2009 – How was it for you? part 2
Posted: December 16th, 2009 | Author: Matt | Filed under: Interviews | Tags: Leigh Mary Stokes, Richard Walters, The Olympic Symphonium | No Comments »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.
Generally, when a CD arrives for review, we’ll take one look at the press release, realise it’s just hyperbole and see if we can get I into the bin from across the room. Sadly though, the release for this record hasn’t had it’s chance to soar through the air and into the waste as it’s actually quite interesting. According to what’s written here, The Olympic Symphonium was set up by three Canadian musicians in the hope that they’d be able to have a quiet escape from their loud, rock oriented, day jobs. The order of the day was to be laid back, gentle, folk tinged music. Somewhere along the way though, something went wrong and the trio have inadvertently crafted some rather lovely pop tunes. From haunting piano-led balladry in ‘You Win Some, You Lose Some’, to the country flavour of ‘Blood From A Stone’ by way of the banjo propelled folk of ‘Intentions Alone’ this really is a lovely little disc, made all the more pleasant by it’s unassuming nature. The favourite track here at Call Upon The Author though is ‘Travellin’ Song’. There’s a jam band feel to this track that is really quite exciting and hints at an interesting path the group may wish to take on their next album. We’re keeping our fingers crossed!
