Sunday 16 March 2014

THE BRIDGES I HAVE BURNED: Our interview with David from Eddie Japan!

 
Below is our exclusive interview with David Santos, frontman of Boston baroque poppers Eddie Japan! Enjoy!
 
To stay up to date with future interviews like our facebook page at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords
 
 
PART 1 - THE INTERVIEW
 
What is your earliest musical memory and what pushed you towards pursuing a career in the music business?
 
"I can remember my earliest childhood friend Roger playing 'Smoking in the Boys Room' by Brownsville Station. We said we were going to start a band and I was going to play drums. We were probably about five or six. I eventually became a drummer, but in high school, I discovered that I had a singing voice. With that knowledge, sitting behind the drums became much less appealing. So from then on, this whole thing has just been a big part of my life."
 
What kind of records were on around the house when you were younger and would you say that these records still influence your music today?
 
"My parents had lots of 45s that I enjoyed. When I was very young, I remember being transfixed by 'Yesterday' by The Beatles, 'I Am a Rock' by Simon and Garfunkel, and 'I Get Around' by The Beach Boys, to name a few. They also had a Dion LP, and I remember being obsessed with the song 'Run Around Sue'. Our sound owes quite a bit to the sixties, so these records just may have stuck with me!"
 
Had you been involved in any other bands or musical ventures before Eddie Japan?
 
"Yes, a few. Proud of all of them, but they were not bands of note."
 
How did Eddie Japan begin?
 
"In 2006, I sent an email to a Boston trumpet player named Chris Barrett. I had never met Chris, but he played with a Boston artist named Paula Kelley whose songwriting I really admired. He was curious enough to see what I had in mind, and then he just started bringing in great players."
 
Can you introduce us to the band and tell us what you play?
 
"The aforementioned Chris Barrett on trumpet and keyboards, Bart LoPiccolo on guitar, Eric Brosius on guitar, Chuck Ferreira on drums, Charles Membrino on bass, Kate Connell and Emily Belastock on backing vocals, and me on lead vocals."
 
Where did the name Eddie Japan come from?
 
"In high school, I had a fairly prominent widow's peak, so for a time, friends called me 'Eddie Munster', after the character on the sixties TV show. 'Japan' came from the line in the song 'Ziggy Stardust', '...like some cat from Japan'. Years before Eddie Japan came together, I had the idea of writing a glam concept record in the vein of Ziggy. At some point, I put the two words together and thought it sounded like a good name for my Ziggy character. I never wrote the glam record, but when this band was considering names, I tossed it out, and that was that."
 
How would you describe the sound of Eddie Japan?
 
"Our former guitar player labelled us 'melancholic Pop classicists'. Overheard recently was this descriptor: 'Gene Pitney sings the Echo & The Bunnymen songbook at the Copa Room in 1966'. In a nutshell, we draw from the sixties and eighties to create slinky, sad, soaring pop music."
 
Your sound is very unique in today’s musical climate. How did you find yourself playing this type of music?
 
"For years prior to forming Eddie Japan, I had been listening to a lot of Scott Walker and Divine Comedy, and I also discovered a record called 'Forever Changes' by the sixties band, Love. These artists all employ orchestral elements, and I knew I wanted to go in that direction. Morrissey and The Smiths have always been a big influence, though it's probably heard more in the lyrics than in the music. I guess I wanted to do something that was the exact opposite of indie rock - big, dramatic, and vocal-centric with less of an emphasis on loud guitars."
 
You have released one EP to date entitled ‘Modern Desperation, Part 1’. Where did this title come from?
 
 "We're living in desperate times. The political climate in America and the actual global climate are things that often make me feel world-weary. I find it hard to be optimistic about the future because I think the planet is in real peril. It seems that greed – in all the ways it manifests itself – has become a monster that we can't control. (Actually, our first EP came out in 2009, and that one is called 'Four By Six')."
 
Does the title reflect the subject matter of the songs?
 
"The songs aren't political (though 'Modern Desperation, Part 2' will contain a track about income inequality), but the title also related to the personal - the feeling that one is not on solid ground. There is a worm in the heart of man."
 
Our favourite song from the EP is ‘The Bridges I Have Burned’. What is this song about and what influenced it?
 
"Glad you like this one! This song was me trying to write a Jacques Brel song. It's about acknowledging the negative aspects in life, even honouring them in a way. It seems the collective modus operandi in America is to banish all negative thoughts and emotions. I don't think that's a very sound approach to life. When we repress, we give the negative stuff more power. You have to dance with it a bit. And I think we glean just as much from our failures as we do our successes."
 
The sleeve of the EP seems to be quite retro. Do you consider yourselves to be a ‘retro’ band?
 
"It was purposefully retro! The sleeve was inspired by the work of Reid Miles, who designed many covers for the jazz label, Blue Note, in the fifties and sixties. When I think of 'modern', I think of that time period, so I thought that design sensibility would work well with the title. While we have definite retro influences, we're not a novelty act that comes out in Nehru jackets and love beads!" 
 
In your career to date you have received a number of awards including a Boston Music Award and Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble Award. Many artists say they don’t care about awards but would you say that this recognition has had a boost on your career in Eddie Japan?
 
"Last year was a very good year for the band. The Rock 'n' Roll Rumble has been happening for thirty-five years and it is a fairly big deal in Boston. Bands like 'Til Tuesday, The Lemonheads, Dresden Dolls, and Morphine have participated in it over the years. It was a treat to be included, but winning it was hugely thrilling. The Boston Music Award for 'Live Artist of the Year' was a very nice way to cap off 2013. Both wins definitely raised our profile and helped bring in new fans."
 
Do you have any 'rituals' before you go on stage?
 
"My only ritual is trying to go easy on the cocktails
 
Any live dates coming up?
 
"Yes, we have some dates in Boston this spring. Right now, we are focusing on recording and writing."
 
Any new songs in the pipeline?
 
"Yes! We are currently working on 'Modern Desperation, Part 2'."
 
When can fans expect the next official release?
 
"Definitely maybe by fall of 2014."
 
Who would be your dream collaboration?
 
"I would like to sing with Charlotte Gainsbourg."
 
Who would be in your dream super group?
 
"The Last Shadow Puppets. OK, they are/were real, but I eagerly await a follow up! (The artists I admire are all oddballs, so putting them together in one group would be a horror show)!"



PART 2 - THE QUICKFIRE ROUND

Favourite Beatle?

"I appreciate John's songwriting the most but they were all superb."

Favourite band?

"The Smiths."

Favourite new band?

"Lake Street Dive out of Boston/Brooklyn. Their sound is not one to which I would usually gravitate, but they are wildly talented and very appealing."

Favourite song?

"I have dozens of favourite songs. If I'm forced to pick, I guess I would say There Is A Light That Never Goes Out by The Smiths. The opening notes never fail to give me a shiver."

Favourite album?

"Again, hard to pick just one, but The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars is perfect."

Vinyl, CD or download?

"I mostly listen to music while driving, so that rules out the Victrola!"

When you press shuffle on your iPod, what is this first song that comes on?

"My Ship Is Coming In by The Walker Brothers."

Style icon?

"Steve McQueen."

Favourite film?

"Tom Ford's A Single Man is a recent favourite."

Favourite TV show?

"My wife and I have been enjoying Orange Is The New Black."

Who would play you in a film of your life?

"Robert Downey Jr."

Favourite food?

"India Pale Ale."

Football team?

"I don't like American football, and I don't follow English football, but I'll go with Sheffield Wednesday. I think its Jarvis Cocker's team, and I always thought that with a "The" in front, it would be a great name for a band."



All pictures in this feature are taken from the Eddie Japan official facebook page! Bass drum shot taken by Derek Kouyoumjian, beach shots taken by Kelly Davidson and table shots taken by Liz Linder!

Thanks to David Santos for chatting to us and all at Eddie Japan!




Hope you enjoyed this feature on Eddie Japan! Check out our previous feature on The Broxton Hundred!

Check out Eddie Japan here - http://www.eddiejapan.com/

You can also like our facebook page to keep up to date with all future interviews at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords
 
AB RECORDS

Saturday 15 March 2014

CIRCLES: Our review of the brand new single from The Broxton Hundred!

 
Below is our review of The Broxton Hundred's brand new single, 'Circles'! Enjoy!
 
To stay up to date with future interviews like our facebook page at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords
 
 
PART 1 - THE REVIEW
 
"The Broxton Hundred are gathering quite a dedicated following throughout the UK and their brand new single demonstrates the reason for this. The single features two tracks; the a-side, 'Circles', and the equally good b-side, 'Time'. Both tracks retain the band's funk undertone that was at the forefront of last year's 'Higher Surroundings' EP but are even more catchy and you can easily see that The Broxton Hundred have developed as a unit in between the two releases. 'Circles' demonstrates a fine songwriting prowess and blends the psychedelic guitar with a funky rhythm section. 'Time' again features these qualities and is equally as catchy and danceable. These rhythms will definitely satisfy fans of the eighties madchester scene and specifically will be enjoyable for fans of the Happy Mondays and the Stone Roses. All in all, if the London trio carry on in this direction and carry on developing in between releases then there is no doubt that their time will come very soon!"
 
 
PART 2 - THE LIVE DATES
 
29th March - Cooking Soup Boat Party @ Bar & Co At Temple Pier, London
 
13th June - BWM Rally @ Santa Pod Raceway, Main Stage Supporting Stone Foundation and The Beat!
 
 
All pictures in this feature are taken from The Broxton Hundred official facebook page!

Thanks to Ben Adlam and all at The Broxton Hundred!
 
 
Hope you enjoyed this feature on The Broxton Hundred! Check out our previous feature on The Mono Polys!

Check out The Broxton Hundred and their brand new single here - http://thebroxtonhundred.com/

You can also like our facebook page to keep up to date with all future interviews at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords
 
AB RECORDS

Sunday 9 March 2014

INSOMNIA: An interview with The Mono Polys frontman Tom Knights!

 
Below is our interview with Tom Knights, vocalist and guitarist of The Mono Polys! Enjoy!
 
To stay up to date with future interviews like our facebook page at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords
 
 
PART 1 - THE INTERVIEW
 
What was your earliest musical memory and what pushed you towards pursuing a career in the music industry?
 
"My first musical memory is listening to Green Day's 'Dookie' with my mum really loud in her car on my way to primary school and knowing every single word. In my head I used to think I sounded amazing, looking back I’m not so sure. However, this triggered me to start playing the guitar, and I formed a band when I was about nine, called Frustrated. I think it’s always been my dream to be a musician."
 
What sort of records were played around the house when you were younger and did these records have an influence on your songwriting?
 
"My parents have a really broad taste in music so I grew up listening to a huge variety. Mostly I remember Fleetwood Mac's 'Rumours' being blasted out of my dad's car and my mum listened to our local radio station. I would say I have been influenced and feel like a lot of my songs have simplistic structures like a lot of the pop tripe that they’d play on the radio!"
 
Had you been involved in any other band prior to The Mono Polys?
 
"Me and Josh were in a band for a year or two before we started The Mono Polys called Red Fenetre, but it was more a bit of fun rather than actually trying to pursue a career in the industry, it was a great laugh though and we learnt a lot whilst doing it."
 
Can you introduce the band and tell us what everybody plays?
 
"So, we have Josh Harrison, he’s awesome at electronic music and plays synth and guitar in the band. We have Luke Vosper on the bass and the guitar, Isaac Vosper on the drums and me, Tom knights on guitar and vocals."
 
How did The Mono Polys begin?
 
"We started off as a two-piece, just me and Josh. I used to use a loop pedal and play about four different guitar parts at once, and Josh used to play synth with one hand and drum machine with the other! We realised we wanted to get a fuller sound and develop as a band and eventually found the Vosper brothers who have helped us come so far."
 
Where did the name The Mono Polys come from?
 
"I get asked this all the time, and I don’t really know unfortunately. I think it was one of those thing where we decided we wanted to start a band, and before we had even written any music we chose the name. I seem to remember sitting in my mates living room and seeing a monopoly board on the side and thinking, that's it!"
 
How would you describe the sound of The Mono Polys?
 
 "I would say our sound is constantly developing but I like to describe it as aggressive pop music that you can shout out loud and let your anger out. That's how I feel when I’m writing the songs anyway."
 
Your debut album was entitled ‘Pavilion’. This title obviously comes from the track of the same name but why did you choose it as the title?
 
"At the time we made 'Pavilion' we lived at home with our parents, and being a teenager I just couldn’t wait to move away and go to university. I’m currently studying in Brighton and in the town is an amazing building called the Pavilion. So the record was named that basically because I was so excited to move here!"
 
In Spring 2013, you were joined by two new members – Luke and Isaac Vosper. What would you say these guys have brought to the band?
 
"I think Isaac and Luke have helped us out so much. They’re excellent musicians and just give the sound so much more depth and energy. They also have given us so many hilarious memories already. Being brothers, we get to watch them have brotherly arguments all the time."
 
Your follow up EP is entitled ‘Blossom’. The EP has quite colourful artwork and it certainly stands out. Is the artwork an important part of the release for The Mono Polys?
 
"I think the artwork is important to any album, I’m glad you say it stands out because that's exactly what we had hoped for it! I feel that artwork is something that can become just as important as the actual record in the future, for example 'Dark Side Of The Moon', EVERYONE knows the artwork, however the music is always the main focus for us."
 
The EP was produced by The Rifles frontman, Joel Stoker. How did this come about and what would you say he brought to the EP as a whole?
 
"We were lucky enough to support The Rifles last year across the UK, and we mentioned that we were going to make an EP. And being the great guy that Joel is, he offered to help us out. I think he helped a lot with the record as he completely understands the sound we want as a band but put his own twists to it. I’d love to work with him again in the future! Check The Rifles new album out, it’s great!"
 
The lead track from the EP is called ‘Insomnia’ – a really catchy tune. What is this song about and what influenced it?
 
"Basically, last year I spent a lot of time sat in my bed all night with the lights off recording demos all night. And all of my songs are about personal experiences, so 'Insomnia' is just about not being able to sleep and having annoying thoughts rushing through my head, hence the catchy tune, it’s enough to keep you up all night…"
 
The final track on the EP is a re-recording of the track in French. Why did you choose to record this version?
 
"We decided to record a version of 'Insomnia' in French because we noticed we had a few French fans on facebook and thought it would be great if we could make a song that they could sing along to in their own language and relate to easily. I hope in the future to record songs in a few different languages, it’s just quite hard as I’m awful at languages!"
 
Do you have any 'rituals' before you go on stage?
 
"Well, Isaac normally gets quite nervous and starts tidying the dressing room. I like to make the dressing room messy and piss him off! And we just relax and have a beer or two!"
 
Any live dates coming up?
 
"We have just played a This Feeling club night and we will be playing on Wednesday March 19th at Green Door Store, Brighton supporting Dexters and on Wednesday April 2nd at The Barfly, Camden supporting The Franklys."
 
Any new songs in the pipeline?
 
"Yes! We actually have about eighty demos I’ve written over the past year. So hopefully we can release some of them in the near future. I’m excited to release more."
 
When can fans be expecting the next release?
 
"We hope to try and release something in 2014, but like anything making a record takes time and doesn’t always happen as quickly as we want it to. But we’ll try our very best."
 
Who would be your dream collaboration?
 
"For me, I’d love to play onstage with The Cure, they’re a big influence on me as a songwriter."
 
Who would be in your dream supergroup?
 
"I honestly have no idea, once again I’d say Robert Smith, maybe Ian Curtis, Dustin Payseur (Beach Fossils) and then there’s an electronic musician called Evenings I'd throw in just to mix things up a bit!"
 
 
PART 2 - THE QUICKFIRE ROUND
 
Favourite Beatle?
 
"John Lennon for sure."
 
Favourite band?
 
"The Cure."
 
Favourite new band?
 
"DIIV are pretty sick."
 
Favourite song?
 
"Joy Division - Shadowplay."
 
Favourite album?
 
"Beach Fossils - Clash The Truth."
 
Vinyl, CD or download?
 
"I love vinyl, but I don't really care, it's the song that I like!"
 
When you press shuffle on your iPod, what is the first song to come on?
 
"I don't have an iPod!"
 
Style icon?
 
"I don’t really have one, hence why I look like a tramp half the time."
 
 Favourite film?
 
"Control."
 
Favourite TV show?
 
"East Enders (I don’t take it serious, it’s just funny)."
 
Who would play you in a film of your life?
 
"A scruffy brown haired boy who never looks that healthy."
 
Favourite food?
 
"Chinese, Thai, Indian, McDonalds and anything my mum cooks."
 
Football team?
 
"England..."
 
 
All pictures in this feature are taken from The Mono Polys official facebook page!

Thanks to Tom Knights for chatting to us!
 
 
Hope you enjoyed this feature on The Mono Polys! Check out our previous feature on Nova!

Check out The Mono Polys here - http://www.the-mono-polys.com/

You can also like our facebook page to keep up to date with all future interviews at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords
 
AB RECORDS

Saturday 8 March 2014

THE EXPLOSION: Our exclusive interview with Dundee band Nova!

 
Below is our interview with Nova! Enjoy!
 
To stay up to date with future interviews like our facebook page at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords
 
 
PART 1 - THE INTERVIEW
 
What was your earliest musical memory and what pushed you towards pursuing a career in the music industry?
 
"Music college and high school."
 
Had you been involved in any other band prior to Nova?
 
"Yes; 9mm, The Toblerones, The Whispers, Red Cactus Bandits, Almost Half Bent and Barmen."
 
How did Nova begin?
 
"Some of us met through music college and high school, started jamming about then and finalised the line-up with Chris."
 
Where did the name Nova come from?
 
"Kerr came up with it."
 
How would you describe the sound of Nova?
 
"Kasabian meets early Oasis."
 
One of your most recent songs is “The Explosion”. What is this song about and what influenced it?

"A fucking tune about falling out with your missus."
 
Do you have any 'rituals' before you go on stage?

"Sean used to take his shoes off and many pints."
 
Any live dates coming up?

"Not yet, keep an eye out though!"
 
Any new songs in the pipeline?

"Hundreds."
 
When can fans be expecting the next release?

"Before April 2014."
 
Who would be your dream collaboration?

"Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers."
 
Who would be in your dream supergroup?

"Flea, Keith Moon, John Squire or Johnny Marr and James Brown."



PART 2 - THE QUICKFIRE ROUND

Favourite Beatle?

Chris: "Lennon."

Kerr: "Harrison."

Sean: "Lennon."

Grant: "McCartney."

Favourite band?

Chris: "Miles Kane."

Kerr: "Joy Division."

Sean: "Oasis."

Grant: "Stone Roses."

Favourite new band?

Chris: "Jake Bugg."

Kerr: "The Strypes."

Sean: "Girls Aloud."

Grant: "Jake Bugg."

Favourite song?

Chris: "Dead Souls by Joy Division."

Kerr: "New Dawn Fades by Joy Division."

Sean: "Bring The Light by Beady Eye."

Grant: "Fools Gold by Stone Roses."

Favourite album?

Chris: "Don't Forget Who You Are."

Kerr: "Meat Is Murder, Unknown Pleasures or Mondo Bizarro."

Sean: "Definitely Maybe."

Grant: "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not."

Vinyl, CD or download?

Chris: "Vinyl or download."

Kerr: "Vinyl."

Sean: "Download"

Grant: "Download."

Style icon?

Chris: "Miles Kane."

Kerr: "Liam Gallagher."

Sean: "Liam Gallagher."

Grant: "Matt Helders."

Favourite clothing brand?

Chris: "Pretty Green."

Kerr: "Fred Perry."

Sean: "Voi."

Grant: "Ralph Lauren."

Favourite film?

Chris: "Snatch or Pulp Fiction."

Kerr: "Pursuit Of Happiness or Control."

Sean: "Shawshank Redemption or Green Mile."

Grant: "Con Air or Four Lions."

Favourite TV show?

Chris: "Cash In The Attic."

Kerr: "How I Met Your Mother or Friends."

Sean: "Friends, Inbetweeners or East Enders."

Grant: "Top Gear or Homes Under The Hammer."

Who would play you in a film of your life?

Kerr: "Morgan Freeman or Helen Mirren."

Sean: "Zach Dingaling from The Hangover."

Grant: "Steve McFadden or Phil Mitchell."

Favourite food?

Chris: "Noodles."

Kerr: "Steak pie or pizza."

Sean: "Larger steak pie"

Grant: "Chipolatas."

Football team?

Chris: "Balotelli."

Kerr: "Dundee FC or Man City."

Sean: "Benteke or Dundee United."

Grant: "Dundee Violets."



All pictures in this feature are taken from the Nova official facebook page!

Thanks to Nova for chatting to us!



Hope you enjoyed this feature on Nova! Check out our previous feature on Button Up!

Check out Nova here - https://www.facebook.com/novadundee

You can also like our facebook page to keep up to date with all future interviews at the following link - https://www.facebook.com/aldorabritainrecords
 
AB RECORDS