Guillemots – Greig Stewart interview (Walk The River)

Guillemots have released their third studio album, Walk The River. Their latest single “I Must Be A Lover” is set for release July 3, 2011.

Guillemots
Drummer Greig Stewart took some time out from his busy tour schedule to answer some questions for our readers.

Guillemots have released their third studio album, Walk The River. Their latest single “I Must Be A Lover” is set for release July 3, 2011.

Guillemots

Greig Stewart took some time out from his busy tour schedule to answer some questions for our readers.

We seem to be collecting quite a few exclusive interviews with this talented drummer – Guillemots drummer Greig Stewart interview; Greig Stewart EXCLUSIVE interview (Red album)!

Jenny May: You recorded your latest album Walk The River in Wales. How was the experience recording there different from recording your other albums (Through the Windowpane, Red)?

Greig Stewart: A vast difference from Red. Red was written in the studio, over 9 months. While Windowpane was 3/4 already written before we went in the studio. Also both of these records were mostly self produced. Walk The River was firstly written over a year by the whole band and we had a producer (David Kosten). Also it was the first time we went residential to record (Bryn Derwin).

Is there someone/something that you, as a drummer – and also the band as a unit, “channeled” (or were inspired by) when writing and recording Walk The River?

For me as a drummer, it’s still always the same. I’m always on the hunt for the great undeniable drum riff. As a band, we were going for as much playing live together in a room, feel. As other artist influences go, I don’t think we had anyone specific in mind.

Guillemots - Walk The River album cover

Who did the artwork for the album? How did you come up with the concept?

Lots of arguments until we all saw Susan Burnstine photographs. Her photographs really summed up the album mood.

You have a busy festival season this year. Dot To Dot, Glastonbury, Hop Farm, Wilderness and more. How would you compare playing festivals to a strict tour schedule? Do you prefer one over the other?

Both have pros and cons. So I wouldn’t pick one over the other. Festival shows are really cool because you get to see other bands and hang out with them after. Also you get to play to people who would usually not come to your gigs. On the negative side, if it rains at the festival then it can be quite depressing. Also the toilets are usually not very good at festivals. If it’s our own tour, we get to have our own lighting tech and lights. We can play for longer, get a sound check, decent toilets.

Guillemots recently covered the Beatles and The Who during performances in Paris. Have you covered many artists? What was it like covering these legendary bands – and what songs did you play?

It’s just a recent thing for the band. The two different shows we were on in Paris asked us to do a cover. The Who was a surprise as I never knew Fyfe was into them. As a drummer, it’s great to play (I Can See For Miles) and try and be Keith Moon for a moment. Though also quite scary as he was such a crazy drummer. Think I may have passed the test when one of the Friendly Fires crew came up to me after and said not many people can get away with doing Keith, but you pulled it off. The other cover was Tomorrow Never Knows, by the Beatles. Again another song with a great drum part. This was the hardest one for me due to the band not getting to rehearse it and then doing it live. I had to transpose the part I had practiced on my knees onto the drum kit live on air. Scary!

Your song “Get Over It” from the ‘Red’ album appears in the Simon Pegg film How to Lose Friends & Alienate People. Did you get to go to the premiere or any parties? Did you meet any of the actors?

It was quite embarrassing as we went to the premiere, did the red carpet thing. Then the song was only in the film for the last 10 seconds at the end of the credits. Afterwards we played at the aftershow party and Simon Pegg joined in playing percussion with us. That was fun. He really got into it. The party ended up the whole of Guillemots being in the swimming pool. Great night overall.

What is one of your all time favorite music videos and why?

I like dancing videos where the people in the video/band aren’t professional dancers, but dance. Weapon Of Choice by Fatboy Slim; Fatboy Slim – Praise You; The Housemartins – Happy Hour; Beastie Boys – Sabotage.

What would be the combination to make for a perfect night – e.g., what food would you be eating while listening to what album, in what location anywhere in the world?

It all comes back to Greece for me. So it would be the balcony of my old apartment in Rhodes, eating fresh Calamari, with a bottle of Retsina and listening to ‘Astral Weeks’.

In our first interview, you mentioned Sandy Denny as an artist that you like. Which song was it of hers that first caught your attention?

The first time I heard her I was on tour with my old band Bohinta. We were on tour for a long time and I was pretty knackered. I think we were travelling over night from Aberdeen to do a London afternoon gig at the Barbican. Someone put on Sandy Denny, in the van. I was totally transfixed and blown away by such beauty. The song was called No End.

If you could arrange for an artist to sing any cover song, who would the artist be, and what would they sing?

‘Into Dust’ by Mazzy Starr sung by Mary Margaret O’Hara. Or for comedic value get Michael Bolten to sing ‘There Is a Light That Never Goes Out’, by The Smiths.

Guillemots – I Must Be A Lover video:

How has your gear/kit changed over the years? Do you experiment much with new gear? How do you decide what’s best for you?

Always trying out new gear. I know the guy at Roland, so am always tinkering. But at the moment we are downsizing our tour gear so that it doesn’t cost so much to fly. So we have to take this in for consideration when choosing what to use. For the tour, if the equipment is essential and can withhold being battered about on the road then it’s in.

What gear/kit are you using now?

Yamaha drums and Zildjian Cymbals.

Are there any bands that you’ve heard recently that stand out particularly because of the drumming?

Lady GaGa live. The drummer is amazing. Big Society, Superman. Drums by Darren Hasson-Davis…love the baggy beat he plays on it.

If you could only add five songs to your iPod, and you were going to be away from all other music for a week, what would they be?

The songs would be: Mazzy Star – Into Dust; Bonnie Prince Billy – I See a Darkness; Billie Holiday – Solitude; Sandy Denny – Who Knows Where the Time Goes, and Leftfield – Phat Planet.

Buy CDs, MP3s, more:

Guillemots on Amazon.co.uk

Guillemots on Amazon.com

Be sure to check out Guillemots’ latest album, ‘Walk The River’ as well as their highly recommended live show!

Guillemots Official Website
Guillemots Facebook

By: Jenny May

Pippa Marias, Them Changes, Prima Donna – bands @ Nambucca, London review

Them Changes
Photo: Them Changes. So when they ask, “what were you doing for New Year’s Eve 2010?” I can say with a cheeky smile that I was drinking and soaking up the atmosphere at Nambucca on The Holloway Road, Islington in London.

Them Changes

Photo: Them Changes

So when they ask, “what were you doing for New Year’s Eve 2010?” I can say with a cheeky smile that I was drinking and soaking up the atmosphere at Nambucca on The Holloway Road, Islington in London.

We arrived there with our mate Greig Stewart who was to be offering himself up as a DJ for a couple of hours before joining us in celebrating the onset of 2011.

Nambucca Live Music Venue – Review

There were also to be a number of bands playing. Earlier that evening, before they took to the stage, I was talking to a guy called Dan who turned out to be the bass player in the aptly named Prima Donna. There’s lots of hair in this all male 3 piece outfit. Led by keyboard playing vocalist Roo Rothwell they kicked off their set with an up tempo number that got the crowd moving.

Roo is a good front man and knows how to handle an audience. The bassist and drummer – that’s Dan Perilous and Louis Court to you – have a lot of emotion on stage. Louis oozes raw energy as he thrashes his drums. Dan compliments him with some very impressive bassing. They span a rock stroke pop gully and bridge it very well. Good band and after their last tune they leave the stage and we quench our thirst with more lager.

While ordering my drink I enjoy Greig’s DJing, he’s perched up there above the bar like some cherub type of music giver. We have a drink, then it’s time for Them Changes. Who knows what to expect? We are greeted by another 3 piece band this time with a guitarist, a singing bassist and a very professional subtle drummer. Very good and very passionate. My first initial impression is amazement at how tight and infectious their tunes are. The guitarist knows his craft and impresses us with some mean licks.

The vocalist/bassist has his own style of singing. I like his voice and you know, I reckon 2011 could be a good year for Them Changes, they deserve it, and it would be good to see this band on a bigger stage.

After wetting our whistles we return to the music room and are greeted by the Pippa Marias who are already on stage. The clock has announced the start of a new year yeah!!

Happy 2011 and we are dancing like children to this eighties pop fueled band. Another group to add to the list of “ones to watch out for” in this bright new year. There is a party happening on stage and I want to be up there with them. Good vibes and a positive energy that makes me smile like a deluded fool. Yeah I look forward to more Pippa Marias in the forth coming year.

You really should visit Nambucca when you are in London. There is a warm welcome here and it has the vibe of an up and coming legendary music venue for the future. Say hello to Gemma and her family and you will be guaranteed an evening to remember.

Photo credit: Dave Richardson

Prima Donna MySpace

Them Changes MySpace

Pippa Marias MySpace

Nambucca Official Website

Nambucca Live Music Venue – Holloway Road, London – Review + Bands, DJs

Nambucca New Year's Eve party
At first I was hesitant with the idea of traveling from Oxford to London for the New Year’s Eve festivities, thinking it might be difficult to get around London, and back to Oxford at such late/early hours. But the more I thought about it, the more it seemed like it could be a good night out, and worth any travel hassles that might occur.

Nambucca New Year's Eve party

At first I was hesitant with the idea of traveling from Oxford to London for the New Year’s Eve festivities, thinking it might be difficult to get around London, and back to Oxford at such late/early hours. But the more I thought about it, the more it seemed like it could be a good night out, and worth any travel hassles that might occur.

So, destination: Nambucca in London. 596 Holloway Road, Islington. Our friend Greig Stewart (Guillemots) was DJing plus Orthadox Junkies and Michael Latif. Also, the bands lined up for the night were Swedish indie rockers Pippa Marias, London bands Them Changes, Prima Donna and Wildlife.

Pippa Marias, Them Changes, Prima Donna @ Nambucca review

This was an important night for venue owners Gemma Clarke (former drummer for The Suffrajets, Babyshambles) and her family – her father Graham Clarke and brother Jack. After being closed for two years because of a fire, which gutted the building in 2008, Nambucca had its grand reopening December 18, 2010. Their New Year’s Eve party was going to be another celebration, this time, at year end after all the hard work of rebuilding, looking forward to the future of the establishment.

When we arrived at the venue around 8pm Gemma was outside, and talked to us about the preparations that went into making this a night to remember. I was looking forward to it, and the bands that she arranged to play for the night – oh and not to forget, Greig’s DJing slot. She also said that the venue caters to live music every night – including a weekly open mic in the front bar.

The venue looks great – there’s rock memorabilia and posters on the walls, including Gemma’s old Babyshambles drum kit placed above the door. The bar area is nice, with plush leather seating by the windows, the DJs are set up above the bar and then straight through to the back of the room and up a couple steps takes you into the live music venue area.

We were able to catch some of Greig’s DJing, he was spinning current pop and indie tunes mixed with some old favorites, but it started around the same time as Prima Donna, so the live music was calling us into the other room to watch the bands, which were perfectly chosen for the night. The theme was raw, old school rock with a mix of glam and punk. All three young bands could easily show up on Top of the Pops if the charts program was still on the air. Them Changes were stand-out, a three piece with the bass player on lead vocals. Hopefully they’ll come to Oxford, as I would like to see them play again soon. The sound in the live room is excellent – not too loud, but certainly loud enough.

The staff is friendly and welcoming, as was Gemma, and I was lucky to meet her father Graham Clarke at the end of the night. He was in good spirits and I hope that they continue.

It was definitely worth the trip from Oxford, and in the end, it was free tube travel New Year’s Eve from 11:45pm – 4:30am. By the time we left, there weren’t many people on the streets or the tube, which made travel around London a piece of cake.

I highly recommend checking out Nambucca if you’re a fan of live music, or if you’re a DJ or in a band, get in touch with them for bookings!

For more information, go to:

Nambucca Official Website
Nambucca Facebook
Nambucca Twitter

Aine Furey ‘Cross My Palm’ album review

I can’t think of a better time of year to listen to Irish folk singer Aine Furey and her album Cross My Palm.

Aine Furey - Cross My Palm
Her endearing and tranquil voice is the perfect remedy to any underlying stress left over from the holidays. If there’s ever a CD in my collection for just this, it’s Aine Furey!

I can’t think of a better time of year to listen to Irish folk singer Aine Furey and her album ‘Cross My Palm’.

Aine Furey - Cross My Palm

Her endearing and tranquil voice is the perfect remedy to any underlying stress left over from the holidays. If there’s ever a CD in my collection for just this, it’s Aine Furey!

Continue reading “Aine Furey ‘Cross My Palm’ album review”

Desert Storm @ The Cellar Bar, Oxford – LIVE review

Desert Storm

You know when you’re drinking, and you find yourself somewhere you never planned on being? Well that happens to me quite often these days. I had no idea I would end up at The Cellar Bar in Oxford last Saturday for instance …

Desert Storm

You know when you’re drinking, and you find yourself somewhere you never planned on being? Well that happens to me quite often these days. I had no idea I would end up at The Cellar Bar in Oxford last Saturday for instance. But when you go out on the lash with Greig Stewart this is what happens. So we go down the stairs and there’s our old mate Jimmy at the sound desk and a band on stage.

“Who are this lot?” I ask. “They’re called Desert Storm” Jimmy replies. “They don’t look old enough to have stormed any deserts though.” I reply. But then I’m distracted by Greig clambering on to the stage while the band are in mid song, grabbing a spare drumstick from the drummer and starting to thrash a cymbal on the side of the stage. Fair go on the band. They carried on playing without a flinch as Greig made his way around the stage. I by now am at the front, head banging and enjoying their sound. They’re heavy but original with it, which is hard these days because there are billions of bands playing this type of music. Yeah heavy, but not heavy, if you know what I mean.

Matt Ryan has a powerful voice, growling over the music wearing a big ex army coat on stage. He says they’re from Oxford. They are doing the support slot tonight. But they must stay with it because I don’t think it will be long before they are pulling big crowds and playing high up on huge platforms.

There are twins in Desert Storm too. Twins are my next favorite thing to dwarves. There is Elliot Cole on drums and his brother Ryan on guitar. Twins must have so much fun confusing people. Sorry digression. Their bass player is very good at keeping it tight with the drums. This job goes to one Chris Benoist. Their other guitarist Chris White was absent tonight, but it didn’t distract from the sound. I look forward to seeing them in the future with full ensemble.

Desert Storm are newish to the scene, born in 2007 and should grow in confidence as they gig. You watch this space, because at this moment in time I am a fan. It takes a lot to get my toe a tapping these days. But Desert Storm managed it.

Find them at their MySpace page and say hello to them for me.

Desert Storm on MySpace

By: Dave Tommo

Roy Orbison Birthday Party @ Gibson Guitar Studio, London – ft Fyfe Dangerfield, Aruba Red, more

Roy Orbison Birthday Party

Press Photo: Roy Orbison Jr., Barbara Orbison, Alex Orbison. Last night Dave and I attended the Roy Orbison Birthday Party celebration at the Gibson Guitar Studio in London. There was a tribute show in honor of the late singer, with bands and artists performing songs written by Roy Orbison …

Roy Orbison Birthday Party

Press Photo: Roy Orbison Jr., Barbara Orbison, Alex Orbison

Last night Dave and I attended the Roy Orbison Birthday Party celebration at the Gibson Guitar Studio in London.

There was a tribute show in honor of the late singer, with bands and artists performing songs written by Roy Orbison. Barbara Orbison, sons Alex and Roy Jr. along with 19 new artists and friends from around the world celebrated the life and music of one of music’s biggest legends.

Barbara Orbison, sons, Fyfe Dangerfield, Tone Damli Aaberge

Roy Orbison Jr., Tone Damli Aaberge (Norway Pop Idol winner), Barbara Orbison, Fyfe Dangerfield, Alex Orbison

Roy Orbison Birthday Cake

Birthday Cake

Continue reading “Roy Orbison Birthday Party @ Gibson Guitar Studio, London – ft Fyfe Dangerfield, Aruba Red, more”

Greig Stewart from Guillemots EXCLUSIVE interview (Red album)

Guillemots - Red

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

Guillemots - Red

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