Musing On The Blues With Alberta Cross

Alberta Cross first came to this writer’s, and indeed much of the media’s attention in 2008, belated appreciation for the group’s stripped back, acoustic debut after Oasis had taken them under their wing, with many startled by the emotion carried in Petter Ericson Stakee’s distinct, high-pitched warble. Fast forward to 2009, and, despite the acclaim, a new and very different incarnation of Alberta Cross returned. Stakee’s voice still the wondrous focal point, but with a band that roared its support – no longer sadly lamenting but burning rage. Broken Side Of Time was a stylishly delivered desolate Blues-rock debut that left some listeners cold, but captured the anger and frustration of modern times perfectly for others…

Vocalist/guitarist Petter Ericson Stakee and bassist Terry Wolfers initially came together with a shared love of music out of fashion and outdated at the time – Petter’s engrained from his time at home in Sweden with his musician father. “I was fortunate to have music in my family,” began Stakee. “My dad was really into Blues, folk and rock’n’roll, whilst my brother was more into synth stuff like Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode, Nick Cave, and so on. So, it was great for me! But they pretty much brainwashed me into all of it (laughs). “My dad is definitely one of my favourite guitarists. His playing has inspired my playing.”

That the outfit would start their careers with two such assured and well-schooled offerings would surprise few within the industry, after the group were previously signed to a major label given their apparent talents. “We were signed to Fiction in the UK and Geffen in America,” revealed Stakee, “but it was Universal really”.

Unfortunately, excitement for the songwriting duo was short-lived, as the business intrusions on music making soon came in direct conflict with their ethos of creating “something honest and real – and from your heart”. Stakee went on, “It fell through ‘cos they wanted us to write ‘hits’ and we wanted to just do what we do. “These days, the major labels are desperate. I’m glad I’m not a part of that s**t anymore. I mean, you have to let bands grow. You can’t just sign one and push them/brainwash them to write s**t! Every band I grew up loving – bands like The Verve, Radiohead, The Stone Roses and Sonic Youth – took their time before they got ‘big’. Major labels don’t give bands the chance to do that anymore.”

Disenchanted, the duo went about self-producing their debut, “The Thief And The Heartbreaker” – a laid-back, spine tingling collection that brought to mind classic artists of yesteryear, whilst, crucially, also impressing classic artists of today, with Noel Gallagher handpicking the band to support Oasis on the group’s then latest sell-out UK tour. “It was pretty awesome!” exclaimed the frontman. “You grow up seeing and hearing them everywhere around you, then all of a sudden you get a phone call from your label manager saying Noel Gallagher just called asking if we wanted to support them for a few arena shows in the UK.

“Noel said that he thought our album was one of the best he had heard in ages. That was a milestone for sure.” With such a notable name championing their cause, and exposure to many new music listeners, Ark Recordings were quick to reissue their album – the band enjoying belated critical acclaim and capitalising to build a significant following (helped by subsequent extensive touring and festival appearances).

Despite a change of fortune, the band didn’t come to recording their follow-up on the expected high (“I don’t think we were feeling any pressure, but you always want your stuff to sound gold. So you push yourself…way too much sometimes. You are always going to think you can do better.”), and for the much travelled Stakee, it was time for another change of scene. “We have always loved London and England, but I lived there for ten years and Terry is from east London,” started Stackee. “We were feeling a bit drained in London at the time, so we were looking for something new. We did a few shows in New York and pretty much made up our minds to move there straight away.

“New York was definitely an inspiration when we were writing this album. You know, to be new in a place is always great for your inspiration. Plus, the music scene is really good at the moment. There’s music going on everywhere – in bars, the tube, in parks…all over the shop!

“Who knows what the future holds, but I am really happy in Brooklyn at the moment, and we are lucky to travel a lot, so we are in England loads. So, for now, we are staying!”

Surprisingly, given their previous bad experiences with Universal, it was a record label that they had to thank for making the change possible. “They helped us move,” he told us. “We wanted to sign to an indie label, and Ark is run by our Booking Agent Russel Warby, and his pal Jamie Davies”. Given the readiness of their American roots influences, a move to the States seemed natural, and the environment certainly had an effect on a more fully realised follow-up. “We recorded ‘Broken Side Of Time’ in Austin, Texas with Mike McCarthy,” explained Stackee, “but we did pre-production in New York and Charlottesville, Virginia, and mixed it with John O Mahony at the Electric Lady Studios in New York City.

“It was a mad time, but I like the way it ended up sounding. You know, we are really happy with it, and can’t wait to tour it wherever it takes us.”

The album also saw the founding duo working and recording with a settled band (including Sam Kearney, Austin Beede and Alec Higgins) for the first time. “Everyone was kinda friends of friends,” said Stackee. “It went pretty quick in the beginning. We had a rehearsal with Sam in Brooklyn. It felt really good, so we asked him if he knew a killer drummer, and he did! So, we flew Austin in From Santa Barbara, Cali. He was great! And I met Alec through a mate in New York City. I think everyone brings their heart and soul…”

Although critics have been eager to concentrate on the influence of American roots music, the group are keen to point out how important more recent, experimental British outfits have been to them also. “I think “Broken Side Of Time” sounds really English,” insisted Stackee. “We were listening to a lot of bands like My Bloody Valentine and Depeche Mode, as well as grittier gospel albums and stuff. “I have always been a Verve fan. I loved their first few album loads. But, you know, Slowdive and the whole Creation Records thing rocked – My Bloody Valentine were a massive inspiration for this album. I saw them play the Roseland Ballroom in New York City before we recorded this album, and it was brilliant!

“I think you are always going to miss what you haven’t got in your hand, if you know what I mean”. With such a deep-seated love of contemporary music, the group were able to offer listeners something familiarly old (“Blues compilations got me into the Blues again. I mean, I kinda grew up listening to it through my folks, but old Blues compilations got me into it again. Love them! They were so cheap and you got to know loads of artists with every one! But I say it like Dylan, “no-one can sing the Blues like Blind Willie McTell.’ It’s honest, pure music that is straight from the heart and soul.”), but relatable to a new generation – and a disgruntled one at that!

“Broken Side Of Time was inspired by loads of music, and things that were going on around us when we were recording it,” Stackee commenced. “You know, the stuff we were going through, like being skint, falling out with a label, panic attacks and high blood pressure – going mad! And America was pretty messed up when we got there. Bush was still in power. People were going through a hard time… But we had some f**king great times, too! Ups and downs…

“It was very much a 2009 album. I’m 28 – I live now, not forty or fifty years ago. If we would sound like a band that was playing back in the day then what is the point? You are always gonna go back in time for inspiration, ‘cos the quality of the music was really high then, but you have to be inspired by stuff that is going on around you now, too. You have to move forward.”

Whilst events of the time clearly inspired songs like ‘Rise From The Shadows’ and ‘Ghost Of City Life’, the group still see their music as a way of escapism from the daily grind, and less a commentary on it. “We don’t ever want to be a political band,” maintained Stackee, “because some of the beauty with music is that it should take you away from all of that, but it’s always going to inspire – if stuff around you really p**ses you off or affects you, it’s hard not to write about it.”

In fairness, not everyone has been as generous as this magazine with their response, and the new album has had its fair share of mixed reviews, certainly in the UK, where many were expecting the band to continue in their heartfelt, acoustic vein, and some were unable to adapt to the new band make-up, not helped by the inclusion of two inferior versions from “The Thief And The Heartbreaker”.

“’The Thief And The Heartbreaker’ was kinda a limited edition EP,” countered Stackee, “so we thought it would be a good idea to save some of the songs and put them on the album – I think the two of them fit in pretty well!”

“The EP was our first few demos. We have grown a lot as a band since then, and I think ‘Broken Side Of Time’ is a perfect introduction to what we are about.

“Every great artist is gonna evolve – look at David Bowie!”

If British critics haven’t quite forgiven their deserters, Americans have embraced them with open arms. “It’s been really good,” said an excited Stackee. “We had a big feature in Rolling Stone magazine, which was amazing. You know, a bit of a milestone. We have done a lot of festivals in the US, too – and they have all been pretty grand! People seem to be really into, and we have a good time, you know?”

Saying that, comparisons have been somewhat lazy for their brand of brooding Blues-rock. “People are always gonna compare a new band to every band that’s doing well around,” he accepted. “I respect Kings Of Leon loads, ‘cos they are a hard working band – they deserve all the success they have – but I don’t think we sound like them. I’m playing guitar and they are, too – that’s about it!”

One comparison that is more understandable, and certainly reoccurring, is with a legendary American singer-songwriter few aspiring credible acts would want to dispute, whatever their style of music. “If people compare us to Neil Young that must be a compliment,” considered Stackee. “I mean, he is god, isn’t he?

“Neil Young is definitely one of my faves. My dad always used to play me his stuff.”

And the group had the honour of meeting their hero, when they topped those Oasis support slots with an appearance at Hard Rocking Calling in 2009. “I got to have a brief chat with him at the Hard Rock Calling in Hyde Park last year,” revealed a satisfied Stakee. “It was pretty special.

“Hard Rock Calling was grand. The line-up with good! And Neil Young’s show was the best I show I have ever seen. He is more rock’n’roll now then he has ever been, I reckon.”

British fans experienced how rock’n’roll Alberta were themselves, when they blew audiences away on their November 2009 tour, and the group return again in March supporting The Dave Matthews Band on their arena shows, whilst headlining a few of their own to boot.

“The US audience might be a bit more forward,” he said, “and come up and talk to you more than the Brits, but it’s always pretty awesome to come back and play in England.

“The beautiful thing about releasing our album all around the globe is that we get to play everywhere!”

And for Alberta Cross, forgetting all that industry/business nonsense that so nearly deprived us of their music, this is what it’s all about. “We’ve been dying to go on the road and play it to people all around the world,” claimed Stackee, “’cos live is where it’s at!” DH

GOING GREEN

Gallagher brother’s real concern

Oasis’ demise was well documented in 2009, and given the number of knockers the band carried in the latter stages, it wouldn’t have seen too many tears shed, but whatever your thoughts on the band, their personalities, or their music, you can’t overlook the group’s, and Noel in particular’s support of new talent – and new Blues talent!

Alberta Cross are a recent band to benefit from Gallagher’s keen ear for exciting new music, but you can go back to the group’s heyday, when their support of Ocean Colour Scene saw an outfit heavily indebted to ‘60s British Blues topping the charts and dominating the airwaves in this country.

Since then, Noel has championed the likes of The Coral, Kings Of Leon and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (who were also given massive stadium support slots), whilst producing Proud Mary’s debut, “Same Old Blues”, for his own Sour Mash label. Jersey Budd owes the senior Gallagher a few pints also for his input and influence in the early stages of his career.

It’s no surprise that Gallagher’s penchant for contemporary Blues-rock began to influence the band’s latter output, with their latest studio album, in particular, “Dig Out You Soul”, seeing the band delve further back than the ‘60s decade they had already fleeced to more traditional roots music – no more obvious than on ‘(Get Off Your) High Horse Lady’. However, Gallagher’s love of the genre had surfaced far earlier. The first Oasis single, ‘Shakermaker’ was based on a simple twelve-bar Blues progression (how many acts can you recall performing the Blues on “Top Of The Pops” in the ‘90s, if ever?), and Gallagher’s early Les Paul guitar was a nod to his favourite guitarist, Peter Green. Noel has made public his love for Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac; featuring on “The Man Of The World” film, as well as presenting Green with his Les Paul Award at the Mojo Awards ceremony in 2007.  As well as Green, Gallagher has spoken of his fondness for early Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix, whilst in 2001 he took his band onto the road with arguably the most significant contemporary Blues-rock band, The Black Crowes, as part of The Tour Of Brotherly Love.

Many artists have spoken of Noel’s love of Blues and perhaps these recordings are frequenting his stereo more often now given recent events and his unusually tight-lipped media stance. When you add all this up with his affection for Neil Young and Dylan, and previous Noel-sung b-sides, such as ‘Those Swollen Hand Blues’, the pointers are for a solo career that could bring British Blues back to mainstream prominence.

2009 – How was it for you? Part 6

So, here we are at the end of our 2009 roundups, we thought we’d end close to home with three of our favourite acts, all of whom have local roots.

Andrew Foster
www.myspace.com/andrewfostermusic

So, 2009 is pretty much up, how was it for you?
A bit like falling out of the tallest tree and landing in a soft pile of Lavender.
I found a lot out about myself…
Internal fights are impossible to win when you don’t know what you’re fighting against.
Musically I think I’ve achieved more than I give myself credit for with some very big supports for my level, good radio play and a piece of work I’m proud of that will be released next year.
I haven’t been around as much this year as previous; I think everyone took a step back from the local scene a bit due to personal or financial reasons. I hid for a bit, but I made an album from this time.

Other than your own tunes, what have you been listening to this year?
Oh there’s been so much good music this year if you care to look out the box. Here’s a few of the most influential albums and the ones I’ve played to death this year.

Noah & the Whale: First days of Spring
Mumford & Sons: Sigh No More
Muse: The Resistance
Crooked Vultures: Crooked Vultures
The B Of The Bang: Beginning Middle End
Prodigy: Invaders Must Die
Doves: Kingdom Of Rust
Smoke Fairies: Frozen Heart
Pete Molinari: A Virtual Landslide
The Low Album: Oh My God Charlie Darwin
The Decemberists: The Hazards Of Love
Thomas Dybdahl: Thomas Dybdahl
Crooked Still: Still Crooked

And music not from this year
Ryan Adams & The Cardinals: Cardinology
Led Zeppelin 3
CSNY: Déjà vu
The Black Keys: Magic Potion
Band Of Horses:
Wintersleep
Neil Young: Sugar Mountain LIVE
Fleetwood Mac: Rumors
The Beatles: take your pick!
Oasis: Dig Out Your Soul
BRMC: Howl
Amplifier: Amplifier
Bob Dylan: Dylan
Coldplay: viva la vida
David Bowie: take your pick!
Death Cab For Cutie: Narrow Stairs

What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
My mindset over certain things, and not making the most of opportunities.
The medias ever-increasing grip on the way people live their lives, including myself.
This is the year that Peter and Jordon became more interesting than Scientists trying to create the conditions of a black hole on earth.
Liking trashy mags whilst on the toilet is one thing, aspiring to be these people is ludicrous.

What are you looking forward to in 2010?
Releasing my new album “The Garden” and learning to embrace musical opportunities more than I do now. I think next year will bring many changes for me….I feel it in my waters! Keep writing and focus more on my obsession, doing different styles and feeding my suppressed rock notions of having a Marshall ripping behind me. Im gonna let that out next year a little more maybe with a different project.
Im very proud of this years work on the craft of “The Garden” and I’m looking forward to gigging it, playing the songs to people and moving on musically.
Next year I think Im gonna work harder on my own aspirations and be ruthless with my own musical targets. Hopefully a bit of Neil Young spirit will rub off on me…hopefully not alienating everyone in the process though!

Do you have a message for our readers?
If you’re a musician, the Industry is very strange at the moment… never stop writing. People of the Arts unite!
I want this year to be the year individual expression becomes free again.
Lets have some colour…everything’s grey at the moment, go see live gigs again, see art galleries, go see plays and nature.
Tell people how you feel.

The B Of The Bang (Wit – vocals, guitars)
www.myspace.com/thebofthebang

So, 2009 is pretty much up, how was it for you?
It was spiffing ta. Ruddy busy but ruddy rewarding too…our album did pretty well in a few end of year lists so it’s been a good’un…we’ve undergone a few changes and have demoed a load of new stuff already. It’s sounding very different and i’m most excited as to where we find ourselves bowling into blindly next….

Other than your own tunes, what have you been listening to this year?
Everything under the sun, old stuff, new stuff, good stuff, bad stuff. Fave albums of the year would include Grizzly Bear, Wild Beasts, The Antlers. Anything with a wildlife theme it seems….

What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
I would have asked our Rhodesy (newest TBOTB member) to have not spilt coffee in his motor just before a tour. Sour milk is a pretty difficult look to pull off…

What are you looking forward to in 2010?
The new Dawn Chorus album, the new Strange Death album. Getting into the studio again as soon as possible and having a tour-vehicle that doesn’t smell of moose.

Do you have a message for our readers?
Yes. But they’ll have to come see us live to find out what it is.

Joe Black
www.myspace.com/misterjoeblack

So, 2009 is pretty much up, how was it for you?
wonderful, definitely an enlightening experience. I realised how much things can change in a year, both good and bad. Though – mostly good.

Other than your own tunes, what have you been listening to this year?
I’ve been listening to a lot of tori amos this year, always something i can relate too. no matter what is going on

What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
nothing. everything happens for a reason

What are you looking forward to in 2010?
To be kind of like 2009. but better. Though i’m particularly looking forward to supporting the tiger lillies, and getting to germany again.

Do you have a message for our readers?
one of my favourite quotes, actually….
‘Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.’ – Marilyn Monroe

Merry Christmas!

From all of us here at Call Upon The Author, have a very merry Christmas. We thought we’d share a little present with you. So below are a few lovely free downloads for you to enjoy!

Expatriate have just finished touring with Placebo and release their debut album in early 2010. There are high hopes for this band who have picked up plaudits across Europe. Check out Blackbird to see what people are making so much fuss about.
Blackbird

New Yorker Mascott has teamed up with Gramercy Arms (who feature former members of Guided By Voices) to provide the festive This Christmas Time. Click the link below to help you get into the mood.
This Christmas Time

We’ve got Cagedbaby’s remix of You Don’t Know Love by Editors for those of you who prefer your music with a bit of an edge.
You Don’t Know Love (Cagedbaby Remix)

Victoria and Jacob have often been compared to the likes of Bjork and The Postal Service with their ethereal and otherowrldly music. To celebrate the end of the decade they’ve made Clash, a track from their 2008 EP available for free download, so we thought as it’s a time for gift giving, we’d share it with you.
Clash

Mixing psychedelic insanity with Beach Boys harmonies, The Keys have released their own Christmas tune. Queuing Up For Christmas is a seasonal treat that really should be on all your festive playlists
Queuing Up For Christmas

2009 – How was it for you? Part 5

Twin Atlantic (Sam McTrusty – vocals)
www.myspace.com/twinatlantic

So, 2009 is pretty much up, how was it for you?
this year has been incredible. it has been a real landmark year for our band and one we will never forget… a trip to the states to record our debut label release and a relentless touring schedule has made 2009 dandy.

Other than your own tunes, what have you been listening to this year?
so much radiohead it is almost sad along with wintersleep, the manchester orchestra, brand new, rage against the machine, sucioperro, and you will know us by the trail of dead, john lennon, muse, animal collective, ryan adams,aereogramme, cave in, mutemath, elbow and the gayblades.

What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
not a thing. everything that has been incredibley shit for our band this year has only made us stronger and more determined and focused on our identity as a band. 2009, like i have said, has been the best year for us yet. roll on 2010 as we have big plans.

What are you looking forward to in 2010?
reaching as many new people as possible through touring in new countries as well as playing another home town show in glasgow which is always special. we have a uk and european tour at the start of the year so we are by no means taking a break. we also have our sights set on another record at some point.

Do you have a message for our readers?
if you bought our record “vivarium” thank you for all the support. you have helped us make 2009 the best year of our lives. also fuck straight lines… bendy is the future. viva la revolution.

Bad For Lazarus (Steve Wattis – Drums)
www.myspace.com/badforlazarus

So, 2009 is pretty much up, how was it for you?
The busiest of my life! I learned a lot about sewing, sustained many drum/guitar/microphone-based injuries. It was a lot of fun.

Other than your own tunes, what have you been listening to this year?
Mew, Mew and Mew. The rest of the band can’t stand them but I’m completely obsessed. Also a shit load of Yacht Rock like The Doobie Brothers, Toto and Hall & Oats.

What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
I try not to dwell on the past, regret is a pointless wast of emotion.

What are you looking forward to in 2010?
More shows, recording the album, Simon Cowell’s impending murder…

Do you have a message for our readers?
Stay away from the red rope liquorice and look out for each other guys, if someone falls down, pick em up. Don’t be an asshole.

White Rabbits (Jamie Levinson – Drums)
www.myspace.com/whiterabbits

So, 2009 is pretty much up, how was it for you?
Much like any year of our lives. Making music and touring. With a few meals in between.

Other than your own tunes, what have you been listening to this year?
This year I really enjoyed records from Glass Ghost, Animal Collective, and The Walkmen.

What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
More sleep. Particularly in my new apartment that I have only stayed at a couple nights.

What are you looking forward to in 2010?
Seeing more movies. We always plan to see a couple when we are on tour but it rarely happens.

Do you have a message for our readers?
To Beyonce or not to Beyonce? That is the question.

2009 – How was it for you? Part 4

Le Plat Du Jour (Tallie Kane – vocals, guitar)
http://www.myspace.com/leplatdujourestlamusique

So, 2009 is pretty much up, how was it for you?
Mostly exciting, somewhat difficult and a lot of hard work! Everything’s changing with the band in the new year, but it’s been a lot of fun exploring what I can do if I push myself enough.

Other than your own tunes, what have you been listening to this year?
Lots of 90’s shoegaze such as Spectrum, My bloody valentine and A Place to Bury Strangers, all bands I’ve been into for ages or have been recently introduced. I love the physical power the music has over you, not the cheesy ‘Oh Yeah I’ve got to dance’ kind of way, but the bass really grabbing your chest. Musical Claustrophobia.

What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
Obviously I would have liked it if Higgy had stayed in the band, but he has his own exciting project in the pipeline that I’ve been hearing in small pieces. I’ve learnt a lot this year so I can’t think of anything.

What are you looking forward to in 2010?
I’m looking forward to unleashing the new ideas I have and potentially moving about to find musicians to play what I’ve got penned down. I’m trying to be positive about the progression and find out what can happen. I’ve got a gig with some wonderful friends of mine in January that I can’t wait to play.

Do you have a message for our readers?
I don’t think anyone should take any advice from me. All I can say really is that you are your own maker, everything has happened to you because you did something along the way. Don’t blame your problems on something you think you can’t control, that’s the cowards way out. If you want change, don’t leave it up to some stupid notion of ‘destiny’.

Tom Hingley
www.tomhingley.com

Other than your own tunes, what have you been listening to this year?
White Lies, Howling Wolf and ‘7 worlds Collide’ Neil Finn

What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
No publicity for the BNP people need to get real about Nazis

What are you looking forward to in 2010?
being 45

Do you have a message for our readers?
Stay safe, don’t rot inside on saturday nights watching x factor drivel go out and support pubs venues and musicians try not to buy everything from supermarkets, they now run the country, they have had a go at killing off pubs, off licences and now they are gunning for banks, they have bought this government and the incoming Tory one too, so support indiependance
love you brother and sister dont fight wars 1 thats baout it for now !!
HAPPY XMAS

Bap Kennedy
www.bapkennedy.com

So, 2009 is pretty much up, how was it for you?
2009 was a very interesting year. Great reviews for “Howl On” my 1969 pop culture/ moon landings inspired album and a return to touring. Highlights were a sell out Black Box Theatre in Belfast and a great slot at Glastonbury.
A special mention to the Musician venue in Leicester as the best gig on the UK tour. Having my wife on guitar and backing vocals and my stepson tour managing is just brilliant. A family holiday without the boring bits – and you get paid!

Other than your own tunes, what have you been listening to this year?
I’ve been listening to cds other musicians have been giving me on tour. Sam Forrest in particular has some great tunes.

What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
If I could change anything I’d have made 2009 a bit longer so I could get more things done. A lot happened this year and when you run your own label there aren’t enough hours in the day.

What are you looking forward to in 2010?
In 2010 I’m looking forward to more touring and more recording ( Australia and America are in the pipeline) ….and usually the unexpected happens so I’ll be expecting that

Do you have a message for our readers?
I hope anyone reading this gets as much enjoyment from music as I do – and if you get a chance check out “Howl On”
p.s
Keep watching the skies!
Bap

2009 – How was it for you? Part 3

Bemis (Gareth Howells – Vocals, Guitar)
www.myspace.com/bemisuk

So, 2009 is pretty much up, how was it for you?
For Bemis, 2009 has been a brilliant year – we’ve continued our climb onto the festival circuit, got our first album on itunes and other digital distribution, had a rave review in a national magazine, got an award for our impression on Dorset (which is particularly gratifying because of the risk in playing out of town so much) and played some amazing support slots. We have expanded from a duo after 3 and a half years into at least 3 people (sometimes 4) which has had a dramatic (and exciting) effect on our writing. The year was dominated by the making of our second studio album which will be finally finished in January – pretty much a year after we started it. We have finished the year off with a sell out gig at the Cellars and a live “official bootleg” album that finally makes Jeff an official part of our future. 2010, in fact, looks very rosy, with more festivals, more recordings planned, more great supports lined up and that amazing feeling that our reputation is really growing and we have many people behind us giving their thumbs up.

Other than your own tunes, what have you been listening to this year?
What have I been listening to this year? The Men They Couldn’t Hang and the Levellers came back with their first album in ages – and they were both fantastic. I have been listening to masses of stuff, but those two are the most recently released.

What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
The one thing I would have changed over the last 12 months would be encouraging Gavin, our drummer, to play with us sooner, as he is a perfect match for us and is easily the best drummer I have ever worked with.

Do you have a message for our readers?
Happy Christmas everyone!

Officer Kicks
www.myspace.com/officerkicks

So, 2009 is pretty much up, how was it for you?
It was brilliant, we have played a hundred gigs all over UK and Europe and supported some mega big bands, written an album we really very proud of.

Other than your own tunes, what have you been listening to this year?
A guy called Alexander Wolfe has released a record that is second to non. Loved hearing that. Was Fleet Foxes released this year? Thats great. Spotify has meant i cant even begin to tell you how many things i have heard this year. Im like a kid in a candy shop.

What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
On a personal level nothing, its been an amazing year. Dont want to get deep but the list of things i would change in this trouble filled world would prob be a novel.

Do you have a message for our readers?
NO. Erm…yes. Dont listen to rock singers giving messages of hope or charity.

The Len Price 3 (Glenn Page)
www.myspace.com/thelenprice3

So, 2009 is pretty much up, how was it for you?
Busy. We spent most of the first half of the year recording our new album ‘Pictures’ – due out on January 18th. In amongst all that, me and Neil been having babies. Not together you understand – it’s not that type of band. Our wives did the difficult bits.

Other than your own tunes, what have you been listening to this year?
Lots of the usual Who, Kinks, Beatles and the Clash but I’ve also been liking the first album by The Saints and Triple Distilled by Graham Day and the Gaolers.

What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
I wish we could’ve got the album out sooner – i.e. a 2009 release. It’s been done and dusted on the music side since about May or something but it’s been caught up the machinations of agreeing artwork, getting the promo side of things sorted and other such matters.

What are you looking forward to in 2010?
Launching our new album. (Did I mention that it’s called ‘Pictures’ and it’s due out on January 18th?)

2009 – How was it for you? part 2

Leigh Mary Stokes
www.myspace.com/leighmarystokesmusic

So, 2009 is pretty much up, how was it for you?
2009 is nearly over, and it has been a fantastic year for everyone at camp Leigh Mary Stokes. We released an EP, did a tour, played some great supports, got national distribution AND a booking agent and quite frankly, deserve some time to eat too much and stick our feet up.

Other than your own tunes, what have you been listening to this year?
This year has been all about the Mumford, hasn’t it? My top played songs of 2009 are Laura Marling, The Crookes, Cosmo Jarvis, Mumford & Sons, Magic Kids, Eliza Doolittle and The Kabeedies.

What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
I think the only thing i would’ve changed about the last 12 months is that i would of fought a bit harder to keep my job AND go on tour, rather than chuck it in, in the name of FUN!

What are you looking forward to in 2010
I’m looking forward to our March/April tour, festivalling, frollocking and generally enjoying the repercussions of this years hard work.

Do you have a message for our readers?
Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! And Watch this space!!xx

Richard Walters
www.myspace.com/richardwalters

So, 2009 is pretty much up, how was it for you?
Too quick, maybe thats just me getting older but I swear this year has just dashed by. Brief as it was, I enjoyed it thoroughly. Releasing an album, playing gigs, meeting new people, writing a new album – personally, its been very fulfilling.

Other than your own tunes, what have you been listening to this year?
I got hooked on the Department of Eagles album ‘In Ear Park’…I’ve listened to that obsessively for the last 5 months. I can’t fault it in any way, it’s intricate without being fiddly, heartfelt without being overly soft. The new Graham Coxon album ‘The Spinning Top’ is also getting repeated plays, particularly the song ‘Brave the Storm’.

What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
I wish I’d kept to my own list of goals for 2009…looking at it now, I’ve missed a couple of big ones. Giving up smoking, getting fit, and growing an acceptable moustache, being the main ones.

Do you have a message for our readers?
Don’t have any regrets about the year just gone…heres to the ever approaching future, where all things are golden and perfectly out of reach.

The Olympic Symphonium (Kyle Cunjak)
http://www.myspace.com/theolympicsymphonium

So, 2009 is pretty much up, how was it for you?
I had a great 2009 actually, the best 2009 yet! We got to travel a lot and play music for people in new and exciting places, which is truly an honour, and I got to make music with my friends as the greatest part-time job ever.

Other than your own tunes, what have you been listening to this year?
Lately, I can’t stop listening to Timber Timbre, the Dirty Projectors, really old Beck, Bob Wills, Roger Miller, and a great new Halifax band called Cousins.

What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
I try to live with no regrets and honestly I wouldn’t change much, although there are always a few hiccups along the way we’ve had a good run in the last year.

Do you have a message for our readers?
Support local, live music because it’s going to slowly die if you don’t.

2009 – How was it for you? part 1

As a new decade looms on the horizon, we thought we’d reflect back on 2009 by asking a number of bands and artists how the year was for them. Over the next few days we’ll catch up with old friends and introduce new ones, so lets begin.

Teitur
www.myspace.com/teitur

So, 2009 is pretty much up, how was it for you?
“It was a very good year” (Sinatra). When I was a teenager I always used to say this was the best year ever at every new years eve. I kinda feel the same right now. I bought a small house in the country, which is the first place I have ever owned. It’s gives a strange satisfaction to paint your own walls. Also, I didn’t tour too much and tire myself, but I have been making lots of music and investing in next year.
Other than your own tunes, what have you been listening to this year?
I had this Arvo Part obsession at the first half of this year. There was also the introduction to Kraftwerk which also takes time to sink in. And then my friend gave me this collection of Stax recordings constantly pop up on my iPod, one, because there is so much of it, two, because it’s great sounding music that doesn’t wear out.
What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
“Regrets, I’ve had a few, but then again too few to mention” (Sinatra). Just one single thing, but I don’t want to talk about it.
What are you looking forward to in 2010?
I am making my next record in the beginning of the year which for me is very exiting. There is also lots of other releases coming out that I am involved in which is something I look forward too. Also, I am hoping I can go to Japan as I have never been there.
Do you have a message for our readers?
Don’t quit smoking. Quit worrying, I’m trying to quit both.

The Boy Who Trapped The Sun
www.myspace.com/theboywhotrappedthesun

So, 2009 is pretty much up, how was it for you?
2009 was a blinder, a proper turning point that made the previous few years seem worthwhile. Making my first record, playing some awesome shows and meeting the boss, doesnt get much better than that!
Other than your own tunes, what have you been listening to this year?
This year has been taken up mostly by Bon Iver. That album completly floored me when I heard it, I hadnt really loved a record in ages and it was nice to find some new music that was truely inspiring. Also Eddie Vedders’ soundtrack to the film into the wild, aaaaamazing. I listened to that alot round when I started touring just me and my guitar, it’s a good companion. Then the Acorn’s record Glory Hope Mountain and Liam Finn’s amazing I’ll Be Lightning.
What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
I wouldnt change anything, even the shit parts, cos they make the good parts even better.
Do you have a message for our readers?
Dear readers, you’re not just readers you’re people too, with beautiful eyes and good taste in sandwiches. I hope one day we can all float in the ocean together and talk about our favourite sandwiches. PEACE OUT ! XXXXXXXXX

Share (Andrew Sisk – vocals, guitar)
www.myspace.com/sharetheband

So, 2009 is pretty much up, how was it for you?
2009 has been the biggest year ever for us. There were plenty of firsts for us: Touring in Europe, releasing our first album as a band, performing on trains, and eating caribou.
What one thing would you have changed about the last twelve months?
We played in Peterborough (Ontario) this year and there was no one there to see the show and so we played to the other band (old friends of ours, Sleepless Nights). It turned into a competition of who could make the band performing laugh the hardest while they were playing. Dennis from Share went on stage with no shirt and a Banjo in hand for one of the Sleepless Nights more rocky songs and convulsed around for the whole song. It was the funniest thing I have ever seen and I wish I had videotaped it for posterity. It’s Probably my only regret.
What are you looking forward to in 2010?
2010 is the year of change, so we are hoping to record a new album and try new approaches to things. We might be doing a tour on the train in March as a duet and trying out the 20 or so new songs we are working on.
That is the plan at the moment.
Do you have a message for our readers?
A message for your readers? Prepare for the end of things as you know it! Things are falling apart.

PLEASE ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE MYSELF: Elliot Minor

After starting their tour in Wrexham last Wednesday (October 4 2009) Elliot Minor found themselves in Portsmouth playing at the Wedgewood Rooms. A venue that lead singer Alex Davies actually quite likes. After a thorough sound check and a few moments of joking about with Franko and Me Vs Hero, through which the new phrase “fuck the horse” was born, Alex settled into someone’s dressing room, drinking a beer, he began to chat animatedly about the venue asking about gigs and visits. The way he sits comfortably in his seat and with his friendly demeanour you can’t help but think he’s a nice guy who’s enjoying what he does and would be more than happy to answer a few questions.

Is it good to be back on the road?

Yeah, it’s really cool. It feels kinda weird. We’re all, I guess, just feeling a little bit nervous, we’ve got a whole new album to play. We lived with the first album for a couple of years so it’s weird playing new stuff. We’re just concentrating a lot more on what we’re playing on stage rather than the actual show for the time being until we’ve kind of warmed to it. But it’s getting better.

How was the first night of your tour?

It was really good. It was Wrexham. Obviously on the first day of the tour there are a few screw ups here and there but the energy was there and we had a great show. It was a really good start to the tour.

How have you prepared (for the tour)?

Actually I’ve bought a mini Marshall Amp, you know those little practise amps and I’ve never really done that before for a show. I tried it yesterday just to, warm me up. Jamming out before a set really gets you going for the show. We’ve been lazy about that in the past as well; we’d just drink beers then get on stage. But I think we’re really trying to sound good this time round.

What do you do in any relaxation time you manage to find?

Me personally, I’m actually really into my Coronation Street, which I don’t think I should really admit, but my mum got me into it from a really early age. Yeah that’s what I do, watch a bit of Coronation Street, play a bit of football with Ali, our keyboard player, but apart from that it’s all music really, jam out, play the piano a bit.

So do you ever go back to classical music every now and then to get away from what you do now?

No we haven’t done that in years really. I just like going on the piano, it’s actually quite relaxing, it’s cool, you can just sit, mucking around. Yeah it’s been a while since we’ve done our classical stuff; it’s sort of a school thing.

As people that have worked hard to get where you are now, what do you think of programmes such as X-factor and Britain’s Got Talent offering aspiring musicians the chance to be famous without putting in as much work as you might have?

I’m not really a big fan of the show. It doesn’t seem to be about talent anymore. It’s all a bit controversial. The people who do win, I guess good on them because they’ve obviously worked hard to actually do that, go through the auditions and everything. It is very different this slogging out playing the crowds and touring. But it’s a different market. It’s complete pop though isn’t it and I guess the rock scene is very different from that. Yeah I guess it doesn’t seem to be about talent anymore. It’s all very staged and set up. It’s all about the money isn’t it?

Speaking of the X-factor and it not being so much about talent, what do you think of John and Edward?

John and Edward, I like those guys. I thought they were really entertaining. I thought they were really shit at first. I don’t know what it is, my girlfriend’s from Ireland and I just find the accent really funny. Not that I laugh at my girlfriend. I dunno there’s something about them, obviously they’re idiots when they came on stage but it’s really entertaining.

Surely being in the rock scene yourself, you like Jamie a bit?

Yeah, yeah. Well saying that this year has got no talent there are a lot of acts who did it this year I thought were pretty good actually. But the whole voting thing I thought that was very scripted. I watched the first audition, that was it. I don’t really watch more of them after that.

Describe yourselves in one word.

The band, or me personally?

Err, you personally.

I dunno, goofy maybe. Yeah I’m very goofy.

Going back to when you were saying you’re nervous about performing the new album, did you ever get nervous before a gig performing your old album?

I don’t actually remember the early shows that we did, I’m sure we did get nervous. But it got to the stage when, you know, we were still playing songs from that album and we just knew them so well anyway that we just kept on changing the format and doing different arrangements of them and doing medleys in between the songs, just to keep yourself interested. You don’t want to be playing the same stuff all the time. I think it was also that we were just so comfortable with the songs that it was a kind of an adrenaline thing

Do you have any good luck charms? Or any superstitions and stuff before you go on stage?

Not really. No. We tricked this person once. We convinced her that we prayed right before the show and we held hands together and took it really seriously. She got so freaked out. That was like the only ritual we’d done and there was no truth to it. We just get ourselves psyched up. We listen to music actually, you know, The Who, AC/DC. But that’s it.

I read an interview you did earlier this year and it said that you were finding it a bit of a challenge to write the new album, what were the main challenges and how did you overcome them?

I think because the album was so long ago, I was 16 or 17, quite a few years ago then. It’s such a big gap between the songs that there’s a change, it’s a lot more mature. I don’t think it was, really, hard to write. We wanted to get a second album out but it kind of got pushed back and delayed and delayed. I think we were a lot happier with the songs on this one. It was more us.

Wasn’t the fact that your album was delayed something to do with the record label at the time?

Yeah, we kinda got shelved into a corner with other bands like Greenday and My Chemical Romance. Right from the word go they delayed our album and we just wanted to get on with it so we decided that time was a lot more important than a huge backing. Eventually it was alright, it’s hard doing it all by yourself but we had a lot more freedom. It’s worked out for the better.

Do you have any song lyrics that sum yourself up?

We sing ‘Angels’ by Robbie Williams. It’s a cool song to sing. It’s a bit of a guilty pleasure, actually it’s a great song, I’m not ashamed of it.

Solaris, your second album, was released last month, do you have any words to spare to try and convince people to buy it?

It’s better. It’s a lot more mature. It’s more us, I think now. It’s more of an album than a bunch of songs put together, which the first album kind of was. In the sense that that was all the material we had. It’s also different in the fact that in one track it’s slow and then another is full of strings.

With his beer now finished the interview wound down to a close, helped along quicker by Me Vs Hero rehearsing their set right outside the door. After a quick photo and goodbye Alex rejoined his four band mates and immediately started talking about their show later that night.

PLEASE ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE MYSELF: ExLovers

Despite being called boring by some drunken guy outside The Hamptons, Pete and his band mates, who together make up Exlovers, were funny and welcoming, with a hint of the kind of sarcasm which comes when you are comfortable with the group around you. I joined them just before their gig.

Can you describe yourselves in one word?

Laurel-Worried

Brooke-You’re worried? Well you are a worrier.

Dan-I’m indifferent. Can I really say that though?

Pete-Me and you have the same word don’t we Chris

Chris-Drunk

B-Maybe in the band context I would say…

P-Wizened

B- That’s good; I was going to say in a band context maybe dad.

How did you feel when you first stepped on stage together as a band?

C+P- we were pretty unsure

L-We’d only been practising for about three weeks before we had our first gig. I was kind of relieved that we didn’t play terribly.

B-I felt very good about it.

Do you have a personal favourite on your EP?

L-mine is ‘Incomplete’

B-Yeah mine’s ‘Incomplete’ as well, but it was a single before wasn’t it?

L-Yeah but it’s still on the EP

P-I quite like ‘New year’s Day’

Are there any messages you’re trying to get over to your fans?

P-No, not really

If there were what would they be?

L-Don’t drink and drive

P-Don’t take drugs, take your vitamins.

L-Yeah take your vitamins, that’s a good one

P-We’re not really into messages. I guess we all just like the pretention of playing simple music very simply.

B- How about keep coming to our live shows.

L-Yeah that’s the message

Who has influenced your music?

L: My Bloody Valentine

When I listen to your music I hear The Smiths.

P- Really? We like The Smiths but The Cure are more of an influence to our music

What do you think about the whole Morrissey thing this morning? (Morrissey had collapsed on stage the night before)

B-Oh I heard about that on the news this morning.

P-Apparently he was kneeling on one knee and holding flowers in one hand, that’s what I thought I heard on the radio, I had this really weird image of him just kneeling on the stage with flowers

B- We hope he gets better soon; perhaps he needs to take it easy

Which band would you most like to support?

P: Do they have to be alive, actually yeah, that would be a bit weird

B: I think Lemon heads is probably a good one.

Turning the tables, who would you like to support you?

P-Lemon heads.

L-What you mean as in someone famous?

P-Kurran and the Wolfnotes (They were touring with Kurran and the Wolfnotes at the time – ED)

B-Don’t be mean.

P- I wasn’t being mean. It was actually an attempt at being really nice, now you made me feel really mean.

L-Erm okay, someone famous. I don’t know though, I don’t think it would really work

D-if you held them in a high regard…

L-You don’t want to go after them everyone would have left

Where has been your favourite place to play so far?

P-Shepherds Bush; it was just an amazing place to play

You supported Pete Doherty, What was that like?

P-That was the Shepherds bush gig so it was pretty good. We heard loads of horror stories about people getting bottled.

L-Yeah so we were prepared to get covered in beer by loads of people, but actually we didn’t.

B-I heard that getting bottled is a sign of affection

L- Damn, they must’ve hated us

P-They wouldn’t even throw their bottles at us

Have you got any favourite bands at the moment?

P-Deer Hunter

L-PJ Harvey even though it isn’t really a new act.

C-I listen to a lot of local bands. I quite like Atlas Sound

You’re making an album at the moment aren’t you?

B-We aren’t making an album. We don’t have a record label so it makes that sort of stuff harder. But we are writing songs and stuff at the moment.

With that it was time for one last fag and a restringing of the guitar before their set began.