Liverpool's The Loud answer the shadders Q&A
With a name like The Loud should be expecting a death metal band? How would you describe your actual sound?
Its loud in a stooges and sonics sense. We want to sound like the stooges playing T Rex. Garage music with bits of 70s glam thrown in.
So The Loud hail from around Liverpool, do you feel a weight of expectation of been in a band from the North West and especially Liverpool with all that has gone before musically?
Were proud of where were from and proud of the expectation. The expectation only comes about because the music that people from round here make is so great. To follow in the footstep of some of the bands from round here is a great thing and it only makes for better music in the long run. In some ways the expectation can work to our advantage because there is maybe an expectation that Liverpool bands have that usual ‘Liverpool’ retro sound but although we have a lot of dated influences I don’t thing our sound overall reflects that, which surprises people from outside of Merseyside.
What’s it like playing live in your home city? What can we expect from The Loud live?
Its good, there are loads of decent venues each with their own features. The Kazimier is probably the best venue in the city. Were not into trying to play songs exactly like they are on record live we just play it so it feels good, sometimes it’s a bit faster sometimes it’s a bit slower just natural little things like that. We don’t think about it too much really just get up and play, don’t care too much about a few off notes and that.
You play guitar and sing, is that both of the glamour roles in the band?! Isn’t that a bit greedy?
Yeah its great isn’t it, some people have all the fun.
You’ve been to Uni but didn’t actually do a ‘rock n roll’ course, how come and how does it fit into The Loud picture?
I wanted to go to live away for a bit and have a good time and wasn’t bothered what I did. I like psychology but didn’t want to do that because you would have to read too much so did something that was more practical. I’ve never done anything musical or had lessons and that, I don’t want to spoil what I do with rules.
How does the song writing duties work in the band, does everyone write the tunes / lyrics or is that on your shoulders?
I write all the songs and lyrics. I’ve told them if they ever write anything well give it a go but they haven’t taken me up on it yet.
Where can we find The Loud website / facebook / myspace page and what’s on there?
www.theloud.co.uk its got links to facebook and that from there. Few videos, news and gigs and that.
And some people say the internet is a good thing. Some people say the internet is a bad thing….. What do you say?
Good thing. It makes everything accessible. It takes away some of the mystery around bands but I don’t really care, in the end its down to the music and if it makes it easier for you to get your hands on music it’s a good thing. It hasn’t changed how I buy music though I still only listen to vinyl. I have a listen to a few songs on pitchfork or a website or something and if I like it I buy it on record.
You have a single out in June 2011 called ‘Amy’s gonna get you’ what’s it like and how can people get their hands on it?
A few people have said its like slow fuzzy T Rex, which is exactly what it was meant to be so im happy about that. Its going to be in record shops and you can get it delivered through the website.
Also in August 2011 you are releasing a mini album ‘Harris Shutter’? What’s that like?
Its six songs, all in a similar vibe but each songs different. The artworks cool and that so it works well as an all round package.
Why release a mini album and not a ‘proper’ long player?
We didn’t want to release a full album, just introduce the band a step at a time.
It’s coming out on Payper Tiger Records, who are they are is there anyone else on the label we should know about?
Not yet we're the first release but there are a good few things in the pipeline that you will be hearing about soon.
Did you fancy doing it completely yourself without a label like a lot of bands are doing now?
No not at all. A lot of the time the bands who do it that way aren’t good enough to have labels interested in the first place. It’s a lot more hard work when you should be focusing on making music. It always good to hear from people who you trust what is good and not so good about what you do.
What song would get you up dancing every time & why?
Blondie – Hanging on the telephone, The Marvellettes – Please Mr Postman. Just proper moving music. Also Rock and Roll (part 2).
What was the last song you listened to and was it any good?
I’ve just been listening to Rumours by Fleetwood Mac. I’ve heard that loads of times though so I don’t know whether it counts. Before that I had Girls – Hellhole Ratrace on, that’s a great song.
Can you list your five favourite songs of all time and if so what are they?
Leonard Cohen – Chelsea Hotel. Slade – Come on feel the noise. Oasis – My Big Mouth. The Byrds – Ballad of Easy Rider. The Walkmen – The Rat
Where’s you favourite place in the world and what does it say about you?
New York. Says I’m into history, culture, art and music.
On a Liverpool theme… John, Paul, George or Ringo? Who would you be & why?
John. Cause I agree with a lot of what he said and like his music the most.
If you had to go to confession tomorrow what would you have to confess to and do you regret doing it!
Not sure man. Probably something not fit to print but I wouldn’t regret it.
In ten words write your own press release (swearing is definitely allowed!)…
Go and buy Harris Shutter, it’s a really good listen.
June 2011