Teddy Thompson has released his fourth studio album, ‘A Piece Of What You Need’ - which includes one my favorite songs released in 2008, “In My Arms”.

I’ve been intrigued by Teddy Thompson, not only because of his talent, but because of his ability to capture a rustic and classic sound that has subtly eased into the realm of mainstream music.

It’s also good to see true musicianship is still alive and well in the 21st century. Sometimes it’s difficult to see musical camaraderie amongst the commercialization of music. Teddy is the son of musicians Richard and Linda Thompson and over the years has collaborated - and harmonized - with both of his parents, Rufus and Martha Wainwright and many others. In my opinion, he is a great example of what true musicianship is.

Read the exclusive interview for Band Weblogs:

Jenny May: Where have you found to be the best place to write songs?

Teddy Thompson: I find that the place has little to do with it, it’s the state of mind. I don’t get a lot of writing done at home but that’s because I’m traveling a lot and when I am home it’s relaxation time. So, as long as I put my mind to it and sit down to work, I can be anywhere. It does end up being hotel rooms an awful lot.

Is there a show that you played that stands out as being a favorite?

I’ve had wonderful moments on stage but I’m always sort of waiting for the great performance to come. Where everything goes brilliantly and I have a transcendent experience. It hasn’t quite happened yet so I’m still waiting for my favorite show…

You’ve worked with many wonderful artists over the years. Are there times when they’ve inspired you when coming up with song/music ideas? If so, how did their inspiration effect your music?

Yes, it’s hard to say exactly how that works. I think it’s mostly subliminal for me. We naturally absorb what’s going on around us and later on it may influence your own writing.

With the artists that you’ve worked with, there seems to be a warm community of family and friends around you which reminds me of the Carter/Cash years - something that I don’t seen very often in music. How do you think camaraderie amongst musicians has changed throughout the years?

It’s great to have friends and family in the same business, I can’t imagine what it would be like to be the only musical person in your town and family as is the case for most musicians.. But as far as a musical community, there have certainly been lots of those - LA’s Laurel Canyon in the 70’s must have been pretty cool!

Is there a musical genre that you would one day like to venture into that you haven’t yet?

I’d like to make a traditional folk record someday.

Do you enjoy solitude?

Very much. I find it hard to spend an extended period of time with anyone.

Do you prefer romantic or political songs?

Romantic.

Who would you like to record with that you haven’t yet?

Nobody living. LOADS of dead people! Some sort of undead jam session would be really great.

Who is your favorite male/female duet and which song?

At the moment it’s Robert Plant and Alison Krauss doing that Everly Bros song.

You’ve had songs in movies - have you ever acted in any films?

NO, acting is like, totally hard.

Any projects planned outside of music?

I am working on decorating my new apartment.

What is your idea of the best way to chill out at the end of a long tour?

I always think that it would be good to take a real vacation on a beach somewhere and truly relax but inevitably, I just want to spend time at home after being away so long.

Who is your favorite country artist of all time?

Hank Williams.

For more information, music and tour dates, go to:

Teddy Thompson Myspace
Teddy Thompson Official Website

Teddy Thompson - A Piece of What You Need on amazon.com

A Piece of What You Need on amazon.co.uk

iTunes

DJ Disciple recently released his “Work It Out” debut single on House Trained Records. The song features Dawn Tallman and the single includes dance mixes by Mischa Daniels, Klaas, Whelan & Di Scala and more.

DJ Disciple is one of the busiest DJs out there, playing clubs around the world, and has worked in more clubs in the UK than any American DJ before.

Being somewhat new to the DJ scene, I thought it would be interesting to learn more about DJ Disciple, and also to introduce him to Band Weblogs‘ readers who may not yet be familiar with his music.

Jenny May: What is a typical week like for you when you’re on the road, touring clubs?

DJ Disciple: Absorb the culture, food, and music trend going on in the region.

What is a typical night like for you when Djing at a club?

Much of my support system coming out for me, going crazy, but stealing all of my drink tickets since I never drink.

Do you have a favorite place where you like to play?

Lesouk, my bi-weekly residency in New York where I push the latest trends of house music and The next level party where I continue with the traditional soulful sounds of house.

What are your favorite songs at the moment?

Afefe Iku’s “Mirror Dance”, Bob Sinclair & Axwell’s “Wonderful World” and too many others to mention.

How do you come across the music that you play?

My connection has always been strong musically. Record labels always give me things to play because I work every week.

Do many people travel with you on the road (who is your team)?

Nope, I’m solo.

How was it decided who would do the remixes of “Work It Out”?

David Tort and I met at DJ Ruff’s house in LA. I agreed to do a swap with them on their project and I did the remix with them for “Work It Out”. When we finished, Gilbert Le Funk got commissioned to do his own remix. I was the first label he did remixes for and I believed in his talents immensely. Now everyone knows how good he is.

How did Dawn Tallman get involved?

Dawn did the original song as a relationship record, but I decided to ad my lyrics to make it more of a party vibe.

You’ve been involved with many different projects like film, remixes, Djing - what do you enjoy working on the most, creatively?

DJing by far. It still drives me. I love the thrill of taking the crowd on a musical journey.

Where do you like to go to just chill out?

I’m a comic book freak, well, a book freak in general. I love reading.

If you could work with any singer/artist, that you haven’t already - who would it be?

Ron Carroll and Duane Harden.

What is your preferred studio environment like when recording?

Anywhere in Europe with engineers that use Logic.

Are you working on or planning other projects for the future? If so, what?

David Tort’s new single with DJ Ruff was out last week. I have some special trackier things coming out for the summer. Watch for them!

For more information, go to:

DJ Disciple Myspace

There’s a short online - viral - film that has been making the rounds the last few weeks. The Fila Vintage White Line film features British actors Danny Dyer and Tamer Hassan and can be found around the net on sites like YouTube, Bebo, various blogs and now Band Weblogs.

Danny Dyer has been in quite a few movies that I really like, such as Human Traffic, The Trench and The Football Factory, which also stars Tamer Hassan. The Fila Vintage White Line film has that Football Factory feel to it, as well as British gangster, which Danny and Tamer handle perfectly in their starring roles.

It’s interesting to see that they’ve taken the time out to be involved with an innovative viral film for Fila, for their “Worn Again ‘Centre Court’ trainers - Summer 08 Fila collection”, and the film is only featured online.

More information about the film:

Rooted in the British gangster film genre, cult actors and faces of Fila, Danny Dyer and Tamer Hassan, play two South London hitmen who are summoned for a job to see the big boss.

They are ordered to find two Italian culprits and beat them up accordingly. The film ensues with both Danny and Tamer dishing out the punishment, revealing the final twist at the end of the film…

Produced by Red Bee Media and directed by Marcus Jones, the short film was shot at The George Tavern in East London. The viral film will also be entered into a variety of industry short film festivals. The film supports a key Vintage style within their most comprehensive collection to date and is a testament to Fila’s firm grasp on everything retro.

Watch Fila Vintage White Line film (video) with Danny Dyer and Tamer Hassan:

The Fila Vintage White Line Film Interview

Mark Travis, Marketing Manager at Fila UK was kind enough to answer a few questions that I had about the film.

Jenny May: Why did you choose to shoot the film at The George Tavern in East London?

Mark Travis: Red Bee Media (the production company who created the film) found this on their location visit and it fit perfectly with the treatment of the film-gangster genre. The first scene was going to be filmed in a seedy nightclub setting (ideally with a 70s edge) when Danny and Tamer go to see the big boss and the George had a brilliant back room with a disco floor. It was a perfect first location.

Which industry short film festivals has the Fila Vintage White Line film been entered into?

It has been entered into BEFILM The Underground Film Festival in New York which is the first viral film festival.

This is quite innovative to go viral with the film. Any plans on making a version for TV?

No, this was a purely online campaign which Fila wanted to do to capture their key audience who are looking to the internet for most of their inspiration and entertainment.

What are some of your thoughts on viral video?

I think they are becoming really important to gain cut through with a young edgy audience who are becoming more discerning and not so easily led by in your face advertising. Marketing to this audience is becoming more about creativity and subtlety which is what I think virals do very well.

How was it decided that Danny Dyer and Tamer Hassan would star in the film?

We had already decided to sign them on as the faces of the Fila brand in the UK so it made sense to play with their gangster reputations and make a short film incorporating some new Fila product in a clever way.

How long did it take to shoot?

1 day.

Who’s behind the concept? How did they come up with the idea?

Frank PR came up with the idea of producing a viral with Danny and Tamer beating up the new Centre Court pre distressed trainers in humorous ways. We then got Red Bee on board who flushed out the full treatment and brought together the look and feel of the film including script/storyboards etc.

Who are the musicians (artists) involved with the music?

It was all library music from Extreme and KPM including:

From Extreme (020 7485 0111)
Elektrochrome (1′ 23″)
Pain Damage (20″)
Hell Bent (45″)
Creative Crack (18″)
Judge Dead (1′ 53″)

From KPM (020 3059 3000):
Gravity (41″)

For more information:

Frank PR

Red Bee Media

Fila

Tamer Hassan Official Website

Danny Dyer Official Website

By: Jenny May - BandWeblogs.com

Russian superstar Sergey Lazarev is in my good books, indeed. He’s taken time out for not one, but TWO interviews with me for Band Weblogs.

Read the first exclusive Sergey interview.

Sergey is currently in London on a promo tour in support of his latest single, “Girlfriend” and upcoming album, ‘TV Show’. “Girlfriend” is a winner, made up of pure pop, quality production and Sergey’s voice sounds great. The track is a bit reminiscent of Justin Timberlake, to give you an idea of what it sounds like if you haven’t heard it yet. You can check out the video at the bottom of the interview.

Jenny May: “Girlfriend” is a great song - as well as the remixes. Did you enjoy the making of the video, dancing with all the girls?

Sergey: Yes very much!! It was shot in London and all the girls are stunning models from all over the world including Nigeria and Australia. I still stay in touch with a few girls from the shoot!

You’ve been in the UK recently on a promo tour. How has that been going? What have you been doing in your spare time in the UK when not working?

Everything is going brilliantly but sadly the only problem is that I don’t have any spare time. I seem to know everything about English hotels now - and I have been constantly touring and promoting my new single “Girlfriend”.

Do you have a favorite song at the moment, that you’ve been performing live?

The one that seems to be getting an amazing reaction is the new track Girlfriend and I have introduced something new to the live performance. Something a little bit naughty but nice in the form of a very attractive female dancer that I dance with!! Also I have been nominated for the male artist of the year at MUZ TV awards in Russia and will probably perform Girlfriend there and have a few surprises on stage for the audience.

Are you a big football fan?

Yes I support Spartak Moscow.

What do you think of the historic Champions League, all English final happening in Moscow tonight? Will you be supporting Manchester United or Chelsea?

Definitely Chelsea!

Where will you be watching the game?

I have actually rearranged all interviews for this evening and will be watching it in my hotel suit with my security! I have just done an interview with Talk Sport and just sang the Chelsea anthem in Russian. Anybody that tunes into talk sport now should hear Blue is the Colour in Russian.

Do you have a favorite player? If so, why is he your favorite?

Andre Satvchenko as he is a brilliant tactician.

You told me in our last interview that you stay in touch with Julia and Lena from t.A.T.u. Have you seen their new video for “White Robe” (watch video) yet? If so, what do you think?

Yes I have seen both videos they made. One is for the day time television audience the other is a bit more late night! I like the late night version as it has a cooler feel!

Do you have a message that you would like to send out to your fans?

I am looking forward to meeting you all and hope you come and see me in Birmingham and Newcastle and come and see me perform my new single Girlfriend.

Watch Sergey - “Girlfriend” video

Sergey Official Website

Nicole Atkins is one to watch - and I’ve found out why first hand.

The singer/songwriter New Jersey native has been on tour in Europe with her band, the Sea, and I was lucky enough to catch her show while she was in London.

First of all the venue, the Soho Review Bar (formerly the Raymond Review Bar), a place that some might consider seedy due to it’s erotic nature, was a brilliant room to watch a live performance. Just what I like - intimate, dark, the red interior was a plus and the sound was exceptional.

By the time Nicole started her set, the room was full with an expectant audience. She looked a million dollars, wearing a short white and black dress, she sounded great and her banter in between songs was friendly and humorous. At one point she invited people to go up toward the stage to watch - and a few did get up from their seats to sway along to songs that she played from her album, ‘Neptune City’.

The band was tight, and members on stage were Gillian Rivers (violin), Daniel “Cashmere” Chen (keyboard), Derek Layes (bass), Dan Mintzer (drums) and Dave Hollinghurst (guitar). Special guest Russell Simins from the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion sat in on tambourine at one point.

Stand out songs of the night were “Brooklyn’s On Fire”, “The Way It Is”, “Party’s Over”, “Maybe Tonight” and their outstanding cover of the Doors’ “Crystal Ship”.

While in England, Nicole was able to squeeze in a phone interview with me for Band Weblogs the day before her show in Soho.

Jenny May: Do you have a favorite place to write music?

Nicole Atkins: I do. When the melodies of my songs come to me it’s usually when I’m sitting, but moving, so usually in the car or in a train is when they happen. But I really like to finish my songs in my parents’ living room at home. At least when they’re upstairs - but as long as they’re not in the room!

Are your parents musicians?

No. They like rock music, but none of them are musicians. We grew up with like, Frank Zappa as our ‘children’s music’.

Do you tend to write on guitar?

I write everything based on the vocal melody, and then I just put chords to that. It’s more fun and easier for me because instruments are limited, but on vocals, it’s not limited at all so I just layer everything through vocal melodies for every part.

What was the first guitar that you bought, do you remember?

I never bought one. My mom’s little brother, he passed away when he was thirteen and when I was thirteen I found his Yamaha Acoustic learners guitar in the attic. It was kind of a big deal. My mom was kind of reluctant for me to play it because she thought that I would break it, you know, because she got kind of sad when she would see it. Then I just kept going into the attic, I got this Grateful Dead guitar book, and taught myself how to play a bunch of Dead songs. So then after awhile they got really okay with it.

Do you still play it?

No. It’s a learner so it’s very short, and it’s actually harder to play than my guitar now!

And what are you playing now?

Now acoustic, I’m playing a Martin, and electric, I’m playing a Hagstrom Viking. It’s great.

I saw a video of you on YouTube singing “Be My Baby” - that was really good. It’s funny because that was the first song that I ever sang on stage with a band.

Nice. I love that song and I love singing that when my parents’ friends come to our shows ’cause you know, they have no idea what the hell I’m singing about, but when I start singing that, it’s just like, yeah!

I know what you mean. Ha ha.

Ha ha.

What are some of your favorite cover songs to play?

Three that we’re liking right now is “Crystal Ship” by the Doors, “Pissing In a River” from Patti Smith and “Under The Milky Way” by The Church.

I’m not sure if I’m familiar with The Church.

It’s a really pretty song.

I’ll have to look it up. I’m going to your show tomorrow night in Soho, London. Are you going to play that one?

Good. No we’re not…we’re still choosing, so maybe we will.

I was reading through your Myspace messages and noticed that your fan base is missing you in the States.

Yeah. Ha ha.

How do you stay in touch with them while you’re on tour?

Well, I always put out bulletins and I put up blogs of what’s going on out here, and little videos and stuff. So, I keep them fully abreast on the happenings.

I’m sure they appreciate that.

They do, and it’s always weird for me because I’m like, oh, they care!

I saw that video of you performing in Norway.

That was really fun. That was like, the funnest press thing that I’ve ever had to do.

It sounded great.

Yeah we met a bunch of people afterwards that were like super stoked on it. Like all these older people were like, “you have a very nice voice”. I was like, yeah!

How do you prepare for a show each night?

I don’t really do anything, I just kind of do brief vocal warm ups and just hang out with my band or my friends and then just go up and do it. I don’t really get into the mode until maybe 15 seconds before I sing the first note.

I would imagine that makes life easier for you.

It does. If you ever think it, you know, it will be weird and unnatural.

Some singers have all these rituals where they don’t talk or they don’t do certain things…

Yeah, I mean, unless I’m sick, you know, then I won’t talk. I always get on stage and I pick out the eight people that seem kind of skeptical or uneasy or unhappy in a crowd and kind of focus on them, kind of change their mood. I make them my personal mission.

Nice. I did read that you were sick on the road. Did you drink tea, or…

I’m always sick on the road. I just realized I’ve got the weakest immune system in the world. I do everything. I’m like a walking science project.

Ha ha. Is there any one thing that’s tended to work better for you?

Yeah…eight hours of sleep.

How did the David Letterman performance go (”The Way It Is”)? How was that for you?

That was the best day of my life. That was the day my record came out and it had been pushed back so much, I mean, it was, ahhh, finally we did it. It came off really, really well.

It was funny, the way he kept holding your hand at the end.

Yeah, he wouldn’t let go of my hand. It was cool, though, he liked us.

You could tell he liked you.

It was cool.

With your “Neptune City” single, it gives me the chills when I listen to it. What was the recording environment like in the studio?

We were in a barn in the middle of a field in the middle of nowhere in Sweden and it was during the middle of winter. I recorded that song almost a year before I recorded it for the album and it’s one of those songs, that every time I sing it, I get the same feeling as I did when I first heard it. It was one of those things that…it was so much bigger than me.

What brought you to Sweden to record?

The producer lived there so it was much easier for me to go there alone then for him to come to New Jersey.

Did you enjoy it?

I didn’t. At all. I love making my records, and I love the music part of it, but it was the middle of winter so it got dark out at like 2 o’clock everyday. And I was in the middle of nowhere and I didn’t know anybody so it was very isolating…which might have been good because I was able to really focus on the music, but at the same time it probably didn’t do too well for my mental stability. I was very happy when I got home.

How long were you out there for?

A month and a half. Not too bad, but very, very isolating.

What normally is a good recording setting for you?

My idea of a good recording setting is very off the cuff, and very intimate, but it never really gets to work out that way now a days.

Is there a certain studio that you would like to work in that you haven’t yet?

Abbey Road. Who wouldn’t?

With your upcoming release, “Maybe Tonight”, I love it, the video is fun…

Thanks!

Do you have any input with the making of your videos?

Yes, I have full input. The video director (Josh Forbes) said let’s do this like you’re walking on your way to get ready for a late night TV show. I was like, oh, let’s get some circus freaks, you know, because I grew up on the boardwalk. There was a very big carnival culture. So he ended up getting us Vaudeville Cirque, which was way past my expectations, and we improvised everything and did it as we were, and it was just so much fun.

It looks really fun, and it definitely comes across.

It was. I choreographed it too.

That’s really good to know. Had you had experience with choreographing before?

No, I just did a lot of theatre.

Do you want to do more videos, directing, that sort of thing?

Oh yeah, I have tons of video ideas. It’s kind of a passion of mine to make up stories for a film.

Do you have a favorite festival that you like to play?

I’ve never really played any except for Austin City Limits. The one I’m looking forward to the most is All Points West. It’s in Jersey City and it’s with Radiohead. It’s an hour from my house too, so it’s really nice.

You’re playing Bonnaroo as well?

I’m really looking forward to that too, cause we get to play that with our good friends The Avett Brothers, that I went to college with.

Not only are you a singer and musician, but you’re an artist as well. Did you do the cover art for your album, ‘Neptune City’?

No I got my friend Nick to do it. He basically draws how I would draw if I wasn’t lazy and if I had the time!

Are you going to continue doing your art along with your music?

Yes, I always do. Comics and stuff. I put together a zine that goes to our fans so that we can actually mail them the comics and stuff like that. The comics will probably be ready in the fall.

Nicole Atkins Official Website
Nicole Atkins Myspace

Mark Cope has been around the Oxford music scene for awhile now. Most people here probably became familiar with him and his music when he played guitar in BritPop band The Candyskins along with his brother, frontman Nick.

The Candyskins formed in 1989 and gained a worldwide fanbase, releasing singles such as “Submarine Song, “Monday Morning” and “Feed It”. After touring the US and the UK and experiencing the highs and lows of being in the music business, The Candyskins broke up in the late 90’s.

Lucky for us here in Oxford, Mark Cope is still playing music and has formed a new band, Nine Stone Cowboy. I saw them play at the Bullingdon Arms a couple weeks ago, and enjoyed a great night of music. I’m looking forward to seeing them again soon.

A bit of trivia - Mark’s dad is the very talented English actor Kenneth Cope. He played the ghost, Marty Hopkirk, on (one of my favorite TV shows since moving to England) Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased).

Mark very graciously took some time out to answer some questions for BandWeblogs.com.

Jenny May: When did you start playing music?

Mark Cope: Like most kids I started on a recorder dipped in antiseptic solution. When punk arrived, I learned how to play the drums and joined a punk band who were all a lot older than me. Our first gig was in a village hall, which got destroyed. Very exciting and very scary. I bumped into my old school music teacher a few years ago. He told me and my brother we had no musical talent at all at school. I told him we had just signed a $2 million recording contract with Geffen Records. I swore at him and told him he should not be in teaching. Very satisfying.

What was the first band that you played in (what was your role) and how did it come about?

A punk band called The Attendants (mentioned above) - I played drums. I met the others where all the punks used to meet and drink lager and sniff glue. We played Clash covers and a few of our own. I had a really old drum kit with a massive salvation army bass drum, the one you use for marching with. It got stolen from the youth centre where we practiced, so I decided to take up the guitar.

When you were in the Candyskins, you played guitar and sang backing vocals. Now you’re the lead singer for Nine Stone Cowboy. How has the experience been for you now that you’re fronting a band? Had you fronted bands before?

Being the front man in a band is so different. I understand totally what my brother went through now. When I was the rhythm guitarist and backing singer in the Candyskins, every gig was so much fun and afterwards you just wanted to party until you died. But now the pressure is intense. You feel it before, during and afterwards. You feel drained and want to lie down in a darkened room. It really does drain you and the worry of whether the songs are any good or am I singing badly spiral out of control in your head. It’s definitely not as enjoyable as being “in the band”, but a few days after, you do get a proud feeling through your body that you went through it. It is a bit like bungee jumping. But as my dad says “if you didn’t get nervous it wouldn’t be worth it”.

What is your song writing process like?

I love it, it is my favourite thing in the world. It starts in so many different ways. I will mishear someone saying something in a pub and get a lyric for a chorus, or hear some chanting at an African nations football match on TV and get a chord sequence. They do sometimes just enter your head. With computers you can just go mad now, there are no limits. I’m the boy in the bubble with my computer, two bottles of red wine and I can go anywhere with a song. Then the next day sober, I am the serious producer and make sense of it all. I love writing lyrics, little sad stories that make you smile. I always torture myself trying to make it better - changing verses here and there. The true mark of a good song when you’ve written a new one, is when you can remember it first thing in the morning. If I can’t, I dump it. If I can, I carry on working on it. But every song comes from a different angle. That’s what makes it so exciting and fulfilling.

What do you consider a great recording environment?

Me, my computer, my guitar, my keyboard, red wine and a room with the TV on with the sound turned down. And no one in the house when I do the vocals. When I was in the Candyskins we spent so much time and money in plush studios. Now with the technology we have today it is so much easier. I did learn so much just watching and listening to producers at the time.

You lived in Boston for awhile. What brought you there? How did you spend your time?

I was going out with a girl from Boston for a while. I nearly moved there. She worked for a record company, so every night we would go and see bands. It’s such a great city. During the day I would just walk for miles, lots of little adventures. The Candyskins were very popular in Boston, it was great driving around hearing our songs on the radio. There is nothing quite like that feeling.

Did you like the Boston music scene? What bands did you see while living there?

The music scene is so good there. Loads of venues and really good radio stations. I saw so many bands there - everything from Monster Magnet to Portishead. The local paper the Phoenix kept it all together. You would look for who was playing that week and try and fit it all in. And because my girlfriend got guest lists for all the gigs and free drink tokens, I was like a pig in sh**! I remember one time seeing Rage Against the Machine twice in one night, they did an under 16 and over 16 show, and then going out and getting drunk with the guitarist. Good times.

When you were in The Candyskins along with your brother Nick, how often did you write songs together?

At first we would always write together, with the guitarist Nobby, sitting around drinking tea trying to find the right chord or word. After a while we started to write separately which in a way made it better because it was a competition who could write the best song. I really miss those early days when we all lived together and it was us against the world. Being in a band with your best friends and touring, getting payed, is without doubt the best experience in the world, and we were very lucky we got to do it for fifteen years. It does make the real world very hard to live in though, when it ends. Too much fun is a very dangerous thing.

Do you get together with Nick to write or play music now?

We reformed recently to play the last night of the Zodiac, which was brilliant. It all came rushing back. He’s doing songs for kids now (he has 3) and has nearly finished an album, which is fantastic. He has always had the power to make me cry with his songs and even now with songs about little monkeys he still does. The boy is a genius.

With the Candyskins, where were some of your favorite places to play when on tour?

Touring America was the best, we did four three month tours all over on a big tour bus. Waking up at the Grand Canyon with a hangover, it does not get any better. All I remember is just smiling all the time. People would travel miles to see us, we could not believe it. New York was always fun. I always loved playing in Oxford at the end of a tour, when we were really tight and you could just enjoy it, watching all your friends going mad.

Who were some of the bands that you played with while on tour?

We played with so many bands I can’t remember all of them. We obviously played with Radiohead a lot in the early days. In America we played with Nirvana once in Boston. The Pogues in Belgium. I wish I had kept more of a record of it all. The thing I remember most was we always seemed to be having more fun than the other bands. Looking back maybe we should have taken it a bit more seriously.

Nine Stone Cowboy

How did the current lineup of Nine Stone Cowboy come about?

A long journey. I’ve sacked about ten people to get to this line up. But as I’ve always said “a band that drinks together, stays together.” I have always wanted a girl bass player, so Maria is perfect. AD is a very old friend.

Nine Stone Cowboy recently played a great show at The Bullingdon in Oxford. Do you have plans to play outside of Oxford?

Yes - we are going to get some support shows soon, and there are plans for a few festivals this summer.

Have you had your music in movie soundtracks?

The Candyskins had “Feed It” in The Waterboy soundtrack, the Adam Sandler film, and we had one song on the Legally Blonde 2 soundtrack. It’s very weird hearing your song on a film. You watch it waiting to hear it and miss it when it’s played. Everytime I leave the room to go to the toilet just as it comes on. Typical. We also had a song in the US lays crisps advert which was great. It was better than the original video.

Is that something that you could foresee in the future for you and/or Nine Stone Cowboy?

I would love it. I’m talking to some publishers at the moment, to get music in TV shows and films.

Who are some of your influences, in music and/or otherwise?

Punk, especially the late Joe Strummer. E.L.O., The Flaming Lips, Johnny Cash, The Beatles, anything with a bit of thought behind it. I love really sad lyrics with a bit of a story behind it. Not enough of that around at the moment. It seems all the eccentrics are being pushed to one side.

Where is your favorite place in Oxford?

Anywhere where all my friends are gathered with drinks in their hands and the next day off.

What CD or MP3 are you currently listening to the most?

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, “THE NIGHT”. It is a lost track that is the best piece of pop music I have ever heard. I can’t stop playing it to people. And of coarse my own new stuff, trying to make it better and at the same time trying not to destroy it.

Nine Stone Cowboy MP3s:

Jesus Doesn’t Like Me
Son Of Elvis

Nine Stone Cowboy Band Members:

Mark Cope - vocals/guitar
Maria Ilett - bass/vocals
Ady Davey - guitar/vocals
Richie Wildsmith - drums

Nine Stone Cowboy will be playing at The Wheatsheaf in Oxford, April 5, 2008.

Nine Stone Cowboy on Myspace

The Candyskins on Myspace

Parka - Bollocks to Poverty

Since 2005, Broccoli Music has been helping to establish new bands and Djs in the live music scene, with their promotions team putting on monthly band nights around London and occasionally other cities around England.

Not only is Broccoli Music helping bands and Djs through their own events - with some of the unsigned bands that they’ve worked with going on to get record deals - along with Myspace, they’re also actively supporting ActionAid’s Bollocks To Poverty campaign.

I raise a toast to Mikee and Katie for supporting live music - and for taking the time to answer a few questions in this exclusive interview for BandWeblogs.com.

Jenny May: Who is behind Broccoli Music?

Mikee: Broccoli Music is a brother and sister duo, so there’s me, Mikee, the oldest and Katie being the younger, obviously. But there are some great people that have supported us since we began the company so there is a real family feel to the world of Broccoli. Broccoli Music is now a collective of young people wanting to make an impression on the UK music scene.

How and when was Broccoli Music formed?

Katie: Broccoli was started back in 2004, by the age of 22 I was still doing work experience jobs as I had no ‘experience’ so no one would give me a paid job in the music industry, so basically thought f**k it I’ll do something myself. So initially Broccoli was set up as a management company helping bands to get signed to major labels.

Mikee: So when I got back from travelling I had the same problem as Katie, hating the soulless 9-5, so when I got back I was gonna get into selling records but somehow got sucked into Broccoli and we kinda turned the company into more about promoting live events than the management side of things.

What kind of events do you put on?

Mikee: Our events are primarily unsigned/new music nights. We have Indiesexual which has just had its second birthday at Catch in Old Street. This is the gig where we showcase bands, we get to see what they’re all about, I guess you can say we take gambles on bands and see what they’re made of. Indisexual seems to have a great family atmosphere, we get past bands to come back and DJ for a bottle of booze…it’s usually quite a debauched gig that one.

Katie: Xfm Uploaded at the Bullet Bar is probably one of our favourite nights as we can help to get the bands radio airplay, a hell of a lot of exposure on the Uploaded website. Plus bands chosen for this gig get to play other Xfm gigs like the ‘gigloo’ we did at the metro ski and snow show.

Mikee: For us it’s been quite an honour to promote this gig for Xfm, we pinched ourselves, and still do sometimes.

Katie: They are a great company to work for as they really do support unsigned music, and not one of them is a corporate twat and they do love a good drinking session.

Where are they usually, and how often?

Katie: Indisexual is at Catch in Old Street (London), the second Wednesday of every month. Then you got Xfm Uploaded Live at the Bullet Bar this is usually the last Thursday of the month. Ermmmmm Bollocks To Poverty On tour! in association with Myspace at the Borderline that’s a bi monthly gig next one being April 1st, 2008.

Mikee: We go up to Newcastle when the weather’s nice and do the odd alldayer with some promoters up there, that one’s always a laugh and very very messy, the party don’t stop til the money runs out.

Katie: There’s a great music scene up there, and the people are totally lovely, we love going back!

Along with Myspace, how did you get involved with ActionAid?

Katie: We met Action Aid through Xfm, they came down to the Xfm Uploaded nights with badges and flyers n posters, we hit it off with them straight away and loved the concept of Bollocks To Poverty! So we offered to do nights with them as they were looking for ways to keep the buzz about the charity going after the festival season.

LR Rockets - Bollocks to Poverty

When people attend a Bollocks to Poverty show, how are they helping to support ActionAid and their cause?

Mikee: Firstly they can help ActionAid fight some of the conditions that keep people poor - like corporations exploiting poor workers - by taking a few minutes to sign-up to the campaign. Or with those events that are raising money for ActionAid, just by buying a ticket and turning up you’re helping ActionAid to help millions of people fight their way out of poverty.

How else can people get involved with the Bollocks to Poverty campaign?

Katie: By putting on their own Bollocks to Poverty event! Anyone can get involved and put on any kind of event - from a house party with your mates Djing or a club night or gig - whatever they’re into. ActionAid provides all the materials for free, like posters and banners, campaign cards, and stickers and badges to hand out on the night. Plus you get your own web page to advertise your event.

If people don’t want to put on their own event then they can support the tour by turning up to events, taking action online or promoting Bollocks to Poverty on their MySpace profile. All the information about how to get involved is on www.actionaidspace.org

Is Broccoli Music involved with all of the Bollocks to Poverty shows?

Mikee: Nope, the one we do with them is almost like the flagship store, all the action aid team get involved and get really excited about the gig. But we would always be more than willing to help people out that are doing a Bollocks gig for the first time for the charity.

How often are the events?

Mikee: Bi monthly

How long has Bollocks to Poverty been going? Can you list a few bands that have played?

Bollocks to Poverty has been running for about a year now. As well as some great unsigned bands like the Krak, Parka and The Skallywags performing at gigs, bands like Bloc Party and the Twang have also featured Bollocks to Poverty on parts of their tour. Some bands, like the Long Blondes, Noisettes, Klaxons and the Horrors have also supported the tour by giving tips for people thinking of putting on their own Bollocks to Poverty gig.

What was one of the more memorable shows that you’ve put on?

Katie: We put on a gig at The Enterprise September 2006 the floor was literally collapsing - everyone was jumping up and down, Conan and the Mockasins practically ate their microphones, The Draytones, The Delanies, Fear Of Flying, Ok Karaoke, Dante and the Pre Raphaelites.

Mikee: It was just one of those gigs that completely went off, it was rammed all day long.

How do you find unsigned bands and djs to play at Broccoli Music events?

Katie: We search long and hard for that band with something special, Myspace, demos, we get a lot of them through the post now, word of mouth.

Mikee: We’re never short of bands to work with, the London new music scene has so much to offer at the moment it’s really quite exciting.

Have there been any unsigned bands that have worked with you, and then went on to get a record deal? If so, who?

Mikee: The Draytones on 1965 records. The Toy Guns had a single release on EMI. Hatcham Social are working with Tim Burgess making some really special music right now. The Thirst are on Ronnie Wood’s label. The Wallbirds are doing very well, bought their single in HMV the other week which was lovely. Kingsize, The Dash, Kid Coda Sounds, Molloy and probably a fair few more.

What festivals has Broccoli Music been at? Where can we find you this festival season?

Mikee: We haven’t actually participated at any festivals yet, been trashed at a fair few though.

Katie: Well, this year May bank holiday we have our own 1200 capacity Broccoli Music Tent hosting 45 of our favourite bands so far.

Mikee: Basically we were approached by Myfest to book some bands for one of their stages, they really loved the bands we were booking and saw on our website how many cool bands we’ve worked with so offered us a stage.

Katie: This is the first festival of the year, £49 for a three day camping pass, it’s at the end of the central line, cheap booze, cheap food, all your mates in a field plus a classic set from Ocean Colour Scene, about 100 bands plus over the weekend, guest DJs. What more could you ask for????

Broccoli Music upcoming events:

12 March 2008 Indiesexual with The Marla’s/Raven |Beats Crow/The Black Tricks, Catch
23 March 2008 Broccoli music presents: The INDY Music Awards Showcase, Bullet Bar
27 March 2008 XFM Uploaded LIVE - Buster Shuffle / PSA / Playground legend / Arcadian Kicks, Bullet Bar
1 April 2008 Bollocks to Poverty on Tour with The Morning After, The Borderline
9 April 2008 Indiesexual with The Gravity Crisis, Catch
3 May 2008 Broccoli Tent: MyFest 2008, North Weald Airfield
4 May 2008 Broccoli tent: MyFest 2008, North Weald Airfield
5 May 2008 Broccoli Tent: MyFest 2008, North Weald Airfield
3 June 2008 Bollocks to Poverty on Tour, The Borderline

For events, booking enquiries and more, go to:

Broccoli Music on Myspace
Broccoli Music Official Website

ActionAid Official Website
Bollocks to Poverty On Tour
Bollocks to Poverty on Myspace

Guillemots (pictured: Aristazabal Hawkes, Fyfe Dangerfield, Greig Stewart and MC Lord Magrao) return with their second studio album, ‘Red’, released March 24, 2008.

It’s too difficult for me to compare Guillemots’ ‘Red’ album to any other CD that I’ve listened to, which is a great accomplishment for a band. The songs are lush and varied. There’s high energy pop, R&B, interesting changes within songs and sultry, intimate ballads, that when listening, my imagination takes me to a dark, smoke filled room.

The instrumentation on ‘Red’ is daring and experimental - which could have been a concern for all involved, however, old and new fans alike will be introduced to a brilliant Guillemots album, complete with talented musicians, excellent songwriting along with soulful vocals and smooth harmonies. Highly recommended. - Jenny May

Dave Tommo from BandWeblogs.com had some questions for Guillemots drummer Greig Stewart, in our second series of questions with Greig.

(Read the first exclusive interview with Greig Stewart)

Dave Tommo: What are you looking forward to the most with the release of your new album, ‘Red’?

Greig Stewart: I like playing festivals. It’s not like touring where you are out for a few months at a time. You can be at home through the week and weekends are party time. Then you get the rest of the week to recover. Also I have an 8-month-old baby which means I’m home through the week with her.

How did you come up with the name ‘Red’ for the album?

Fyfe came up with it. He felt Red can mean a lot of different things.

Does Arista play the drums on one of the tracks? Which one and how did that come about?

The song is “Take me home”, it’s the last song on the album. Arista and Fyfe just started playing together in the studio. It sounded really good. So there was no need to do it again. She plays very well.

Are there any strange percussion instruments used on the album?

A few. There are bats. Fyfe has a bat detector, which picks up their sound, which human ears cannot hear. It was really strange as it was in the right tempo and pitch for that song (Big Dog). Also on “Big Dog” there is a tour bus engine that has been processed into a beat. Two silver platter trays that have been dropped from a high stairwell to get a double crash (on Last Kiss).

Who does your hair?

Funny one, Dave.

Can we expect anything different on your next tour?

We only start rehearsals next week. So no massive thoughts on that one yet.

What’s the story behind the masks that you use on stage occasionally?

They were used for a show my wife was in a few years ago. Mc found them pretty fascinating. He also used them in a short film he made last summer.

How else have you been involved in the making of ‘Red’?

When we were demoing songs, the band would record onto our laptops. A drum track from these sessions made it on to the album, which I’m quite proud of. Adam Noble who is a very good, experienced engineer asked how we got such a good drum sound. So we took great interest on how to mic things up. Also I made a few big meals for everyone. Think the best was: cumberland sausage and garlic mash. That went down well but then the session kinda finished as everyone ate too much and couldn’t really play. The rest of involvement would be my imagination as with everyone else involved in the making of Red. The imagination runs riot which can be a blessing but also hinderance.

Have you experienced any ghostly weirdness while recording the LP in your studio?

No ghostly encounters. Just a few whack out moments when we’ve been in the studio too long. Then you slightly lose touch with what’s going on outside.

We asked you before what your favourite song is to play live and you had answered “Big Dog” and “Standing on the Last Star”. Has that changed?

Not sure yet as we only start rehearsals next week. At the moment its probably “She’s Evil” sung and written by Mc. Its got an Electronic beat which I can weave in and out of. Great fun to play and we all get to shout.

Which festivals are you playing at this year?

Not sure yet. I guess most of the ones we didn’t play last year.

In your opinion, what is the best song ever written?

“No End” by Sandy Denny.

Are there any guest musicians on your next tour?

We are looking to replace our sax player Alex Ward as he is busy with his solo stuff. ‘Alex Ward and the dead ends’ and ‘Dead days beyond help’. We are looking for a girl who can sing backing vox and play sax also.

What’s the best way to get to sleep on the tour bus?

I-Pod after a hot shower.

The Mercury nominated Guillemots are set to play three must see ‘taster’ shows in March 2008 - Ritz, Manchester (March 9th), Academy, Oxford (March 10th) and London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire (March 11th).

Guillemots Official Website
Guillemots on Myspace

Recently we interviewed Ben Romans (The Click Five), Cassie Petrey and Jade Driver from The One Love. They’ve been keeping busy blogging at The One Love website, where a community of bloggers have come together in support of their chosen charities. All profits collected from traffic to each blog page, from banner ads, are donated to the bloggers’ charity of choice. Ben, Cassie and Jade have also been traveling and putting on events for The One Love, including a recent songwriters show in London.

The One Love interview with BandWeblogs.com
By: Jenny May and Dave Tommo

BandWeblogs.com: What is The One Love?

Ben Romans: The One Love is a place to blog about your passion with music and the things that surround it, while supporting the charity of the blogger’s choice.

Who is behind The One Love?

Ben: It all started with Cassie Petrey, Jade Driver, and myself…and Cassie and Jade are the web whizzes…but really it’s the awesome bloggers who share their thoughts with us.

How did Ben, Cassie and Jade meet?

Ben: Waaaaaay back when, my band was starting to tour. Cassie and Jade were both helping promote and get things rocking.

Cassie: I was working for the Warner Music Group at the time, and The Click Five signed to Atlantic (which is part of WMG) while I was with the company. Jade and I then came across The Click Five and decided they were our new favorite band, and wanted to help promote the band in every way possible.

What gave you the inspiration to embark on The One Love mission?

Ben: I think that artists sometimes aren’t allowed to talk about why they really do music, so we figured why not start a community, even better, a charitable community.

Jade: Let’s just say I missed one show to see another, not my choice, and it was the best decision anyone else has ever made for me. I think my inspiration for The One Love began the day I first saw Ben’s band, The Click Five, in concert and realized that this music was some of the best pop music I had ever heard and I made it my mission to tell the world it existed and to make sure it got the respect it deserved. Cassie was in that boat too.

Years later Cassie, Ben and I were discussing this topic and thus the idea began. We went through over a year of throwing back and forth ideas, designs and names for the site. We put a lot of work and heart into making this site the best it could be and are still in the growing process, making changes constantly. We hope that the site can help people channel their energy to help others through the inspiration of people that they can relate with and look up to.

How did the current bloggers on The One Love website get involved and how can other people join in?

Ben: Friends, friends through friends…so forth and so on.

Cassie: Right now, the best way to join in is by visiting the site and reading what all the bloggers have to say. Just by doing that, people are raising money for the various organizations that the site supports. However, we will eventually open up the site to anyone who wants to blog for charity.

How are the bloggers helping The One Love mission?

Cassie: Just by sharing their thoughts and promoting the site to their already existing fan base, they are raising awareness and funds for an organization that they support. We wanted to create a place where people could give back without donating money out of their pocket, and that’s exactly what we’re doing!

Ben: The great thing about a community is…if a fan checks out an artist, they may discover another artist on the site who they enjoy, and it spreads like wildfire. The bloggers have the opportunity to promote what they do, and their charity if they wish. Bloggers will also have the opportunity to participate in events down the road if things keep rocking.

Other than being a blogger, how else can people get involved in The One Love?

Ben: Support the artists, and their charities. Come check out events…we have some coming up…and just keep checking out the site for info!

The One Love was recently in England. How did you spread the word about the mission while you were there?

Ben: We did a special songwriter’s show with myself and James Bourne for The One Love. Stop The Traffik is also based in London, and we met to discuss how we could help each other out.

Cassie: I think this trip was more about laying down the groundwork for The One Love in the UK, rather than trying to get the word out to everyone possible. We really wanted to expose the site to key tastemakers…if that makes any sense. Our Stop The Traffik meeting was really inspiring, and made us realize how much we could do to help. We also have some new potential bloggers, which is always good!

Do you have any good stories that you would like to share about your experiences in London?

Ben: We had an absolute blast, especially with the songwriter show…many friends in the same room…good times. When you’re in a whirlwind, it’s hard to narrow it down to just one story.

Jade: I will say that this was not my favorite trip to England. Every travel delay/problem that could have happened, did happen. But, it was well worth the journey and we came back with some memories we won’t often forget. I believe my favorite moment was when leaving a McFly concert in Bournemouth; I looked at Cassie and told her we needed to leave when the last song began since we were parked on the 12th floor of a parking deck and we had a few hours drive ahead of us. Our sleep schedule was whack and any time I could save was time for me to sleep.

So, right before the last song the lights are up on the audience and Cassie begins to leave. I grabbed her arm and told her not to because she would be called out. She shrugged me off and continued up the stairs with our friend Cathy. I began to sneak out too when I heard, “Hey you, what are you doing!?” I jumped back in my seat and looked up at Cassie. She glared at me with the “why aren’t you following me” look and I pointed to the stage and said, “They are yelling at you!” Her face quickly turned red under her white hat and Tom yells at her “Why are you leaving? Everybody can see you! Danny follows with, “Hey you! Hey, girl in the white hat. It’s okay if you have diarrhea and have to leave. We understand.” Classic.

Cassie: Yes, I enjoyed Bournemouth as well. We also had a 4am encounter with Old Greg, which was quite exciting.

So, Cassie - we read in your blog that you had some transport issues while in England. What’s your opinion of the British transport system?

Cassie: I absolutely LOVE the British transport system. Getting on a train and being able to go pretty much anywhere in the country is just absolutely amazing. I wish that option existed in the US. There’s some trains that even had wireless internet…and that is AWESOME. The tube is really great too…I like it a lot better than the subway system in New York. We tried out driving while we were there this time, which wasn’t as bad as we thought it would be. A little tricky since it was on the opposite side of the road, but we managed. My only complaints are the small roads and lack of street signs. Other than that, we were good to go.

Do you plan on taking The One Love mission to other countries?

Cassie: Yes, of course. Singapore, Malaysia, and many other Asian countries are some of The One Love’s top trafficking countries, and we would love to get out there eventually.

Where has been the most welcoming place that you’ve visited so far?

Jade: Definitely Nottingham, where The One Love was born.

Cassie: Yes. I will forever be a fan of Nottingham. We met some absolutely amazing people there.

How did the songwriting showcase come about and who was involved with the one in London? What happens during a showcase?

Jade: In Nashville you find a lot of songwriters. Cassie and I currently live and run our business out of Nashville, TN. Ben lived here once also after college. We are all pretty familiar with the Nashville music scene and let me tell you, it’s not all country music. There are many, many songwriters in Nashville who constantly play small venues to showcase, or try out, their new material. These songwriters are not necessarily music artists, they mainly write songs for other artists. Songwriting is what they do. In some cases, they can be both. Many times you come across a trio of rough looking not so great singers who take turns playing a “round,” where each person plays one song at a time and it goes around as many times as the venue will allow it. They are there to play their songs, not perform them.

Many times people dismiss pop music as having no depth or meaning and think that all songs are generated by a marketing department and based on a not so real occurrence. In some cases this can be true. However, the talented songwriters who happen to be labeled as pop stars often miss out on the respect they should be given for their music. Being friends with people like Ben, his band mates, Tyler Hilton etc., we realize that their songs are true, meaningful and more complex than you may think. We wanted to show that these “pop stars” have more to offer than just a pretty face and wanted to showcase songs that they had written in a setting where they wouldn’t be judged by the way they were marketed as artists. We mimicked the Nashville model since it helped us with our ultimate goal of showcasing talent and not image.

The show was amazing. Being a huge fan of Brit pop myself, I was floored when James Bourne showed up to play along with Ben. I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Bourne play a similar type of show in New York a few weeks prior and this surprise was more than enough to make me tear up a bit. James played some songs from his former band, Busted, and a song from his current band Son of Dork. He also played some McFly songs, a band that he writes with often. Ben played a few TC5 songs and a few of his own including a beautiful song called “Whiskey Street.” The highlight of the show came during The Click Five’s song “Jenny,” when James sang along and the audience joined in too. Often during rounds the musicians harmonize and play along with each other spontaneously.

You can watch video clips of the show here: The One Love on YouTube.

Do you plan on doing more? If so, where?

Jade: Yes! Our 2nd show will be held in New York City on January 21, 2008 at The Bitter End. Ben, Luke White, Eric Espiritu, Nate Campany and a few SPECIAL guests including some of these guys’ friends - if you get my drift - and others will be making special appearances. Other bloggers, of the non-performing breed, will be in attendance as well. Tickets will be $7 and all proceeds will be donated to charities supported by The One Love bloggers.

With Ben being a member of The Click Five, has the band been involved with The One Love? Do they have any plans to be involved in the future?

Jade: Several of the guys have expressed interest in being involved in different ways. Kyle recently wrote a guest blog under Ben’s blog and Joey is working with us to create an exclusive TOL tee-shirt through his new clothing line LTL, which gives a portion of its proceeds to the LTL Life Fund supported charities - http://www.ltlbackspace.com. There’s also talk of theoneburrito.org but that’s still kind of top secret.

How did The Click Five enjoy supporting Mcfly on tour and were there any memorable moments?

Jade: Ben didn’t get this far in the interview before I took over, but I was there during most of the tour and I’d like to say that my favorite moment was when Ben was wearing a braid in the back of his very stylish mullet and the camera man zoomed in, flashing that thing on the two HUGE screens above the stage! Okay, but even better than that, was that I got to spend two of the best weeks of my life seeing two extraordinarily amazing bands back to back each evening. This was what I called a little piece of heaven. I’ve never felt chill bumps like I did during those shows! I wonder if I’ll ever get that moment back?

Cassie: Braiding Ben’s hair, and then the fans ripping the braids out was definitely one of my favorite things about the tour. I also enjoyed the part of the show where giant beach balls were thrown into the audience every night. The Click Five really enjoyed supporting McFly, and we did as well.

What is the most exciting thing to do in Nashville?

Jade: The most exciting thing to do in Nashville is to hang out with Cassie and Jade of course. No, not really. We are pretty boring when we are at home. It is exciting however that there is live music to see every night! If you want to see a band you love or just some really good musicians or songwriters, there is always something going on. If you prefer to be on the other side of the mic, may I suggest Ms. Kelli’s karaoke in Printer’s Alley. They have about every song on Earth and it’s never too crowded so you can get in at least 4-5 good performances during an evening. As far as shows go, my personal fave venue is RCKTWN, but I’m sure Cassie has a different opinion. I prefer going down the road a bit to Franklin, TN for shopping in small boutiques…and if it’s food that you crave, may I suggest my fave restaurant Jackson’s. After eating the best paninis in town, please take time to indulge in the cookie egg rolls at least once in your life. Fellow blogger Nate Campany can attest to their amazingness!

Do you have more plans for The One Love website? If so, can you tell us what they are?

Jade: During the next six months the site will be changing a lot as we are working on a slow build and in it for the long haul. We will be adding the ability for people to comment on blogs, more bloggers and in the future we hope to make the site accessible for anybody to sign up to blog and support charities of their choice.

What is your message to the people of the world?

Jade: Love life. Love music. Love each other.

For more information and to read The One Love Blogs, go to:

Ben Romans’ Blog
Cassie Petrey’s Blog
Jade Driver’s Blog
The One Love Official Website

It’s raw and emotional. It’s freight-train-to-nowhere lonely. It’s hard-rockin’, no-apologies country music that has traded in its twang for a gravelly growl millions of fans recognize as the voice of Gary Allan. And with ‘Living Hard’, his latest release from MCA Nashville, Allan once again proves that, though times may change, the thread of truth at the center of his music remains the same.

“I think the fans are gonna feel that this record is different,” he says, “but the most important thing is that what I do is authentic. I’ve never pushed for a certain image. I’ve just always done my own thing.”

This time around, Allan says, that includes letting listeners ride along through his personal landscape over the past year. “The record has taken about a year to make,” he says, “and I think the whole thing reflects change. I think every record sort of reflects where I’m at, and I’ve made a ton of changes this year, just mentally and in how I’m approaching everything. “Oh,” he adds with a grin, “and I think it’s much more rockin’ than anything I’ve done.”

Allan decided to crank it up musically. “I just felt like I was growing so much and wanted the music to reflect that. I think the result has more of an edge.” More edge, from the man who’s already got a reputation as a bit of a Nashville outsider? “Hopefully country music feels like they need somebody like me in the fold just to shake things up,” he laughs.

Not that this was all his idea - Allan feels some of the changes come from the fans themselves. “It’s not like I was trying for a new direction, it’s almost audience driven, too. l feel like I’ve got this young crowd with me now, I’ve got these rocker kids in my audience. And I grew up with that music, too,” says the California-bred singer, “so to me that stuff is right alongside Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings. The people really dictate the music, too. I feed off the audience, whatever they’re really wanting is what they drag out of me. I’ve got the edgy side of the country crowd - and I want to keep them.”

No danger of losing them - ‘Living Hard’ is an all-out rocker with a heavy Rolling Stones influence, and in “Like It’s a Bad Thing” he lets it rip with a song that reads like a Gary Allan bad boy manifesto. “That song does sound like me, doesn’t it?” he says. “I think if anything, that sort of renegade spirit is even more prevalent on this album. We’ve always danced to our own tune.”

Gary Allan, whose life is a whirlwind of hard-driving touring, also made a conscious decision to carve out more songwriting time for this album than ever before. “It’s the most I’ve written on any album,” he says. “I usually only write on my time off because I’m going so much that I hardly have time to ponder and sit around enough to want to write. Last year I sort of forced myself into it early so that I could write more for the record.”

He was pleased with the result: “I’m usually more critical on my stuff,” he says, “but I feel like I’m writing better, and obviously the more you’ve been through, the more you’ve got to say and the deeper you can express those emotions.”

If you’ve been to his shows, Allan says, you know that when he sings about “baring my soul for the price of your ticket,” he’s not just blowing smoke. Since his last studio album, 2005’s ‘Tough All Over’, which drew on his experiences coping with the death-by-suicide of his wife, Angela, in 2004, Allan has become known for putting all his emotions on the line in his songs. “I’m exactly the same on the stage as I am off the stage,” he says, “and what I found is, the bigger the arena, the more you’re standing in the middle of those people, the more transparent you are. You can tell when somebody’s not authentic or they’re trying to be something they’re not.”

In songs like “Learning How to Bend,” he admits he’s still exploring some rough terrain as he makes his way back into everyday life and the possibility of a new relationship. “I think my favorite song that I wrote on this album is “Learning How to Bend” he says. “I woke up one day with that title. And it’s me, you know - I’m still learning, learning how to bend.”

And in “We Touched the Sun” he moves forward while looking back at the beautiful times he shared with Angela. “There’s a small circle of us that write songs together, and it’s like group therapy,” he says with a chuckle. “And the result is it’s real. We rented a house in Costa Rica just to write, and “We Touched the Sun” is one of the songs that came out of that session. It’s a very reflective song, looking back at Angela. But it could be anybody you loved, just all the fond memories.”

Thanks in part to all of that musical therapy, says Allan, these days “I’m in a good place, definitely happy.” And, he assures his fans, if you’ve been through tough times yourself, or you’re just wondering how he’s coping these days, all you have to do is listen to his music. “I don’t really talk to people about my situation,” he says, “but I feel like since I do write about my life and where I am, you can watch me heal through my music. It’s lots easier on me, and I do hope that the music speaks to you.”

With ‘Living Hard’, Allan is sure to find his music speaking to an ever-growing number of fans. “I want to reach even bigger audiences,” he says. “I feel like I’ve got so much to say and so much to do right now and things are moving so fast. It’s great to have something new to throw at people.”

Most of all, he says, he just wants people to come along for the ride - and hear the sounds of a life in progress. “It’s a good listen, I think,” he says. “I’m excited for people to hear it. It’ll take you through a whole range of emotions, and I think it’s going to take you on a journey. That’s my goal.”

Gary Allan - “Watching Airplanes” video:

Gary Allan - Living Hard on amazon.com

Gary Allan 2008 tour dates:

Dates could be added or changed! Go to Gary Allan’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

January 18 2008 - Kinder, LA @ Coushatta Casino Resort
February 16 2008 - San Antonio TX @ AT&T Center
March 15 2008 - Sydney, Aus @ CMC Rocks the Snowys
March 19 2008 - Toowoomba, QLD, Australia @ Empire Theatre
March 20 2008 - Tweed Heads West, NSW, Australia @ Seagulls Club

Gary Allan videos on Yahoo

Gary Allan Official Website
Gary Allan on Myspace

Nigerian born singer Nayo (pronounced “Nigh-O”), has come on to the scene here in the UK in refreshing style. Nayo is slowly but surely bubbling up from the underground and something tells me that it won’t be long before she’s a household name. Her silky smooth and soulful vocals, reminiscent of Sade, have certainly caught the attention of not only the industry but her growing fanbase as well.

Having spent time in the US, Nayo graduated from Pepperdine University with a degree in Business Administration. She’s performed at shows in Los Angeles and independently released her single, “Party Fever” which made it onto the Billboard Club Play Charts and dance charts in Europe by late 2005.

Now based in the UK, her latest single, “Desert Storm”, was co-written by KK (Dido, Kylie Minogue) and features jazz, trip hop and bossanova influences. I can understand why some of the top DJs like Eric Smax, Thomas Gold and Grammy award winning Paul Harris along with Julian Peake would want to sink their teeth into “Desert Storm”, or anything that Nayo is involved in, for that matter. The single has been receiving airplay on Radio 1 and is currently making it’s way up the UK Club Charts.

Nayo interview with BandWeblogs.com
By: Jenny May

Jenny May: You’ve been writing music since a young age. What is your songwriting process like?

Nayo: It varies, but I mostly write with the piano and I tend to fine-tune my lyrics at a later stage.

When you moved to the US, how did you establish your music career? Did you form a band?

I was mostly trying to find my voice in the US, particularly when I was signed to Sony Music. I have always been a solo act but I did have a band support me for most of my shows.

How did your independent release of “Party Fever” come about?

It wasn’t planned at all. Luck sort of found me, I guess.

Where are you currently living, and do you have a favorite place to live?

I currently live in the UK, London to be specific. I don’t think I have a favorite place yet. I live opposite the EMI building so that I continue to be motivated.

Do you go to Nigeria often?

Yes, that’s one of the great things about living in London I can go home as often as I want or need to.

So far, where has been your favorite live music experience/gig to date and why?

It will have to be London as Los Angeles the only other city I have lived in was mostly geared towards indie bands and the film industry.

How do you see yourself in the future and do you have other interests outside of music that you would like to explore?

I will always be involved in music and within the media industry. Lately, I have been nurturing a growing interest in theatre as well and would love to work with some production companies years to come. But, music and touring is my primary focus.

Have you attended many live shows by other bands/artists? If so, what has been a memorable show and why?

The most memorable show has been the African Express which featured Damon Albarn, The Good, The Bad and The Queen, Amadou & Mariam a diverse group of artists both from Africa and the West.

What inspires you?

My mother, women across the world who are able to stand for their values and beliefs when faced against the odds or ills of all kinds.

Are there any particular artists and/or musicians that you would like to work with someday?

I would love to work with Damon Albarn, Bob Dylan, Seal, Youssou N’Dour and Tony Allen to name a few.

Has the internet effected your music career? If so, in what way?

The internet has positively affected my music career by empowering independent artists, like myself and allowing us to reach our fanbase directly across the globe.

Your latest single, “Desert Storm” has been doing very well in the UK charts. As your fanbase continues to grow, have there been many changes in your day to day life?

Yes, Thanks. Its currently Number 11 on the UK Charts. I guess the only change is that I have to work harder and do more, a lot more shows in various parts of the country, which is expected of any artist.

What music have you been listening to lately?

Asa, a Nigerian singer-songwriter based in France.

Nayo’s single, “Desert Storm”, with club remixes, is available as a digital release in the UK and across Europe.

For more information, go to:

Nayo Official Website
Nayo on Myspace

Sergey Lazarev is without a doubt one of the most successful singers in Russia today. Before going solo, Sergey, a multi-talented singer, dancer and actor, started out in a band called Neposedi which also included Julia and Lena who later formed Tatu.

He then went on to form pop duo, Smash!! with childhood friend Vlad Topalov. They were signed by Universal Music Russia, had five Number 1 hits, airplay on MTV Russia, numerous awards and millions of copies were sold in Russia, CIS and South East Asia.

Sergey’s debut solo album ‘Don’t Be Fake’, released in Russia, instantly sold more than 300,000 copies which led to the prestigious Russian National Music TV Channel’s MUZ TV Award as “Best New Act” in 2006.

After having recent success in the UK club charts, Sergey is now set to release his latest single, “Everytime” on December 3rd, 2007 in the UK.

Sergey was gracious enough to take some time out for this exclusive interview with me for BandWeblogs.com.

Jenny May: Can you tell us about your latest single, “Everytime”? How it came to be your next UK release?

Sergey: “Everytime” is the second single from my new album. The first single “Shattered Dreams” is very dynamic, so I wanted the next one to be kind of sad, and especially the fall is the time of the year that has something melancholic about it in the air. But the remixes of “Everytime” will make everyone jump up.

Do you write your songs? If so, what is your song writing process like? Or if not - how do you select your songs?

I have lots of ideas about music, the ways it should sound, its concepts and creativity, but as for writing music it’s kind of difficult for me so far…that’s why the songs for me are written by professionals. But I always take an active part in the process.

Who are your musical influences?

There are many artists whose work I respect and I listen to their songs a lot. I have over 100 cds of different artists and music styles in my car. What I really like are the artists who make an incredible and bright show out of their performance on stage. I respect and admire artists who have a lot to say by their work, real leaders, artists who are not afraid of experiments and radical changes…

What are your views on western music?

I think that Russian music and show business in general have a lot to learn and to look up at…I think there’s such a massive stream of new music coming and it’s very hard for young artists to make their ways without the support of a serious big label. And the audience is becoming very picky - it’s very hard to surprise it with something.

Have you toured the UK and/or the US? Do you have any plans for a large scale tour?

I have this idea in my future plans. But there’s so much to be done before I go on a big tour. So far I have a lot of concerts around Russia and other neighboring countries. I have a perfect team of dancers and musicians from Britain with me. And of course my dream is to perform with my new show in Britain.

Do you keep in touch with your old Neposedi band mates, Julia and Lena (who went on to form Tatu)?

Of course we do. We are good old friends. Julia and I are very close…always supporting and helping each other. She is like a sister to me.

What is your favorite style of music?

As for me, the right style of music is the one which is best to your mood and situation at a specific moment…

Do you have plans to act in more projects in the future? If so, what?

I have taken part in many projects in my life - different TV projects as well as contests. The last two of them were Dancing on Ice, where I took the 2nd prize and Circus with the Stars, where I was the winner. I used to spend lots of time training and as you can see the results speak for themselves. But at the moment I am 100% in music.

Do you prefer to act or sing?

I just love being on stage…I feel totally comfortable there. I remember myself singing since childhood and I can’t imagine my life without music at all. Music under my skin…by the way, the song with the same title is in my new album.

How and/or why did you start singing and performing?

Since childhood I was a very energetic kid: was doing something, jumping, running around all the time - and never had a minute of rest. When I turned 6 years old my parents took me to a sports school, but because of the injury I got, I had to leave professional sport at the age of 8. But except for being a very sportive child I was good at singing, that’s why after I had to quit gymnastics, I started taking vocal classes…and since then I have been singing…

Since you started in the music business at a young age, what are your feelings about child stars and do you think you’ve coped well in the business?

It is obvious that it is very hard to be in the centre of everybody’s attention since a very young age. At a certain point you are getting used to being very successful and it’s hard to surprise you with anything, and you start to want more and more, which you don’t get all the time, as success is a very unsteady thing, so sooner or later you start lacking it. Then the panic starts, sometimes you get depressed, you don’t know what to do and which way to go. I have been through that. At a moment like that, it is very important that your close friends and your family are with you - they can always help you to go through hard times.

Do you prefer the recording process or performing live?

I really enjoy recording songs at the studio. But there’s nothing compared to a live concert. I love touring. And now when I have an incredible team of dancers and musicians that I work together with - it is even more exciting!!!

For music, news, tour dates and more, go to Sergey Lazarev Official Website and Sergey on Myspace.

The Killers’ latest single release, “Tranquilize” features Lou Reed on guitar and he’s provided his gravelly, speak-sing vocals to the track.

“Tranquilize” is off of ‘Sawdust’, a compilation of B-sides, rarities and remixes by the Las Vegas band. The collection is set for release on November 12, 2007 on CD in the UK (Nov. 13th in the US).

The video for “Tranquilize” was directed by Anthony Mandler (“When We Were Young”). The clip features Lou Reed, his face in the shadows alongside The Killers’ Brandon Flowers. It’s a dark, almost haunting video that complements the song’s raw lyrics and lurid, emotional melodies.

Watch The Killers and Lou Reed video for “Tranquilize”:

We also have a little behind the scenes action for you as well, with Matt Pinfield interviewing Lou Reed and Killers’ frontman Brandon Flowers about the collaboration:

Watch the video interview here

“Tranquilize” single is available for download on iTunes and there’s a limited edition etched “Tranquilize” vinyl 7″.

Lou Reed Official Website

The Killers Official UK Website
The Killers on Myspace

An extract from the interview is below:

Bowling For Soup - We’ve had people tell us, the success of your band level 10 years ago would be the equivalent to 3 million record sales or something multi million, times are changing people aren’t buying as many records but are still getting the music. The thing for us is we want to make the music and get it out there.

Army of Freshmen - We get if you guys had existed and doing what you’re doing 10 years ago you would have at least had a deal. So it becomes you know 10 years ago sounds pretty kick ass.

BFS - Just in the time we’ve been on a record label in the past 7 years you can see the labels becoming more tight fisted. I mean we got to see some of that money being thrown about a little bit, not like hey have some, but got taken out and did the strip club thing and seen ridiculous money thrown around. Now if we can get a rep to take us out to dinner we’re like ohh cool.

AOF - It really is a trickle down effect, even before when labels were interested in us, even in a small level, there was dinner in it. Now it’s like hey let’s go to starbucks.

Episode 11 also features music from Lost On Landing, Two Hours Traffic and Off Broadway.

Listen to the full Episode 11 podcast and interview at Intricate Industries!

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Tom Clarke - Intricate Industries