We caught up with Ross and Watchy from Stitch Jones to have a chat before their set at Fibber Magees in Dublin, to talk about their new album ‘Echolalia’ and all things Stitch Jones.
You can get their new album ‘Echolalia’ here https://stitchjones.bandcamp.com/album/echolalia
Follow Stitch Jones on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/stitchjonesmusic/
We caught up with The Jackobins ahead of their sold out hometown show tonight. To see what they have been up to and what we can look forward to next.
So bring us right back to the beginning for The Jackobins where did the band start and why?
The Jackobins started when Veso wouldn’t take no for an answer, and after what amounted to stalking myself for a few months, I gave in and agreed to form a band with him. I would have formed it earlier, but after arranging to meet up in this shady pub, he was a no show and so I got drunk and ended up talking to some other musicians in there and got sidetracked for a few months. Eventually we got jamming in an old terraced house in Wavertree, where Veso and our old keyboardist John, and original drummer, Arthur all lived together (along with some guy living in the ceiling). I remember our earliest sessions, Arthur would have a full kit set up in the kitchen near the sink, Veso would be sat on the stairs with the guitar, and me and John would be in the bathroom with keys and vocals.
You have had a shift in the lineup, and have welcomed two new members what brought about this?
A band is only as strong as its weakest relationship between any two members, and personalities were clashing with almost everyone having a different idea of how to move forward, and it gets to a point where you realise forcing yourself to be around certain people is not good for either yourself or for them. But out of all the shit that inevitably comes with band politics, something really great has come out in the form of our new members, Tom (bass) and Sean (drums). The drive and ability of the two of them is really inspiring and already in the short time they have been on board, we have moved forwards in ways we just couldn’t have done previously. They are a real pleasure to work with and I am genuinely looking forward to going out on tour with them (and Veso I suppose).
So introduce us to this new lineup of The Jackobins?
As I mentioned above, I am very pleased to announce Sean Burns on drums, and Tom Donoghue on bass, both of them are gifted musicians, but perhaps more importantly, they are sound lads and great fun to be around, this incarnation of the Jackobins is far more relaxed than ever before, but paradoxically, its almost the most productive version of the band to date, and so much creativity is being unlocked.
You’ve been gigging around the UK with many festivals under your belts what has been the highlight so far?
We do love festivals, the atmosphere is just something else, its always hard when someone asks you to pick highlights, but I think we would probably go with Y Not Festival 2016, we had a ball on the This Feeling Stage, the crowds were unreal and we got to hangout with a lot of great bands, the backstage area was messy, it was glorious.
Your singles ‘Waiting For The Sun’, ‘One More Chance’ and ‘Hasty’ have all displayed how you are growing and improving as a band musically. Each track showcasing a new more refined aspect to your sound, ‘Hasty’ being the most recent release, what sparked or led to this more refined sound?
We are constantly exploring our sound, and just when we think we know all the corners, we find another one. Like most bands, we are our own worst critics (we have so many unreleased and unplayed songs), but this motivates us towards better and better records. As I mentioned earlier, since the lineup change, the atmosphere in the band has changed, and this change has manifested itself in a flood of new songs that we are currently working on.
Big anthem blasters and sing along chorus’ seem to be the main feature of your tracks they are catchy and mighty is this what you try to achieve or does it come naturally?
We have never really set out to make a certain sound, we pluck ideas out of the air, and if we like it, we roll with it, and it becomes a Jackobins song. Its funny how you look back and realise you’ve kind of created something without noticing. But that being said, we are fans of big anthemic sounding songs, they can capture an audience in just this most fucking brilliant, special way, they are easily accessible, which is important, because isn’t one of the main miracles of music, the ability to connect with people?
Strong bass lines and dynamic zealous bright guitars are a massive feature and I’m sure a big contributor to why your songs are so infectious where do these riffs and licks come from?
In a word, Veso…. He’s very much our Surge, I have always been blown away by his ability to create these addictive riffs , that whilst demanding attention, leave room for the rest of the song to grow around.
You guys have been quiet lately is this to create anticipation for something big to come?
We have been rebuilding the band in the wake of the lineup changes, and literally haven’t stopped behind the scenes, but probably more importantly, we’ve been taking some time to enjoy being a band again and creating new material.
Have you got plans to release any new music this year?
We have recently been in the studio with Sugarhouse again, recording some new material, we are looking forward to revealing it soon, then we will be back in June recording more again. Our last release was Hasty which was some time ago, which is really depressing… 2016 was a good year on the road for us, but the internal fighting really crashed our creative party.. but now with the changes that have happened, we have got this torrent of ideas and songs bursting out and we cant wait to get them out there.
You have a hometown show this Friday, which is sold out that must feel good?
Playing our hometown is a special treat for us these days, we are here like once or twice a year normally, but they never disappoint! The Magnet where we will be playing is probably our favourite venue in Liverpool and Liverpool crowds are some of the best there are!
What can your fans expect from your upcoming shows?
Lots and lots of new material, along with old fan favorites, the band has changed, and I think people are going to like what they see and hear. Also they can expect a lot of dirty riffs, big vocals and energetic performance.
What are you looking forward to this summer?
We got a tour that starts this week with a Sold Out home show which is always fun. There’s several great festivals announced and plenty more we can’t reveal just yet which we are buzzing about. Particularly we can’t wait to play Sound City and Hope and Glory as it’s on home soil and both festivals have done a stellar job especially when it comes to emerging artists.
Any Irish dates planned?
You’ll have to wait until September, but we really are dying to get over.
You can have a listen to The Jackobins tasty tunes on Spotify here
We sat down to have a chat and a laugh with Oisín Wolfe, James Brown, Rory Cooper and Simon Cooke from Beautiful Corruption before their set in Cyprus Avenue at the CIT Music Society battle of the bands.
You can follow Beautiful Corruption on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/BeautifulCorruptionBand/
Watch the interview below
We caught up with Rob from Cassia following the release of their new single ‘Weekender’ to have a chat and see what makes them tick
Tell us a bit about Cassia?
We’re a three piece trop rock band from Macclesfield! Started properly around two years ago in Wetherspoons, we were all smashed so the old memory’s a bit hazy but I do remember asking Leff if he knew anyone who was alright at drumming. Me (Rob – guitar) and Lou (bass) were already doing stuff together and I think one of our mates ended up telling us he played drums or something.
After that we were gigging as much as we could locally, then Y Not Festival came up. I think we applied online and someone pulled out so we only found out a week before it. That was insane. It all kind of started moving from there really!
What do you guys do when you are not making music?
Different for all of us really, Lou’s always playing football, me and Leff run a studio. Do fancy a bit of tennis actually, when the weathers good. We all like watching other bands and musicians and stuff so we do that quite a bit. Love watching TV shows on Netflix. Always got a couple of those on the go.
What inspired you to make music?
Just enjoyed doing it really. I started at school writing and producing all kinds of stuff and it just went from there. Something I’ve always loved doing.
How did you decide what style/ genre of music you wanted to do?
I got interested in Afro/Caribbean music probably when I was around 18, after I bought an old West African cd down in Cornwall. As soon as I got back to home I just began to break down the guitar licks, shoving riffs into tunes I was writing at the time trying to make it all work. It changed the music I was making so dramatically; everything became really upbeat and feel good.
Could you briefly describe your music-making process?
So at the minute, it usually happens one of two ways. Either we’ll just
start messing around when we’re supposed to be rehearsing for something and a decent riff or beat or something will happen and we’ll build a song around that. Or I’ll write lyrics or a melody on my own with a riff I’ve got and then bring it to the guys and we’ll put it together there.
You have interesting infectious melodies did these melodies just come naturally or did they take time to craft and piece together?
It does take ages to get something that sounds happy/feel good without being annoying or cheesy, we’ve thought about it a lot. As you do it more and more, you do tend to naturally come up with things quicker but it still takes a fair amount of time!
There is a tropical element to your guitar and rhythms where did this influence come from and what sparked your interest in these sounds?
So yeah I just accidentally started listen to loads of old Afro Caribbean stuff and starting to play it. It began to influence all the music I was writing and it just went from there. Then Leff joined and I remember there was a time he had to play for some blues guy who wanted him to play the djembe and a kick drum and in practicing that he ended up coming up with all these cool afro rhythms and that.
The harmonies in your tracks are pretty sweet and tight was it difficult to achieve tones and vocal pitches that matched and blended perfectly?
Ah cheers mate. Well naturally for some reason our voices have always sounded pretty cool together, which was lucky. Having said that though, none of us were singers to begin with so we’ve all had to learn how to sing and that’s been an interesting and mildly painful experience at times. Leff has had to learn to do all this crazy African shit and sing at the same time which was funny to watch.
Any plans for an album?
Nothing on the immediate horizon but the word has started popping up a lot more frequently recently so we’ll see! I know we all can’t wait to make an album and have it out there. That will be mint!
What can fans expect from one of your live shows?
Loads of energy, a big beach party is what we want. We love it when everyone has a mint time and a good dance and all that.
So far which is your favourite song to perform live and why?
It changes quite often which is good because in our minds that means that we’re buzzing off all our songs and not just one or two. So hopefully everyone else will. At the minute ‘100 times over’ is going down really well, ‘Moana’ as well, the ones that people know are always going to be the maddest live so that’s another reason we want to get as much music out there!
Any plans to come to Ireland in the future?
Yeah there is actually, I don’t know if there is a set in stone date just
yet but we’re definitely coming over pretty soon. Next couple of months kind of thing!
What advice do you have for people who want to form their own band?
Go for it! Grab a couple of mates, have an awesome time. Spend your time writing great music. Get tight and good at what you do, but mainly enjoy it. If you’re lucky like we’re starting to get, you get to see loads of really sick places and play awesome gigs and meet mint people. Its ridiculously good really. I’m always just sat there like this is insane.
Whats next for Cassia?
Got loads of shows coming up all over the UK as well some in Europe later in the year I think. We might even be going further than that too but not sure! Releasing as much music as we can! Think a couple of festivals too this year which is always well fun. Just keeping on making it better and bigger.
Stream ‘Weekender’ below
https://soundcloud.com/wearecassia/weekender
We sat down to have a chat with Ed from Long Tail before his set supporting Fangclub at Whelan’s Dublin.
Watch the interview below
You can also follow Long Tail here
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/longtailofficial/
Twitter https://twitter.com/longtailband
Bandcamp https://longtail.bandcamp.com/album/your-time-ep
We sat down to have a chat with Steven King, Kevin Keane and
Dara Coleman from Fangclub before the release of their new EP “COMA HAPPY” OUT NOW!
You can buy ‘Coma Happy’ here https://itunes.apple.com/ie/album/coma-happy-ep/id1153625769?app=itunes&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Watch our Interview Below
Photo by Dan Winters
We Caught up with the the “Queen of Austin Soul,” Tameca Jones to chat about her highly anticipated debut EP and to get to know her a little better and see what makes her tick.
What was it like growing up in Austin, TX and how did Austin influence you in your pursuit of a music career?
Growing up in Austin made me a colorful and eccentric person who embraces all genres of music. I like country, rock, alternative, blues, etc. I can usually find the groove and goodness of most songs. There was so much music going on when I grew up that you couldn’t help becoming a sponge.
What inspired you to make music?
I always sang around the house and wrote quirky songs when I was young. I didn’t start taking it seriously until I had my twins. My twins inspired me to launch a career in music.
What can you tell me about the process of making your new EP?
The process was very frustrating and time consuming. It was my first solo project so I made a lot of mistakes that cost me time and money. It has to feel right for me to be able to sell it. If I can’t feel it, I damn sure can’t put my name on it.
Your single ‘Hot and Bothered’ is full of sass and swagger and is confidence building and fun for the listener was this your intention when you were writing the track and was this song fun to write?
Absolutely. I’m a very sassy and assertive person when it comes to getting what I want. I intimidate most men so I’m usually the one making the moves. This track was a blast to write because it came so quickly and easily.
Your track ‘Head over Heals’ is a raw emotional track that has the ability to make the listener feel every word and emotion, you portray the heartbreak beautifully through your vocals, was that an effect you intended to have or did it come organically?
I usually want effects to come as organically as possible. I can’t fake anything. This song was written about my kids growing up and pulling away from me, which was a very sad time in my life. So every note I sang was organically sentimental.
What has been your biggest challenge as an artist so far? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Biggest challenge has been trying to hold down the business side of music. My mind is not wired for wheels and deals. It just sucks to have to wear a million hats just because you don’t have the capital to have people helping you manage your career. I’ve overcome this challenge by seeking counsel of other successful artists and organizing my time better. The business side is like seeing a dirty sink full of dishes. You know you don’t want to do them, but eventually you have to or you aren’t going to eat.
You have opened for stars such as Gary Clark Jr., Max Frost and Bob Schneider. You have also performed at the 2015 Austin Music Awards, but what do you feel has been your most defining moment as an artist so far ?
I had a show at a venue called The Parish once. I opened there for Max a few months before I headlined. It was just a great feeling to go from opener to headliner and have people come out to support my art.
You got the opportunity to work with Gary Clark Jr on one of his tracks how did this come about and what was it like?
Gary and I are old friends. We would go to each other’s shows around town before he got famous. We always planned to work together, but couldn’t ever connect. He came by my show one night and asked me if I could could record the hook on one of his new songs. I jumped at the invitation of course. I love me some Gare Bear.
Which of your songs are you most proud of and why?
I’m most proud of Head Over Heels because it is the best song I’ve written, melodically and lyrically.
Any Plans to come to Ireland in the future?
Boy that would be awesome. I haven’t toured very much, but I would love to see that beautiful luscious country. I LOVE Irish accents. Oh my goodness. I’d probably fall in love with someone with an accent and red hair and never return to America.
What advice do you have for people who want to pursue a career in music?
The business model has changed so much. My advice is to write with as many people as you can and make as much content as you can so you can sell your work to other artists, TV shows, and movies. You have to diversify your income stream to survive as an artist.
Whats next for Tameca Jones?
I plan on touring and collaborating with other writers so I can diversify MY income stream and take my own advice. ?
An Irish accent and red hair …… yeah that would be enough to keep anyone from returning to America.
Stream Tameca Jones new single ‘Sandman’ below
