n' tail the album. The instrumental opens and the vocal version closes the album. For this record I've brought in the marvellous Miss Modus from Scotland. She sings 'Persuaded' and a few other tunes and she's great. Suzi is there, of course and she continues to amaze. A lot of familiar faces from previous records are there plus a few new ones. Paul Jordanous plays some excellent trumpet parts and on a track called 'No Idea' it's just me and a string quartet! I think the record has a kind of 'cinematic' feel and there's another nod to John Barry in the shape of a Bond theme inspired track called 'Your Weight In Gold'. I'm aiming for a September release."

 

What do you have planned for the rest of 2014?

 

Glenn: "I'll be working with Miss Modus on a single very soon. It will be her record, not a Groovy Uncle release but both songs were written by me. I'm looking forward to that."

 

Thanks for the catch up!

 

Glenn: "Always a pleasure."

 

 

PART 2 - THE QUICKFIRE ROUND

 

Favourite Beatle?

 

Suzi: "George."

 

Favourite band?

 

Suzi: "I can't just pick one - my top four are The Beatles, Bonzo Dog Band, Parliament/Funkadelic and Led Zep."

 

Favourite song?

 

Suzi: "I have hundreds, nay thousands of favourites depending on what mood I'm in. How Can You Mend A Broken Heart - the Al Green cover, not the Bee Gee's original is definitely quite high ranking though."

 

Favourite album?

 

Suzi: "Right now it's Stax Of Funk - The Funky Truth."

 

Vinyl, CD or download?

 

Suzi: "All."

 

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

 

Suzi: "I Me Mine - The Beatles."

 

Style icon?

 

Suzi: "Sue Pollard."

 

Favourite film?

 

Suzi: "Spinal Tap."

 

Favourite TV show?

 

Suzi: "Good comedy - owt with Alan Partridge in it."

 

Favourite food?

 

Suzi: "Thai."

 

Football team?

 

Suzi: "Fulchester United FC."

 

 

PART 3 - THE REVIEW

 

The new 45 from Groovy Uncle and Suzi Chunk is typical of an Unc 'n' Chunk release - infectiously catchy, irresistably upbeat and undeniably summery; definitely two tracks to add to your soundtrack of the summer!

 

The a-side "Barefoot in the Car Park", featuring garage legend Bruce Brand on the drums and lead guitar, will get you up and grooving at any gig or on any dancefloor. The guitar also deserves a special mention for creating the surf-like vibe which will have you thinking of California all day.

 

The b-side "Wet Weekend" is a slightly more dark and moody affair as Glenn Prangnell takes a more psychedelic-based approach to the song. The track no less still has that Groovy Uncle summer feel to it and is as infectious as the blisteringly powerful a-side.

 

All in all, this limited edition 7" vinyl (only 500 copies are to be made) is one that you MUST have in your collection! Don't wait, get it now to avoid disappointment!

 

 

All photographs taken from the official Groovy Uncle Facebook page.

 

Be sure to bag yourself a copy of the extremely limited edition vinyl release of "Barefoot in the Car Park" and "Wet Weekend" soon while stocks last!

 

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on Groovy Uncle and Suzi Chunk!

 

Be sure to check out our previous feature on The NewStarts!

 

To keep up to date with Groovy Uncle follow this link - http://craftweb.org/web/glenn/index.html

 

To keep up to date with Suzi Chunk follow this link - http://suzichunk.com/

 

To keep up to date with Aldora Britain Records follow this link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords

 

AB Records

VOTE YES: An exclusive feature on The NewStarts on the day of the release of their single "Vote Yes"!

 

Below is our exclusive feature on The NewStarts. The band itself is comprised of various members of The Proclaimers, Button Up, Velveteen Saints and more. Today sees the release of their first single, entitled "Vote Yes". The track is in support of Scottish independence in the refurendum in September, all profits from the track will also be donated to the Scottish Food Bank charity.

 

Speaking of the "Vote Yes" single, Garry John Kane said, "We tried to make a record that was uplifting and positive about the Yes vote in the September 18th referendum. I think we have achieved that and hope people will sing along and enjoy it".

 

We caught up with NewStarts members Garry and Liam to discuss the track and some other none-related stuff. We also wrote up a little review of the track as well. Check it out below!

 

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

 

Enjoy!

 

 

PART 1 - THE INTERVIEW

 

Hi mate, so you’ve gone political! You’ve formed a new band called The NewStarts in support of Scottish independence. How did this come about?

 

Garry: "Hi Tom. I’ve always been political, blame The Specials and The Clash for that. The NewStarts are members of Button Up, drummer from Velveteen Saints and Eleanor Kane. We are all very passionate about the referendum on September 18th and thought we could do our bit to support the Yes campaign by recording a song. Liam Elliott, guitarist, came up with the band name and it all fell into place. It was a joy to record at Red Eye Studios, Clydebank and everyone played/sang great."

 

What are your main goals for the band?

 

Garry: "The goal is to get the song on everyones iPod if we can. It's only one single just now but you never know what else might happen in the future. It's good to do side projects with other musicians and I really enjoyed this one."

 

The single, “Vote Yes”, is a very strong soul tune but the lyrics are also relevant to the subject matter of independence. As a songwriter is this something you find easy? To write a song for a certain event or situation? In this case the September referendum.

 

Garry: "I enjoy writing songs but haven't really written political ones. The 'Vote Yes' song is a simple repeated chorus and a middle eight. It came easy this one and only had four chords in it. The idea was to have a Stones, Primal Scream backing track with powerful girl voices. I think we got that and more. I think it's catchy enough and am very happy with it. Paula sang with such passion and I loved Eleanor’s backing vocal. Michael the wonderful drummer did it in one take. Liam added the classy Stones style guitar and Paul added a Dr John vibe and there you have it, The NewStarts."

 

All profits from the single will be going to the Food Bank charity. Can you tell us a bit about the charity and why did you choose it to donate to?

 

Garry: "Firstly, it's a scandal an oil rich nation like Scotland has Food Banks. Westminster should hang their heads in shame, but they don’t give a shit about the people. Rant over. While there are Food Banks we have to support them as families need them to survive. It's a cause The NewStarts support."

 

Garry: "Oh 'Vote Yes' is released on iTunes and Amazon Mp3 from 4th August on Button Up Records. Please buy it and spread the word, only 79p."

 

 

PART 2 - THE QUICKFIRE ROUND

 

Favourite Beatle?

 

Liam: "John."

 

Favourite band?

 

Liam: "Teenage Fanclub."

 

Favourite new band?

 

Liam: "Tijuana Bibles, definitely one to look out for."

 

Favourite song?

 

Liam: "Far too difficult to have an all time favourite, maybe Darando - Didn't I. Always in my top five at least."

 

Favourite album?

 

Liam: "Changes all the time. The Hour Of Bewilderbeast by Badly Drawn Boy is a consistent favourite though for various reasons."

 

Vinyl, CD or download?

 

Liam: "Like most audiophiles, it has to be vinyl for me."

 

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

 

Liam: "The Byrds - Wasn't Born To Follow."

 

Style icon?

 

Liam: "Steve McQueen, cool as. Couldn't pull off the Thomas Crown Affair style tin flutes right enough."

 

Favourite film?

 

Liam: "High Fidelity."

 

Favourite TV show?

 

Liam: "Breaking Bad or The Office, the UK one."

 

Who would play you in a film of your life?

 

Liam: "The elephant man."

 

Favourite food?

 

Liam: "My maw's steak pie."

 

Football team?

 

Liam: "Celtic."

 

 

PART 3 - THE REVIEW

 

So, The NewStarts - a Glaswegian supergroup of sorts; featuring members of Button Up, Velveteen Saints and solo artist, Eleanor Kane - have arrived with debut single "Vote Yes". The track, as with the majority of Button Up tracks, is written by bassist Garry John Kane. And it has to be said, Kane seems to have the natural ability to write a strong, catchy tune to suit any situation; in this case Scottish independence.

 

The track features the strong vocals and backing vocaals of Paula Sheridan and Eleanor Kane respectively. So strong in fact that you could be forgiven if you thought that they had been lifted from a classic soul record. The track is also punctuated with a strong rhythm and blues guitar as provided by Liam Elliott and a hammond overtone from Paul Gallagher.

 

Of course, it is easy to see the limited appeal of this tune. It could be viewed as simply a Scottish independence anthem in which case only Scottish nationalists would buy it. However, there are two major reasons that should ensure that this tune makes it onto plenty of iPods, computers and phones and they are; all proceeds go to the Food Bank charity and, of couse, it is a mint soul tune!

 

 

All photographs taken from The NewStarts facebook page.

 

Be sure to download "Vote Yes", released today, on iTunes for the bargain price of just 79p. You won't be disappointed!

 

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on The NewStarts!

 

Be sure to check out our previous feature on Rhonda!

 

To keep up to date with The NewStarts follow this link - https://www.facebook.com/thenewstarts

 

To keep up to date with Aldora Britain Records follow this link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords

 

AB Records

RAW LOVE: Our exclusive feature on Rhonda's debut album! Featuring interviews with the band and a review from us!

 

Below is our exclusive feature on Rhonda's highly-anticipated debut album, entitled "Raw Love". The band have had a strong year, supporting Paul Weller at several shows, signing a recording contract with PIAS and of course, this very strong album.

 

We catch up with bassist Jan Fabricius who discusses the album with us and also with singer Milo Milone who tells us some of her favourite music, films and TV shows in our quickfire round. We have concluded the feature with our very own exclusive review of "Raw Love".

 

To stay up to date with future interviews and reviews you can like our facebook page at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords?ref_type=bookmark

 

Enjoy!

 

 

PART 1 - THE INTERVIEW

 

Hi Jan, it’s been a while since we’ve had a chat with you. What’s been going on with Rhonda since the last time we spoke?

 

Jan: "Goodness... a hell of a lot! I'm glad to tell you we had the chance to do some extraordinary things. I'd like to mention recording a debut album and even finding a record label to put it out. We're on PIAS Recordings now, we signed close to Christmas eve. That was quite a present... I'm sure you know that nowadays it`s become very difficult to find partners that care and support the creative process while giving you the freedom to write and play exactly the music you like. We're stunned by them."

 

Jan: "And talking about live: we played several shows with Paul Weller. It's easy to imagine this was a thrill. And no shit, he listened to each and every Rhonda show. Currently we're talking about another live coop. Wow!"

 

You are currently going through a very exciting time in releasing “Raw Love”, your debut album. Where did the title of the album come from? Is it related to the content within the songs?

 

Jan: "Are Milo and I doing this interview like blindsided, so no one knows what the other says! If so, that might turn out funny... Milo came up with the title and you can imagine we been thinking about 'the' perfect title awhile. Simply put, 'Raw Love' totally matches our love of opposites and first of all the essential forces of life."

 

In a previous chat we had you told me that the album was being recorded in a legendary studio in Hamburg. Can you tell us a bit more about the studio?

 

Jan: "It's not exactly Hamburg. It is a legendary schlager studio from the 50's in a city called Bremen. It's located in northern Germany an hour from Hamburg. We stayed in a band flat that had been conserved like from back in the 50's. We felt like starring in Twin Peaks... the place is called Studio Nord Bremen and I can just recommend it to everyone looking for vintage sound. Man, they got mics..."

 

Jan: "Everyone who'd like to see the main recording hall where we did everything should have a look at our video for the current single tune 'Camera'. We shot it right there, of course after hauling out tons of equipment, pianos, cabinets, tables, cables and stuff. Exhausting days these were..."

 

Did the studio have an influence on the album? The fact that it was a legendary studio in the 50's that is.

 

Jan: "Gregor Hennig, our producer, is more from the indie/alternative/weirdo scene and it was an interesting experience to work on the album's sound together. We had loads of discussions about how dirty a soul sound may get today and then gladly stuck to the good old way of tape recording on a 1950's analogue console. Combining this with our hammonds, vintage guitars, vox amps plus real horns and strings just did it! We're thrilled while knowing this is quite a tough and risky decision: German music scene often seems to be quite narrow minded when it comes to newcomers running hot on those real credible scratchy old-fashioned sound aesthetics. But we know it gotta be rock 'n' roll! it`s direct and warm and close."

 

When listening to the album, the listener is exposed to multiple styles – from soul to bossa nova to jazz. Was this intentional and what do you find appealing about mixing all these styles together?

 

Jan: "Imagine recording an album for seven weeks and then doing unintentional things on it... no, we just like opposites and interesting elements adding a certain colour to the big picture. For example, we decided to use horns on some tracks but for Christ's sake not on the entire record... we are nothing like the 'typical' retro soul combo with a front singer. We're a real band with pretty diverse roots in punk, rock, jazz and 60's sound. We give everything and do the only thing we can. For us there's no use in copying so-called soul classics while not adding special flavours and your own personal character to it. We don't copy but we surely feel inspired by real soul music from back in the day. I mean we live in 2014, we have seen many a so-called retro act go by and I can tell you: we are lucky we don't have to search for inspiration by the charts. We just do what we want. It's quite simple: we love dirty old soul, we love rock 'n' roll, we love movie scores by Ennio Morricone and we love to create. Oh, one thing: we have everything on the record from bottles of wine to children's pianos - but bossa nova I really cannot spot there. You tell me..."

 

The artwork for the album stands out quite a lot as it has quite a retro look to it. You as a band also have quite a retro look to you. Is this intentional?

 

Jan: "Of course it is. You know, we been looking a lot at those very old family pictures from the turn of the 19th to 20th century when photography just had been invented. In fact, we as a band feel like some family, at least we're friends and maybe therefore should behave like family... we like the warmth in those old portraits, and Carlos Fernandez laser, the photo man, was absolutely able to transport this kind of warmth into today."

 

The lead single from the album is entitled “Camera”. What is the track about and what influenced it? Absolutely sensational tune by the way – very catchy.

 

Jan: "Thanks man. I guess for the lyrics you better ask Milo, our singer, but as you may see it is influenced by roots music that kicks your ass and never let's you sleep while at the same time there's a certain sensitive component to it."

 

 

PART 2 - THE QUICKFIRE ROUND

 

Favourite Beatle?

 

Milo: "Ringo Starr."

 

Favourite band?

 

Milo: "MC5"

 

Favourite new band?

 

Milo: "Memoriez... you have to check them out."

 

Favourite song?

 

Milo: "I've Got Dreams To Remember from Otis Redding because of this incredible women's choir in the chorus."

 

Favourite album?

 

Milo: "Mink Rat Or Rabbit from Detroit Cobras."

 

Vinyl, CD or download?

 

Milo: "Sure thing! Vinyl."

 

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

 

Milo: "Memoriez - Angered Eyes or a nice Black Sabbath song!"

 

Style icon?

 

Milo: "Santigold."

 

Favourite film?

 

"All Indiana Jones movies."

 

Favourite TV show?

 

"No TV!"

 

Who would play you in a film of your life?

 

Milo: "Hopefully Jane Fonda dressed as Barbarella!"

 

Favourite food?

 

Milo: "Pepperoni pizza (that's how we call it in Germany, it's like jalapenos but a bit less spicy)." 

 

Football team?

 

Milo: "You mean soccer? I would choose Werder Bremen. a local team based in the town I used to live as a kid. My grandfather was a huge fan of that team and never missed even one game. I watched them all with him. It's kind of a personal sticking to it. Romantic, huh?"

 

 

PART 3 - THE REVIEW

 

After much hard work, gradually building up their reputation and fan base, Rhonda have released their first official studio album. Entitled "Raw Love", it was recording in seven weeks at a vintage German studio near Hamburg. The album itself is a spectacular showcase of a variety of styles: soul, 60's rock 'n' roll, jazz, ska and many, many more. 

 

Album opener, "Terrible Lie" sets the tone perfectly. It is introduced by a drum pattern almost directly lifted from The Ronettes' "Be My Baby" and is almost simultaneously joined by a driving, garage hammond organ. Milo Milone's vocals really get the album going - soulful, energetic and heartfelt, they really make this album something else. The lead single off the album, "Camera", also provides another highlight and comes with a catchy chorus. Meanwhile, there is pop on show in "Sound Of Soda" and jazz/ska on "Bruno". The album does not let up either or have any 'filler'. Right to the last track, "I Need No Sleep", Rhonda power out their own unique take on the classic soul sound. All in all, a fine debut album from a fine band.

 

 

All photographs provided by Jan Fabricius, bassist in Rhonda.

 

Be sure to pick up your own copy of "Raw Love" on iTunes or get yourself a physical copy on Amazon - you won't be disappointed!

 

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on Rhonda!

 

Be sure to check out our previous feature on Bel Esprit!

 

To keep up to date with Rhonda follow this link - http://www.rhondamusic.com/

 

To keep up to date with Aldora Britain Records follow this link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords

 

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