dimanche 13 février 2011

An interview with Jersey Budd

After the release of his first album "Wonderland" in 2009 and a good year 2010 touring Europe with his songs and guitare, the Leicester lad is ready to kick 2011 with his new songs.  He's currently working on his 2nd album after writing almost 30 songs and gave a hint to the lucky ones who could come see him live just before last Christmas. He kindly agreed to answer to some (a lot) questions for me.


-First of all, for the few people around me who doesn't know you, can you introduce yourself?
Im Jersey Budd a singer/songwriter from Leicester in England

-Your first album "Wonderland" has been financed by your "fans" on Bandstocks. Why did you choose this kind of "production" and not "a run after several majors" who will fight to have you?
Well I decided to go through the bandstocks route because it gave me a massive connection with the fans and maybe equally as important was that i was in charge of my music and decisions 
 

-Are you the only artist who became "famous" thanx to Bandstocks?
There was only myself and Patrick Wolf to have there albums funded through bandstocks. He is shit so id have to say yes to that question
 
-You already know that my fave song in "Wonderland" is "Shotgun Times", do you have a fave one and why?
Yeah id probably say Shotgun Times too.Simply because it took me 20 mins to write it and as soon as i did i new it was a winner!
 

-You're currently working on your 2nd album, in last September, you wrote on your facebook page that you have wrote 30 songs! Does it means we will have a special bonus edition or some extra B-sides? ;)
I hope so. A lot of songs get left behind but im hoping to get about 12/13 songs on the album then release a little EP of the B sides because i think there all great songs
 
-Does the "sound" of this new album will be like the "Wonderland' one?
Its gonna be more rawer and edgy. Im going in the studio with a top producer so its gonna be a whole different 'sound' to Wonderlands


-When do you think this new album could be released?
It will be later this year i think. I just cant wait to get back out playing it on tour thats the fun part of the job for me
 

-Will you still have the same kind of cover, with the same artist?
Maybe the same artist and something that ties it in with the 1st album but each album is different and i want to reflect that
 

-The 1st album has been released in UK of course but more recently in Switzerland, Germany and Austria, do you think the 2nd will have a bigger release? 
Again i hope so. Ive no idea why it wasnt released in more countries but i imagine it would be down to money and the fact that you need to tour places before you release it there
 
-You've played in several other countries when you were support artist, what are your biggest memories? 
Ive been to a load of great places but i remember the European tour with The Rifles fondly. It was just a magic time and everything about the tour was great. I also got to support Kasabian for 2 nights while in Germany and you're always gonna have a great night with those lads 

 -You've been support act for John Martyn, Amy Macdonald, Kasabian, The Twang, The Riffles, ..... Is there an artist you would love to support? And would you like to support someone in a stadium (I mean big stadium like Wembley or Stade de France.) 
My ideal gig would be for a 'Live Aid' style gig at Wembley and the acts would be Bob Dylan,Bruce Springsteen,Oasis,Kasabian plus many more.Id gladly be the support artist on that gig

 -On the other side, would you like to have someone special as your own support act? 
There are so many great artists i love that have passed but id have to say John Lennon

-Is there an artist with who you would love to record a duet?
Id love to do a duet with someone like Paloma Faith or Adele because i think they are both on fire at the minute and i love there new records


-You're half-Irish/half-English, do this difference of background have an influence in your music?
 It has had a big influence on me. I still listen to irish music from time to time and absolutely buzz off it. Some of it is so simple but the energy and the feeling in some of those records are outstanding

 
-Which artist is a big influence for you?
 I go through stages of listening to different artists. But i still listen to bands like the Beatles etc they are a massive influence on me still to this day




-How did you decided to learn how to play the guitare one day?
 It was at college when i was taught to play by a friend of mine called Danny Archer. We used to play every lunchtime and think we were Oasis or The Beatles


-How many guitars do you have and can you play another instruments?
 I can play a little piano and harmonica but the guitar is my main instrument. I have 4 guitars at the minute but im always looking out for more

-Where does come from this passion for the music? Why did you finally choose to live thanks to your music instead of being a plumber?
 Well i hated plumbing from the start and always dreamed about being a musician. But i guess the passion came from listening to my parents old records and when i started playing guitar it felt completely natural to me and that just fuelled the fire
 
-You were in a band when you were younger. Were you the singer? What kind of music were you playing?
 Oh yeah a few bands when i was younger. I was in a band called Invagold with Adem from the Lysergic Suite and John Meighan which is Toms brother. I look back now with fond memories and pure innocenc
 
-How do you find the inspiration to write a song?
 Everywhere really, I get songs which seem to linger around my head or melodies that come up every now and again and its just a case of capturing them when you put music and words to it

 
-Could you sing in another language?
Non
   

-Do you have a message for the youngs who would like to work in the music industry?
Just to work hard keep your feet on the floor and get big!
 

-You have recently recorded the anthem tune for the LCFC and even more recently, been on a training with the team, is Football really important for you?
Ha Ha yeah that was great fun to do and an absolute honour for me as a big Leicester City fan.
  
-Could you have choosen Football instead of music?
No never because i was never that good at football plus i like a drink so i cant say im an athlete
 
-What other team (apart from the LCFC) do you support?
England and Blaby Utd
 

-What do you think about the french football?
Its a great new era for France after the world cup fiasco but im sure your on the way up with some great players in the team


Some randoms questions:

-What was the job you wanted to do when you were a child?
Footballer or Fireman

 
-What will you do if music, football and cinema were banned from our life?
Id become a monk




-Could you live in another country than yours?
Of course

 
-What was the 1st ever record (cd or vinyl) have you bought?
 Micheal Jackson 'Bad' album


-Is there in your ipod a song you could be ashame to have?
 There are a load of them! god knows why i brought them at all the worst is Take That 'Back for good'
 

-Are you addicted to an album/song?
 Bob Dylans Blonde on Blonde

 
-Final question, do you have a message for your fans/supporters?
 Thank you so much for all your support. Stay with me and see you very soon 


All picture by Neil Plumb

Great news about Operator Six!

jeudi 10 février 2011

SuperEvolver new!

SuperEvolver have just announced who is their new drummer (as Jimi has left the band for personal reasons.)



Welcome to John Kenna Junior


mercredi 9 février 2011

The song The Lysergic Suite could cover: CAN - SPOON (1971)

A word with Gren Spencer of The Lysergic Suite (cos the others were sleeping! aah)

The Lysergic Suite are the new "band from Leicester" who will see their name getting famous this year thanx to their psychedelic music, their red/green psychedelic live light and their amazing guests on several songs! They said "yes" to answer to some questions, well only one of them finally answer and you'll know why!




First of all, the questions that everybody is asking you: Can you introduce the band?
        Yeah, im Gren, Im from The Lysergic Suite, Adem and Custic are in bed....





How did you all 3 met and where does come the idea to create this band?
         ive known Custic (the drummer) for quite a while, he helped me to put it all together in the begining, I had a lot of recorded stuff that i didnt know what to do with, always thought that id end up playing it live, but he sorted out my head for me and got the ball rolling...
  Liam, ive been passing Liam in the road for years, we live in the same town, and i used to go and watch his old band play, but we never quite met until last year, now i cant get enough of the boy  haha,  The best lads ever..





I know that "Lysergic Suite" is the name of one of the room of the old shoes factory that is now your studio,  why have you choose this name for the band? 
                 Yeah, well its just the studio that we record in, it could be anywhere really, but at the moment, its in an old shoe factory, that we share with Kasabian. The name just fits perfectly what we do.




You're at the moment, in the studio, recording the album, can you give us some hints?
           Well, its fucking mental, im buzzing about it at the moment... Its going to be out later in the year.





Your EP "Ghost on crusade" has been release last year, my favorite song is "in the morning, do you have a fave one among the song of this EP?
            I havent got a favorite, i have a few favorites off the album, but its always interesting to hear what other peoples are.




Are you all you 3 writing the songs together?                    
Yeah, in some cases, but we are mostly recording the stuff that ive been locked away writing for a few years.

 

Where do you find the inspiration for the songs?
        From anywhere really...  Were all into different things, different sounds, and it all comes together...  its hard to put any of it into words really.


Why did you "choose" this kind of music to be "your" music?
                I dont think that we have consciously "chose" what we were going to sound like, it just happens, you know?  and it evolves over time too, which is great.


Are you fan of cinema? And would you like to write the music for a movie?
  Yeah, would love to, A lot of people tell me that our music is quite cinematic, so it would seen a natural thing to do.
 
what kind of movie (sci-fi, action, comedy?) would you like it to be?
            haha,  dont know, SciFi would be interesting...  something a bit dark though, im not into Hollywood blockbuster rubbish.



In your song "Earth and Water", we can hear something about Aliens. Do you believe in a life outside of earth? Where you fan of show like Doctor Who when you were younger?
        If you watch our video to Earth And Water, you can see how big the Universe really is....  To think that we are the only life out here would be very nieve...   
 

You have collaborated with Tom Meighan, Shane Devany (aka Dodger de Tune), Jay Melher, Kav Blaggers, Tim Holmes. Is there someone else with who you would love to collaborate?
Yeah, theres lots...  But you will have to wait and see ;)

 
Gren, you have been on tour with Kav in the states during the summer 2009, was it a great experience?
 
                America is an amazing place, California was one of those places that, when you get there, you just go.. "right, i could move here tomorrow"..  its fantastic, and the people are really into their music too, there not as reserved as we are over here.




I know that Adem and Liam have been musicians for Jersey Budd on tour, Adem also recorded the drums part on the album, Gren, you have produced this album and played additional  drums on it. Was it a "family" affair?
       Leicester is that way really, were all one big disfunctional family..haha..
   Jerseys a good lad, and i wish him all the best in the future, i met him when i sold him a guitar.




What is your biggest dream for the band?
      We constantly hit all our targets, we're just doing exactly what we want really, so im not sure we have an ultamate goal or anything. As long as we can keep doing this, then we will be happy.



Would you like to be famous enought one day to play the pyramid stage at Glasto?
            I think anyone would...  Glastonbury is the big one isnt it? You would be mad not to want to.




If you could give one of your song for a charity, which song will you choose (or could you write a special song) and what charity would you choose?
  It would be Cancer research, something thats close to my heart, and im not sure about the song



Well, you know Im french, would you like to come here and play gigs all over France? Or even colaborate with a french artist?
  Yeah, its been a few years since i toured france...  Beautiful place, loved "Nice" and "Cannes"...
   What happened to "Air" are they still around?  acually, it would be "Daft Punk"



Gren, could you sing in another language?
            Nope.


What's your occupation apart from the band now? And do you have a personnal dream? (like writing a book, being an actor...)
           This is all we are doing now, theres not time to do anything else!..  would like to be in a film one day, but theres more important things right now


Do you have an album, you will never stop listening to?
    Dark Side Of The Moon, Pink Floyd.




I am from the persons who prefer buying the cd and/or the vinyl, but your first EP has been released only on digital, what your opinion on this "market"?
    Yeah, well, its different...  i prefer vinyl too, but the internet allows everyone to do it i guess, you dont need thousands of pounds to release something... But the album will be on all formats.




If you could make a cover, which song would you choose and why?
        A band called "Can" and the songs called "spoon"...  Rubbish name, great song.




Do you have a message for your "fans"?
           Please Stay Calm.  



Thanx to Delphine Van Brackel for the pictures.

mercredi 26 janvier 2011

A day in the life of Amy Wyke and the Mercury

Amy Wyke

Amy Wyke was born in 1987 and has been writing her own songs since a very young age and has always had a huge passion for music and performing live. 



Amy's producer is Andy Nichol (Aldous, JEAN, Madhen..) who worked with her on  her EP ‘Keep Breathing’ and continue to work on her forth coming album. 

 The Ep has been released last summer 2010 and is available direct from Amyfrom itunesfrom amazon MP3.


Amy has been on tour as the support act  for The Chris Moyles show feature “FolkFace” city Tour all the summer and she also has been performing with her band or alone with her guitare several gigs in UK and will be back on tour soon.


Please have a look at  :




vendredi 14 janvier 2011

Mooli- an interview with-

I must say that Im quite proud of the fact that my friends from Mooli gave me the chance to ask them several little questions for this 1st interview after the release of their new baby, the EP Black Spring....  Have a look at their answers and don't forget to buy their EP! ;)



Ben, Mooli is almost your old baby now, can you introduce Kristina to us?

Haha, yes I guess Mooli has past the kindergarten stage now, and the child has started school. Kristina is someone I've 
known for around four years now. I met her when she was 18, and she's 22 in a couple of months. In that time she has come on amazingly well as a vocalist. She's matured so much in that time,  and has her own unique vocal style. She's also someone who has her own fashion sense. Sometimes she wears the most random things, but somehow manages to make it work.

Kristina, can you give us your own "description" of Ben? Is it hard or easy to work with him in the studio?
Ben is full of character but can be very disorganised,as he will admit himself. It must be something to do with his mad  creative side, but luckily I am organised so it balances itself out. On the whole it's very exciting working with Ben in the studio

Kristina, you're now the lead singer and the "face" of Mooli, what's your feeling about that? 
 it was in fact quite a long wait for Ben to ask me. I felt like I been under Ben's wing for a few years,and sort of waiting in the wings , no pun intended, while he went about trying to find a vocalist for Mooli but it feels like now is the right time, and i'm very happy he asked cos I'm so excited about the future for Mooli. 

Have you ever wanted to work with your voice?

Always. For as long as I can remember. It's always been a dream, so it feels good to be making it a reality. 

Ben, why did you choose the name of Mooli for the band and how did you find this idea?
I first thought of the name about 6 years ago. Initially the band was called Regis, but then we discovered there was another band with that name, so had to change it. I really wanted to find the most random name I could find, that wasn't something people knew about, or spoke about haha, so I got the dictionary out, and started looking up random words, and got drawn to the name Mooli. Especially after i discovered it was used by medicine men to treat various ailments, and was also a name used as long ago, as biblical times. I was quite intrigued by the name, and somehow the name sounded warm to me, which was a good thing in my book, because although we make Electronic music, we try to inject some warmth into it. Electronic music doesn't have to be cold and sterile. .

What's your occupation apart from the band?
Ben: I am a songwriter and producer, and i have worked in many different genres.
Kristina: Truthfully it's really not that interesting, and you really don't want to know.. an assistant manager but i don't want to bore you with it. 
Can you both tell us what is your own past in the music industry?
Ben: I've been signed to a major label, part of Universal , called A&M records, who Emimem is signed to, with a previous band, and also was a songwriter with Universal, and Global talent, writing songs for different acts. During that time I've written and produced acts such as Beverley Knight, and had songs on a couple of top 10 albums in America, and further top 10's in places like Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands.

Kristina: I've been around the kent music scene gigging since I was 18, so about three years, and I studied music at college.

Is there a place in your home where you love to be to write the song?
Ben: I'd say in my studio, which is located in my house. From the moment i saw the house, i knew exactly where I'd put my studio. I spend most of my life in there now, haha.
Kristina: My room, and in my car  are probably my favourite places. My room is my personal hide out, where I can shut the door, get away from the world, and into mine.
How do you find the inspiration?
Ben : It really depends. Sometimes it's feeling a sense of injustice, and being outraged at something I've read or seen on the news, ha, or sometimes it's personal, and it's cathartic being able to  revisit something that happened and make sense of it. A lot of the  songs on the new album in a way are like that. 
Kristina: Everyday random spontaneous happenings. What people say, what people do, what you see and what you hear in normal life. Anything that captures your attention can lead to inspiration. 

What's your biggest dream for the band?
Ben: For the band to achieve its full potential, whatever that means. Ideally to have more people finding out about us, and hopefully identifying with what we do. There's no point making music, and not wanting anyone to hear it. 
Kristina: My biggest dream fingers crossed is to go all the way, and become known worldwide
And do you have a personnal dream? (like playing in a movie, write a book.....)
Ben: Ooh I'd love to write a book. I actually started one, but I've left it alone for a little while. I must return to it, and see how crap it is, haha. I'm also quite into film making, and writing scripts etc. 
Kristina:  My personal dream would be to write songs for different artists, or have other artists cover my songs. 


Would you like to play big festival like Glastonbury....? 
Ben:Yes definitely. Playing Glastonbury would be such a buzz. I was reading an interview with Matt from Muse, where he was saying that certain songs he writes, he thinks, ' This one will be a stadium song' or this one will only work in a small intimate venue. I totally got where he was coming from, because certain songs that we do, i can hear would be great for a bigger stage, especially some of the songs off the next album, like Meek. 

Kristina: I'd like to play all of the big festivals. Every single one. So yes,definitely Glastonbury, and the Isle of Wight are up there

If you can give a song for a charity, which charity will you choose and why?
Ben: Oh now that's a difficult one, because i support several charities like Amnesty. I have friends though, who have been working for Crisis, over Christmas, and I really felt for the homeless people. Its tough being homeless especially in winter, and as someone who was once homeless I identify with what they must have been going through. I've always thought that one of the songs on the last album ' Underneath the same sun' would be a good  charity record. On the new album' One Chance ' is a song I'm particularly proud of, and could also be a good choice. 

Kristina: It would have to one of our new songs ' One Chance' . Its an appreciation of time you have in life to make a difference, because you often  only get one chance. Of the charities the one I support the most is cancer research, and particularly breast cancer.

Who is/are your heroe(s) in the music industry? And in the whole artistic world?
Ben: I have so many. Stevie wonder is amazing, and has done so well. Berry Gordy of course. Michael Jackson is an absolute hero of mine, and synth wise, Vince Clarke is god!

Kristina: Alanis Morissette is an absolute god. 


What is the First ever cd/vinyl you've bought?
Kristina:  I really can't remember to be honest. First ever music I bought was either  either city High- what would you do, Jennifer Lopez I'm gonna be alright, or one of the Misteeq single on cassette tape. On CD it was probably Christina Aguilera's what a girl wants.


What was the first gig you went ?
Kristina: Christina Aquilera's stripped tour at Wembley.

If you could make a cover, which song will you choose and why?
Ben :I really like ' Here comes the rain again' and keep thinking of doing a cover of it, but not quite managed to sort it out, haha. 
Kristina: It would have to be Alanis, and the song ' Thank you', because its my favourite song by her. it's genius!

Do you have an album in your Ipod that you love so much that you will never remove it ? Which one?
Kristina: Florence and the machine Lungs and Alanis's jagged little pill.Well all of hers actually. 


If you could make a duet, with who would you like it to be?
Kristina: It would have to be Chester from Linkin Park, or Alanis.


Kristina, would you like to sing in another language?
Kristina : Yes Italian would be quite nice, as would French. 


How do you take care of your voice?
Kristina: I don't smoke, and I don't drink coffee before singing, and I also have vocal exercises with the most amazing singing teacher in the world. oh, and Vocal zone.Its best for clearing your throat.


Would you like to be famous in France? 
Kristina: of course, I love the French. Would love to be famous Worldwide, haha. 


Do you have a special message for the persons who support you?
Kristina: Thank you lots and lots and I really appreciate everyone's time, and support, especially all the lovely emails welcoming me. being new to a band that has already had some success, and coming in halfway hasn't been easy, but i've been accepted, and it means a lot to me.

lundi 10 janvier 2011

Smugglers Run - An introduction to-

 Wanna know more about  SmugglersRun , band from Sheffield (and London) who I talked about earlier in this blog.? Well, just read the following part of the article. They answered to some questions to make you feel a little bit more closer to them.... ENJOY!


First of all, can you introduce the band? And how did the boys have met each others?

We met at University, we were all on a film course, except Dave, the Bass player, who Liam met when he went home with a girl after a night out and saw a bass guitar through an open door in her flat. He went in and asked if Dave played Bass, he said yeah, and they had their first little practise that night in that room! Liam came to Sheffield from London seeking a new musical project and new band members. He just went up to people in public who looked like they might play instruments and soon enough it was arranged.

Where does your love for music comes from? Why did you decided, one day, to learn how to play 'your' instrument?

When Liam was younger he was a keen actor, he was in lots of theatrical productions in and around London and had several television performances under his belt. But soon after being offered a part in a big television programme in England he went to see 70's Punk Rockers 'Stiff Little Fingers' and was blown away. From then on all he wanted was to make music.

All the band are passionately interested in music from all genre's. We constantly argue and disagree on contemporary and historical musical, all the way back to the 1920's.

We had all messed around with music and instruments during our teens but we didn't start seriously learning until we got to university and decided to try and start a band. We took it slow, taught and encouraged each other. We learnt to play by writing songs, we can't read music or even tell you what notes we're playing but if we like the sound, we'll play it.


Where does comes from the idea to create that band?

We all wanted to be in a band, the passion flows evenly throughout the band. This meant that as soon as we met each other a band was the only way forward!

Who have had the idea of this name and why?


The name Smugglers Run was a joint effort. Liam wanted something to do with pirates, smugglers or the sea and after an evening sitting around drinking and discussing it, a really intoxicated friend suggested Smugglers Run, and we loved it!

Which artists are your idols and who, in the music world, give you some inspiration?

Liam loves Jim Morrison, The Doors, and a lot of British Punk and Rock. We are all influenced by Punk, Hardcore, Rock and Indie-rock. The Strokes, Rise Against, Ramones, Dead Kennedys, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath etc.


What are your others occupations, outside music?

David works at a sports centre, Nathan, Robbie and Liam are film makers. Liam also founded Sheffield based independent record label: Bad Merchant!

What are your BIGGEST dream for the band?

Just to be able to live off making music would suffice, but supporting the strokes would be nice!

Where do you find the inspiration to write a song?  And do you sometimes write a song "in 5 minutes"? (I mean, have you ever had a brainwave which makes you take a piece of paper and write a full song in 5 minutes?)

Songs are written in stages mostly, we write a guitar riff and go from there but quite often Liam will write a full song while sitting alone at night and then bring it to the studio. We definitely write some of our best material in a few minutes.

If you had to do a cover, which songs will you choose and why?

We already do a pretty good cover of Bulletproof by La Roux!

With who would you like to do a duet and why?

A duet with Jamie T would be a dream of Liams. But It would be good to duet with Mick Jagger or Julius from the Strokes!

Some bands asked to "famous" actors or models to plays in their videoclips, would you like to ask to someone in particular to play in one of yours? Or would you like to ask to a "special" director to direct one of your videoclip?

Wes Anderson to direct one of our videos and Al Pacino to star in one!

Which dead artist(s) would you like to see coming back to life?

Jim Morrison!

In France, we have, every 21st of June and for more than 29 years now, a National day called "La fête de la musique". On that day, every single musician can go in the street and play his art. This is free and everybody is welcome to play or listen and this is a very festive day.  I know that several others countries have "took" this idea now and do that too. What do you think of that? And would you like the British governement do the same and declare the 21th of june, a national day for music?
 
That sounds like an amazing day, we would love for that to happen in England, however, I think the British Government has a lot more important things to do first!

Do you have a special message for the people who loves and support you?

Keep up the support, we love you and you will not be forgotten!

Thank you, Let's get Smugglers out to France!

lundi 20 décembre 2010

Mooli- Black Spring-

The new EP of Mooli is out today! His title is "Black Spring", there are 4 songs on it ( "Black Spring"; " This place"; "Here with me"; "Gliders")
 
You can find it on Itunes; amazon and tesco (if you're in England) and don't forget to write a review! ;)

lundi 6 décembre 2010

This Is A Call


Sharni Montgomery is trying to make big waves for the Afghani Women's Writers Project, please help her by watching this video, reposting it everywhere and if you can help... then please do!

jeudi 2 décembre 2010


If you're following this link you can subscribe to The Screening newsletter and have a free song (till end of December 2010 )

mardi 2 novembre 2010

Smugglers Run

Smugglers Run


Smugglers Run is a band based in Sheffield and has been formed in 2008, the 4 members were Film students and describe themselves as "A group of Film Students got bored of making films so started making music, probably Steve's Sprungs Fault!"


The band is form by Liam John Bardell  on Guitar & Vocals, Nathan Croot on Guitar, David Hewitt on Bass and Robbie Hesketh on Drums.


They have gone from strength to strength ever since playing to sold out shows in Sheffield (300 capacity venue)


They are currently working on and recording new material with plans for a UK tour and EP release early 2011.


You can download for free their song "Full House" here.


Find them on their Reverbnation page, myspace page and their Facebook page...