Hi guys, how  are  you today?

Great Thanks.

How would you describe life in the band at the present time?

It’s a really exciting time, our debut EP is out next week and it’s been getting great reviews. We can’t really ask for more at the moment.

Was there any major changes to the recording techniques used for Air Formation as when recording as you walk through walls?

Not really, except that I had to do a lot more than I was used to. We recorded it live in a day and then spent a few more on overdubs and mixing, as always we were working to a tight budget so couldn’t really afford to experiment too much. We recorded again with Pat Collier as we know he produces great sounding records and it’s always a good vibe at his studio.

What was the driving force in establishing the new band and what are your initial hopes and dreams for you walk through walls?

Without really intending to, a month or so after Air Formation ended, I wrote a few songs that I thought were really fresh sounding, they felt different to Air Formation  and too good to never see the light of day, so I gave James a call and asked if was still up for playing drums with me. I also thought it would be a nice challenge to be the only guitarist and see if we could pull off a three piece line-up, without succumbing to the temptation of backing tracks which tend to get used a lot nowadays. I just wanted a straight forward line-up that could set up and play anywhere.

As far as what the future holds it’s quite simply making records which hopefully people will enjoy listening to. While we’re here we’ll see if we can push it a bit further than we were able to with Air Formation.

What do you think or would like to be the biggest change in the music industry next year?

I’m not really up on the latest developments, Harry (Bass) would probably tell me it’s something to do with music on mobile phones, which I really can’t get excited about at all.

What would I like to see? The end to all these streaming sites that pay pittance to the labels and bands who pay god knows what who record, release and promote music. It’s just not sustainable.

Where was your first gig and last and the highlights or lowlights of both? What would be your top three albums of 2012?

My first gig was James at The Empress Ballroom, Blackpool in 1990. It was so exciting and seemed like such a big event, everyone in Blackpool that weekend seemed to be there to see them play. The highlight was simply being at the gig (I went with Richard from Air Formation), I can’t really think of a lowlight on that one… maybe that I can’t remember much about it now.

The last band I saw were Mystery Jets in Brighton and I thought they were incredible; they put on an amazing show. The highlight was just seeing the crowd go mental, not many bands seem to have that effect on a crowd. Lowlight = Camera phones and a group of young lads filming themselves singing along loudly and badly.

What are your Top 3 albums of 2012?

Flying Saucer Attack – Heartbeat/Complete (It’s no secret I’m a FSA nut, this new album compiles 7” singles and rarities on to a beautiful LP)

TOY – s/t (This one really seems to divide opinion, I really do think it’s wonderful)

The MaccabeesGiven to the Wild (intricate & catchy with a great ambience, the track ‘Unknown’ is just incredible)

I’m sure I’ve missed loads this year, but as is often the case I’ll more than likely stumble across them at some point….

What was the initial attraction of working with Club ac30 and how does their approach differ from others in the market?

Initially they were one of the few people in the UK to show any interest in Air Formation. They invited us to play in London with Ulrich Schnauss & The Zephrs and the place was rammed for our opening set, something we’d never had before. It felt like something good was happening so when Robin mentioned he was thinking of putting some records out I said ‘if you do please consider us….” And before we knew it we were in the studio with Pat.

To be honest I’ve had very little dealings with anyone else, they’re just good guys who like their music, are very open and upfront.

Back to schooldays, what were the hot albums that got passed around the playground and do you listen to any of those albums still today?

The Cure’s Disintegration was the first album that sprung to mind, I’ll never stop listening to that… I’m not sure we were in the playground though, more likely the dark corners of the hallway. The Wonder Stuff’s HUP had a big part to play in me learning the guitar and yeah, I play it now and again, I’m still fond of it.

This week I’ve been listening to Ride’s ‘Nowhere’ which is a classic and I do play Swervedriver’s ‘Raise’ a lot, it just oozes coolness. Both would be played lot at friends’ houses and I have great memories of us shaking our heads on the front row to Swervedriver playing ‘Rave Down’ in Brighton when we were about 15.

Are you lucky enough to have a favourite record shop close to where you live or  work?

A couple of the best in Brighton have recently closed and there’s nothing of worth any closer to where I live. There’re still a few second hand shops in Brighton that I check out when I’m over that way.

What is your favourite London venue and why?

I’d have to say Brixton Academy, it always sounds pretty good and I’ve seen many a great band in there over the years.

Your debut EP is a nice taster of things to come, is there a full album and tour on the horizon for next year?

Yeah thanks, we’re really proud of it. We’ve nothing recorded yet but we’re working on songs for an album, we’re very pleased with what we have so far. We’re looking forward to seeing what live opportunities follow.

Any advice for new bands out there just producing their first demo?

Just to stay true to your vision and sound. Don’t try and pander to what you think people want to hear. Oh, and don’t expect to make any money.

 

Destroyed  Places ep is available HERE on Club AC30

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