Interview: Sweet Baboo

With the release of his fourth album, Ships, earlier this year, it has been a busy few months for Sweet Baboo (AKA Stephen Black). As well as playing his own gigs and appearing at numerous festivals, he has recently supported Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Wit on their UK tour. However, despite the busy schedule, Black took some time out to answer some questions for NotAnotherRainySunday. Line-up his gloriously upbeat melodies on the stereo, and read about the origin of 'Sweet Baboo', the Welsh music scene, and his musical recommendations. 

Let's kick off with the basics - where did the name Sweet Baboo come from?
I heard it used in the Charlie Brown cartoon when I was younger and thought it would be a good name for a band. It's a term of endearment in America. I've often thought about changing it to something more manly in recent years but I think we may have been through too much together.

I've noticed you also have a version of 'If I Died...' written in Welsh. Do you notice much of a difference writing in Welsh to songwriting in English?
This is an easy one to answer. Unfortunately I find it very difficult to write in Welsh, so much so that my friend Huw Evans (a.k.a. H.Hawkline) translated the lyrics for me I'm a fluent Welsh speaker but my vocabularly is not great. Welsh is such a lyrical and romantic language that I wouldn't have done the translation justice. Huw used artistic license in the translation and did a much better job that I would ever have done.

You've stated that you're a fan of fellow Welsh band, Gorky's Zygotic Mynci, and have also worked with said band's leader, Euros Childs - how do you feel the Welsh  music scene fits into the British scene as a whole?
I'm not sure if I know much about the British scene really. The Welsh music scene must fit somewhere but I have no idea where. All I know is, to me, Wales makes the best pop music, oh and I'll extend that to the
rest of the world too. 

Both 'Let's Go Swimming Wild' and 'C'mon Let's Mosh!' have previously won BBC 6Music's weekly 'rebel playlist' competititions. How important do you think exposure on the radio is in reaching a wider audience in comparison with the internet?
Any exposure is good. If people hear you on the radio or read about you online and then come to a gig or buy an album then I can't complain.

On top of performing as Sweet Baboo you've also toured with Slow Club and Cate Le Bon in their live bands - do you prefer playing in groups or working individually? Do both have their benefits?
I think I like them equally. I suppose I put more pressure on my gigs, you know, hope that people will come, enjoy themselves, there's more to worry about but I get the same enjoyment out of playing in front of people no matter what band I play in really.

With the release of your fourth album, Ships, back in April, do you think your sound has changed greatly since your debut?
In some ways it has, it's a lot louder and, this album especially, a lot more brass heavy but I think the lyrical topics are similar and I can see similar bits and bobs running through all my albums really.

What are some bands we've probably never heard of, but that you'd recommend?
At the moment I'm mainly listening to Alex Dingley who's a singer from West Wales and the Oliver Wilde album which is out on Howling Owl records from Bristol. If you haven't heard of them then I'd recommend both.

I know you're currently in the midst of festival season. How do your festivals sets compare with the approach to your own tours? What can we be expecting when you tour in the Autumn?
We've been lucky enough to have a brass section for most of the festivals, something we're not able to do on tour so much. So festival sets have been louder and there's been a whole lot more of choreographed dance moves.

Sweet Baboo will be touring the UK in November. For more information visit www.sweetbaboo.co.uk

Interview: Kyla La Grange

 2012 was a great year for Kyla La Grange. Not only did it bring about the release of her stunning debut album, 'Ashes' (which featured on NotAnotherRainySunday's top 10 albums of the year) but she was also one of the musicians to take part in the musical project Africa Express. I got in touch with the songstress to find out exactly what this year has been like, and what's in store for 2013.

With your South African and Zimbabwean heritage, do you think their musical traditions ever translate into your own songwriting?

Unfortunately my parents didn't listen to much African music when I was growing up - they liked a wide range of things (Rock, Blues, Folk, Classical) but I wouldn't say I was very well schooled in music from Southern Africa itself, which is a shame, as I think it would've been great to have had some non-Western influences too.

What were your musical influences growing up?

At home my parents listened to The Beatles, The Stones, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, JJ Cale, Muddy Waters, Donovan, Simon & Garfunkel....I could go on and on. My mum also loved opera and always had Classic FM playing, and I had classical singing lessons for years before I started singing rock and pop music. When I was about 12 I got massively into 80s power ballads - I bought T'Pau 'China in Your Hands' and Bonnie Tyler 'Total Eclipse of The Heart' on vinyl and I used to stick them on our record player and sing along over and over and over again. I was always in choirs and I wrote (bad) little songs at home on my own.

You've often been compared to Florence & The Machine in reviews - do you think this type of comparison is useful for new artists, or can it be a bit of a hindrance? 

I don't mind at all - it's just a way people have of placing you. Unless you really despised the artist you were being compared to I don't get why people would get annoyed about it - it's flattering if anything.

What's your songwriting process like? Does it take a lot of concentration, or is it something that comes easily to you?

It is completely different from week to week. Sometimes I sit down and I just write for hours and hours and I don't even notice it getting dark outside and I have to eventually tear myself away from the song, but sometimes I really struggle to even get started. I can never force a song; if it doesn't want to come then it won't, I just have to leave it and come back another time. I think songs should come along of their own accord - I don't like the idea of deciding that I'm going to write a song, I like the song to decide that it's going to be written.

Your music video for Been Better is a visual treat with mystical wolves and peacocks - what was the inspiration behind it?

Well, I like hanging out with animals so any excuse to do that and I will. Those weren't real wolves though - they were called 'Timber Dogs' and they liked eating biscuits, so not quite as mystical in real life. I don't know, I'm a big fan of fantasy and fairy stories so I like adding that element into videos and the live shows - it makes me feel more at home.

In 2012, you took part in the project 'Africa Express'. What was it like working with such a  range of artists with very different styles to you? And what has been the legacy of that journey?

Africa Express was one of the most amazing things I've ever had the opportunity to be involved with. I was exposed to so many musical styles and instruments I'd never heard before, and everyone was so lovely, there were no egos or arguments. It truly was such a beautiful thing; everyone collaborated and made friends with people they might not otherwise have had the chance to meet.

Which bands or artists do you think we should be looking out for this year?

Daughter, who are incredible (and I think they are going to quietly take over the world), Dog is Dead, whose live shows are some of the best shows I've seen, and Bastille, whose song 'Bad Blood' I am unhealthily addicted to.

With your debut album now under your belt, what's in store for you in 2013?

At the moment I'm just completely obsessed with writing the new album. I get up and write and record all day; I don't want to go out or see anyone, it's great. I think I will have finished writing all the songs for the second album by March, so I'd love to have it recorded by the end of the year, though that is probably wishful thinking. These things always take longer than you expect.

www.kylalagrange.com 

Interview: Spring Offensive

 It's been a brilliant year for Spring Offensive. Having just returned from a European tour, they were recently named BBC Introducing in Oxford's 'band of the year', whilst their single, Not Drowning But Waving, released in September, has been widely praised. However, amongst all this, they found the time to answer some questions - carry on reading to find out how the music scene in Oxford has shaped them as a band, and the most intimate place to play a gig...

First off, how did you all meet?
Rather unexcitingly, most of us met at school a long long long time ago. Lucas and Theo are brothers though, so they had met each other before. We just started playing music together one day, and it kind of went from there.

Why did you decide to name the band after the Wilfred Owen poem, 'Spring Offensive'?
Just fanboys of the poem really. We feel like it is a name that we have kind of grown into a bit; as if it is more suited to us now than ever before.


What is it that inspires you to write songs? Is it a band collaboration or does one person take the lead?
Matt usually starts the song off with an idea, or a verse of something and we take it from there. It is very much of a collaboration though. Lucas and Matt work closely on the lyrics and melody, and the rest of the guys make the music sound super special. It is a bit clinical to take it apart like that. It is a group thing really. It is shaped by all five of us.

Have you found that your current songs have a very different sound to those you wrote when you first started out as a band?
Yeah there has been a natural change and shift in sound. Having said that though, we are still playing songs that we had at our first ever shows in Oxford. We are still singing about the same things in the same way, it is just that hopefully we are better at doing it! Naturally, a band kind of hones in on its sound.

You've played in a huge variety of venues, from living rooms to churches to museums, but what's your favourite setting for a gig?
Living rooms are always pretty special. You can't really get much more intimate. Except maybe in a bed....

Oxford has been producing many first class bands of late - do you feel the rich diversity of the Oxford music scene has helped with the band's development?
Of course! We thought we knew what we were doing when we arrived in Oxford. We thought we were brilliant. Then we started watching other local acts and realising that the calibre of bands in Oxford is incredible. We knew that we had to up our game! It's all on your doorstep with a local music scene like Ox. So many gigs to choose from, playing such a variety of styles. It is hard not to soak it all up!

You've just been on a big European tour. When you're spending so much time together, how do you avoid getting on each other's nerves?
Who said we avoid getting on each other's nerves?

With illegal downloading so common nowadays, how important do you think tours are for bands in terms of building your profile and paying the bills?
100%. Not only that though, a live show on a tour, in our opinion, is one of the best ways of seeing a band play. For a new band it is the best way of getting yourself out there. But yeah, the frequent need to tour (especially for bigger acts) is a consequence of money slowly trickling away via illegal downloading, amongst other things.

A live show is something that cannot be replicated or compromised in any way. Obviously. Unless they invent some new technology which would enable holograms of the band playing a live show in your room. Hmmm. Now there's an idea.

If you weren't in Spring Offensive, what would you all be doing?
Easy! A TV cookery show!

Can you recommend some bands we probably haven't heard of, but really should?
Tricky one, because we don't know how much you know! Our Lost Infantry have just released a fantastic album. Tessera Skies from Newcastle blew us away the other day. Also, All We Are from Liverpool are amazing too.

Finally, any plans for a new album to be released soon?
It shouldn't be too long now. But we don't like making promises that we cannot keep.

www.springoffensive.co.uk

Interview: Tom Williams & The Boat

 After the success of their second album, Teenage Blood, Tom Williams & The Boat have spent the summer playing at numerous festivals, and most recently supported folk duo Smoke Faeries at their Kings College Student Union show. Although often compared with folk acts, on the album, the band's raw sound moves from upbeat to contemplative to dark and moody and as the nights draw in, it has firmly cemented itself in my autumnal playlist.

How did the band form?
We met at a venue in Tunbridge Wells, called the Grey Lady.

When did you first pick up an instrument?
Aged 6 or 7 I think, I started with the violin and then moved onto the sax, but dropped them all for guitar age 15!

When you were growing up, who were your music influences?
My mum played a lot of Springsteen, in the womb!

Earlier this year you released your second album, Teenage Blood. How has your sound evolved since you started out as a band?
I think I've got better at listening to the band, it's their ideas that make the union worthwhile.

You've had an exciting summer playing at a whole host of festivals after the release of your album - has it been a turning point for the band?
It keeps getting better and better year on year, we can't complain. The journey continues!

What's your favourite venue to play at?
I love the theatres in London we've been lucky enough to play at, I'd love to be able to sell them out on our own merit. Shepherds Bush Empire and Koko were very special.

And which venue would you love to play that you haven't played already?
Brixton Academy is on the hit list...

Tom, you've appeared on Steve Lamacq's Round Table reviewing the singles of the week - what would you be recommending right now?
Ooh, I love the new single by Rough Comforts who supported us in Canterbury recently, Jessie Baylin a song called Hurry Hurry, and the new Grizzly Bear sounds great.

You hail from Tunbridge Wells in Kent - how would you describe the music scene there?
Bipolar!

And are there any other good local bands you can recommend?
Certainly, Two Wounded Birds from Margate, Stray Dogs from Tunbridge Wells and Standard Lamps from Brighton.

You sold your own brand of beer on tour earlier this year. Is this something we'll see more of in the future, or might you branch out into other products?!
It did phenomenally well, it was amazing! Would love to, it's important to have fun, who knows!

You've been touring recently - how do you keep from getting on each other's nerves when surrounded by the same people every day?
I don't know, it's important to keep a sense of humour, but the M1 can certainly chip away at that... A good gig fixes everything for sure.

You released Teenage Blood after raising funds through Pledge Music by offering unique items and experiences to fans. How do you feel about this current development in music sponsorship? Does it make you feel more connected with your fans?
It does yes but it also means you can put your own record out in a way that people can keep track of and understand, it's great.

And leading on from that, with illegal downloading so rife, how important do you feel it is to build a close relationship with your fan base?
Very important, they'll be there for you when the chips are down.

Finally, what's next for the band?
Writing for the next album and playing a string of shows towards the end of the year...

For information on their upcoming shows visit: www.tomwilliamsandtheboat.co.uk

Interview: Count Drachma

You'll recognise them from Oxford folk-poppers, Stornoway, but Oli and Rob Steadman have also recently been playing music native to their home country of South Africa, with their Zulu influenced side project, Count Drachma. I got in contact with Oli to discuss writing in Zulu, the rise of 'world music', and Wikipedia.

First of all, how does the lineup differ from that of Stornoway?
     We've got the StornoBrothers Oli and Rob Steadman. O plays guitar/sax and sings, R is on percussion and harmonies, and they're joined by lifelong bassplaying compadre Alexander Badamchi-Zadeh plus Kirini Helga Kopcke on Maskandi violin.

I understand you were brought up to speak Zulu - isn't this quite unusual amongst white South Africans?
     That's generally true of our generation and the ones before. Rob and I were fortunate enough to go to a progressive school that challenged the politics of the time, and encouraged Zulu in addition to the usual Afrikaans/English lessons. In hindsight I'm not quite sure why Zulu was chosen - there are 11 official languages in S.A. and in Johannesburg you encounter all of these plus many European languages! I studied for six years at a basic level before we arrived in Oxford - not long enough to become fluent, but I'm able to slowly piece together translations and I'm starting to create my own Zulu songs.

You've covered a variety of different songs, from Zulu nursery rhymes to folk songs, but do you think you'll eventually start writing your own songs in Zulu?
     We've been following the folk approach to learning traditional songs and imitating other musicians. Now I'm discovering how liberating it can be writing music in another language. Having a restricted vocabulary helps me to think more clearly about what's being said. The words are taking a while, so the focus right now is on the rhythmic side of things - the Zulu Maskandi guitar style is very distinctive, and I'm enjoying seeing what happens when it collides with the Celtic Jig and the more West African percussive sounds Rob is bringing to the group.

Will we see any recordings from Count Drachma at all, or are you focusing on gigs at the moment?
     We have some demos up, which were recorded to give an idea of what we're like live. For now we just want to perform.

With popularity rising for groups like Tinariwen and Amadou and Mariam do you feel world music is coming into a wider acceptance?
     My experience of music has always tended to the international because of the country I grew up in. Until recently the music we had access to from outside was restricted, so people treasured anything that was harden to get their hands on. When I came to the UK the only European music I knew was Pink Floyd (Piper At the Gates of Dawn - at the time I thought they were Italian). I remember being more into Orchestra Baobab (Specialist In All Styles), and the young S.A. bands Tweak & Freshlyground.
Here's a video of Johnny Clegg talking about the Migrant Tradition - growing up in many places and being exposed to different cultures growing up:

Do you have any plans to play in Africa at some point? Either with Count Drachma or Stornoway?
     That'd be a dream come true. I've realised that both bands are in a position to do so because of our personal connection to home. When I lived in S.A. no international bands ever came to play - I don't want us to follow that trend!

Have you been able to collaborate with any African musicians over here at all?
     Count Drachma is still a very new project - once we're confident with a sound of our own, we want to take things to the festivals, WOMAD and Larmer Tree especially, to share what we're doing and invite collaborations with others.

You've made it your mission to update the Zulu Wikipedia to stop its closure - how did you first get involved in the project?
     This started at the same time as the band began playing together. Both were the result of a trip home to South Africa, where I started hearing the language and music again. Out of curiosity I found the Wikipedia , and was shocked to hear it was due to be shut down because no Zulu speakers were using it. It's been four months now and we've managed to pull through - the site has over 500 articles and several regular contributors. If any Zulus out there can lend a hand it'd be hugely appreciated.

For those of us who aren't as tuned in with South African culture, what bands/singers would you recommend? 
     Both of these Zulu language projects have led me to discover much more about South African music. I've been writing the English Wikipedia articles on Maskandi bands, and found out some great stories. Musical rivalries, Maskandi guitar battles, political songs about things happening in the country right now. my favourites of the current crop of Maskandi stars are Inzingane Zoma, Imithente, Bhekumuzi Luthuli (recently deceased), Thokozani Langa, and David Jenkins. For an older sound - and perhaps more familiar because of their international success - I'd recommend Johnny Clegg's bands Juluka/Savuka and the saxophonist Dudu Pakwana.

And finally one which I'm sure many people are eagerly waiting to hear the answer of: when can we expect to see Stornoway's sophomore album on the shelves?
     We're in the later stages of this endeavour and can promise its arrival this year. It'll be worth your wait!

Count Drachma will be playing a number of gigs in Oxford and London in the coming months - for more information visit: www.countdrachma.bandcamp.com

Read my interview with Rob Steadman here

Interview: Mat Gibson

 Signed to Clubhouse Records, singer/song-writer, Mat Gibson, released a mini album entitled 'Forest Fire' (reviewed on NotAnotherRainySunday at the start of the month) in September to critical aclaim. Appearing at the O2 Academy in Oxford, and on the main stage at Truck Festival, it's clearly been a successful year for Gibson, and he's certainly one we should be watching. In this interview for NotAnotherRainySunday he discusses living in Canada, his influences in 'Forest Fire' and being likened to the iconic king of country-rock, Neil Young. 

How would you describe your style of music ?

I suppose it fits loosely into a few genres, Americana, indie, folk etc... 

Growing up, who were your musical influences? What was the first record you bought ?

Well my parents used to listen to early Genesis, Led Zeppelin, Free and the Beatles but it wasn't until I think I heard Nirvana's Nevermind at the age of 11/12 that I started to form musical tastes of my own...

Your music seems to fit very well with the Americana genre. Is that a fair description ? What was your first introduction to Americana music ? 

Absolutely, Americana encompasses such a wide range of artistic direction these days but its roots lie in a country and folk tradition and the lyrics in those early songs really struck a chord with me at a time in my life when I was looking for answers in music. It also coincided conveniently with the rise of bands like Wilco and Ryan Adams who I revered as a budding musician back at the turn of the millennium.

There seem to be Canadian influences in ‘Forest Fire’ – how have your experiences living in Canada come across in your work ?

Well I think the natural world has had the biggest influence on 'Forest Fire'. When I moved to Canada I fell in love with the natural beauty there and spent a lot of my free time camping, hiking and taking pictures of nature and wildlife. So it was very odd timing that the day I had to leave Canada there was a massive forest fire in the area north of Quebec City where I lived and the smoke had spread to Montreal and Boston, through Vermont and Maine... the areas which I'd come to love so much at that time, like a home from home. It was like turning the page on a chapter of my life. 

Is the songwriting process a long one, or is it something that comes naturally to you ?

I go through bursts of creativity where everything comes very naturally and fast, but there are long, long droughts where I don't write anything for months and months. I usually use that time recording, gigging etc

Last week you played at the iconic Half Moon in Putney –do you enjoy the intimacy that the Half Moon offers or do you prefer a larger stage ?

The Half Moon is one of the better venues I've played for its intimacy and its a great room, with a great sound. I think for the kind of music we're playing at this stage, venues like the Half Moon are perfect but we have plans to expand our sound and hopefully bigger venues will come hand in hand.

When are you most at one with your music ? - when it’s just you and a guitar, or when you’re interacting with a band ?

I love the songwriting process, when I'm on my own. But I also love the creative process involved in production, expanding on an initial idea and making things happen. I've only recently begun to appreciate the experience of playing live, and the immediacy of it all. I always used to dread getting up on stage but now I really enjoy it and can relax and focus on the intensity of the show.

How do you feel about being likened to the great Neil Young ?

If I had to choose only one album to take with me somewhere without other music it would probably be a Neil Young album... I mean the man is a living legend. But to be compared to him, I take that with a pinch of salt, as great as it sounds. Stylistically, I don't think I'm that much like him to be honest but I admire him more than any other musician for the range and depth of his music, and the quality!

What do you listen to when….

 - you’ve had a bad day ?

Something which takes me on a journey, that takes me away from it all. I don't know, all good music can do that can't it?

-  life’s rosy ?

I like listening to stuff I used to listen to as a teenager, like the Lemonheads, Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr etc

- you’re stuck in traffic ?

Whatever I've got on my iPod, today I listened to 'Mix Tape' by the Felice Brothers

And Finally, vinyl, CD or MP3 ? 

Obviously, nothing can match the convenience and immediacy of an mp3 but people have lost touch with the experience of listening to an album on vinyl or even CD for that matter. It used to be an event for a lot of people, and for some it still is, thankfully. Personally, I don't buy vinyl as I can't afford it but I'd like to think that one day I could.

'Forest Fire' is out now on Clubhouse Records. For more information visit: http://www.matgibson.co.uk/

Interview: The Epstein

L-R: Jon Berry, Olly Wills, Seb Reynolds

After receiving lots of lovely comments about my interview with Stornoway, I thought it was time to treat you to an interview with another of my favourite bands (and fellow Oxford band), 'The Epstein'. I got in touch with lead singer, Olly Wills, and he very kindly agreed to answer some questions, so enjoy!

First of all, how was The Epstein founded, and where did the name come from?
The Epstein started out a few years back as a 2 piece playing open mics and in the back rooms of smokey pubs and has steadily evolved from there. I don't think there was a day one as it were... it just happened. In terms of the name - one of the founder members suffered from a virus called the Epstein Virus and this had laid him up in bed for quite a while... it was during this time that he started writing songs so we thought it was a good thing to take a positive from a negative.

How would you describe The Epstein in five words?
Honest. Powerful. Tuneful. Exciting and Lyrical.

You had a great year in 2010 playing on Bob Harris' show on BBC Radio 2 and being the editor's choice in Rolling Stone magazine. Did you find it hard to get noticed when you first set out as a band, or has it always been quite an easy road?
I wouldn't say that it has ever been an easy road and would doubt that many musicians have that luck... It is a case of continued hard graft over a very long period of time. Keep playing and getting better, keep writing and writing better songs and keep releasing songs.. then after all that you hope that people are going to notice you and give you a chance. It is wonderful to play on BBC Radio2 and get the Rolling Stone review but those things are the continuing part of the process and you have to keep pushing onwards all the time.

You're playing at The Regal in September with two other Oxford bands; Stornoway and The Dreaming Spires. How would you describe Oxford's music scene?
The Oxford music scene is busy and competitive. There are loads of great bands in our town and that is good for everyone. The ones that emerge out of it have to work hard to do it and that is great for the scene.

Are there any musicians that you've found particularly inspiring?
We recently toured with a band called The Johnny Parry Trio and they blew our minds mixing up the live show with amazing and very thought provoking visuals... I think that we all have very different inspirations within the band as we have all come from different musical backgrounds. I have been listening to a lot of Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave recently. Jon has been going through an African blues stage in the last few months and Seb is massively inspired by the work of Joseph Zarwinal and Weather Report.

You've spent quite a lot of time touring in Holland and Germany - do you have any particular links with these countries?
We have live agents both in Germany and Holland so that is the reason that we have been travelling back and forth so much. We did 2 really great tours this summer and played some lovely festivals so hopefully that link will grow over the following years.

Was music something you were always drawn to, or when you were younger were there different career paths you had in mind?
Jon and Seb have been playing in bands from a very young age so I think it has always been a path they have been on... I started pretty late in terms of bands but started singing at age 7 so it has always been part of my life... In other lives Jon would be an archaeologist, Seb would be a model and I would be a chef...

How have the dynamics of the group changed since the departure of your drummer and bassist?
There has been a massive change within the group since the sad departure of those guys at the beginning of the year and for the most part it has been a real positive change. It has allowed us to play with a whole bunch of great musicians and has forced us to change our live shows so we can do shows as a 3, 4, and 5 piece... creatively this has been a really good step for the band.


Do you prefer to play more intimate gigs, or at larger festivals?
Personally I love them all! Well.. most of them.
The best shows are the ones where you really get the crowd onside and into the band and we have been lucky to have done this on both large and small stages this year. When you get that energy going from the crowd then it is an amazing feeling. We did a couple of festivals in Holland and Germany recently where it went perfectly... those are the shows you want to take with you everywhere!


Are there any particular bands you've got your eye on at the moment?
Treetop Flyers are really marching on which is exciting. Cashier No.9 who we played with recently are on the rise too and Johnny Parry - who we mentioned earlier - is releasing a new record in October so that is a good start... I am also awaiting the new Feist album... where is it?

And finally, can we look forward to a new album soon?
 You can, new tracks are being recorded and the masterpiece will be done! About time too...

I Held You Once

Ring On Her Finger

The Epstein are playing at The Concert4Conservation at The Regal in Oxford on Saturday 3rd September alongside Stornoway and The Dreaming Spires. Tickets are on sale for £15 (in advance) or £16 (on the door) and you can buy them here.

    To find out more about The Epstein, visit their website, facebook, twitter or myspace.

Interview: Stornoway

L-R: Rob Steadman, Jon Ouin, Brian Briggs, Oli Steadman

 You're known for playing some quite unusual instruments - how many do you play between you?

 - Brian: guitar, drums, bongos, tabla, Oli: electric bass, double bass, piano, guitar, drums, the launchpad, banjo, Jon: guitar, piano, cello, qanun (from istanbul), synths, Rob: drums, saw, theremin, tv, qanun, banjo, piano, guitar, bass, bongos, tabla, xylophone, marimba, timpani.

 Are there any instruments that you've tried in a song, but then rejected because it doesn't fit with the Stornoway sound?

 - The most common example is when we've tried a brass or string section and it just hasn't sounded right. The saw is now used instead of the theremin because the song that I play it in has changed slightly and so it fits in a bit better.

 I know Rob and Oli listened to Zulu music whilst growing up. What music influenced the other members of the band?

 - Brian has always preferred listening to stuff like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and other 50's rock and roll along with a lot of reggae and 60's folk revival such as Bert Jansch and Pete Seeger. Jon has always listened to a wide range of music, from 60's folk revival, to eastern artists like Vashti Bunyan.

 Are there any bands that have caught your attention but which have not yet made it into the public eye?

 - We toured in Australia with a band called Otouto who are really minimalist and interesting. In America we met a group called The Caves and a group called Head and the Heart. There is also an Oxford band called Spring Offensive who are very good.

Which has been your favourite venue?

 - It's pretty difficult to remember a lot of venues, when we're touring and playing a different gig every night they all kind of merge in to each other. However, the last venue we played, in Paris called Cafe de la Dance was very cool. High ceilings, stone walls, big stage, very nice.

Playing on top of their van at the Green Man Festival in 2009

 You're bristling with degrees and other qualifications - if you weren't in Stornoway, what career paths might you have taken?

 - Brian would still be an ornithologist, I guess his career would have turned into something like manager of a bird sanctuary. I'm not sure what Jon would do, something Russian. Oli would follow chemistry possibly, maybe a teacher. I would be doing environmental studies at university, and would probably go on to work in the same sort of field as Brian. But all of us have always played music as a hobby so I'm sure that would still take up most of our time.

 
I've heard that you'll be working on your second album this Summer. How has your sound developed since 'Beachcomber's Windowsill'? 

 - Yeah that's right we're hopefully gonna release the second album early next year. I guess our sound has changed because of how we do stuff live. Before playing loads of gigs, our sound was created in small bedrooms for recording purposes, but now as we play more live shows we have started using louder instruments and so I guess overall we've just got a bit louder.

Thank you so much to Rob for taking the time to answer my questions. I leave you with some of their music.. and I can't wait to see them play at Somerset House in July!

http://www.stornoway.eu/