We're sending 15 generic questions to all our 'friends' who are artists and bands on myspace and asking them to answer them honestly and send them back to us. We want to know who actually looks at their myspace account and if they can be bothered to respond to messages posted to them!
All responses to our generic 15 myspace questions will be posted here. The first to respond are Circuits, a spikey brit punk band who instant pop appeal (their description as featured on their myspace page and who are we to argue!). Their first up so their answers will be the benchmark for all to come later. Then there are more familiar names in the shape of New Order's bass rebel Peter Hook and Boz Boorer who obviously is a main stay of the rockabily scene and moz second man. Later we've also got more including Hooverdams, Otherside, Circle plus solo offerings from Odi and Vicky Stuart. Hopefully many more to follow!
CIRCUITS
Myspace Strapline - Bright as midnight
Sounds like - 'F*cking great check them out' - The Fly
Influences - Well it's an advert for their new single!
Q1, Who are you & where are you from?
Circuits of Queens Park, West London.
Q2, What’s your myspace page called? What do you think myspace has to offer bands & artists? How many friends have you got (it is a competition you know!) and how many are actual friends?
www.myspace.com/circuitsband we got 6443 friends. but a lot of them are genuine. we've got quite hardcore fans.
Q3, Have you got a website too (you can blatantly plug it), what’s it got on it and is it worth a visit?
why not your only young once. www.circuitsband.com
Q4, If you had to pick a musical genre in which to pigeon hole yourself which one would you go for?
indie, punk, new wave, dub(ish) pop I guess
Q5, What is you favourite song you’ve written & why? What song would you have love to have written?
Collectively our favourite song is a track called 'The Choir Invisible'. There are so many songs I wish I wrote. Watching the Detectives by Elvis Costello, Master Blaster by Stevie Wonder, Rudie can't fail by the clash I could go on...
Q6, Do you do gigs? If so how would you describe your live experince? What’s your favourite gig and which one would you like to forget?
Yeah we love gigging. It's a pretty intense show and we have never had any complaints so far. my favourite show was our last one strangely enough. at the joiners in Southampton. the crowd were a bit awkward and it made for a really good challenge to win them over. London Astoria was pretty cool too.
Q7, What song gets you dancing every time & why?
Geno by Dexys midnight runners and to much too young by the specials. they are both track 1 and two on out tour bus compilation.
Q8, What was the last CD / download you bought and was it any good?
Ella Fitzgerald best of. It's fucking amazing!
Q9, What’s your view on Radiohead allowing fans to pay what they want for their new album? Do you think it’s just a marketing ploy? What would you pay for it? Is it anything you’ve considered doing?
I don't really know where I stand on it to be honest. when prince gave away his cd for free in the daily mail I did not lose any sleep either. although I questioned his choice of newspaper. it's a shame coz the music industry is going down the swany. the shame being that a lot of bands are missing out on much needed exposure. there is also no money to be had in cd sales, but I don't feel that it's about the money. if I can survive on doing what I love for the rest of my life then I'll die a happy man. I have no interest in driving a rolls Royce into my swimming pool or having a guitar shaped bed.
Q10, Why should somebody buy a copy of your single / album / download and not say a couple of pints of lager?
Because, regardless of how arrogant it sounds. I feel that we are an important band.
Q11, If you had to go to confession tomorrow what would you have to confess to and do you regret doing it?
I'd say that My daddy was a bank robber But he never hurt nobody He just loved to live that way And he loved to steal your money.
Q12, What’ s your views on the reality music shows (like X Factor and Pop / American Idol) and would you ever be tempted to give them a spin to ensure more people heard your music?
I'll be a long time dead before that set of clowns got their grubby mitts on Circuits.
Q13, What’s your favourite place in the world and what does it say about you?
On stage with Nicky, Simon and Junior. It says that I love my band.
Q14, What’s the best and worst thing you’ve ever seen written about you?
The worst thing i read was that I look like a squashed Jimmy Carr. Wankers! The best was a online review saying that the line 'A question mark shaped heart' was a contender for lyric of the year.
15, In ten words write your own press release (swearing is definitely allowed!)…
Go see Circuits live or die trying. cunts!
Peter Hook
Myspace Strapline - For bookings contact....
Sounds like - N/A
Influences - N/A
Q1, Who are you & where are you from?
P Hook, Salford.
Q2, What’s your myspace page called?
Frank!
Q3, Have you got a website too (you can blatantly plug it), what’s it got on it and is it worth a visit?
Yes, new order on line.
Q4, If you had to pick a musical genre in which to pigeon hole yourself which one would you go for?
Indie dance.
Q5, What is you favourite song you’ve written & why? What song would you have love to have written?
Atmosphere summer the first time bobby g.
Q6, Do you do gigs? If so how would you describe your live experince? What’s your favourite gig and which one would you like to forget?
Yes – ace experience! Too many I’d like to forget!
Q7, What song gets you dancing every time & why?
Chemicals - out of control.
Q8, What was the last CD / download you bought and was it any good?
Editors – excellent.
Q9, What’s your view on Radiohead allowing fans to pay what they want for their new album? Do you think it’s just a marketing ploy? What would you pay for it? Is it anything you’ve considered doing?
Ask for a kickin and you’ll get it!
Q10, Why should somebody buy a copy of your single / album / download and not say a couple of pints of lager?
Try puttin a pint in your cd player!
Q11, If you had to go to confession tomorrow what would you have to confess to and do you regret doing it?
Loads of course.
Q12, What’ s your views on the reality music shows (like X Factor and Pop / American Idol) and would you ever be tempted to give them a spin to ensure more people heard your music?
Never, they’re shit. All about looks not talent!
Q13, What’s your favourite place in the world and what does it say about you?
Home.
Q14, What’s the best and worst thing you’ve ever seen written about you?
Too much to mention!
15, In ten words write your own press release (swearing is definitely allowed!)…
Please release me let me go I don’t love u any more!
Boz Boorer
Myspace Strapline - 'Update!'
Sounds like - n/a
Influences - gene vincent, mac curtis, sweet, 999, slade, charlie feathers, sex pistols, alice cooper, ronnie dawson.
Q1, Who are you & where are you from?
boz boorer, london.
Q2, What’s your myspace page called? What do you think myspace has to offer bands & artists? How many friends have you got (it is a competition you know!) and how many are actual friends?
Myspacebozboorer
my space is great fora lotta things. I have 4200 friends. Actual? not quite that many.
Q3, Have you got a website too (you can blatantly plug it), what’s it got on it and is it worth a visit?
bozboorer.com
It's got some great photos and a large discography.
Q4, If you had to pick a musical genre in which to pigeon hole yourself which one would you go for?
Glamabilly
Q5, What is you favourite song you’ve written & why? What song would you have love to have written?
Jack the ripper, started it all off for me. Wish I wrote "happy birthday".
Q6, Do you do gigs? If so how would you describe your live experince? What’s your favourite gig and which one would you like to forget?
Bit of a happening, fave gig? vegas pearl , LA universal amp london roundhouse.
Q7, What song gets you dancing every time & why?
Don’t really dance.
Q8, What was the last CD / download you bought and was it any good?
’Tropical brainstorm’ kirsty maccoll, fantastic.
Q9, What’s your view on Radiohead allowing fans to pay what they want for their new album? Do you think it’s just a marketing ploy? What would you pay for it? Is it anything you’ve considered doing?
Desperation, no ,no, yes!
Q10, Why should somebody buy a copy of your single / album / download and not say a couple of pints of lager?
Tough decision.
Q11, If you had to go to confession tomorrow what would you have to confess to and do you regret doing it?
Not spending enough time at home.
Q12, What’ s your views on the reality music shows (like X Factor and Pop / American Idol) and would you ever be tempted to give them a spin to ensure more people heard your music?
Mindless crap.
Q13, What’s your favourite place in the world and what does it say about you?
Portugal up a mountain , says I'm old.
Q14, What’s the best and worst thing you’ve ever seen written about you?
Don’t take any notice.
15, In ten words write your own press release (swearing is definitely allowed!)…
Ten words are not enough!
Otherside
Myspace Strapline - ""
Sounds like - You decide what we sound like. We don't like to put ourselves in any specific category. We make our own.
Influences - Oasis, Green Day, James, Nirvana, Coldplay, Kooks, Verve, Arctic Monkeys.
Q1, Who are you & where are you from?
We are otherside, and hail from Leeds, apart from Mark who originally comes from nottingham.
Q2, What’s your myspace page called? What do you think myspace has to offer bands & artists? How many friends have you got (it is a competition you know!) and how many are actual friends?
www.myspace.com/musicotherside we have roughly 3300 friends and we dont know them all personally lol. We love myspace and have made many true friends and contacts of it, the idea of getting our music to the masses appeals to us.
Q3, Have you got a website too (you can blatantly plug it), what’s it got on it and is it worth a visit?
www.othersidemusic.co.uk we are currently updating it but its worth a view.
Q4, If you had to pick a musical genre in which to pigeon hole yourself which one would you go for?
I'd say we were an indie melodic rock genre, but have a listen and decide for yourselves.
Q5, What is you favourite song you’ve written & why? What song would you have love to have written?
My personal favourite song we've written is season sun, when we play it live we alter the outro and really throw ourselves into it. I'd love to have wrote any song that had sold multi millions lol.
Q6, Do you do gigs? If so how would you describe your live experince? What’s your favourite gig and which one would you like to forget?
We're always playing live gigs (check myspace for details), one of my favourite ones was first time we headlined the mainstage at the cockpit Leeds, I'd worked there a few years before and always promised my self i would play that stage oneday. Another all time high was playing the cavern in Liverpool, that was truelly great night. We've had a few howlers though, but we try to forget those !!
Q7, What song gets you dancing every time & why?
Ummm of ours it would be "thats what she said" but i love dancing round to the stone roses mainly.
Q8, What was the last CD / download you bought and was it any good?
The Fratellis-Costello music, a great album. Will be buying the new foo fighters album next.
Q9, What’s your view on Radiohead allowing fans to pay what they want for their new album? Do you think it’s just a marketing ploy? What would you pay for it? Is it anything you’ve considered doing?
I think its a great idea for a band that big, they make enough touring lol, and we all know too many people add there pound on to cd's in the shop. We have always allowed free downloads of our music on myspace as it just great getting people to listen to it.
Q10, Why should somebody buy a copy of your single / album / download and not say a couple of pints of lager?
With ours you can download them and still have a couple of pints of larger as its free!!!!!
Q11, If you had to go to confession tomorrow what would you have to confess to and do you regret doing it?
Can’t tell you that I'd get arrested lol.
Q12, What’ s your views on the reality music shows (like X Factor and Pop / American Idol) and would you ever be tempted to give them a spin to ensure more people heard your music?
I cant stand them and avoid them like the plague, we definately wouldn't go on them as we're more about the music and the full package rather than a singer. We will be entering channel 4's mobileact-unsigned next year as thats more band focused.
Q13, What’s your favourite place in the world and what does it say about you?
The harbour wall in Bridlington, watching and listening to the sea. Read what you can into that, but its a place i always go to remember and reflect.
Q14, What’s the best and worst thing you’ve ever seen written about you?
Relationships both good and bad, wish i could say something poinyant like U2 though!
15, In ten words write your own press release (swearing is definitely allowed!)…
If Carlsberg made bands......otherside
circle 3
Myspace Strapline - 'Debut single out on Monday 10th December'
Sounds like - great music!
Influences - the cribs, biffy clyro, bullet for my valentine, damien rice, elbow, mansun, maximo park, hell is for heroes, bloc party (and more).
Q1, Who are you & where are you from?
Circle 3 from Leamington Spa and Coventry.
Q2, What’s your myspace page called? What do you think myspace has to offer bands & artists? How many friends have you got (it is a competition you know!) and how many are actual friends?
myspace.com/projectcircle3
It's only good for bands and networking really, and i guess for gathering the younger generation of fans. Its all a bit diluted now, too much, people get pissed off from getting spammed all the time with generic messages, but we only use ours for a base of reference rather than spam a load of peeps, a very easy to use website...we use this more than our actual website because you get more of an interaction with new and old fans.
I dont know how many are our actual friends or fans out of the 5,000ish mates we have on here.
Q3, Have you got a website too (you can blatantly plug it), what’s it got on it and is it worth a visit?
www.projectcircle3.com
its worth a visit as we still use this for promotion too, but has turned into more of a log of the whole project. The Circle 3 project started off as a one man show which has evolved into what it is today. this is where all the journals are logged and picture archives.
Q4, If you had to pick a musical genre in which to pigeon hole yourself which one would you go for?
Indie/Rock with a bit of disco.
Q5, What is you favourite song you’ve written & why? What song would you have love to have written?
As a band we'll never agree on the same song, purely for the fact we have such a diverse range in musical tastes. but me personally, my favorite song at the moment is our song called "you or the radio" which we plan to release next year. It has a dance vibe about it, going to be remixed by a load of DJ's too and when we play it live, I can go nuts on it.
I wish I had written Powder Blue by Elbow..or Our Bovine public by the cribs.
Q6, Do you do gigs? If so how would you describe your live experince? What’s your favourite gig and which one would you like to forget?
Live is where we're at our best, we're full of energy and passion, we like to rock. Thats why we recorded our new stuff live in a studio because we didn't want it to sound so polished like the last EP we did, we pulled it off too.
Fave gig, too many to choose from...maybe Party on the pond as the venue got flooded so we had to move to another bar, then that flooded, so we found a 3rd bar to hold it, it got rammed and we played a blinder.
Worst gig, Halloween party a few weeks ago, the room was far too big and everyone sat on the outside of the dance floor for all the bands that played, i dont know why they came or why bands were booked, but there was no atmosphere to play off so we got bored.
Q7, What song gets you dancing every time & why?
You or the radio by Circle 3....most Cribs tunes...Maximo Park...lots of killers tunes.
Q8, What was the last CD / download you bought and was it any good?
Last album was the new cribs one, was awesome...and Biffy Clyro's Puzzle which I liked a lot but sounds far better live.
Q9, What’s your view on Radiohead allowing fans to pay what they want for their new album? Do you think it’s just a marketing ploy? What would you pay for it? Is it anything you’ve considered doing?
Once you're as big as they are and off any label you can do what you like, fair play to them..think most of us as a band have downloaded it, and i know Kev will definitly be buying the boxed set too...we like radiohead.
Q10, Why should somebody buy a copy of your single / album / download and not say a couple of pints of lager?
A pint of larger goes in 10 mins, our single will be around forever...and it's bloody good..and the next one will be even better...
Q11, If you had to go to confession tomorrow what would you have to confess to and do you regret doing it?
I have no regrets.
Q12, What’ s your views on the reality music shows (like X Factor and Pop / American Idol) and would you ever be tempted to give them a spin to ensure more people heard your music?
No, as much as i often get hooked into these shows as seem to be on just before i go out, i find it to have no credibility in it at all. It's like a shortcut to fame, no hard work...they are talented dont get me wrong, but thats not the way i'd like to make it...well, nt until i'm in my 30's and i can enter for the over 30's group!! ha ha.
Q13, What’s your favourite place in the world and what does it say about you?
I can be anywhere as long as i'm in great company with friends. We have a annual ritual about going to Reading Festival. 5 days of just getting off your tits and checkin out new bands and stuff. It's goot to blow off steam, take time to smell the roses. Work hard, play hard, party hard, rest hard.
Q14, What’s the best and worst thing you’ve ever seen written about you?
I try not to write about myself as think is a bit arrogant, i keep biographies factual rather than saying things like Paul Ryan is the best frontman since Jagger!! I'd rather have other folk give their opinion.
15, In ten words write your own press release (swearing is definitely allowed!)…
Circle3 have got the goods and not scared to use them
(thats 11 sorry!)
Aurora low
Myspace Strapline - Set the wheels in motion, put the world to rights.
Sounds like - everybody and nobody
Influences - nada surf, sigur ros, new order, the cure, the la's, kraftwerk, the who, nick drake etc
Q1, Who are you & where are you from?
My name is Scott, currently a one-man band aka ‘Aurora Low’ and I am from Sheffield although I was born and raised in the sunny Nottinghamshire town of Mansfield.
Q2, What’s your myspace page called? What do you think myspace has to offer bands & artists? How many friends have you got (it is a competition you know!) and how many are actual friends?
I call the Myspace page Sheila. You can find her at www.myspace.com/auroralow or www.auroralow.co.uk. Myspace is a good way of being able to keep in touch with all your fans and share new music and news with them. I love chatting to the ‘Aurora Low’ friends about music and life and I try to reply to every message if possible. Everyone has a myspace profile these days so it’s also easy to promote your band and reach the people that would appreciate the music.
She currently has around 1800 friends but I prefer friends that’s are really into the music than friends that are there to up their friend count or whatever. It’s not a competition if they aren’t real friends. I look for new friends but only cool ones who are going to be into what I do, otherwise what is the point?
Q3, Have you got a website too (you can blatantly plug it), what’s it got on it and is it worth a visit?
Well, at the moment it just links to the myspace profile but the address is www.auroralow.co.uk. Once Aurora Low becomes a full band there will be a real website behind it too so don’t forget it!
Q4, If you had to pick a musical genre in which to pigeon hole yourself which one would you go for?
I don’t believe in pigeonholing music, I believe my music will fall into a number of categories but I guess most people would say it is “indie rock/pop”.
Q5, What is you favourite song you’ve written & why? What song would you have loved to have written?
The favourite song that I have written myself changes all the time, they all mean something to me but I think at the moment I would have to pick a song called ‘Wheels in Motion’ as it’s uplifting with a great melody. You won’t know this song, as it has not been recorded yet but watch this space…
There’s so many songs I would have loved to have written but songs such as ‘Just Like Heaven’ by ‘The Cure’, ‘Regret’ by ‘New Order’, ‘She Bangs The Drums’ by ‘The Stone Roses’ and ‘There She Goes’ by ‘The La’s’ are all great timeless pop songs that you never get bored of and have a great uplifting vibe. That’s what I strive for in my own writing, a long way to go yet! ;)
Q6, Do you do gigs? If so how would you describe your live experience? What’s your favourite gig and which one would you like to forget?
Being a one-man band at the moment means there isn’t much scope for live performance. This will change with a full band. I am really excited about the prospect of playing some of these songs live, they will sound massive.
Q7, What song gets you dancing every time & why?
I’m not really into public displays of rhythm and there are far too many songs to choose from. Maybe something by New Order would do the trick.
Q8, What was the last CD / download you bought and was it any good?
Hvarf-Heim by Sigur Ros, it’s Sigur Ros, nuff said I think.
Q9, What’s your view on Radiohead allowing fans to pay what they want for their new album? Do you think it’s just a marketing ploy? What would you pay for it? Is it anything you’ve considered doing?
It’s a good way of drawing in new fans that might not have otherwise bought the album and get them to your gigs and buying merchandise. So, yes it is a marketing ploy and a good one. The downfall of this is that it does put pressure on unestablished bands that rely on their sales income to buy new equipment and generally survive.
Q10, Why should somebody buy a copy of your single / album / download and not say a couple of pints of lager?
They should buy both, they are essentials of life.
Q11, If you had to go to confession tomorrow what would you have to confess to and do you regret doing it?
I’m a good boy, I have nothing to confess….honest…
Q12, What’ s your views on the reality music shows (like X Factor and Pop / American Idol) and would you ever be tempted to give them a spin to ensure more people heard your music?
They’ve always been bad but now they are just plain boring.
Q13, What’s your favourite place in the world and what does it say about you?
Iceland, I’ve never been but I would love to go there. I have a fascination. It has the best name for any country in the world and its location seems so isolated and different. I like that. Iceland also has black beaches apparently.
Q14, What’s the best and worst thing you’ve ever seen written about you?
I don’t really take much notice of what’s written about me to be honest. All the band things and all the good things written about me are generally true but I don’t care, I know what I’m all about and most people are into it.
Q15, In ten words write your own press release (swearing is definitely allowed!)…
Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck
Hooverdams
Myspace Strapline -
Sounds like -
Influences
Q1, Who are you & where are you from?
Hoover Dams, Bradford
Q2, What’s your myspace page called? What do you think myspace has to offer bands & artists? How many friends have you got (it is a competition you know!) and how many are actual friends?
www.myspace.com/hooverdams
Myspace is a good tool to get you gigs and let people here you if they are thinking of checking some live bands out. You need a bit more than myspace to be successful though. We have 3376 friends, of which some we knew, some we now know and some just want to keep up to date with what is happening.
Q3, Have you got a website too (you can blatantly plug it), what’s it got on it and is it worth a visit?
www.hooverdams.com
When its up in its full glory its more like a Hoover showroom than a band website. Def worth a visit to check out those vintage Hoovers.
Q4, If you had to pick a musical genre in which to pigeon hole yourself which one would you go for?
Indie, punk, rock.
Q5, What is you favourite song you’ve written & why? What song would you have loved to have written?
Obviously each member would say a different song but I'm writing this so I choose. For me its Blood On the Collar, a soulful number that starts stark and blasts along into a fallesque cabaret end. I'd have loved to have written loads of songs but I'm glad we've written ours.
Q6, Do you do gigs? If so how would you describe your live experience? What’s your favourite gig and which one would you like to forget?
We play a lot. Seeing the Hoover Dams is more than just a gig it’s full on energetic in your face entertainment. My favourite gig is still the Big gig in Bradford centre last year, it was a turning point for us, we went from playing to our friends to genuinely packed houses
Gigs to forget, well we all have our own moments but playing to a packed Love Apple and my guitar completely breaking was one of my worst.
Q7, What song gets you dancing every time & why?
Playing live gets me dancing from the first note to the last.
Q8, What was the last CD / download you bought and was it any good?
iLiKETRAiNS - not as good as their first release.
Q9, What’s your view on Radiohead allowing fans to pay what they want for their new album? Do you think it’s just a marketing ploy? What would you pay for it? Is it anything you’ve considered doing?
Money always has allowed a greater freedom.
Q10, Why should somebody buy a copy of your single / album / download and not say a couple of pints of lager?
A couple of pints of lager is only temporary fun whereas a Cd is for keeps, better still sod the single come out see us live down the pints and have fun.
Q11, If you had to go to confession tomorrow what would you have to confess to and do you regret doing it?
Denial is a sublime state.
Q12, What’ s your views on the reality music shows (like X Factor and Pop / American Idol) and would you ever be tempted to give them a spin to ensure more people heard your music?
As winners of Channel 4's harvey goldsmith Entertainers of the Year, I'd have to say they are a laugh, take what you can from the experience, just don't pack in your day job (yet).
Q13, What’s your favourite place in the world and what does it say about you?
Llandudno, it says I like it there.
Q14, What’s the best and worst thing you’ve ever seen written about you?
Luckily we 've only received generally good reviews, I like the title of set your Hoovers to stun by the BBC Mono Magazine - 'Hoover Dams swirling unison riffs engulf the whole club - its fucking loud and its fucking good ... there's depth, intrigue and more importantly DANGER here ... Go and see the Hoover Dams soon.'
15, In ten words write your own press release (swearing is definitely allowed!)…
More edge than a very edgy thing.
Vicky Stuart
Myspace Strapline - You know I've been feeling fragile like glass.
Sounds like - n/a
Influences - Kate Bush, Joni Mitchell, Jewel, Imogen Heap, Rufus Wainwright, Futureheads, David Gray, The Kinks, The Cure, The Beach Boys and ramdon songs that are special even if the rest of the bands material isn't that inspiring.
Q1, Who are you & where are you from?
Hello! My names Vicky Stuart and I’m from Northampton hehe!
Q2, What’s your myspace page called? What do you think myspace has to offer bands & artists? How many friends have you got (it is a competition you know!) and how many are actual friends?
Gah! That was alot of questions in one! Um well my, my space is simply just Vickystuartsingersongwriter, cause I guess that’s what I am lol! I think my space is great for an artist its a chance to meet people you might not meet in real life and learn from them and as songwriters I think learning all the time is very important to improving at your art.
Q3, Have you got a website too (you can blatantly plug it), what’s it got on it and is it worth a visit?
Why yes indeed! I do have a website hehe, check out www.vickystuart.com its still being worked on but so far its has picture, reviews, music obviously and lyrics....
Q4, If you had to pick a musical genre in which to pigeon hole yourself which one would you go for?
Well I’d have to say acoustic but I guess that doesn’t really narrow it down does it!
Q5, What is you favourite song you’ve written & why? What song would you have loved to have written?
People always ask me what my fav song I’ve written is and I can never answer, I really don’t know! They all mean different stuff to me and since I’ve been writing as I’ve been growing up they are me at different stages in my life! And a song I would love to have written gah I dunno there as so many amazing songs out there! I guess right now it would have to be Kate Bush "this woman's work", think I can really feel that in my life right now.
Q6, Do you do gigs? If so how would you describe your live experience? What’s your favourite gig and which one would you like to forget?
Yea I’ve gigged a fair bit and I love it! As a friend of mine wrote for my bio (on my website btw ;)) he basically said that I can go from feeling really awkward and unsure as we all get sometime but when I get to sing and perform it lets me know who I am, its there, its me! Like all gigs there are good and bad and but there all learning experiences and its about getting through it and taking what you can away from it! Not to mention the amazing people you get to meet by travelling around!
Q7, What song gets you dancing every time & why?
Gah I’m a sucker for dancing! I’m one of those people who really cant and shouldn’t dance but as soon as I hear music I just do and look like a complete twat! Luckily I’m becoming comfortable with look that way haha! Right now the song that I just cant resist is "video killed the radio star! haha! Woop!
Q8, What was the last CD / download you bought and was it any good?
The last album I downloaded was Jewel - pieces of you and it actually was pretty amazing! I’m really loving her at the moment! Also a friend of mine has been giving me some Neil Young who I’m falling so in love with! His voice is just so quirky and stunning!
Q9, What’s your view on Radiohead allowing fans to pay what they want for their new album? Do you think it’s just a marketing ploy? What would you pay for it? Is it anything you’ve considered doing?
Gah I hate answering questions like this. I doubt my opinion on it really matters and I also find myself seeing too many points of views to know which I really go by!.... And I cant seem to cut my thoughts down into a few lines so I’m gonna skip this question hehe!
Q10, Why should somebody buy a copy of your single / album / download and not say a couple of pints of lager?
Well since I’m a broke bum student/musician I’m very use to the choice of should I buy this or drink! I always end up buying the thing that would last longer! I don’t drink much anyways but why should I waste my money on it when I could buy music! A song that could inspire me and last a life time make me think and feel, music is a chance to get to know who you are and what you want from life what and its gives you that surging passion that really makes you feel alive! Where as drink just makes me make more of twat of myself than I usually do haha!
Q11, If you had to go to confession tomorrow what would you have to confess to and do you regret doing it?
Um that I like "Video killed the radio star"? haha that I've always had a massive crush on Elvis Presley? Or maybe that I tend to be attracted to people I shouldn’t anyways? I dunno! Men in suits are just so handsome ha ha! And no, no Regrets!
Q12, What’ s your views on the reality music shows (like X Factor and Pop / American Idol) and would you ever be tempted to give them a spin to ensure more people heard your music?
I don’t really watch much Tv to be honest! And I’m even less of a fan of reality tv! Plus I’m not that confident with the way I look to be going on a tv show haha!
Q13, What’s your favourite place in the world and what does it say about you?
Um favourite place... I don’t think I have one really depends who your with...can I say in a car! Ha ha then I can be where ever I want when I want! Think that kinda sums me up to! Skatty haha!
Q14, What’s the best and worst thing you’ve ever seen written about you?
Gah I really don’t know! Probably the person who did my bio on my website would be the nicest and someone who sent me some creepy my space mail would be the worse haha!
15, In ten words write your own press release (swearing is definitely allowed!)…
I’m so terrible at these things!....and you’ve just put me on the spot now haven’t you! So ..... I don’t know haha just listen and make up your own mind and hearts!
ODI
Myspace Strapline - New single 'What you deserve' coming very soon!
Sounds like - Sheryl Crow, Aimee Mann, Beth Orton, The Cranberries, Kristin Hersh etc
Influences - Depeche Mode, Nizlopi, The Frames, U2, Ryan Adams, Snow Patrol, Tom McRae, Elvis, Guns n Roses, Damien Rice, Pearl Jam etc etc
Q1, Who are you & where are you from?
Odi, originally from Co. Wexford, Ireland, now based in Leeds.
Q2, What’s your myspace page called? What do you think myspace has to offer bands & artists? How many friends have you got (it is a competition you know!) and how many are actual friends?
Isn’t this actually 4 questions?? Ok then, www.myspace.com/odimusic, 5000+, probably 1/4 are 'real friends'. Use it mainly as a promotion tool, saves a lot on postage, flyers, phonecalls etc.
Q3, Have you got a website too (you can blatantly plug it), what’s it got on it and is it worth a visit?
No!
Q4, If you had to pick a musical genre in which to pigeon hole yourself which one would you go for?
Acoustic.
Q5, What is you favourite song you’ve written & why? What song would you have loved to have written?
Favourite tune changes depending on the mood. 'Mariposa' at the moment, coz its from the heart! Wish I'd written... hmmm not sure will have to come back to that one. Tricky, but Id quite like to have written 'Every Breath You Take' by The Police, brilliant tune with lots of different meanings.
Q6, Do you do gigs? If so how would you describe your live experience? What’s your favourite gig and which one would you like to forget?
Heh that’s another 4 questions, some cheating going on here! Of course we do gigs, only the Eurythmics could get away with that! Live show is pretty chilled out at the moment but expect some electrics in the new year! Favourite gig, easy, supporting Seth Lakeman at Beverley Folk Festival, brilliant crowd, venue and met the man himself afterwards! Worst gig,easy again, an instore gig at a certain record store in the middle of Ireland, very cringeful!
Q7, What song gets you dancing every time & why?
1979 Smashing Pumpkins, brilliant bass line cant help but at least tap a toe or two.
Q8, What was the last CD / download you bought and was it any good?
Joseph Arthur "Redemptions Son", excellent, check it out.
Q9, What’s your view on Radiohead allowing fans to pay what they want for their new album? Do you think it’s just a marketing ploy? What would you pay for it? Is it anything you’ve considered doing?
Genius marketing ploy, will pay £5 probably, something Id think about for the future but don’t think it'd work unless you had a big profile like Radiohead, so nope, not for me!!
Q10, Why should somebody buy a copy of your single / album / download and not say a couple of pints of lager?
Its cheaper (itunes), looks and smells better and lasts longer!
Q11, If you had to go to confession tomorrow what would you have to confess to and do you regret doing it?
Bunking off work and going to the cinema to see Sleuth! No regrets, lifes too short and enjoyed every minute of it!!
Q12, What’ s your views on the reality music shows (like X Factor and Pop / American Idol) and would you ever be tempted to give them a spin to ensure more people heard your music?
Ughhhh (shudders at the thoughts!), no way hozay.
Q13, What’s your favourite place in the world and what does it say about you?
Lake Como, Italy, beautiful, calm and serene, just like me!! I joke of course, but it is very peaceful there so maybe I’m a peaceful person?
Q14, What’s the best and worst thing you’ve ever seen written about you?
I’m not that famous!
15, In ten words write your own press release (swearing is definitely allowed!)…
Coffee table music with a serrated edge!
The Filthy Youth
Myspace Strapline -
Sounds like -
Influences
Q1, Who are you & where are you from?
The Filthy Youth...
Q2, What’s your myspace page called? What do you think myspace has to offer bands & artists? How many friends have you got (it is a competition you know!) and how many are actual friends?
MMyspaz...as we like to call it, give the fans the chance to listen to our unreleased music and also download it...legally and free. We also run comps and other bits and bobs all the time. Most of the fans will never be real friends will they? ...put it this way...we didn’t request them!!
Q3, Have you got a website too (you can blatantly plug it), what’s it got on it and is it worth a visit?
www.thefilthyyouth.com
It goes live on the 15th of December or the 16th. But at the minute it looks good and has what we wanted on it.
Q4, If you had to pick a musical genre in which to pigeon hole yourself which one would you go for?
Fuck knows....hard to put us in one really...bit of this bit of that. I suppose if it comes down to the crunch then we are indie aren’t we.
Q5, What is you favourite song you’ve written & why? What song would you have love to have written?
Don’t know...Pirates a good one.
You cant ever answer the second...maybe thriller Michael Jackson. Then I certainly wouldn’t be worrying what’s for dinner!
Q6, Do you do gigs? If so how would you describe your live experience? What’s your favourite gig and which one would you like to forget?
Manic...always full and everyone just has it!!
Favourite...Leaonards ec1 by far our best.
Worst... Plinston Hall Letchworth... too many additives that weekend!!
Q7, What song gets you dancing every time & why?
Of ours?.. Boy don’t smoke I think we all agree on.
Q8, What was the last CD / download you bought and was it any good?
Don’t think any of us have bought in a while!
Q9, What’s your view on Radiohead allowing fans to pay what they want for their new album? Do you think it’s just a marketing ploy? What would you pay for it? Is it anything you’ve considered doing?
Well done...
They don’t need a deal anymore and its the way forward. Record industry is in a state...but the music industry is thriving with great acts that don’t get anywhere cos record companies don’t spend!!!!
None of us bought it anyway.. not the biggest of radiohead fans!!
Q10, Why should somebody buy a copy of your single / album / download and not say a couple of pints of lager?
Cos its free!! and bloody good
Q11, If you had to go to confession tomorrow what would you have to confess to and do you regret doing it?
If we were to tell you that you'd be a priest and we'd be in trouble my friend!
Q12, What’ s your views on the reality music shows (like X Factor and Pop / American Idol) and would you ever be tempted to give them a spin to ensure more people heard your music?
They have their purpose...but they are very R&B orientated would you agree...you’d never see a band on there...and that goes to show the class of the program...No pizaz!!!
Q13, What’s your favourite place in the world and what does it say about you?
As a band we are from tiny towns near each other so...we'll never agree. Fancy New York quite a bit
Q14, What’s the best and worst thing you’ve ever seen written about you?
We’ve not had bad yet which is a result...even on our not so good gigs I think everyone is so messed up they fail to recognise we are too!!
15, In ten words write your own press release (swearing is definitely allowed!)
This one's for the middle classes and the ones who didn’t pass.
You'll have to have 12!!
Rachel Kitchenside
Myspace strapline – Eating nutella with a spoon and a nut allergy
Sounds Like - Seven shades of tragic sang on the longest day of the year
Influences – (selected and not the massive full listing) Black Box Recorder, Nico, Portishead, Aimee Mann, Kate Bush, Radiohead, Bob Dylan, Massive Attack, Bjork plus loads, loads more!
Q1, Who are you & where are you from?
Rachael Kichenside: Manchester England.
Q2, What’s your myspace page called? What do you think myspace has to offer bands & artists? How many friends have you got (it is a competition you know!) and how many are actual friends?
err Rachael Kichenside.. Although I always have a few friends helping out. I think my myspace has a very bright, twee background which might help people wake up in the morning.
Q3, Have you got a website too (you can blatantly plug it), what’s it got on it and is it worth a visit?
I previously had rachaelkichenside.com, but with myspace it hardly seemed worth maintaining it.
Q4, If you had to pick a musical genre in which to pigeon hole yourself which one would you go for?
Accoustica.
Q5, What is you favourite song you’ve written & why? What song would you have love to have written?
Frailty is my best written song I think because it has a nice meter and the lyrics seem universal from what people tell me. It was nice to get such a strict rhyming scheme and still have the words mean something and it's nice when things come together. I'd have love to have written Feist's Mushaboom, lovely, I'm sure there are much better songs, but I'm listening to it now.
Q6, Do you do gigs? If so how would you describe your live experience? What’s your favourite gig and which one would you like to forget?
Yes I do and shall be doing a fair few in 2008. Live experience is usually very smiley, I get uncontrollable smileyness, it probably makes people want to punch me, I'd probably want to punch me. Fave gig was in a greasy spoon in the northern quarter in Manchester, tiny, giving away beer, as they couldn't legally sell it, just loving music. I'd quite like to forget playing at the Birmingham NEC, although it was funny.
Q7, What song gets you dancing every time & why?
Anything Motown, because you've gotta.
Q8, What was the last CD / download you bought and was it any good?
Last CD was Iron and Wine's latest release, thus far doesn't seem as good as the last EP, but I'll give it time.
Q9, What’s your view on Radiohead allowing fans to pay what they want for their new album? Do you think it’s just a marketing ploy? What would you pay for it? Is it anything you’ve considered doing?
I'd pay about £4, as you take off all the costs and that's probably alright. I think it's fine for them, they've served their dues and they have the profile to do it. I think it would be a shame for a band to take any label's money, get a profile off it, then immediately start giving stuff away, it's a bit of a betrayal of trust. For unsigned artists, it's their call; different people want different things out of music. I've given tracks away loads, but in the period before a release like at the moment I wouldn't, as the release would make zero splash.
Q10, Why should somebody buy a copy of your single / album / download and not say a couple of pints of lager?
Because it won't make them fat and beer will.
Q11, If you had to go to confession tomorrow what would you have to confess to and do you regret doing it?
Being selfish and yes. I'm working on it.
Q12, What’ s your views on the reality music shows (like X Factor and Pop / American Idol) and would you ever be tempted to give them a spin to ensure more people heard your music?
Never would I go near it. I think about it what I'd think about the Generation Game.
Q13, What’s your favourite place in the world and what does it say about you?
Prague, it's beautiful and ornate, I love elaborate and ornate beauty
Q14, What’s the best and worst thing you’ve ever seen written about you?
Best thing " as beautiful as she is talented" BBC Mcr. Made me blush. Worst I don't want to say, I've not had any horrible reviews thankfully, just a few I wasn't keen on.
15, In ten words write your own press release (swearing is definitely allowed!)…
Rachael is from Manchester, writes words then sings them. fin.
Admiral Culture
Myspace Strapline - www.admiralculture.com
Sounds like - n/a
Influences - n/a
Q1, Who are you & where are you from?
We are Admiral Culture, daniel (vocals/synths), david (mr bassman / synths), billy (drums) and myself, ben (guitar). We are from Sheffield.
Q2, What’s your myspace page called? What do you think myspace has to offer bands & artists? How many friends have you got (it is a competition you know!) and how many are actual friends?
Our myspace page is just called AdmiralCulture. Sorry I know its boring, but we didn't actually set it up, someone did it for us.
Q3, Have you got a website too (you can blatantly plug it), what’s it got on it and is it worth a visit?
We have got a brand new website www.admiralculture.com it looks pretty cool and has a media player on there as most bands websites do. We also have merchandise where you can buy admiral culture t-shirts (we’ve sold quite a few too!!) we also have a new members area where you can register and get sent lots of free music and promo stuff.
Q4, If you had to pick a musical genre in which to pigeon hole yourself which one would you go for?
Hard this one isn't it, it has to be the most hated question ever. Erm.... I honestly don’t know? I don’t think we sound much like any other bands out there at the minute. So you could create a genre just for us.
Q5, What is you favourite song you’ve written & why? What song would you have love to have written?
'Firing line' was a great song to write, just the progression of how the song came about, it's about those religious nutters you get in every town who come up to you in the street. It went from a slow acoustic song to the up tempo song it is now. It changed our sound as a band I think.
I would have loved to have written 'in my life' by The Beatles. It's a fantastic song. It caused a bit argument between Lennon & Macca, John said he wrote the whole thing and Paul said he had done it too! See even they must have thought it was that good.
Q6, Do you do gigs? If so how would you describe your live experience? What’s your favourite gig and which one would you like to forget?
We play quite a bit really, our shows up to now have gone down really well, Dan's a great frontman, full of energy and crowd banter. My personal favourite was our last gig of 2007, a small gig @ the grapes in Sheffield, it was near christmas and everyone was well up for it. The one I would like to forget was probably at bar pure in Sunderland, we played well but the atmosphere was weird. Least said the better I think!
Q7, What song gets you dancing every time & why?
I don’t know about dancing but 'zoom' by fat larry always gets a full band song-along whenever that comes on.
Q8, What was the last CD / download you bought and was it any good?
'Long way round' by Neil McSweeney. Quality song.
Q9, What’s your view on Radiohead allowing fans to pay what they want for their new album? Do you think it’s just a marketing ploy? What would you pay for it? Is it anything you’ve considered doing?
I don't know about doing it for our band but when you've made as much money as Radiohead I don’t really think it would matter that much if nobody paid for it. I do think it was a marketing ploy, probably worked too, everyone was talking about it. I downloaded it and didn’t pay. My view was, get it see if it was any good then get it on cd when it came out.
Q10, Why should somebody buy a copy of your single / album / download and not say a couple of pints of lager?
I don’t want to sound like an arrogant fucker but I do think we could be quite an important band. We aren't trying to be anybody else or fit into the 'indie' genre. The music is good, upbeat and lively, it's good music that makes you dance.
Q11, If you had to go to confession tomorrow what would you have to confess to and do you regret doing it?
I wouldn't, I don’t believe in regretting anything, I just see it as a choice you make and have to live with. Sorry!
Q12, What’ s your views on the reality music shows (like X Factor and Pop / American Idol) and would you ever be tempted to give them a spin to ensure more people heard your music?
Not a fuckin' chance. They are funny to watch though it's like car crash telly isn't it. Apart from Girls Aloud and Leona Lewis, they haven't really found anyone great have they? I don't think Girls Aloud are great but they must have an awesome pr machine behind them to last this long.
Q13, What’s your favourite place in the world and what does it say about you?
It's cringeworthy but you know when you go on holiday or away for a while and you come home, it's fantastic. Just the comfort of being back in your home city is brill. So Sheffield.
Q14, What’s the best and worst thing you’ve ever seen written about you?
I know it’s not in the question but the funniest thing was on a poster at a venue we played at. It said 'Admiral Culture, bringing back the driving guitars of the sex pistols' now don't get me wrong I like the pistols but we sound fuck all like them, nothing at all like them. I haven’t seen anything bad written about us, which is good. I recently read that our live show was like seeing a vintage joy division show, weird really because non of the band really listen to joy division, good though.
15, In ten words write your own press release (swearing is definitely allowed!)…
six, five, four, three, two, one.... admiral culture are go!
Nephu Huzzband
Myspace Strapline - n/a
Sounds like - And you know us by the trail of the dead, sonic youth, at the drive in, joy division, q and not u, dfa 1979 + more.
Influences - Loads of excellent reviews, check out the myspace page and have a look for yourselves as they're all too long to write out!
Q1, Who are you & where are you from?
We are Nephu Huzzband, a band from Nottingham. Tom Bentley-Vocals/Guitars, Adam Popple Guitars/Vocals, Jamie Barrow-Bass/Vocals, Rob Challinor-Drums.
Q2, What’s your myspace page called? What do you think myspace has to offer bands & artists? How many friends have you got (it is a competition you know!) and how many are actual friends?
Our myspace is called Arthur and you can visit it at www.myspace.com/nephuhuzzband
We have about 500-600 real friends, so we’re probably losing in any competition. We tend to let people add us rather than trying to add loads of people who aren’t interested in us.
Q3, Have you got a website too (you can blatantly plug it), what’s it got on it and is it worth a visit?
We have a dedicated download site at www.indiestore.com/nephuhuzzband where you can buy our music, which is definitely worth doing. Any exclusives and free remixes are via this site only.
Q4, If you had to pick a musical genre in which to pigeon hole yourself which one would you go for?
On our myspace we’ve gone for alternative/indie/post-punk; but we’re not really down with the whole pigeon-holing of genres due the vast amount of influences we have.
Q5, What is you favourite song you’ve written & why? What song would you have love to have written?
Collectively, probably Papers, as it’s good fun to play and has a lot of impact.
Collectively we wish we’d written “Wait (The Whisper Song” by YingYang Twins, but Rob also wishes he written “Ashtray! Ashtray!” By Die! Die! Die!.
Q6, Do you do gigs? If so how would you describe your live experience? What’s your favourite gig and which one would you like to forget?
We do play gigs as much as possible. Our live experience is very much enjoyed and rawer than our recorded output, as well as being a bit more sweaty!
Q7, What song gets you dancing every time & why?
Rob & Tom – Blue Monday by New Order.
Jamie – Anything by DFA 1979, in particular Pull Out or Blood on Our hands.
Adam – Sex Dwarf by Soft Cell and special mention must go to Zombie Nation.
Q8, What was the last CD / download you bought and was it any good?
Tom – Seasick Steve – Doghouse Music, it was very good for fans of the blues.
Jamie – Les Savy Fav – Lets Stay Friends which was excellent, my album of 2007.
Adam – Bloc Party – Weekend in the City, it had it’s good bits, but was pretty disappointing overall.
Rob – McCoy Tyner – The Greeting, an amazing musical experience.
Q9, What’s your view on Radiohead allowing fans to pay what they want for their new album? Do you think it’s just a marketing ploy? What would you pay for it? Is it anything you’ve considered doing?
It’s a good idea, but they can afford to do it when you consider their worldwide fan base. Not sure whether it was a marketing ploy or not, but it was certainly very successful, as shown by the fact that the album is now at number one in the album charts after being properly released. Honestly, none of us paid anything for a copy when we downloaded it.
Q10, Why should somebody buy a copy of your single / album / download and not say a couple of pints of lager?
For a start, it’s cheaper than a couple of pints of lager and you’ll be able to keep it for longer as well. Plus, no one yet has been sick from over consumption of our music.
Q11, If you had to go to confession tomorrow what would you have to confess to and do you regret doing it?
There’s nothing we really feel we have to confess to at this stage.
Q12, What’ s your views on the reality music shows (like X Factor and Pop / American Idol) and would you ever be tempted to give them a spin to ensure more people heard your music?
They do provide some funny and entertaining moments and are great for people merely seeking fifteen minutes of fame. However, it’s not something we’d ever consider, as we’d prefer to work a bit harder for any real success and hopefully our music career will have much more longevity.
Q13, What’s your favourite place in the world and what does it say about you?
Adam – London, for the art and culture.
Rob – Paris, for many reasons.
Jamie & Tom don’t have any particular favourite places.
Q14, What’s the best and worst thing you’ve ever seen written about you?
The worst was probably a review listing Joy Division as an influence (true!) and then the reviewer continued to spend the rest of the article listing the reasons we were not Joy Division.
The best was probably being described as one of “the UK’s most promising and forward-thinking younger indie-rock bands.”
15, In ten words write your own press release (swearing is definitely allowed!)…
Noisy progressive indie punk band playing edgy and raw music.