TURN ME ON: An interview with Vasco of Swiss garage/beat band The Royal Hangmen!

 

Below is our exclusive interview with Vasco from The Royal Hangmen, enjoy!

 

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

 

 

PART 1 - THE INTERVIEW

 

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

 

"I can recall receiving my first portable tape recorder at the age of six, together with a tape from Elvis Presley and another one with some hillbilly country and western music on it. From then on the fire was lit and it never stopped since. By watching those early seventies television shows, with chart-acts doing lip-sync, I became impressed with the idea of performing in front of people. This, and the music of the Beatles finally made me pick-up guitar lessons."

 

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?

 

"Luckily, my parents had a good collection of sixties beat and rock records, and I was amazed not only by the music but also by the beautiful cover artwork. I remember hearing lots and lots of Beatles. There were also LP’s by The Who, Janis Joplin and The Rolling Stones. Apart from that they had 45’s from Jimi Hendrix ('Hey Joe'), Arthur Brown ('Fire') and some Pretty Things. This musical education definitely put me in a certain direction and has still a great impact on the music I do today."

 

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

 

"I’ve played in a few bands before starting the Hangmen. The first being a Sisters Of Mercy-influenced gothic trio, then at the end the 80’s, as I was digging more and more into 60’s garage, I played guitar in The Vertical Drops, one of the few 80’s garage bands in Switzerland. But we’ve only released two tapes and never made it much further. Some years later I’ve started my first own band The Vicious Circle. With them I started singing and writing all the material for the first time. Despite releasing an album on CD, this group also didn’t make much of an impression and disbanded soon after the release. Then I took a very long break until the idea of forming a garage band came around..."

 

How did The Royal Hangmen begin?

 

 

"In the first place there was Roger (bass) and me. We had worked together as DJ’s for quite some time, and on one of those nights we thought it may be a good idea to play some of this stuff by our own. Our intention was just to fool around a bit, playing 60’s garage covers with no more than three chords, and having a good time. But a guitar and bass is not much of a band, so we watched out for a drummer and an organ player. Very quickly we found Christopher for the banging and completed the line up with Patrick on the organ. We spent quite a lot of time and money until we collected the right equipment together. It was clear for us that we need to have vintage gear to achieve the right sound. After our first gig, we were approached by some guys to record a demo. Strangely, when we put up that demo on MySpace, there were people from France and Greece becoming interested in our band which led to our first releases on compilations, playing abroad in France and finally to our first 7” on Greek label Lost In Tyme records."

 

Can you introduce us to the band and tell us what you play?

 

"The actual line up consists of Roger on bass, Patrick on the organ, Daniel on harmonica and percussion, Luca on drums, and me handling the vocal and guitar duties. Daniel was added to line up in 2009 after Christopher, our first drummer, left in the summer of 2011 to become our booking agent."

 

Where did the name The Royal Hangmen come from?

 

"When the British beat boom caused a stir in the USA, lots of these bands pretended to be English, just to survive. We liked the idea of being this Swiss band, doing their 'English thing'. As you know, we’ve never had it much with royals in our country but for us as a band the British music culture is, and always will be the main influence. And to have hangmen at your service, was a necessity at certain times in the past...wasn't it?"

 

How would you describe the sound of The Royal Hangmen?

 

"As I mentioned before, we are very strongly influenced by all kinds of British bands. We all love The Who, The Small Faces, The Kinks, The Troggs, The Beatles and The Stones and so on. And off course we dig The Jam, Oasis and many others. Then, there’s all the American garage stuff from the sixties, that draws us in, and we all have a strong addiction for R&B and soul, too. So, that’s all the elements you can hear to some degree in our music."

 

You have released one eponymous LP to date. The cover has quite a retro look to it harking back to the fifties and sixties. Was this the concept behind the artwork and why did you choose this particular shot?

 

"A record cover should in some way express what can be expected on the inside. And of course, we can be seen as a 'retro band', but I think we also have a contemporary element in our music. The photo of the band was meant to look like the early cover shots of those sixties beat bands."

 

The CD version of the LP features one cover track entitled ‘Bird Doggin’’. Where did you first hear this track and what pushed you into recording your own version?

 

"I discovered this track while searching for new stuff to play as a DJ. It amazed from the first listening, especially not knowing that Gene Vincent did such terrific stuff in the mid-sixties. I just knew his 50’s tunes until then. As a band, we started with just doing cover versions. There was no intention to write our own stuff. This has changed over the years, and we now play mostly our own songs. But we never stopped doing other peoples songs, because it’s fun and it is also a good exercise. When it came to choosing tracks for the album, we were working on 'Bird Doggin'', liked the way it sounded, then decided to include it."

 

The album also featured the two tracks from your double A-sided single, ‘Mary Jane’ / ‘You Better Tell That Girl’. What is ‘Mary Jane’ about and what influenced it?

 

"Musically, I wanted to do an up tempo garage rocker with a garage punk feel. The lyrics have a double meaning. You can think that it is about a wrecked love affair, or something else that has more to do with plants..."

 

What about ‘You Better Tell That Girl’?

 

"This one’s also about a love affair, which is about to end. But this time there’s a ray of hope. The guy in the song needs to be convinced to make up his mind and forgive her for being so cruel. I’m very happy with the twelve string jingle-jangle sound of this song, influenced by The Byrds and The Chesterfield Kings."

 

Your style of music has quite a retro edge to it but what are your views on the current music scene?

 

"As there is not much music in the last few years that can actually be called 'new', it seems like almost everything these days is in some ways sort of retro. Generally, everything with a good hook, nice guitars and decent songwriting turns me on. And occasionally there pops up a band here and there, that I really like."

 

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

 

"No, we don’t. We just go out and play and beat the shit out of it."

 

Any live dates coming up?

 

"We are going to play with US-psych band The Warlocks in March, and we will come over to England for the very first time. So far, we are booked for the Trip Out Festival in Bedfordshire in September, and are now looking for other shows over there to make it a proper tour."

 

Any new songs in the pipeline?

 

"We are working on new songs, but nothing is finished yet. Since the release of the album, we’ve been playing a lot and did not have enough time to concentrate on the new stuff. Our plan is to finish the new songs in the summer, and then try them out live and eventually record them at the end of the year. We are a very slow working band and it always takes a lot of time until we have a song ready."

 

When can fans expect the next official release?

 

"The next project is already in the pipeline. We are doing an EP with cover versions of our favourite garage revival band’s of the 80’s. Recording is scheduled for March, the release will hopefully be before summer."

 

Who would be your dream collaboration?

 

"I would love to play some tunes with Noel Gallagher, one of the greatest songwriters alive."

 

Who would be in your dream super group?

 

"Otis Redding on vocals, Lou Reed on guitar, Steve Marriott on guitar and vocals, Paul McCartney on bass, Kenny Jones on drums and Booker T. Jones on the organ." 

 

 

PART 2 - THE QUICKFIRE ROUND

 

Favourite Beatle?

 

"Paul."

 

Favourite band?

 

"Velvet Underground."

 

Favourite new band?

 

"Jake Bugg."

 

Favourite song?

 

"Pale Blue Eyes, Velvet Underground."

 

Favourite album?

 

"There are so many favourite albums, I can't decide on one."

 

Vinyl, CD or download?

 

"Vinyl."

 

When you press shuffle on your iPod, what is this first song that comes on?

 

"I don't have an iPod..."

 

Style icon?

 

"Mick Jagger."

 

Favourite film?

 

"The Big Lebowski."

 

Favourite TV show?

 

"Mad Men."

 

Who would play you in a film of your life?

 

"Robert de Niro."

 

Favourite food?

 

"Italian pasta."

 

Football team?

 

"No sports, please!"

 

 

Photography by RabbitRiot.net, taken from The Royal Hangmen facebook page!

 

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on The Royal Hangmen!

 

Be sure to check out our previous feature on the Stone Thieves!

 

You can check out The Royal Hangmen here - http://theroyalhangmen.ch/wp/

 

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

 

AB RECORDS

SHINE ON: An interview with Stone Thieves frontman Aaron Gardner ahead of the release of their second EP!

 

The Stone Thieves have returned!  The band released the critically acclaimed debut EP, 'New Mexico', last year, now their back with their follow up effort, 'Brush off the Rust'! AB Records catches up with frontman Aaron Gardner to find out the ins and outs of the brand new EP! Enjoy and share!

 

 

AB: "Hi Aaron, it’s been a while since we last spoke.  What’s been happening with the Stone Thieves?"

 

AG: "Afternoon sir!  Yeah it has, maybe a year or so!  A fair bit.  We picked up a new member on the road somewhere!  There are now two guitars in the band.  Played a shed load of gigs and worked on the new material.  We've been doing the groundwork as they say, building the foundation."

 

AB: "You’ve recently finished recording a brand new EP.  The tracks seem to have a different feel to them than the ‘New Mexico’ EP.  Was this intentional?"

 

AG: "Not neccesarily, although we don't play any of them songs live anymore, except the title track.  Having another guitarist who is more than capable of lead parts or rhythm parts has helped it develop.  You start to write with the other player in mind or he'll throw his own spin on it sometimes.  'New Mexico' was us finding our feet after forming.  The good stuff has stayed, the lessons were learnt and the bad stuff has gone.  Different inspirations this time around as well."

 

AB: "The new sound seems to be routed in a more bluesy, rootsy sound.  Would you say this is an accurate assessment and what influenced this new sound?"

 

AG: "We're all into the same kind of music, we have just narrowed it down to what influences work when we bring them together as a band.  I've always been interested in blues playing and roots style guitar, it just didn't fit in to the old three piece line up.  Our new guitarist, Mike, has a style that compliments mine.  He's into his John Fogerty, Duane Allman, Neil Young style of playing.  I've also been playing in open tunings a lot which is new to all of us."

 

AB: "The EP is to be entitled ‘Brush Off The Rust’.  Where did this title come from?"

 

AG: "It's kind of an answer to the idea of the first EP title 'New Mexico', which was a reference to us testing new ground, all of us at the time hadn't worked in a band like we created.  So 'Brush Off The Rust' is my way of saying that this again is something new, but underneath we are still the same people, still write about the same things, it's just been freshened up.  We're never going to reinvent the wheel, we're just doing what we know.  It may be me saying that we've ditched old habits and taken it back to roots... But rust never sleeps, so who knows where it will go next!"

 

AB: "The EP is a top class record. The final tune, 'Shine On', stands out for us at AB Records however – especially with the nice wee reference to the Stones’ 'You Got the Silver' in the lyrics.  It seems to be a very uplifting tune with a chorus that you could tunelessly scream along to all day at gigs!  Where did the concept of this song come from and what inspired the tune?"

 

AG: "Thanks man, appreciate the kind words.  I had the chorus in my head for a long time, just the main hook like, but it took a while to refine it.  I knew I didn't want to complicate the chorus so maybe I do intend for it to be screamed all day long!  The concepts usually come after for me.  But it's basically the idea that two people can be on the same page of a different book, and that eventually is accepted.  It's somebody saying to somebody else... I wanted that, you didn't, so don't worry about, chin up, you shine through the shadows. Somebody recently suggested that I had wrote the song in awe of another band or as an appreciation to another band.  I can see that, but it's definitely not true..."

 

AB: "How have the new tunes gone down at gigs?"

 

AG: "Yeah real good.  'Shine On' is a crowd pleaser.  Nice to play as well.  We've got a couple of heavier blues numbers that go down well."

 

AB: "There are a number of Stone Thieves song which have references to American places.  For example, 'New Mexico' on the first EP and 'Red River' on ‘Brush Off The Rust’.  Your sound is also heavily influenced by American groups and musical styles.  What is it about the culture that attracts you as a lyricist and musician?"

 

AG: "Red River is about getting drunk!  There's a bottle called Red River Bourbon.  You should give it a try man!  You're right though.  It's also a ski resort in New Mexico believe it or not.  Didn't know that at the time of writing.  Can't put my finger on it really.  I loved western films as a kid.  The romanticising of a story or a place, the imagery as well.  I've never been one for writing about politics or a night out down the local working mans club.  The ideas are probably rooted the same way, I just like dressing it up a bit.  In all honesty it's not too intentional.  I listen to a lot of American roots music though.  I think it's the honesty in the heart of country music and blues that I like but more contemporary southern rock acts seem to dress it up a bit."

 

AB: "You’ve sent some press shots over to me and the band seem to have a certain edge about them and you always seem to be looking pretty cool as a unit.  Is the look as important to the Stone Thieves as the music?"

 

AG: "The music comes first, but we're all into our clothes.  Having a brand is important, I think too many people judge a book by the cover nowadays."

 

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on the Stone Thieves!

 

Be sure to check out our previous feature on Merrymouth and Pete MacLeod!

 

You can check out the Stone Thieves here - https://www.facebook.com/stonethieves

 

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

 

AB RECORDS

MEET ON THE LEDGE: A review of Fairport Convention's gig at The Queen's Hall in Edinburgh! Support came from Edwina Hayes, check it out!

 

 

Below is our review of Fairport Convention's gig at the Queen's Hall in Edinburgh! Support came from the talented Edwina Hayes! Check it out!

 

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

 

 

 

PART 1 - THE REVIEW

 

You may remember our last live review of Glasvegas and The Strange Blue Dreams at the Old Fruit Market in Glasgow. If you're expecting more of the same old rock 'n' roll then we suggest that you turn away here as tonight's review is based on a night of world-class folk music.

 

Fairport Convention brought their 'Wintour' to Edinburgh's Queen's Hall last night and played a strong set including the classic tracks 'Who Knows Where The Time Goes?', 'Matty Groves' and 'Meet On The Ledge. However, first was the support act - Edwina Hayes. Edwina was given a fine introduction from the injured Fairport bass player Mr Dave Pegg and a warm welcome from the Edinburgh crowd. She went on to perform four self-penned songs will a beautifully unique voice, highlights were definitely 'Tell Me So' and the Boo Hewerdine co-write 'Bend In The Road'. Between each tune, she chatted and joked with the crowd and told stories of cake makers from Aberdeen, her knack of writing depressing (but lovely) songs and Eddi Reader getting lost on her way to a stage! Edwina then went on to perform a Richard Thompson number, 'Waltzing's For Dreamers', which was unsurprisingly received well and played to rival Thompson's version, showcasing her unique voice once again. Following this, she invited some special guests up for her last song - the members of Fairport Convention. Taking up their posts on the stage they performed a brilliant rendition of Nanci Griffith's 'Speed Of The Sound Of Loneliness', before Edwina departed."

 

The Fairport set that followed was superb and kicked off with a storming performance of the title track from their 1995 album, 'Jewel In The Crown'. Following this was the slightly 'gothic' (as Chris Leslie put it!) folk song 'Doctor Of Physick' and then 'I'm Already There'. 'Home', 'Theodore's Song' and 'Cell Song' provided moments of discovery and each will be downloaded in the following days! However, the highlight of the first half of the set came with the ferocious 'Dirty Linen' which was performed at a furiously fast pace. So much so that stand in bass player Matt Pegg had to go and 'lie down' afterwards. Set one was concluded with 'Mercy Bay' and an explanation of Dave Pegg's absence from the bass - he had had an accident involving a washing machine... typical! He was still able to venture on to stage every now and then with his natural wit and to sing some harmonies."

 

After a twenty-minute interval Fairport returned to the stage for their second set. This included the revised version of 'Farewell, Farewell' and a brand new song entitled 'Myths & Heroes'. Edwina then returned to the stage for a fantastic performance of 'Who Knows Where The Time Goes' which was followed by a Ric Sanders stand-up comedy routine preluding 'Danny Jacks'. The main set was then concluded with traditional folk song/Fairport classic 'Matty Groves'. And despite the fact that Simon Nicol promised that this would be their last song they couldn't resist the cheers, clapping and stamping of the crowd that lured them back out to perform the amazing, iconic 'Meet On The Ledge'. Again this featured both Edwina, Dave Pegg and the biggest sing along of the night.

 

Overall, a superb showcase of the folk world which can be caught again, as Simon Nicol kept reminding us, during August for their annual Cropedy festival in which fine weather and sunshine is ensured. Finally, it is no surprise that this band are still drawing crowds after being together for forty years and it was inspiring to see how willing they were to chat to fans beforehand, during the interval and after the show. Definitely worth checking out before its too late!



PART 2 - THE SETLISTS

Edwina Hayes

Run
Leave A Light On For You
Tell Me So
Bend In The Road
Waltzing's For Dreamers
Speed Of The Sound Of Loneliness (with Fairport Convention)

Fairport Convention

Jewel In The Crown
Doctor Of Physick
I'm Already There
Home
Theodore's Song
Dirty Linen
Cell Song
Mercy Bay
(Interval)
Festival Bell
Wassail Song
Farewell Farewell
The Happy Man
Myths & Heroes
Too Close To The Wind
Grace & Favour
Who Knows Where The Time Goes? (with Edwina Hayes)
Danny Jacks
Matty Groves
(Encore)
Meet On The Ledge (with Edwina Hayes)



Hope you enjoyed this feature on Fairport Convention and Edwina Hayes! Check out our previous feature on Two-Bit Sister!
 

Check out Fairport Convention here - http://www.fairportconvention.com/

 

Check out Edwina Hayes here - http://www.edwinahayes.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

KEEPS ON BURNING: Our interview with Button Up's very own Garry John Kane!

 

PART 1 - "THE INTERVIEW"

 

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

 

"Earliest memory is Top Of The Pops in the 1970's, watching it with my big brothers, but records wise it was Sinatra (from my dad) and Elvis and The Stones (from my mum)."

 

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?

 

"We had the above on around the house but then my bros had punk and 2-tone which I still love and from 2-tone I got into Motown, Stax, northern soul etcetera."

 

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

 

"I was in bands all through school and after but then I got a big break playing with Marianne Faithfull, from 2001 to 2003, and have also played bass with The Proclaimers since 2003. Button Up is my own stuff though so its number one for me."

 

How did Button Up begin?

 

"Button Up began as a three piece instrumental band - just drums, bass and Hammond organ - with a love of Booker T And The MG's, James Taylor Quartet, James Brown etcetera. The line up now has been on the go for two years and it's fantastic working with great singers and musicians. Makes my job a lot easier."

 

Where did the name Button Up come from?

 

"Button Up, the name, sounds good and looks good on posters so I kept it. Luckily no one had it although I'm sure there's an old American band with the name but its mine now!"

 

In our opinion, your sound is a cross between soul and the garage rock Hammond sound with occasional hints of ska. How would you describe the sound of Button Up?

 

"You have just done it and very well too."

 

This type of music is not at its most popular at the moment with the domination of ‘chart music’. What pushed you towards deciding to play this kind of music?

 

"I regard it as music to me. The new pop stuff bores me and I hope there's room for us all. I have more fun playing my own sound with a respect to the past."

 

You also have a mod look about you, as a band. Do you consider yourself to be a mod band and how has the mod movement influenced you?

 

"I always liked the mod look and the music is fantastic but a mod band maybe. More like a band some mods like."

 

Do you consider the look to be as important as the music?

 

"Music first then style, you can look good but if the music is rubbish, a good haircut won't cover it up for too long."

 

Your latest album is called ‘Modena’. Why?

 

"'Modena' is a cracking title to describe the music on it. Modern band playing mod style music. Italian is cool too!"

 

This album features an equal amount of instrumentals as it does songs with lyrics. What attracts you about the instrumental format?

 

"I love instrumentals, always have, you can make the music sing, but I'm writing better lyrics now so enjoy that as much."

 

In our opinion, one of the finest tracks on this album is ‘Keeps On Burning’. What is this song about and what influenced it?

 

"'Keeps On Burning' is about heading to the mod club Friday St. and dancing to sixties soul you haven't heard before. Being educated in great songs and never off the floor!"

 

You have more recently released a four-track EP called the ‘Covered EP’. Why did you choose to release an EP of covers?

 

"While gigging 'Modena' we picked some favourite covers to play so thought we would record them as they sounded good live."

 

Your cover of The Quik’s ‘Bert’s Apple Crumble’ is astounding! If you don’t mind us saying! Can you tell us about when you first heard this song and why did you choose to record your own version?

 

"I heard 'Bert's' on a night out at a mod night ages ago and it only lasted one minute and thirty seconds. I wanted to play it again and thought we could do a longer version to keep it going. Thanks for the above compliment, cheers."

 

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

 

"Tune up and keep the band sober!"

 

Any live dates coming up?

 

"London and Birmingham at the end of November. Local gig in Coatbridge on the 27th December and next Glasgow, Liverpool and Manchester shows will be when the new album comes out in May. All dates on website."

 

Any new songs in the pipeline?

 

"New album 'Beat Street' is getting recorded at the end of January/February 2014."

 

When can fans expect the next official release?

 

"May 2014, new album - 'Beat Street'."

 

Who would be your dream collaboration?

 

"Jack White or Otis Redding but you can but dream."

 

Who would be in your dream super group?

 

"I've got mine just now in Button Up!"

 

PART 2 - "THE QUICKFIRE ROUND"

 

Favourite Beatle?

 

"George."

 

Favourite band?

 

"Too many - so Button Up."

 

Favourite new band?

 

"I love The Strypes."

 

Favourite song?

 

"Green Onions."

 

Favourite album?

 

"The Specials' first one."

 

Vinyl, CD or download?

 

"Vinyl."

 

Style icon?

 

"Paul Weller keeps pulling it off."

 

Favourite clothing brand?

 

"Paul Smith."

 

Favourite film?

 

"Jaws."

 

Favourite TV show?

 

"Peaky Blinders."

 

Who would play you in a film of your life?

 

"Karl Pilkington."

 

Favourite food?

 

"Thai."

 

Football team?

 

"Scotland and Celtic."

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on Button Up! Check out our previous feature on Thomas McConnell!

 

Check out Button Up here - www.buttonuprecords.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

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

 

AB RECORDS