King Creosote recently played at the Carling Academy in Oxford and I was fortunate enough to have been there. The band put on a great show – one not to be missed if you get the chance.

There’s quite an endearing quality about King Creosote aka Kenny Anderson. His voice has a rustic, folk feel that can be so soothing – and if I close my eyes and listen to one of his slower songs, like “And The Racket They Made” (a duet written by fellow Fence artist HMS Ginafore) I’m easily taken in by the gentle tranquility of his music. But don’t get me wrong – he can rock out, too – live and in the studio.

The songs that I’ve heard off of the latest King Creosote release, ‘Bombshell’ are excellent and “You’ve No Clue Do You” is an absolute stand-out track.

Being fairly new to his music, I’m at the stage now where I want everyone to know about King Creosote – and as for his long time fans – aren’t they the lucky ones to have known of his music for so long?

Anderson is not only a talented musician and songwriter, he’s also the founder of Fence Records, a collective of musicians, artists and craftsfolk based in Fife, Scotland.

King Creosote interview with BandWeblogs.com
By: Jenny May

Jenny May: How did you come up with the name King Creosote?

King Creosote: I used to make records with a band called “Skuobhie Dubh Orchestra”, but always had to record a lot of my songs on my own. I wanted to put out these recordings on my own label Fence, so then I needed something to go on the fence. That’s the creosote part. I wrote down king creosote, and immediately liked the juxtaposition of the regal and the carcinogenic.

Which instrument to do you prefer to play the most?

At the minute it’s my new electric guitar. The love affair will no doubt end soon and I’ll go crawling back to my accordion wife.

When did you form your first band?

1985, as a fresher at Edinburgh uni. I hooked up with a school chum called Ralph. His sister got pregnant, so we named the band “Uncle Ralph”. We only played maybe 3 live shows in 4 years, but recorded a lot.

What is your favorite song to play live?

This tour it is a song called “Cockle Shell”. I get to play the electric guitar thru a fuzz pedal. It’s ace.

Do you ever play with your brother Gordon’s band, The Aliens (one of my favorite bands, by the way)?

I’ve leapt up on stage with them once or twice. I was asked to go with them to tour the U.S. but our dates clashed. Boo.

I really enjoyed your show in Oxford. Just curious – you mentioned that you went out on the lash the night before your gig. Do you remember where you went?

The White Horse, one other, the King’s Arms.

When on tour, what do you do in your spare time? What is a typical day like for you from when you wake up to when you go to sleep?

I’m driving the tour bus most days. So, brace yourself for the excitement … Get up, shower, eat at little chef (25% discount when you stay Travelodge), repack van, switch on tom tom (renamed tam tam, or sat gav after our drummer’s efforts at map reading), find venue, unload van, soundcheck, go eat/do interview/radio session, get nervous, play gig, load up van, drive to Travelodge.

What is your favourite tipple?

Fruit beers (cherry), red wine n coke, Cuba libre. On rotation.

Do you enjoy the process of filming your music videos?

No. Yes. No. I feel very self conscious, and hate it if they choose public places to film in. I’m always surprised when I look a lot more at ease than I felt at the time. I much enjoy the end result, sometimes.

How do you like living in Fife, Scotland?

I love Fife, at least, the north east part. Every season. I belong here, and the place has so far treated me like I belong.

How often do you record music?

In my spare time in between touring and accounting. I try to get a fortnight’s worth twice a year outside of recording “official” albums.

Where do you record?

At home in my attic. I have a digital 8 track and various keyboards, stringed instruments and machines. All my songs start on a dictaphone then end up on my 8 track.

What is your daily routine like in the recording studio?

I record late at night, when my daughter is at school, or during school hours if i’ve gotten all my other work done. I get a drum loop, shove on a guitar or accordion and a vocal, then I look around to see what I feel like playing next. Move on as soon as it’s mixed down, listen to it back in a day or so.

Do your record sales affect your desire to tour?

Nope, but as they go up, tours get more dates added.

How long have you been playing the accordion? Who inspired you to play?

I’ve played accordion for 33 years. My dad plays, I’m the eldest son, so he passed the baton on to me.

Who are your biggest influences in music?

Mark Hollis, Morrissey, Michael Stipe, my brothers Gordon and Iain, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, the Fence Collective. Early 80s stuff.

Who are the musicians playing with you in the current line-up of King Creosote? How long have they been playing with you?

Pictish trail, guitar, 4 years?
Onthefly, drums, 4 or 5 years on and off.
Uncle Beesly, bass, 13 years in different bands.

Where is your favorite place to play music?

Small rooms or halls.

I don’t say this very often to people that I interview (actually I’ve never said it), but if you ever need a backing singer for a recording or two just let me know!

Will do.

Thank you!

My pleasure!!

KC

For the latest tour dates, music and information go to:

King Creosote Official Website
King Creosote on Myspace

Last night I went to the King Creosote and Ruarri Joseph gig at the Carling Academy in Oxford. It was a great night of entertainment.

First to address the new Carling Academy Oxford. This was the first time that I had been back to the venue since the renovations that took place over the summer were completed.

Some people that I’ve spoken to about the new ownership of the club still refuse to call it anything other than The Zodiac. I can understand that, since it had been “The Zodiac” and locally owned for a few years.

It always takes time to adjust to change – especially when a large establishment “takes over” a venue and local bands might be affected by the change. Hopefully there will be plenty of nights that will cater to local bands there, as well as opportunities for them to have support slots for bigger acts that come through.

The show was held upstairs with half the room closed off, which made for an intimate evening of music and entertainment. I’m not sure if it’s always closed off up there now, but either way, there was enough room to move for a Monday night out in Oxford.

Cornish based singer/songwriter Ruarri Joseph opened the night with an acoustic set which included singles, “Patience” and “Blankets” off of his latest album, ‘Tales Of Grime And Grit’ out on Atlantic Records.

Ruarri has a very soulful voice and his stage persona is charming. I enjoyed his banter in between songs and there were a few times when he was singing that I thought of Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens). The crowd was receptive – and seemed to enjoy his music, as did I.

Ruarri Joseph Official Website
Ruarri Joseph on Myspace

King Creosote from Fife, Scotland closed out the night beginning the set with an acoustic number and then the band came on – guitar, drums and bass.

(Read the King Creosote interview!)

I was quite excited to see King Creosote, or Kenny Anderson as he’s known. Maybe the fact that his brother Gordon, who was a founding member of The Beta Band, and is currently in one of my favorite bands The Aliens, had something to do with it. I love musical connections and this is a pretty cool one.

The songs varied from slow ballads to rocking out as a four piece band. The musicians were good – the banter was funny. You could tell they were having a good time. Anderson mentioned he had a late night out on the lash in Oxford the night before and ended up in some hotel room – which would have been an interesting night, I’m sure. The audience laughed quite a bit at his humor and honesty when he mentioned low record sales. He’s certainly not shy and it’s easy to warm to him immediately.

There were times when the music was tinged with an American folk feel – and when Kenny put down his guitar to play the accordion, it added a nice layer to the set.

The closer of the night was – go figure – a cover of The Aliens’ high energy single, “The Happy Song”. I loved it.

King Creosote will be playing a few more gigs in the UK on this tour. Go see them if you can!

King Creosote Official Website
King Creosote on Myspace

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Augie March and The Aliens are on tour together! They happen to be two of my favorite bands at the moment, and at some point I want to go out and see them play live. Currently they’re playing shows from the east coast to the west coast in the US and Canada. Tonight they’re in Washington DC.

I’ve mentioned before how much I like The Aliens’ song, “Robot Man”. Augie March’s “One Crowded Hour” is also a brilliant track. It’s one of those songs that when I listen to it, I get that feeling in my stomach…that’s hard to explain. A rush of adrenaline? Basically, it’s a good feeling and it’s because of the tone of Glenn Richards‘ voice, the choice of chords they’re using as well as the melodic happenings within the song. Lovely.

Watch Augie March – “One Crowded Hour” video:

Augie March hail from Australia. Band members are: Glenn Richards (Vocals/Guitar/Songwriter), David Williams (Drums), Edmondo Ammendola (Bass), Kiernan Box (Keyboard) and Adam Donovan (Guitar).

Augie March is set to release their latest album, ‘Moo, You Bloody Choir’ on October 8th, 2007 in the UK.

The digital single “One Crowded Hour” is set for release in the UK on October 1st 2007.

The Aliens and Augie March 2007 tour dates:

Dates could be added or changed! Go to Augie March and The Aliens’ Official websites for the latest tour dates and information.

Friday September 21 (9:30 PM) Washington, DC, Rock and Roll Hotel
Saturday September 22 (10 PM) Toronto, ONT, Lee’s Palace
Monday September 24 (9 PM) Detroit, MI, Magic Stick
Tuesday September 25 (9 PM) Chicago, IL, Schubas Tavern
Wednesday September 26 (8 PM) Minneapolis, MN, Varsity Theater
Friday September 28 (10 PM) Denver, CO, Larimer Lounge
Monday October 1 (9 PM) Vancouver, BC, Richard’s On Richards Cabaret
Tuesday October 2 (9:30 PM) Seattle, WA, Crocodile Cafe
Wednesday October 3 (9 PM) Portland, OR, Doug Fir Lounge
Friday October 5 (9 PM) San Francisco, CA, Slim’s

Augie March Official Website
Augie March on Myspace
“One Crowded Hour” YouTube video link

The Aliens Official Website
The Aliens on Myspace

By: Jenny May

I have noted before how much I like The Aliens’ “Robot Man” single and I was happy to see that it’s the next release off of Astronomy For Dogs to hit the shelves and the airwaves. The lads formerly of The Beta Band have got a good thing going with their new band and I’m always looking forward to hearing their latest releases.

“Robot Man” is made up of simple lyrics with the song title often repeated, however there’s just something about the way that the sounds come together – the piano, synths, guitars, bass, drums, vocal harmonies and the groove – feels ‘in the pocket’ and is perfect for the summer.

How about this: sitting out in the back garden on a hot summer’s eve, sipping your favorite choice of beverage with the sounds of “Robot Man” swirling around in the breeze. Or dancing along to the track in the clubs while trying to simulate the robot dance as seen in the video. Cruising down the road with the top down. I think you get what I’m sayin’: “Robot Man” is great for all occasions.

A definite thumbs up from me.

Watch The Aliens video for “Robot Man”

*Dates could change or be added. Go to The Aliens Official Website for the latest news and information.

June

5th Sheffield Leadmill
6th Nottingham Social
8th Reading Fez
10th Norwich Arts Centre
11th Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms
13th Bristol Thekla
14th London ULU
16th Glasgow Classic Grand
18th Dublin Crawdaddy
19th Belfast Speakeasy
22nd Glastonbury Festival Park Stage

August

10th Leicester Summer Sundae
11th Field Day
18th Brighton Loop Festival
31st Inveraray Connect Festival

The Aliens Official Website
The Aliens on Myspace

By: Jenny May

Having reunited at the end of 2004 after The Beta Band called it a day, The Aliens put out their debut EP, ‘Alienoid Starmonica’ in May last year before heading to the studio to record their first full-length album. The resultant, ‘Astronomy For Dogs’ was released earlier this year to massive critical acclaim and looks certain to land the band a top slot in the 2007 album of the year lists.

The band’s fantastic new single “Robot Man” is released on June 25th following up last two singles “The Happy Song” and “Setting Sun” and with a summer of festival dates lined-up it looks like The Aliens are here to stay.

The psychedelic-infused rock trio are set to take to the road in the UK and Carling has got 10 tickets to give away for their spectacular live show at Carling Academy 2 Birmingham on Saturday 2nd June. Check http://www.carling.com/members/ for more information.

Well, I had mentioned this to “a friend” and they immediately dismissed the name The Aliens as not good and because of their name, they don’t have any interest in hearing their music. Of course now that I have looked up The Aliens and have now become familiar with them and their music, my friend will just have to grin and bear it when I do go on to play their music for him.

I can’t help but want to share their sound with him. And before I play their music to my friend, he may change his mind about them when I tell him that the members of the Scottish band The Aliens – John Maclean, Robin Jones and Gordon Anderson were also in The Beta Band.

When The Beta Band split up 2004, the following year The Aliens were formed and then in 2006 they released the Alienoid Starmonica EP in the UK.

Their latest single, “Setting Sun” sounds familiar in the sense that there are sounds reminiscent to “All Along The Watchtower” and “California Dreamin’”. However, what I like about “Setting Sun” is it does carry a vintage 60’s sound and it stands out amongst other new releases as of late. They seem cool and listening to their other tracks, “The Happy Song” and especially “Robot Man” (love that song) proves that they’ve got quite a few tricks up their sleeves and I’m looking forward to hearing more.

Watch the video for “Setting Sun”

Following are The Aliens tour dates for March 2007:

*Dates could change! Go to The Aliens Official Website for the latest tour dates and information:

Mar 14 2007 LEADMILL SHEFFIELD
Mar 15 2007 THE SOCIAL NOTTINGHAM
Mar 17 2007 NIGHT & DAY MANCHESTER
Mar 18 2007 FLEECE BRISTOL
Mar 19 2007 ULU LONDON
Mar 20 2007 FAVERSHAM LEEDS
Mar 21 2007 CLUNY NEWCASTLE
Mar 23 2007 CLASSIC GRAND GLASGOW
Mar 24 2007 SPEAKEASY BELFAST
Mar 25 2007 CRAWDADDY DUBLIN

The Aliens
The Aliens on Myspace

By: Jenny May