interview with Modern Faces.

 First of all guys, can you introduce yourself? 

- Monty (Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar), Gaz (Drums and Backing Vocals), Jamie (Bass Guitar), Mike (Lead Guitar) and The Master of Disaster Mr James Shields (Keys).

 How did you all met? And how did you decided to create the band? 

- Three of us were at the same school (Monty, Gaz, Jamie) and all shared the same taste in music. Monty got introduced to Mike through a friend and started doing a few small acoustic gigs around our local town Dunfermline. Not long after this we decided to form a proper band and make a go of it. This is when Jamie and Gaz got on board. The tunes started to flow and after a few gigs we started to see the crowds getting bigger and bigger. After a couple of sessions in the studio we felt it would be great to make our live performances massive. We got Shields in on the keys and so here we are now..

How did you choose the name of the band and why "Modern Faces"?

- Well it was Monty that came up with it a few years back. We were right into the whole mod culture at the time and as you know the "faces" were the cool, trendsetters of the 60s. Take that meaning and throw it into todays world and you get us....Modern Faces!

Do you, each of you, have already an experience in the music industry or are you all new in it?

- All new to the industry.

 Let's talk about your music, who gave you the desire to become a "rockstar"?

- We grew up listening to bands from the 90`s, I remember hearing Oasis on the radio when i was about younger and just thinking how fucking good it was. We all love Oasis, Kasbaian, The Stone Roses, The Beatles etc we could go on and on. All the bands and "Rock Stars" from the years gone by have had some sort of influence on us but for us it was Noel and Liam that caught the eye. I dont think you get "Rock Stars" like you used to now a days, just students in pointy shoes, so hopefully we can start a revolution and get people as excited about music as they once were.

 How do you write a song? Are you doing it all together or each of you on your own and then put everything together after all? 

- All tracks are different but generally Monty or Gaz will come up with something and bring it to the band. They will describe the direction they want it to go in and it will evolve from there. Saying that Monty loves to write a full song in his head before letting us all hear it. Hes quite the beatboxer and hes even came out with a full strings section before!!!   

We can hear several of you songs/demos on your myspace and soundcloud pages, I quite love "lost in a moment" and "Rock'n'rolla", do you have a fave one? 

- Not one in particular, Love Frustrates Me is great to play live though, gets the ladies involved.

 Where do you find the inspiration to write the songs?

- We take a lot from our own lifes and personal experiences, we find it easier to write songs we can relate to and with meaning. Sometimes we like to tell a story though, "Gun for Hire" for instance.

Have you already choose which song will be your first single? And will you tell us? 

- Every song we seem to be writing just now seems to be getting better and better, I can tell you that when we do have to pick one its gonna be an absolute BELTER!!!!!

And do you have an idea of the type of videoclip you'd like to have?

-  "Gun for Hire" - Wed like to re-enact the song.....like an old Western movie. Few gunslingers, a bank robbery and a money train!

 How would you describe your music? 

- Pure ecstacy! Versatility is the key.

 What would be your ideal gig? 

- Doing a massive gig in an old barn in the middle of nowhere. 90,s illegal rave style!

In your influences, you've named Oasis, how did you react when they split? Do you like Beady Eye? - 

We were pretty gutted but the Beady Eye album is quality, going to see them in Edinburgh in April so cant wait. Really looking forward to hearing Noels Solo stuff though, im sure it will mega.
 

You're from Scotland, is there a Scottish Band/artist, you'd love to work with?

- Sheilds loves a bit of Annie Lennox!! 

 And what do you think about bands like Glasvegas.....? Do you think you could become the new "faces" of Scottish rock? 

- Whatever happens wel be aiming to go to the top! We wont settle for being the face of Scottish Rock. Maybe British Rock...or even the world. Well see...

 You've already played gig in big English towns, was it not too hard to be far from your roots?

- No, any gig we play we go for it, doesn't matter where it is. Sometimes its great playing to people you dont know, I mean your mates will go mad for it anyway. If you can go to London and play a gig when nobody has a clue who you are but get the place jumping within a few tracks. You must be doing something right, and nothing beats that feeling.

 What's your memories of those gigs?

- Great crowd and reaction but after that it goes a bit hazy, few too many JD`s.

 You also played in front of 900 people in your town, what was your feelings when you came on stage? Were you feeling like being the kings of the town?

- When you play to a massive crowd that are purely there just to see you, the buzz you get is unreal! Its what its all about and why we're in this game in the first place. Its all about the fans.

Could you leave Scotland to live in another country if it's important for your music?

- Send us on a plane now.........................
 

 "Gun For Hire" and "Lost in a Moment" have been played on Amazing Radio and seems to have a great response from the listeners, were you ready for that? 

- We think our music is ready and that we're ready. Hopefully the fans are ready...lets bring on more of the same.

 Is there an artist/band you'd love to work with/make a duet?

- Paul Weller, the mans a legend!
 

 If you could make a cover, which song would you choose? 

- Rolling Stones, Gimme Shelter.
 

 Could you do a song in a different language? 

- Supposably Gaz speaks a bit of French.... 
 

 Do you have a personal dream(s) apart from the music?

- No. Music is what we want to do and will do, not gonna stop till were there.
 

 Is their in your Ipods, some songs/albums you should be ashame of? 

-Vengaboys - The Venga Bus is coming!

Are you addicted to one song/one album?

- Nothing better than shoving the White Album on when its gettin past those early hours on a Sat night.

 Do you have a message for your fans/supporters?

- Get listening in, spread the word and lets take it to the next level. Much love!

Foley Stewart

Im gonna introduce now an artist from the US!!!! Yes I can listen to music that is not coming from the UK!!! :)

I've discovered Foley Stewart really recently as he was the support act of Fran Healy during his solo tour in Europe. I didn't know who I was going to see and this is not usual for me to love the support acts I use to see... But maybe God wanted me to hear Foley, cos I've decided to run after the work and I arrived at La Maroquinerie during the 1st song and I was not yet IN the venue that I heard his voice and thought that I was gonna love that set! I know this venue by heart but this time I just follow the voice like flying till the stage.... After his set, Foley became the sound engineer of Fran and could also make an excellent impression of the US sound checker AND sing the background vocal on "Sierra Leone" with Fran.... After the gig, I could met him as he became the merch boy for his own cd. Outside he made a brilliant impression of Ke$ha, don't ask me why, you should have been there! In one evening, I saw a singer I LOVE for many years and I discovered an talented New-Yorker who, I hope will become famous here soon!

 

Foley Stewart was born and raised in the East Village of Manhattan. His music is influenced by both the city and the country - His dad is from Kentucky and his mom is from Brooklyn. In highschool, Foley began paying shows at local clubs and recording DIY albums out of his dad's apartment on Ludlow street. Since then he has toured the US and recorded with some awesome people like Jimmy Boyle, Mark Ronson and Emery Dobyns. His latest EP "Holy Nowhere" was done by himself in his bedroom.

You can follow him on his Facebook, myspace, tumblr and his Twitter.

You can order his 1st EP on Itunes!

Lyrics of the song "Here with me" by Mooli

Verse

Money’s tight
We’re in the red
Working so hard
Can’t get ahead
It’s not chronic
We’ll stem the tide
We might be broke but love’s on our side


Chorus
Within these walls
Unites people
With a lot of things in common
And a wealth of history

Within these walls
We lie peaceful
If our happiness annoy them
Leave them to their misery
These walls
Will see you safe here with me

Verse 2

Feels like
We’re on the ropes
An endless fight
There’s always hope
If what we reap
Is what we sow
We won’t be drowning in no sorrow


Chorus
Within these walls
Unites people
With a lot of things in common
And a wealth of history

Within these walls
We lie peaceful
If our happiness annoys them
Leave them to their misery
These walls
Will see you safe
Here with me

Within these walls
Unites people
With a lot of things in common
And a wealth of history

Within these walls
We lie peaceful
If our happiness annoys them
Leave them to their misery
These walls
Will see you safe
These walls
Will see you safe
here with me

Here with me ( Words and music by Ben Copland)
Performed by Mooli
From the Ep ' Black Spring' and album ' Dream Chasing'
Copyright control.

Mooli- Here with me ( official Video)

interview of Tom Nurse from The Screening

The Screening is probably the most famous of this "new" bands Im following and supporting, Tom "singer" Nurse has took the time to answer to some questions. Is he always honest or is he kidding? You'll have to guess!!! :)

 First of all, can you introduce the band? -

Yes, Tom1, Tom2, James and little Owen

How did you all meet? And where does come from the idea of creating the band?

We all lived within 200 yards of each other as kids and me and Jim went to the same school as did Tom L and Owen,,,me and Tom2 started the band as teenagers and it evolved over a couple of years until we found what we were looking for right under our er,,,noses!

Where does come this passion for music? Have you been influenced by an artist when you were younger who makes you wanna be a rockstar?

Many bands, many experiences, many people! No one in particular! its in the blood maaaan!

Are you writing the songs all together or each of you "in a corner" then put all the ideas together?

Me and Tom2 write the "kits."The songs may change in the studio, all depends on the song. We have no specific formula and the way we write can change from time to time depending on the mood!

What gives you the inspiration to write the songs?

Marijuana and booooooze...joking of course,everyday life situations, world conflict, death, love, the usual!!

How will you describe your music?

Bright and sparkling with a hint of decay!

How did you, each of you, decide, one day, to learn how to play an instrument?

I dont reckon you decide, it just happens! You either want to do it or you dont.

In the video clip of "ten green bottles", the band is playing "the role of the car radio", who's got this idea?

We are lucky enough to have many people behind the scenes who contribute loads of stuff to the band,,it is more than just the four of us on stage. In this case a friend called Rob Powell designed the concept and directed the video to his own weird imagination! He has done all our vids and is a very talented chap!

Imagine that someone ask you, one day,  to do the exact same thing during a long journey, what would be your reaction?

Foookin do one!

In the video clip of "You Look Much Better In The Dark", you have to run under the rain because you're late to a photoshoot. Was it the other's idea to tell you that you have to stop being late? :)

No, I am renowned for my punctuality!

You're from Leicester, well known for the Walkers chips, Joseph Merrick, the National Space Center amongst others but above all by the band Kasabian who have now a huge influence in the British rock music. Do you think that your city could become the new "english capital of music"?

ha ha,,,I doubt it! Lets wait and see! There's a few good bands around these parts, it only takes a couple for the domino effect!

Strange question: If Prince William and Kate Middleton ask you to play to their wedding, will you go?

If there's a free bar then I reckon I would.

Is there an artist with who you would love to do a duet?

Justin Bieber

What's your ideal gig?

Coachella as the sun's going down! That be nice!

Personally always prefer buying the cd or vinyl of an artist but now a lot of artists released their songs only on digital copy. What's your opinion about that market?

I agree that it is much better to have a physical release,,the aesthetic of vinyl and CD's adds to the whole experience,,,downloading an MP3 is not for me but you gotta move with the times and record labels have been ripping people and bands off for decades so it is good that more bands have the potential to get there music out there,,although you will always need the might of the major labels for anybody to know about it.

If you can make a cover, what song would you choose?

We occasionally encore our sets with Sympathy for the Devil by the Rolling Stones,people love it and we reckon we do it justice! yeehaa

Tom, could you sing in an other language?

Oui, je suis polyglotte et mènent souvent des répétitions dans une multitude de dialectes!

You seems very close to "the Harley Staples Cancer Trust", is there another charity that is very close to your heart?

We knew Harley very well so we love to support that charity! That one is the one we will always focus on!

Do you have a personal dream?

A cameo in Hollyoaks is all of ours big dream or a duet with Justin Bieber.

What was the 1st ever record (cd or vinyl) have you bought?

The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses,,,cos im so cool clearly!

Is there in your ipod a song you could be ashamed to have?

yes,Girls Aloud album,,although to be frank you cant fault the choooons!

Are you addicted to one song/album?

Currently The National album High Violet,,,tis soooooper!

What was the first ever gig you went to?

Mainstream gig - Manic Street Preachers,,,me and Tom went when we were about 12!

If you could be another one of the band for one day or one week, which one will you (each of you) be and what will you do?

The Doors and I would sing I reckon!

Do you have a message for your fans/supporters?

We love all of em in their own special way,,and watch out for our debut album coming in the summer! Its a foookin belter!

Modern Faces "Rock'n'Rolla

My fave song by the band at the mo'!

Modern Faces...

Modern Faces is a Five-piece band from Dunfermline (Scotland) composed by:

Monty  at the Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar
Gaz at the  Drums and Backing Vocals
Jim at the Bass Guitar
Mick at the Lead Guitar
Shields at  Keyboards and Synths

Their music is a compilation of "influences from the psychedelic 60s right through to the pulsating 21st century". The band name check Oasis, The Stone Roses and The Verve as big influences in their career.

They already have played differents gigs in a lot of differents places across the UK, like Liverpool’s Sound City Festival, This Feeling Club London, Death Disco London, Greasy Lips Manchester...... And they had played their biggest show of their existence to a strong 900 crowd at The Velocity in Dunfermline.

The band is gonna play at the upcoming Primal Scream After Show Party on the 26th March at the Brixton Jamm.

The song "Gun of Hire" has recently been played by Charlie Ashcroft in his show on Amazing Radio on Tuesday 8th March and then "Lost In A Moment" played several times by Jim Gellatly in his show on the same radio.

From there the band released their EP 'No Mans Land' in April of 2010 which attracted the ears of many within the industry.

Check them out on their myspace, their Soundcloud profil, their Facebook fanpage , their Twitter and their Youtube page. 

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 innocence 

 
-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!

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

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.

The Black Dove Experiment, Bull and Gate, Kentish Town, London 04 02 11