Hiya Addy, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
What was life like for you before you got into music?
I’ve always been into music since I was a kid – I used to love Paul Heaton when I was younger, he was someone I really admired. I didn’t actually start playing until later in life with my old band. Once I did, I just stuck with it. This band keeps me creative and gives me something to focus on – I really enjoy it.
What’s the live music scene like in Sheffield right now? Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
It’s sad seeing so many music venues closing down lately. We’ve got to support the ones that are still open and keeping live music going. To be honest, I’m a bit out of touch with the local scene – our band just kind of does its own thing. But I think its brilliant seeing young bands starting out and getting out there. They should be supported in every way possible.
It seems like being a social media curator has become added to the many jobs of a musician, how do you feel about this?
Times are definitely different now, it’s not just about writing the songs the music and the melodies anymore. You’ve also got to understand recording, studios and social media. It can feel endless at times! For me, I actually enjoy it but it’s a real balancing act not only with normal life but because you can’t let it eat into your song writing time. After work in the evenings when I am home I don’t really watch TV. I spend that time creating and working on music or content. I’m a very creative person, so in a way it actually keeps me inspired and fuels my creativity.
How do you manage engagement on your socials?
I run all the social media myself, and I’ve put a lot into it. The pages are still new since this is a new project, but it’s been great seeing it start to grow. I like engaging with people – its more about genuine interaction than just posting for the sake of it.
What’s your view on the Music industry today?
I’ve always liked finding my own bands rather than following what’s in the charts or played on the radio.
I honestly have no idea on what’s popular and what’s not. Chris in the band will always recommend good bands. I love vinyl and play records most days. It’s how I prefer to listen to music. I think its brilliant that Oasis have come back, that kind of energy and attitude has been missing a bit in music lately, although, even though I love Oasis I strangely have no desire to watch them live on this new tour of theirs, and I very rarely listen to them, but I do think Noel is a genius.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
I think we’ve really found our sound now. We are really proud of what we did with the old band, but this feels like a step up – a level above in every way. We do it for the love of the music and the creativity, but we also want to take it as far as we can. We know it’s not going to be easy – were not exactly youngsters anymore, but we believe in the songs and what we are doing. I honestly believe that if our music reaches the right people, they’ll get it and buy into what we are about.
What’s the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
I’ve learned loads over time, but the biggest thing is the importance of being organised before going into the studio. Everyone needs to know what they are doing and what we want to achieve – it makes such a difference. I’ve also learned not to worry about what other people think and to do your own thing. Even with rehearsals, having a plan really helps. You get much more out of your time when you go in focused and prepared.
What was your best experience on stage?
With this Sons of the City project being pretty new, we’ve only done a handful of gigs so far, but they’ve all been great. Supporting Mat Hook at The foundry was definitely a stand out, the set up on stage was amazing, and having all that space to move around felt brilliant. Hearing our song in a venue like that, where they really come to life, was an incredible experience. They sound completely different compared to our cramped practise room where you can’t swing a cat ha-ha – Playing those kind of venues, that’s how these songs should be heard!
What was your worst experience on stage?
When your gear packs in, usually an amp. It’s happened a few times, and there’s not much you can do but nervously laugh it off.
Tell us something about you / each member that you think people would be surprised about.
When I was younger, my mum and dad were divorced, so used to travel up from Sheffield to Blackpool to visit my mum and sisters. One day when I was there I walked down the stairs into the living room to see Les Dawson was stood there with his shoes off! For a second I thought id wandered onto Blankety Blank. He was a big Man City fan so with me being a Sheffield United fan we ended up talking about football. I can remember looking out of the window when he left thinking he must be loaded because he was driving a Ford Granada.
Nobbys got an allotment, and its his way of escaping the world for a bit. He’s proper proud of it – his tomatoes are definitely the best in Sheffield. He even brings them to practise in a little carrier bag and hands them out like trophies. His pears are banging too, we have them with cream, and my fruit bowl at home is now always full of his goods!
Smitts late for absolutely everything – I actually asked him this very question, “Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about” but he still hasn’t handed his answer in, its late! But we wouldn’t have him any other way ha!
Dan was asked the same question and unlike Smitty I instantly received more than just an answer. I’ve got video clips and a load of drumming world record facts but to be fair he has a very good one. He actually drummed at Wembley for the Arsenal V Hull City FA Cup final opening ceremony back in 2013. Cant top that really!
Chris says he’s a born again Christian, I’m still not sure if he’s joking or not. He’s spiritual in his own unique way, let’s just say that.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
Yeah, we have got our first single, “Can’t get you out my mind” coming out on Friday 17th October. It’s from our new album, which we’ve just finished, and were buzzing for people to finally hear it. The full album drops at our launch on January 31st at Sidney & Matilda in Sheffield, and tickets are up on our Linktree – they’re already selling fast, and were so grateful for the support. It’s one of the more upbeat tracks, but the album takes you through a few different moods – there’s plenty of variety in there.
What was the recording process like?
For thefirst time ever, we really buzzed off recording this album. In our previous band, the recording process felt pretty stressful and a bit of a chore, but this time was completely different.
From the moment we met Dave Glover at Tesla studios in Sheffield, we hit it off straight away you – could tell he really believed in what we were doing.
We spent a lot more time making sure every detail had a purpose and shaping the atmosphere of each track. The backing vocals also played a big part, and the songs feel more detailed, capturing all the little moments we worked hard to bring out in the production. It’s an album we are all extremely proud off from start to finish.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
I love writing, it’s something I think I will always do. I’ve got books full of songs and ideas. The biggest thing I’ve learned is that you never stop improving. Every song teaches you something new. Listening to lots of different music really helps too, it keeps your ideas fresh and inspires new ways of writing and thinking. I also write with backing vocals in mind now, which has helped how I approach melodies and arrangements.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Absolutely nothing.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Our friend Dave Newman passed away only a few months ago, and it really hit us hard.
He was someone I could talk to about anything – life, work, music, just everything and he always had the right words and advise. He’s missed every single day and always thought about. Our album artwork and the title “The glue that held us together” are both dedicated to him.
I’d also like to thank RGM Magazine for all their support and wish them nothing but the best.
Thanks Addy
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