1.One of the first things that drew me to your music, was the huge
anthemic sound that you create. But where does the impetus come from
to blend classic hard rock, with radio-friendly choruses and memorable
melodies?
I think its fair to say the driving force behind our sound,
comes from the eclectic pool of influences that each member brings to
the band. We all add an ingredient that creates the final songs. Andy
has a love for soul artists and Me, Lee, Si and John, listen to bands
ranging from Zeppelin, The Who, AC/DC to The Verve, The Walkmen, BRMC.
The list is endless, but all of a similar ilk.
2.What are the main themes of your lyrics + of all the artists
and music that you cherish, which songs most move you and are there
any songs that you wish you had written?
Jeff Buckley Last Goodbye
The Rolling Stones Gimme Shelter
Led Zeppelin Thank You
3.On a similar note, from some of the music that I love, one of my
favourite epic songs is Motorcycle Emptiness by the Manic Street Preachers,
and one of my favourite short songs is Velocity Girl by Primal Scream.
But do you have any favourite epic and short songs?
Most epic songs for Me would have to be
Guns N Roses November Rain
Pink Floyd Comfortably Numb
Short songs
Buzzcocks Ever Fallen In Love
The Kinks You Really Got Me
4.Youre currently recording your debut album, but was the record
planned in your head and how important is studio technology to you?
The album was not planned in our heads, but we did have around
20 songs picked from around 30. We then had the process of getting this
down to about 15. Studio technology is very important to us, as it has
allowed us to record demos ourselves and help in the development of
tracks. We recorded the album ourselves in the rehearsal room. Simon
is the wizard behind the recording equipment.
5.Have you had a guiding hand to help you along the way?
The album is being mixed by The Verves producer Chris Potter.
6.As a band, is there a typical way that you work on song ideas and
do you feel any kind of music telepathy between you all?
Generally, Andy will have some rough ideas on the acoustic guitar
with some lyrics and melodies. Sometimes he will record them and we
can all have a listen. But most of the time, we all just start playing
as a band with Andy on the acoustic guitar. Me and Lee work on guitar
parts that complement each other and share lead parts within the song.
Si and John create a real thick backbone to the song, which enhances
that hugeness. There are occasions when songs just write themselves
if you like. Architects and Alcatraz are fine examples of this.
7.For you personally, what makes a good group and how often do you
all practise?
This method does not work for everyone. But, in this group we
work very hard. We practice Monday to Friday about 6 hours a day. We
all really enjoy it. Whether it be writing, recording, rehearsing or
just sitting in the room with a few cans. I think this is something
we get from reading and listening to the bands we all love. They all
worked extremely hard to get where they are. Thats something we
believe.
8.Whats the story behind your name, Sound Of Guns?
The band name came from a lot of debating. We had a list of final
names. Sound Of Guns had been mentioned but never made the list. But,
after a day or two of it being spoken of, it just felt right. It was
a name that sounded powerful and fitted the music. It was from lyrics
Andy had in one of his books in the old rehearsal room, which burnt
down taking the book with it.
9.Some of Q Magazines most prestigious annual Music Awards include:
Classic Album, Classic Songwriter, Innovation In Sound, Legend and Outstanding
Contribution To Music. But if the decision was yours, who would you
hand each of these trophies to?
Classic Album Led Zeppelin IV
Classic Songwriter Paul McCartney
Innovation In Sound Pink Floyd
Legend Slash
Outstanding Contribution To Music Jimi Hendrix
10.What do you regard as some of the great reunions in recent times,
and if you could entice any group to reform providing that all
of the original members are still alive who would it be?
Led Zeppelin I was lucky enough to go. Blew my mind. If
I could get someone to reform, it would be Guns N Roses.
11.What does it mean to you to play your songs live and can you tell
us about performing at the Dubai Sound City Festival?
Playing live is the best part of being in this band. After spending
time in rehearsal writing the songs, its always a great experience
to play them to new ears. Its another opportunity to let people
feel the hugeness of the sound we are trying to create. Dubai Sound
City was a great opportunity and also a great thing for the Liverpool
music scene. Liverpool Sound City is a great music Festival and for
it to be taken to Dubai was a sign that its doing well. We played
two sets, one on the main stage with Doves, The Futureheads and The
Farm. The other set was on a floating pontoon in a marina. We were surrounded
by Millionaires yachts. That was different from playing the local
barfly.
12.Is being in a band / the lifestyle, everything you expected it would
be + is the groups image important to you?
Yes, its everything I expected it to be. But travel lodges
every night on tour can break anyone. Its a tough time for any
band in The Music Industry now and its important to stay focussed.
The image of the band is important to me, in the sense I would like
people to look at us and see that we work hard.
13.What are your biggest hopes for Sound Of Guns long-term?
I would like us to keep growing and to increase the fanbase all
over the world. Playing live is something this band loves doing, but
I also feel the music works in big venues. To be able to tour Europe,
America, Asia would be immense.
14.If you were asked to look after Never Mind the Buzzcocks
for 1 week, which musicians / celebrities would you book to appear on
the programme alongside the Team Captains, Phill Jupitus and Noel Fielding?
Show Host Keith Lemon
Phills Guest #1 Claudia Winkleman
Phills Guest #2 Jack Black
Noels Guest #1 Dave Grohl
Noels Guest #2 John Bishop (Comedian)
15.Lastly, chips or cream buns?
Chips.
A very special thanks to Nathan and to Sarah @ Division
Promotions, for all of their time and help.
www.myspace.com/soundofguns
The more you see, the less you feel
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