Riffed

Lilac Pin caught up with us recently. The Glasgow duo have recently uploaded some new tracks to Soundcloud, such as 'Easy' and were on hand to tell us a little about them.

1 Who are Lilac Pin?

Lilac Pin are a duo from Glasgow.

2 You've recently uploaded to Soundcloud a new track, 'Easy', tell us a little about that?

It's a song where we tried to marry an organic sound with electro, with a progression that requires extra attention from the listener.

3 Where do you see yourselves in 5 years time?

We see ourselves in 5 years time still writing and performing music to the best of our ability and to keep progressing. Anything else positive that comes along with that is just a bonus.

4 What's next for Lilac Pin?

What's next for us is to write our debut album, and to perform live a lot lot more. 

Thank you very much Lilac Pin for the interview.

Listen to Lilac Pin's new track 'Easy' via Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/lilacpin

Follow Lilac Pin on Twitter: @LILACPIN / https://twitter.com/LILACPIN

And

Like Lilac Pin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lilacpin

RIFFED x

Pixel Fix chatted to us recently. The Oxford based band recently released their latest single, 'Lungs', which is our Single Of The Week for this week (read more... http://riffed.webs.com/apps/blog/entries/show/42437968-single-of-the-week-5-pixel-fix-lungs) and took the time out to answer a few questions for us. 

1) Highlight of your career so far?

We have had so many amazing moments so far as a band. Just having the opportunity to tour around the country and have our music played on radio is amazing. We recently finished a tour with Young Kato which took us all the way to Ireland. This was an amazing experience and is definitely a highlight of our career so far.

2) Favourtie gig of which you've played?

We played a show supporting Crystal Fighters at the Academy in Manchester last year which was incredible.

3) Who are Pixel Fix's greatest inspirations?

We take inspiration from so many different bands and artists. Its difficult to pick out particular bands that inspire us as all four of us take creative inspiration from completely different styles of music. We try to look past our inspirations when writing to keep the process natural.

4) Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Hopefully still touring and making music that people can enjoy!

5) You've just released 'Lungs', your latest single, but what can we expect from Pixel Fix in the future?

Yeah we've just released our new single 'Lungs' which we got very excited about. Other than that, more touring and more releases.

We must say a huge thank you to Pixel Fix for the interview.

You can listen to Pixel Fix's new track 'Lungs' via Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/pixelfixmusic/pixel-fix-lungs

Follow Pixel Fix on Twitter: @PixelFixMusic / https://twitter.com/PixelFixMusic

And

Like Pixel Fix on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pixelfixmusic

RIFFED x

We chatted to Alex Moir recently. The singer/songwriter has recently released his new single 'Like Ted Dexter', and the video to coincide with it and was on hand to tell us a little about it. This is how it went down: 

1 Who is Alex Moir?

I'm a writer, performer and a multi instrumentalist. I create stories and arrange music around them.

2 You've recently released new single 'Like Ted Dexter' and it's video, tell us a little about that?

I wrote 'Like Ted Dexter' after listening to a lot of Empire of the Sun and watching videos of me and my friends whilst cleaning out my old phone. It encompasses the idea that you can start over any time you want but to enjoy your ongoing success and accomplishments.

3 Favourite gig of which you've played?

I supported Benjamin Francis-Leftwich at the HMV institute in Birmingham - that was spectacular due to the amount of people there.

4 Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

I see myself sitting on the top of the charts with an Ivor Novello and at least one Brit award/Mercury Prize. What's the point in creating something and working hard, if you're not going to get the recognition you deserve for it?

5 What's next for Alex Moir?

I'm in the process of creating a series of live acoustic videos & also making another music video for my next track. Then I'll release my first EP and continue to gig but with a band.

Huge thanks to Alex for the interview.

You can download for free and listen to Alex Moir's new single 'Like Ted Dexter' here: http://alexmoirofficial.com/like-ted-dexter-free-download/

Follow Alex Moir on Twitter: @alexmoir / https://twitter.com/alexmoir

And

Like Alex Moir on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexmoirofficial

Visit Alex's official webpage: http://alexmoirofficial.com/

RIFFED x

This week RIFFED had the pleasure of chatting to the founding member of Oasis, Paul Arthurs (A.K.A Bonehead). Paul has recently begun work with Alex Lipinksi for his new band, 'Phoneys and The Freaks' and we caught up with him to ask him a little about them, and of course Oasis.

1) You were the founding member of Oasis, how was working with Noel and Liam?

Working with Noel and Liam was, as you can imagine, a real pleasure. Noel's songwriting combined with Liam's vocal made for one of the best groups to come out of the UK. As people they were two totally different characters, but we were all close as friends and that came out in the music.

2) You must get asked this every interview, is there any chance of Oasis reforming? Ever?

You're asking the wrong person. I don't know.

3) You've recently started a new project, Phoney and The Freaks, how's that going for you?

Our debut EP has come out now to good acclaim. We'll be out on tour after Summer and hopefully have our album recorded to coincide with that.

4) What can we expect from Phoneys and The Freaks?

I think big songs with real melody, myself and Alex work well together and are looking forward to recording the album. The EP is quite mid paced but some of the newer ideas we have are more up tempo and guitar driven, so there will be a bit of diversity on there.

5) Finally, which gig of the many you have played in your career, has been your favourite?

Maine Road probably first, Loch Lomond, Knebworth and then Earls Court. There's been many.

We must say a huge thank you to Paul for taking time out to answer our questions.  Listen to Paul's new band 'Phoneys and The Freaks' here: https://soundcloud.com/phoneys-and-the-freaks

RIFFED x

This week RIFFED chatted to MONA. The American rockers are currently working on a new album and were on hand to tell us a little about it and their plans for the future. This is how it went down:

1 Who are MONA?

MONA are a group of humans that gather in secret and in public rooms at the same time to beat, strum, pluck & sing melodies, harmonies and such. Also they have roots that trace back to the Knights Templar and have been commissioned by several secret societies (including James Dean's ghost) to sing and dance for the nations. (Also see monatheband.com for other inquiries about the clans space travel and organic gardening)

2 You've released two albums, the latest being 'Torches & Pitchforks', which of the two has been your personal favourite?

When gardening and album making it is important to know that you can gather nutrients from not just one vegetable but two ...that being said ... Our albums are infused with Nutra-Tunes (patent pending) so it's best to appreciate both... Both being very Nutra-Tonic (patent pending)

3 Can we be expecting a new album in the near future?

Yes we are currently in the studio now and have all kinds of neat Nutra-Tunes (patent pending ) in the crock-pot... It will be finished in a couple months. We would like to collaborate with Michael Jackson , Johnny Cash , Joe Strummer , Jeff Buckley , Lou Reed, Kurt Cobain, and Jim Hendrix/Morrison/Henson .. We are currently waiting to hear back .

4 Any plans for a tour of the UK anytime soon?

"Soon" in time and space travel is not a word we like to use. But in all of our travels we truly love and enjoy the UK. Hopefully we will have our heads in the British bosom ASAP (as soon as possible) (hopefully faster than two shakes of a lambs tail) (warning: Nutra-Tours can not be rushed)

5 What's next for MONA?

MONA would like to try to help the earth secede from the universe with the power of Nutra-Tunes (patent pending) .. we will be releasing another album and back on the road very soon. Thanks for playing and remember always leave a note unless you've already left one and then that would just be ridiculous.

Big thanks to MONA for the interview.

Follow MONA on Twitter: @MONATHEBAND / https://twitter.com/MONATHEBAND

And

Like MONA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monatheband

Visit MONA's official webpage and listen: http://monatheband.com/

RIFFED x

Yorkshire based band O Captain chatted to us this week. The Captain's have recently released thier new EP 'Ghetto Hikes' and were on hand to tell us a little about that and themselves. This is how it went down:

1) Who are O Captain?

O Captain are: Thomas Bower - Vocals and Guitar / Ryan Smith - Bass and Vocals / Paul Bamforth - Guitar / Michael Watson - Drums and Vocals. We formed back in January 2013, with Michael Watson joining in June 2013 after original drummer Nathaniel moved to china.

2) You've recently released your new EP 'Ghetto Hikes', tell us a little about that?

'Ghetto Hikes' is 3 songs that we recorded a while back, but being indescribably disorganised we've only just managed to get it out there for people to listen to. They're 3 of our catchiest songs, the most fun to play, and go down great live. It's available for free on our bandcamp page: http://thebandocaptain.bandcamp.com

3) Favourite gig of which you've played?

We've had some great fun playing gigs but some stand-outs include: our first ever gig in Sheffield back in late 2013 supporting the mighty Honeyblood, playing the launch night for new music, art and culture magazine 'No Brainer' in Manchester a couple of months ago, and performing to a packed venue at last weekend's Live in Barnsley Festival - so busy, even the event organisers had to watch us from the street outside.

4) Where do you O Captain see themselves in 5 years time?

We do this for the love of it. Getting in a room together and writing music we love, and performing it in the hopes that others will appreciate it and enjoy it too. We all work full time so we really do take the whole thing 1 step at a time and are just enjoying the ride.

5) What's next for O Captain?

Our next big one is Tramlines Festival 2014 in Sheffield City Centre. We'll be performing 4 gigs over 3 days. Player's bar on the Friday, both DQ and Beg, Borrow & Steal on the Saturday, before finishing off at The Red House on the Sunday evening. There's going to be some rushing about and some sore heads come the Monday morning. Then we'll be performing at the launch of a brand new punk rock club night in Sheffield, 'This Party Sucks' on the 2nd of August along with Wolves at Heart and Bad Blood. We're also looking to get another EP recorded in July/August for a release in September/October time.

Big thanks to O Captain for the interview.

Visit O Captains webpage on Bandcamp and listen: http://thebandocaptain.bandcamp.com/ or listen via Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/thebandocaptain

Follow O Captain on Twitter: @thebandocaptain  /  https://twitter.com/Thebandocaptain

And like their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/weareocaptain

RIFFED x

RIFFED this week chatted to the drummer of Jaws, Eddy Geach. Brum band Jaws have recently announced their debut album 'Be Slowly' will be released on 15th September this year, which will be followed with the 'Be Slowly' tour and the dates are as follows: 

15/09 The Haunt, Brighton

16/09 Exchange, Bristol

17/09 Bodega, Nottingham

18/09 McCluskys, Kingston

19/09 Garage, London

20/09 The Oobeleck, Birmingham

22/09 Deaf Institute, Manchester

23/09 Belgrave, Leeds

24/09 Think Tank, Newcastle

25/09 King Tuts, Glasgow

26/09 East Village Arts Centre, Liverpool

Eddy was on hand to tell us a little about Jaws' debut album 'Be Slowly', the tour and his future at KFC. This is how it went down: 

1) You and the band have recently announced your debut album 'Be Slowly' will be released this September. What can we expect?

Well, for those who are fans of Jaws will know that two songs of the album have already been released (Gold & Surround You), the rest of the album is not what you'd expect in comparison to the 'Milkshake' EP, I think it will be quite refreshing to listeners and I can't wait for people to hear these new tracks.

2) You are playing a handful of festivals this summer. Are you looking forward to these?

Of course! Last year we played some real big festivals which was, at first, a bit overwhelming, but by the end of he summer we knew we would never forget that year. This year is no different, although we're not at the same 'big' festivals as last year we can't wait to play the ones we have coming up. This year we play One beat Weekender, Redfest, Tramlines, Strawberry Fields, Beacons and Boardmasters.

3) You are going on tour post album release. But which city is your personal favourite to play in?

Well, inevitably, birmingham always delivers, with it being out hometown. It's a guaranteed lively night of music and always has been from the start. In regards to the other cities we're going to; we've been to these places before, some more than others, and though they're all different from each other, they always leave us leaving with a smile and a fond memory. Lots of laughs and goodtimes are due!

4) You were the last member of Jaws to become verified on Twitter. How did that feel?

Haha! At first I felt betrayed and annoyed but then I realised 'it's just twitter'. It got to the point where my friends at my local pub would ask me "have you got your blue tick yet?" Or "are you twitter famous yet?". It didn't bother me too much because I was the member of the band getting the sympathy vote! Hahaha. But alas, I eventually got verified and it feels DENCH.

5) What's next for Eddy Geach?

I've just finished college, and I'm really happy with my results considering the amount of time off due to touring ect. So right now my focus is completely on Jaws and relaxing! But at some point i'm going to have to get a part time job. But I'm quite lucky on that side of things because my cousin is the manager at the KFC two minutes up the road from where I live.

Huge thanks to Eddy for the interview.

You can pre-order Jaws' debut album 'Be Slowly' here:

iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/be-slowly/id881158737

Hard Copy - http://www.musicglue.com/jaws/

Purchase tickets for Jaws' 'Be Slowly' tour: http://www.musicglue.com/jaws/

RIFFED x

London lads CURSE chatted to us recently. The quartet are currently working on some new tracks and Rod Broadbent of the band was on hand to tell us a little about them. Here's how it went down: 

1) Who are CURSE?

CURSE are, Rob Broadbent, (Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar) Jack Herring (Lead Guitar), Robert Carter (Bass) and Tobias Thacker (Drums)

2) Favourite gig of which you've played?

We played a great label launch gig in a basement in Dalston. We did the sound for the bands ourselves, organised the night in general and gave people free tequila on the door - it was a great way to start the label.

3) You've recently been working on some new tunes, tell us a little about them?

The new tunes are rough ready and sure to stick to your brain like velcro. One of them we're particularly looking forward to is called 'Kaleidoscoping', we opened with is a few weeks back and it went down a treat.

4) Where do you see yourselves in 5 years?

We don't know what we're going to eat for lunch let alone 5 years time. To wherever the winds of rock and roll take us.

5) What's next for CURSE?

Next for us is establishing our monthly label nights under the banner Lock Up Rock and getting another band or two in to join the collective. On our launch night we filled out an 80 capacity basement. The second night we put on was in an underground bar, filled to capacity again with with 120 people. The next one will be bigger still, it'd be great to organise a pinnacle event at the end of the summer, an all dayer or something. But we'll see how we go, one event at a time and all that.

Big thanks to Rod of CURSE for the interview.

Like CURSE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cursebanduk

Or follow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/curseband

Listen to CURSE via Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/cursebanduk

RIFFED x

RIFFED chatted to PowderedCows this week, the Dorset based band are a true snyth spectacle. They're when Arcade Fire met the 80's. PowderedCows are currently working on their debut album 'Laguna', and if we were to base our ideas on what it'll be like from their latest EP 'Make My Miami', we're in for an album and a half. Here's how our interview with PowderedCows went down:

1) Who are PowderedCows?

Mainly, PowderedCows are Martin Roberts (lyrics and most instruments) and James Worrall (Bass and some lyrics) although we have a collective of musicians via The Burrow (the label we're on) who sometimes play live and record with us. For example we currently have Gavin from The Burrow band Not Made In China who is writing/recording/playing live with us on ipad synths and ipad music making software.

2) You released your latest EP in December 'Make My Miami', tell us a little about that?

Monsters of Revelations is about the weird and wonderful monsters that crop up in the book of revelations. We thought it was funny that it mentioned unicorns and fire-breathing sea serpants that we ended up writing a song about it.

Siberia is about an article that Martin read on forteantimes.com surrouding the tunguska event.

Brain Freeze is genuinely a song about icecream although icecream is used here as a metaphor for lost love, apparently...

National Winner is about acheivement.

Catch Two Birds is about Martin's cat.

Littledown is about having that one last kick around town with your best friends before your paths seperate for a while.

3) You are working on your debut album 'Laguna', how's that going for you?

Great thanks, we're about 78% done on that. just a few more songs to be recorded. Will be a mix of indie guitar songs and indie electronic. We've been listening to a mish mash of CD's we've had in the car (martin's renault laguna): blur, lcd soundsystem, real estate, future islands, the orwells, british sea powe ...

4) You've featured many times on local BBC Introducing shows, how does it feel to have your tracks getting airplay?

James: Everyone has their 15 minutes of fame, well, it's like having that magic feeling of 3 minutes of fame.

Martin: The feedback we've had has been overwhelming, things really kicked off on the social medias and on the back of it we're getting some great reviews. James is pretty good at talking to people at gigs we go to when we see other bands play, i've learned from the master you could say, and on the back of that we have made some awesome friends along the way. I want more radio play, more of that would be good.

5) Where do you see yourselves in 5 years time?

Martin: I really have no idea, but we'll never stop doing music. I expect James will just want me to play The Libertines track Music When the Lights Go Out. That pretty much sums it up for us really the answer to this question. We're kinda like the Pete and Carl of Bournemouth. But we can't wait for the future, lets see what happens next...

We must say a huge thank you to the James and Martin (A.K.A Pete Doherty and Carl Barat) of PowderedCows for the interview.

Like PowderedCows on Facebook: www.facebook.com/powderedcowsmusic

And Follow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Powderedcows

Listen via Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/powderedcows or via Bandcamp: http://powderedcowsmusic.bandcamp.com/

And visit their webpage: www.powderedcows.moonfruit.com

Learn more about PowderedCows Record label here: http://theburrowbournemouth.co.uk/

RIFFED x

Sheffield band The SSS chatted to us recently. The lads have headlined many gigs within their hometown, including instore gigs at Pretty Green, and also a gig where support came from The Twang on DJ duties. And this is how it went down:

1) Who are The SSS?

The SSS.

2) Biggest inspirations for the band?

We grew up when Sheffield indie music was running the scene. When you think that bands like Milburn and the Monkeys have made it, it just makes you think...

3) Favourite gig you've played?

Tough choice. We did a warehouse gig where The Twang DJ'd for us, it was sold out and was mad. Then there was our single launch in May at the Plug in Sheffield - confetti and chaos.

4) Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Vegas, hopefully.

5) What can we expect from The SSS next?

A busy summer of writing, then our second single this winter.

Big thanks to The SSS for the interview. 

Follow The SSS on Twitter: @_theSSS

Listen to The SSS via Youtube: http://youtu.be/LU-KIQgeLiI or Bandcamp: www.the-sss.bandcamp.com

RIFFED x