John Otway is a name most people might not be familiar with. In his own words, he is one of music’s most successful losers. He’s been playing since 1976, starting his career with Mr. Wild Willy Barrett on guitar. They first appeared on TV’s “Old Grey Whistle Test” back in 1977-78 ish.

This video clip shows how random John’s gigs were.

I was at that gig. It was at the Portsmouth Guildhall for a music film being made called “Urgh A Music War”. I thought John looked like my girlfriend’s dad at the time. This must have been 1979, and I was bitten by the Otway bug. I found his single “The Green Green Grass Of Home” in a local record shop. A Tom Jones cover. ‘Much greener than Tom Jones’ it said on the sleeve.

John had a love hate relationship with Wild Willy. You never knew whether you were gonna get John or John and Willy at gigs.

John is still playing live and has a very loyal and dedicated fan base. It’s like I said – once you get it, you are addicted to this man’s madness. He plays Oxford every May Day at six in the morning.

Back in 2002 he asked all his fans to choose a song for him to perform on Top Of The Pops, and then got everyone to buy it so that it would chart. The song was “Bunsen Burner”. This was probably the best 50th birthday present anyone could have given John.

Watch “Bunsen Burner” video:

If you fancy a new addiction – you know, something different, go check out his website and you may find yourself starting a lifelong obsession with this chap!

John Otway on amazon.co.uk

John Otway Official Website

By: Dave Tommo

Ray Lamontagne’s latest single “Jolene” off of his debut album Trouble is set for release in the UK on May 7, 2007. (The single is not a cover of Dolly Parton’s song “Jolene” by the way.)

Last year I watched Ray Lamontagne perform his single, “Trouble” live at the Top of the Pops studios in London. The other performances that day were by Muse, Guillemots, Ne-Yo, Busta Rhymes and The Fratellis. It was quite an eclectic mix of artists and it’s certainly not every day that you get the chance to see them all together in the same place performing for an intimate studio audience.

Before the bands were due to go on, I remember seeing Ray walking around the Top of the Pops studio and also outside in the BBC courtyard area. There were a couple times that I wanted to go up to him to say hi and that I too am a New Englander who once lived in New Hampshire and spent summers in his home state of Maine. But a rumor was going around that he was shy and didn’t like “being approached”. I’m not sure if it’s true or not, but because of it I didn’t approach him. Oh well. Maybe another time.

Watch the video of Ray Lamontagne performing “Trouble” on Top of the Pops.

Watch a video of Ray Lamontagne performing his single “Jolene”

08/18 Folks Festival Lyons, CO
10/16 St. Davids Cardiff, UK
10/17 Manchester Apollo Manchester, UK
10/18 St Georges Bradford, UK
10/19 Opera House Blackpool, UK
10/22 Olympia Dublin, IE
10/23 Olympia Dublin, IE
10/26 Dome Brighton, UK
10/27 Colston Hall Bristol, UK
10/28 Pavillions Plymouth, UK
10/29 Guildhall Southampton, UK
10/31 Music Hall Aberdeen, UK
11/01 Card Hall Dundee, UK
11/02 Playhouse Edinburgh, UK
11/04 Civic Hall Wolverhampton, UK
11/05 Royal Albert Hall London, UK
11/06 Royal Albert Hall London, UK

Ray Lamontagne Official Website
Ray Lamontagne on Myspace
14th Floor Records

By: Jenny May

It’s all been quite the whirlwind for Guillemots the last couple of years as they’ve been keeping busy with tours, festivals, radio interviews and UK TV appearances including Friday Night With Jonathan Ross and Top of the Pops.

Their debut album Through the Windowpane was nominated for the 2006 Mercury Music Prize and the band was nominated for best British Live Act for the 2007 Brit Awards. Not only that, but they have a dedicated fan base that as far as they’re concerned, Guillemots can do no wrong.

Just back from touring in Europe, Scottish drummer Greig Stewart is one of the most unique and versatile drummers in music today. The times that I’ve watched him, his presence on stage was amazing and he is the kind of drummer that you “can’t take your eyes off of” when he’s playing.

Greig has been kind enough to answer a few questions that I wanted to ask him for readers of BandWeblogs.com.

Read Greig Stewart’s second exclusive interview with BandWeblogs.com

Jenny May: How and when did you become a drummer?

Greig Stewart: Loved music and drumming seemed natural to me. I came to it quite young. Made my own drums as a kid out of bits and bobs.

What kind of drum kit and gear do you use?

1960s Ludwig drums, 22″bass, 13″rack tom, 16″floor, Ludwig 400 snare. 1980s Premier Resonator, drums 22″ bass, 13″ rack tom, 20″ Ludwig floor, Premier resonator snare. Zildjian 19″ 16″ custom k crash/ride, 14″ new beat high hats, Paiste rude china. Roland Spds sampler. Apple mac, logic.

Oddly enough, you’ve been using Spandau Ballet’s old drum kit. How did that happen?

Well it’s either Spandau Ballet’s or Rod Morgenstein? Basically went into Andy’s Drum Center to buy a snare drum. The kit because of its unusual colour, shouted at me (its duck egg blue). I was told it was custom built for either of the above. Looks and sounds great.

Are you currently using it for live shows and in the studio?

Using the Premier for live at present. Am going to experiment for the new record. Haven’t used the Ludwig for a while.

When you’re not on tour do you practice regularly?

Should do more really. I tend to record onto my computer with new beats. But am now looking to find a teacher to push me more. The usual thing with drums noise is a bit of a problem.

What are your usual practice techniques and what do you use for practice?

Playing along with a metronome is important for me. Rudiments, sticking techniques. Some books on drumming. I’ve got drum practice pads, though find it quite difficult getting along with it as they don’t produce much sound.

Who has influenced you the most in music?

All my friends at school were mad into music (playing and listening). That’s where I heard and got into so much music.

Do you have a favorite drummer?

Toooo many to name! Well here’s some; Ringo, Elvin Jones, John Bonham, Stewart Copeland, Keith Moon, Steve Morris, Seb Roachford, Tony Allen.

What have Guillemots been up to lately? I know you were on tour in the UK and Europe recently, and have a few upcoming shows in the UK, but will you be recording again soon? Also, any upcoming TV or radio appearances that we should know about?

That’s it really for ‘Through the Window Pane’ record as far as touring. We are doing a few festivals this summer. But the main focus is writing/recording the new record in our new studio.

What is the new studio like?

The studio is based in the East End of London. It’s an old synagogue which has a really high roof and lots of different size rooms. Great space for recording and just hanging out.

Guillemots had a small tour across the US and Canada in 2006, including the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas. Do you have plans to tour the US again anytime soon?

Next year or maybe later this year. We have changed record company recently which made things complicated.

What is a typical day like for you when you’re on tour? From when you wake up to when you go to sleep?

I try and get into some kind of routine. For me; get up about 10, 11ish. Make porridge and cup of tea. Shower. The next thing depends on promotional things. If none, I go for a walk for a few hours. Then late lunch round 3′4 ish. Best not eat too late before the gig. Relax and start getting ready for the gig. Warm ups, practice on pad with sticks. After, I’ll go for a shower and watch a film on the bus. Not really rock and roll. If we have a day off the next day, I’ll partyyyy ooonn!!

What is your favorite song to play from Guillemots repertoire?

The new songs are fun to play “Big Dog”, “Standing on the Last Star”.

Who comes up with all of the ideas for what you wear on stage?

Everybody really. Mc usually though.

So far, where have you enjoyed playing the most? (country/venue) Why?

I enjoyed Barcelona. Love the city/food/people. Walk along the beach then had a seafood lunch. (Thing with Guillemots is often food orientated). The gig was cool with a great atmosphere and then the venue turns into a massive club till late. Sore heads all around.

Did you contribute to the artwork on the ‘Through The Windowpane’ album?

The whole band had drawings/paintings on the album. One of my paintings got on the inner sleeve.

How often do you paint and/or draw? What do you draw?

Got a sketch book which I take on tour. Don’t do enough paintings though. The band did a painting each for charity recently. I tend to draw what just comes out, faces, cartoons, weird objects and usually drivel.

If you were to buy an open minded music lover a new CD as a gift, what artist or band would you want to turn them on to?

Ali Farka Toure, Sandy Denny, Bonny Prince Billy, Bjork. Sorry can’t choose one!

Guillemots will be performing at the 2007 V Festival on the Channel 4 Stage. Also set to play the Channel 4 Stage are The Kooks, Manic Street Preachers, Lily Allen and Mika. The V festival takes place at Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire, England on August 18th and 19th.

Guillemots on Myspace
Guillemots Official Website

By: Jenny May

I think it would be fair to say that not only does Joan Armatrading have her dedicated fans who love her eclectic mix of folky pop, but she’s also a well respected musician’s musician. I love her voice – her placement of words when she sings, her guitar playing and course her lyrics. She can send chills down my spine.

Watch the video of Joan Armatrading performing “Love and Affection” on Top Of The Pops in 1976

Tour dates for 2007 are as follows:

FEBRUARY /UK

13th Llandudno, Cymru Theatre
14th Cheltenham Town Hall
15th Cardiff St David’s Hall
17th Buxton Opera House
18th Northampton Derngate
19th Southend Cliffs Pavilions
21st Gateshead Sage
22nd York Grand Opera House
23rd Liverpool Philharmonic
25th Oxford New Theatre
26th B’ham Symphony Hall
27th Nottingham RCH

MARCH

1st Milton Keynes Stables
2nd Milton Keynes Stables
3rd Brighton The Dome
4th Salford The Lowry
6th Glasgow RCH
7th Sheffield City Hall
8th Basingstoke Anvil
10th Norwich Theatre Royal
11th St. Albans Arena
13th Bristol Colston Hall
14th Cornwall Truro Hall
15th Plymouth Pavilions
17th Stoke Victoria Hall
19th Cambridge Corn Exchange
20th Preston Guildhall
21st Huddersfield Holmfirth Picturedrome

MARCH/APRIL/EIRE

23rd Isle of Man Villa Marina
25th Castlebar, Royal Theatre
26th Cork The Savoy
27th Dublin Vicar St
28th Limerick UCH University Concert Hall
30th Killarney INEC
31st Belfast Waterfront
1st April Millennium Forum Derry

APRIL/UK/ LONDON

2nd London Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club
3rd London Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club
4th London Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club
5th London Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club
6th London Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club
7th London Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club

APRIL/EUROPE

11th Train Aarhaus, Denmark
12th Fabrik Hamburg, Germany
15th De Oosterpoort – Groningen, The Netherlands
16th Paradiso – Amsterdam, The Netherlands
17th Paradiso – Amsterdam, The Netherlands
18th Stadthalle – Tuttlingen, Germany
19th Capitol – Mannheim, Germany
20th Brueckenforum – Bonn, Germany
21st Jahrhunderhalle – Bochum, Germany
23rd Prinzregententheater – Munich, Germany
24th Ancienne Belgique – Brussel, Belgium

MAY/UK/LONDON

8th Royal Albert Hall
*Dates could change! Please go to the Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

Joan Armatrading’s Official Website

By: Jenny May