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

WORRIED ABOUT...: We review Thomas McConnell's latest EP and he also talks us through it track by track!

PART 1 - "AB SAYS"

 

Here, AB Records gives you a review of Thomas McConnell's latest EP - 'Worried About Thomas McConnell'. Sit back, relax and have a read...

 

"Thomas McConnell is back! You may remember that in 2012, Thomas came bursting onto the scene with his debut EP and single, both entitled 'Stop In The Shade'. Since then he has released various covers of Beatles tracks, toured furiously, been featured on one of Mojo Magazine's cover CD's and gained acclaim from the likes of Ian McNabb and Macca himself. Not a bad start! Thomas has now just made his follow up with a second EP, the superb 'Worried About Thomas McConnell'. From the title, to the artwork, to the tracks themselves, the EP is a work of art. His heavy influence from The Beatles continues to prevail, no surprise considering one of his first ever memories was hearing 'Hello Goodbye' in the backseat of a car. However, he is no Beatles tribute act, he very successfully puts his own spin on an already tried and tested sound. The EP kicks off with 'Blame It On Rebecca', which, throughout its three minutes, grows into an exciting and jumpy song with superb instrumentation. This is followed by the slightly more laid back 'Penelope Definitely' with vocals that sound as if they have been performed by a young Liam Gallagher circa 'Definitely Maybe'. No bad thing! This then gives way to the EP's slowest number, 'John'. Perhaps the most meaningful song to Thomas on the EP as he has revealed that it is in the memory of his granddad, dad and, to a lesser extent, John Lennon. It was also written and recorded on the night of the death of his granddad, perhaps giving the song its bare sound and from-the-heart tone as Thomas quizzically asked 'where have you gone John?' The EP is concluded with the Sgt. Pepper-influenced 'Just A Little Bit, Jill' (trumpets and all). Perhaps the best song on the EP, it provides the perfect contrast to the bare 'John' as the bouncy rhythm and trumpets carry the EP to its natural end. Overall, a superb slice of pop, rock, glam, psychedelia and beat and with more acclaim coming in Thomas' direction everyday it won't be long until we see him up on the big stage following in the footsteps of his idols, The Beatles. In conclusion then, based on these four tracks, we have absolutely no reason to be worrying about Thomas McConnell!"

 

PART 2 - "THOMAS SAYS"

 

Here, Thomas talks up through the EP track by track and in depth...

 

'Blame It On Rebecca'

"I wrote this one in 2012 after hearing an Elvis Costello song called 'Blame It On Cain'. At the time, the Leveson Inquiry into phone hacking was all over the news and I felt like blaming something on someone, so I chose the name Rebecca because of Rebekah Brooks. It sort of became my most well-known song with a certain crowd of musicians I know, because it went down well at Ian Prowse's Monday Club (which is a night I often play at) so it definitely had to be the first track on the EP. In earlier versions it was quite heavily arranged so I decided to strip it back to give it a fifties, Gene Vincent-feel but combined with my Beatles/Bowie image I thought it had a glam quality, especially when the air-raid siren like synth comes in near the end shooting it into another decade. This was the only track on the EP that was entirely recorded in Newcastle. The stand-out moment of the session for me was doing the Little Richard-esque vocal at the end, I like doing a bit of shoutin'..."

 

'Penelope Definitely'

"This was written when I was about seventeen at my grandparents' house in Newcastle. I'd probably just been playing The Beatles' "Things We Said Today" to myself on the guitar because I've taken the strummyness of that tune for my own. It's a song about an imaginary, perfect girl called Penelope. That name has various sixties connotations (Penelope Pitstop, Lady Penelope) so I guess that's why I like it. I wanted this one to sound like perfect, orchestrated, precisely arranged, sixties sunshine pop and luckily, I think that's how it turned out."

 

'John'

"John was written and recorded last December on the night my granddad (John) died. It's a tribute to him, my dad (also called John) who died when I was twelve and to a lesser extent, John Lennon. I didn't really see the point in re-recording to make it more fancy and I'm really glad I didn't because it's better for it. It's definitely the most sombre point of the whole EP but it's also my favourite track on it. It's very bare in the same way John Lennon's, 'Plastic Ono Band' is but I've put a slightly more psychedelic spin on it."

 

'Just A Little Bit, Jill'

"This is the blistering, uber-Macca pop, bouncy piano ending to the EP. After the sadness of 'John' I quite like the way it just suddenly explodes back to happiness for the final track. This is another track I wrote at my grandparents', this time at the start of 2011. It's easily the most Beatley song on the disc but in a tongue-in-cheek sort of way - especially with the faux-mouthed trumpets. I think when I wrote it I was trying to write a happy version of 'For No One'. It's got a similar falling chord sequence but mine's obviously a lot more upbeat."

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on Thomas McConnell! Check out our previous feature on No Matarás!

 

Check out Thomas McConnell here - https://www.facebook.com/thomasmcconnellmusic

 

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

INCONSCIENTE: Our interview with Pedro from the Argentine punk rockers No Matarás!

 

PART 1 - "THE INTERVIEW"

 

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

 

"The sound of distorted electric guitars, drums and bass."

 

What sort of records were played around the house when you were younger and did these records have an influence on your songwriting?

 

"Yellow Submarine. The Beatles."

 

Had you been involved in any other band prior to No Matarás?

 

"Morgue Judicial, Division Autista and Mal Momento."

 

How did No Matarás begin?

 

"I started composing new songs and then I met Vanina and she started to learn bass and we decided to make some noise together then we formed No Matarás."

 

Where did the name No Matarás come from?

 

"Originally from a dream, I woke up one day and in the dream Vanina told me 'the name of the band is No Matarás', we discussed it on the next day and we liked it. The concept of the name relates to the bible commitment and the contradiction in religions in general that they say 'don't murder' and they made a lot of murder in name of God."

 

How would you describe the sound of No Matarás?

 

"I think the most approximate description can be 'groovy, high volume, punk rock sound'. We have punk rock power, with some groovy bass, we play to make people jump and dance."

 

The band was formed back in 1990. Has the creative process and the sound you’re aiming for changed over time?

 

"Yes, thanks to the technology and the money, at the beginning we were poor, we did not have any amps, cymbals, recording devices, etcetera. We are no richer now but the digital recording technology is quite accessible to anybody with a normal job. Now the creative process is more accelerated due that we can record ideas easily."

 

You, as a band, were originally from Argentina but have since relocated to Germany. Why did this move happen and has it had an impact on the band?

 

"I decided to move due to some personal reasons and a new job, then I decided to continue the No Matarás project in Germany. This impacted very well on the project, giving some fresh air and new colours and strong power with Benni (drummer) and Marcin (bassist)."

 

You have played the River Plate Stadium in Argentina with Madonna. How did it feel playing to such a large audience and was the atmosphere different from a regular gig?

 

"Well, if I have to be honest, the only thing that is good playing in front of such an audience is a lot of people can listen to your band live. But on the other side, you lost contact with your public, we prefer small concerts, it's not our goal to play on such stages, but if somebody invites us again we wouldn’t say no!"

 

You are currently in the process of recording your first ‘vinyl’. What can fans expect from the release?

 

"A lot of love spread in songs, art, invited musicians, and groovy, high volume, punk rock sound. Will be some surprises there, I cannot tell you now."

 

You have covered ‘Our House’ by Madness and other songs in a unique style compared to the original recordings. When doing a cover is it important for you to put your own twist on the song?

 

"Well, yes, that’s the idea, we want to propose something, recognize the original art, and artist and propose another perspective of their art. We don’t want to copy the original band at all, we make other artist songs in No Matarás style."

 

Your first vinyl single is ‘Inconsciente’. What influenced this song and what is it about?

 

"Love, frustration, escape, high speed. It's about."

 

You have undergone numerous personnel changes over the years. Would you say this has had a positive effect on No Matarás over the years?

 

"Sometimes yes, sometimes not, in the past it was hard to get members that understand the sound and the idea of No Matarás style in Argentina, we were kind of advanced on our sound for the time being. Some people added a lot style and ideas to No Matarás, like Vanina (original member) Esteban (still playing in Argentina formation) and Javier da Rocha (drummer)."

 

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

 

"Not really, at least for now!"

 

Any live dates coming up?

 

"5th December at CC No Me Olvides. Av Meeks 490. Buenos Aires Argentina. More to be announced in Argentina. Benni our German magic drummer will join to our Argentine tour in February."

 

Any new songs in the pipeline?

 

"Yes, 'Desert Calling' (can be heard on our YouTube channel), 'She Loves Me' (available by request on Soundcloud), 'Something To Change', 'Quiero Vivir La Historia', 'Perdido Y Encontrado', we are working on 'Satisfaction', a Rolling Stones cover, and some other covers too."

 

When can fans be expecting the next release?

 

"April, we have to work on gigs in Argentina now, as we are 'normal' people with jobs, we work on the band after hours and weekends."

 

Who would be your dream collaboration?

 

"Ruben Blades. René (Calle 13). Damon Albarn."

 

Who would be in your dream supergroup?

 

"Tito Puente for an acoustic show."

 

PART 2 - "THE QUICKFIRE ROUND"

 

Favourite Beatle?

 

"Paul."

 

Favourite band?

 

"Ruben Blades and his band, anytime."

 

Favourite new band?

 

"Maybe they are not new but I will choose The Wombats."

 

Favourite song?

 

"Let’s Lynch The Landlord."

 

Favourite album?

 

"Question: Are We Not Men? Answer: We Are Devo!"

 

Vinyl, CD or download?

 

"Depends on the context, vinyl to support independent bands and vintage rock (sixties to eighties), CD also to support independent bands, download for mainstream music."

 

Style icon?

 

"None."

 

Favourite clothing brand?

 

"None."

 

Favourite film?

 

"Not easy one, let’s say Fight club, but changes over time."

 

Favourite TV show?

 

"Eter Capussoto y sus videos (Argentina). Seinfeld (international-US)."

 

Who would play you in a film of your life?

 

"Mano Negra, The Clash, The B-52’s, Devo, Pixies, The Jam, Ramones, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs."

 

Favourite food?

 

"Argentine BBQ, Indian food."

 

Football team?

 

"Boca Juniors."

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on No Matarás! Check out our previous feature on Bex Currie!

 

Check out No Matarás here - http://www.nomataras.de/

 

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

LOVE IS A FIRE: Our interview with Glasgow-based singer-songwriter Bex Currie!

 

PART 1 - "THE INTERVIEW"

 

What was your first musical memory and what pushed you towards pursuing a career in the record industry?

 

"First musical memory, I have a really bad memory by the way, but the first thing I can clearly remember is my mum singing in my gran's house. It was a Patsy Cline song possibly 'I Fall To Pieces'. What pushed me towards a music career was when I went to see my favourite artist play live, Brandi Carlile. She was supporting Newton Faulkner. She was on stage with her band and she was this massive ball of energy and musical genius. She just looked like she was having the best night of her life and I thought to myself 'I want to do that'. So I went out the next week and bought myself a cheap guitar and taught myself to play. That was five years ago I think."

 

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

 

"My mum listened to a lot of country, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash etc. and I just fell in love with their voices and the stories that their lyrics told. Celine Dion was also a big name in our house. I really wanted to be able to hit those big notes like her. I very quickly came to terms with the fact my voice was in no way capable of doing that. I think my music is more influenced by the music that I follow now. The likes of Brandi Carlile, Sara Bareilles, Sia and also a lot of the people I play alongside at singer/songwriter showcases. I often get little flashes of something when I'm listening to them."

 

Had you been involved with any other bands prior to becoming a solo artist as Bex Currie?

 

"No other bands really. I did try to form one years ago but I never have the free time to dedicate to it. It's a shame because I really would love to hear my songs with a much fuller sound to them."

 

Why did you choose to become a solo artist instead of forming a band?

 

"Again, like above it was just time constraints. I have a very active life with work and different volunteer projects I'm involved in. Music is always on the back burner. I really only play and gig for fun now."

 

How would you describe the sound of Bex Currie?

 

"I have no idea! Honestly I get asked that a lot and I have no idea how to answer the question. My music is just me. I write because its sometimes the only way I can express myself."

 

One of your most popular songs is ‘Love Is A Fire’. What is this song about and what influenced this?

 

"'Love Is A Fire' is one of my favourite songs. I was in the middle of the best relationship I had ever been in and my partner at the time told me if I was going to write a song about us/her then it had to be an upbeat happy song. I spent months working on it because I wanted to get it just right. It pretty much describes exactly how I felt about her at the time."

 

You have stated on your facebook that you are working towards introducing a backing band into your music. Why do you want to make this step?

 

"I just feel that as an acoustic act the sound you get on a recording isn't enough sometimes, especially for songs like 'Love Is A Fire'. When I play it in my head I can hear drums, electric guitars and strings all going and just bringing the whole tune together. I just have to find the time to make that work."

 

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

 

"If I'm not driving I'll have whiskey, neat, or sometimes a Grey Goose. It just settles the nerves a little for me. Other than that no! I don't do vocal warm ups or anything although I know I probably should."

 

Any live dates coming up?

 

"I'm playing on Saturday 30th November in The Vale which is next to Queen Street Station and also on Thursday 12th December at Fairfield Folk Club in Govan. That's in conjunction with Mick Hargan - great promoter and guy to work with. He has lots of patience and puts a lot of time into helping new acts get on some sort of platform to perform."

 

Any new songs in the pipeline?

 

"I've just roughly recorded a new song tonight and let it out there for people to hear. It's called 'Faint Of Heart' and can be found on my soundcloud."

 

When can fans be expecting the next release?

 

"I'm hoping that towards this time next year I'll be able to put an EP out with a few songs recorded with a full band. That's the ambition anyways."

 

Who would be your dream collaboration?

 

"Brandi Carlile. Hands down easy answer."

 

Who would be in your dream super group?

 

"Tough question. Phil Collins on the drums, Johnny Cash on guitar, I'd throw Brandi Carlile and her whole band in there too and then I'd probably have all my musical friends playing some part in it too!"

 

PART 2 - "THE QUICKFIRE ROUND"

 

Favourite Beatle?

 

"Ringo."

 

Favourite band?

 

"Couldn't possibly answer, there are far too many bands emerging to have a favourite."

 

Favourite new band?

 

"I'm in love with Haim at the minute."

 

Favourite song?

 

"Elastic Heart by Sia. It's totally my song of the year."

 

Favourite album?

 

"Brandi Carlile - Live At Benaroya Hall With The Seattle Symphony Orchestra or Sara Bareilles - Kaleidoscopic Heart."

 

Vinyl, CD or download?

 

"Download. As much as I love buying CD's I just don't have the space to store them. Downloading is easier and more convenient."

 

Style icon?

 

"I really don't have one. I don't follow fashion trends and I just throw on whatever is clean."

 

Favourite clothing brand?

 

"Again I don't have one. I'll pretty much wear whatever."

 

Favourite film?

 

"Miss Congeniality."

 

Favourite TV show?

 

"Grey's Anatomy at the minute."

 

Who would play you in a film of your life?

 

"Jennifer Lawrence. That would be awesome!"

 

Favourite food?

 

"Asian - Wagamama's is one of my favourite places to eat."

 

Football team?

 

"Glasgow City ladies team. Would rather pay to watch them in the pouring rain than go watch a men's game in the streaming sunlight. No foul play, no diving just pure football being played by ladies that want to be there."

 

Hope you enjoyed this feature on Bex Currie! Check out our previous feature on The Toi!

 

Check out Bex Currie on facebook here - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bex-Currie/119501394021

 

Check out Bex Currie on soundcloud here - www.soundcloud.com/bexcurrie

 

Check out Aldora Britain Records on soundcloud here - https://soundcloud.com/aldorabritainrecords

 

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