Interview with Open To Offers

It's been a busy few weeks here at Beatsix, but thankfully for you marvellous readers we've found the time to interview 'Open To Offers', a five-piece indie rock band from Bristol. Your eyes and ears, dear readers, are in for a treat! 

Open To Offers blend elements of classic rock 'n' roll, 70s punk and contemporary indie, and draw inspiration from the likes of Arctic Monkeys, The Clash, The Rifles, Sex Pistols, The Smiths and The Strokes... to create some BRILLIANT tunes... but hey, don't just take our word for it, check them out for yourselves... after you've read the rest of what we have to say, obviously... Open To Offers consists of James Lovatt (Lead Vocals), Kit Lavis (Guitar/Backing Vocals), Henry Sergeant (Guitar/Backing Vocals), Luke Bennett (Bass Guitar) and Matt Lazenby (Drums).  

They released their awesome debut EP 'Call It What You Will' on the 8th of March 2012... you can get a free download of 'I Told You So' (off their EP) on their Souncloud (link at the bottom of the interview). Anyway... enough of the facts, let's get down to the interview eh?

How and when did the band form?

We formed in January 2011… we all love music, so decided to start a band, and then later that year Henry joined.

Who are the bands musical influences?

The Clash, The Jam, The View, The Smiths, Arctic Monkeys, Rolling Stones, Kasabian, Oasis, The Courteeners, The Enemy, The Beatles etc…

How did you come up with the band name?

We weren’t sure of a name, so every time someone asked what our name was we used to say ‘we don’t have one but we’re open to offers’ so that’s how we came about it.

What was the best gig you’ve ever played?

Our first ever headline show at The Croft in Bristol, good sound, good turnout, cracking performance, what more can you want?

What was the worst gig you’ve ever played?

We played a charity gig at the open air pool in Portishead, half way through our set the mixing desk broke, from there it just got worse and worse!

Which of your own tracks is your favourite and why?

I Told You So, Don’t Come Running To Me or Knock Knock, absolutely quality tunes to play live!

Is there a running theme throughout your lyrics or a certain message you try to put across through your music?

Not really, some of them interlink, but they're just stories of what’s happened in our lives, just a bit of this and that really.

What’s an average day in the recording studio consist of?

Time wasting, and teaching Luke how to play Bass...

What band would you most like to tour with?

The View, they get up to some crazy stuff, would be a complete laugh!

Where do you see yourself as a band in 5 years’ time?

Sell out a headline tour around the world! If not then a hired transit van tour, driven by our parents!

Thanks a lot guys! 

There's certainly a lot of places to keep track of them on their undoubted road to fame... so go... inundate them with all the fan-mail they deserve! 

http://opentooffersband.webeden.co.uk/

http://www.myspace.com/opentooffersmusic

http://twitter.com/#!/OpenToOffersUK

http://soundcloud.com/open-to-offers

http://www.unsigned.com/opentooffers

http://www.youtube.com/user/OpenToOffersUK

http://www.reverbnation.com/opentooffers

http://www.facebook.com/opentooffersuk

Interview with Diner Dudes

Sorry we've not posted in a while, we're working on something very very special for you lot! So here's something special to keep you going... til the next something special... still following? no? fair enough. 

Today's interview was with Tyler from Diner Dudes, an 'adult pop' band from Arizona...

So, seeing as you lovely lot have been waiting nearly a week for this, let's cut to the interview... here it is! enjoy!

How and when did the band form?

After quitting a band that I had been in for years, I had a very unsuccessful attempt as a solo performer under the name Diners. After an embarrassing first show, a good friend of mine offered to play bass and help get things moving. Since then, we've been writing and recording songs together! This started late in 2011.

Who are the bands musical influences?

The bands we geek out about most are: Key Losers, The Beach Boys, Lake, The Magnetic Fields, Filardo, Destroyer, The Flaming Lips, and IJI.

How did you come up with the band name?

Not much of a story behind the name, just something that we like written out and spoken. We hardly visualize an actual 'diner' when we think of our band name. 

What was the best gig you’ve ever played?

We really haven't played out much, but our best show so far happened to be with some of biggest influences: IJI, Filardo, and our sister band Dogbreth. Nothing insane or outrageous happened, just an overwhelming amount of friendship and love between everyone at the show. The show was also held at our favorite venue, The Trunk Space in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.

What was the worst gig you’ve ever played?

Our worst show was played just a few days ago, there was poor planning on the show and we didn't really fit in much with the other bands. Just weird vibes from everyone at the show, nothing disastrous. 

Which of your own tracks is your favourite and why?

'Good Friends' was the first song that Diners ever had which gives it a special place with us. It's typically the most fun to play live as well because of how many people sing along with us.

Is there a running theme throughout your lyrics or a certain message you try to put across through your music?

Lyrically, the themes are very basic. Learning, friendship, and personal growth. Diners is a strong supporter of DIY music/art culture.

What’s an average day in the recording studio consist of?

Goofing off, watching youtube videos, jumping around, recording and experimenting.

What band would you most like to tour with?

Good question! There's a few bands that come to mind! Our friend's bands: Filardo, Waytansea Point, IJI, and Dogbreth.

Where do you see yourself as a band in 5 years’ time?

Who knows what will happen months from now! If everything keeps going steady, we'll still be touring, and putting our own records.

Thanks Tyler!

Make sure to check them out! You can find them... here -http://www.facebook.com/Dinerstheband and they've got two of their AWESOME tracks here - http://diners.bandcamp.com/

Interview with The Sherlocks

Today's brief, but brill, interview was with The Sherlocks, an indie rock quartet from South Yorkshire, UK.

Here's what they had to say...

How and when did the band form? 

The band formed in August 2010 and consists of two sets of brothers.

Who are your musical influences? 

Arctic Monkeys, Pigeon Detectives, The Jam, The Enemy.

How did you come up with the band name? 

The youngest member used to say obvious stuff like, 'it's raining', so we started saying 'well done Sherlock'.

What is the best gig you have ever played?

Cattrick 2010

What is the worst gig you have ever played?

Conisbrough Wmc 

Which of your own tracks is your favourite and why? 

'Meantime' because it's very catchy.

Is there a running theme throughout your lyrics or a certain message you try to put across through your music?

Our local area and women/relationships.

What’s an average day in the recording studio consist of? 

Having a laugh and recording obviously, haha.

What band would you most like to tour with? 

The Enemy

Where do you see yourself as a band in 5 years’ time? 

Touring the world.

Thanks guys!
Like the sound of them? Well, you can check them out here... http://www.facebook.com/TheSherlocksOfficial

Interview with The Whip & Bone

Third interview in three days, done! 

Today's interview us with Nick Deparis from The Whip & Bone, an folk/electro-acoustic duo from Brighton, UK. Check out their myspace to discover their brilliance for yourself... http://www.myspace.com/1hearchi1ec1

Here's the interview... enjoy!

How and when did the band form?

The band is a collaboration of friends, it came into being just over a year ago with a neighbour, we wanted a violinist to join so we advertised for one in the Brighton area, and I met up with Steve & discovered we had a lot of similar musical influences in common. Steve is now a regular feature in my songs but living in Brighton we both like to collaborate with others in different projects. I like to collaborate and feature people in my songs who are on the same page regarding structure and style, musical compatibility & drive.

Who are your musical influences?

Too much to mention but what comes to mind is Tom Waits, Nick Drake, Radiohead, Nick Cave, the Doors… the list goes on. I also draw influences from 60's rock & Jazz as well as experimental electronic elements.

How did you come up with the band name?

Originally we were known as 'The Architect' but soon discovered that there was a heavy metal band in Brighton with the same name, so we decided on 'The Whip & Bone'; 'Whip' representing the violin & 'Bone' representing the Guitar.

What is the best gig you have ever played?

In the Komedia in Brighton, part of an evening featuring an eclectic mix of bands & DJs that went on till the early hours.

What is the worst gig you have ever played?

It was at a wedding! It went well but I didn't really like the type of music I had to play.

Which of your own tracks is your favourite and why?

I think probably 'Drifting' at the moment, I think this song lyrically resonates with a lot of people, regarding perception of others and where they currently stand in life - their hopes, fears & trying to progress.

Is there a running theme throughout your lyrics or a certain message you try to put across through your music?

It’s mostly about observation, love, hate and fate, internally & externally.

What’s an average day in the recording studio consist of?

The studio is like my second home, I chill, eat, drink and write songs there. If I am not collaborating with a musician then I produce all the music, but if for example I write a song with Steve collaborating on violins then usually I start the process, then Steve will work on it. We do this back & forth process until we are both happy with the finished result.

What band would you most like to tour with?

There are lots of bands which I would love to tour with, but high up there would probably be the likes of Tom Waits or Nick Cave.

Where do you see yourself as a band in 5 years’ time?

I hope to have a couple of albums under my belt and be recognised as representatives of Brighton’s music scene.

Thanks Nick... make sure you check them out! 

You can find them here... http://www.myspace.com/1hearchi1ec1

Interview with Mutineers

Beatsix are on a roll this week! Two interviews with two equally awesome bands in only two days!

Today's interview was with the marvellous Michael Reed, guitarist from Mutineers, an indie quartet from Manchester, UK... Here's a little bit about them...

Despite only forming two years ago, they've shot to success having recently supported well-known and well-loved musicians such as: The View, Pete Doherty and Bad Lieutenant. Their debut album ‘Friends, Lovers, Rivals’, is an esoteric, enigmatic and engaging compilation of some potential near-future big hits. Infectious melancholy with emotive, heart-stirring lyrics, the beauty of which matches the likes of Echo and The Bunnymen or The Cure. We could go on and on about how much we adore this band but we know you're dying to see what the masterful Michael Reed had to say on behalf of them... so here it is!

How and when did the band form?

We came together as drinking buddies more than anything... we were all sort of frustrated at how our current projects at the time were panning out so we all sort of came together and started afresh... I don't think I'm only speaking for myself when I say it was quite liberating at the time. 

Who are the bands musical influences?

I think that's always a tough question to answer, but in terms of the album that's out I'd say at the time we were listening to and devouring a lot of the good 80s guitar pop bands, the likes of The Cure, Smiths, New Order... I really like the early Echo and The Bunnymen albums as well... saying that, we're equally turned on by newer stuff we might hear on the radio or catch at festivals... The likes of The National, Bloc Party... I'm quite liking some of the Howler stuff right now.

How did you come up with the band name?

More than anything I'd say it's just a cool looking word, it looks good printed out and it isn't embarrassing to say out loud to people... but it does have some relevance in a way that as previously mentioned we all sort of ditched what had gone before and set sail upon new musical waters... I'm starting to sound like captain Jack Sparrow now... in search of musical treasures... OK, I'll stop!
  

What's the best gig you've ever played?

I'd probably say the shows with Bad Lieutenant (New Order side project) were up there, it was a pleasure to open up for a band with such a rich history and receptive fan base in venues like The Ritz in Manchester and Heaven in London.

What's the worst gig you've ever played?

I think we did a mini tour that had Derby something in the middle, bearing in mind that we'd just played shows with Bad Lieutenant and Pete Doherty... the performance was great but I think the official attendance was 12, 2 of whom were the road crew!
 

Which of your own tracks is your favourite and why?

It changes on a daily basis... I’d love to play the Hyde Road live because it's a bit of a fun thrash and really easy to play... in terms of recordings maybe it's Shadow Kisses right now, there's a real lush sort of thing going on with the arrangement and the way it's layered with various instruments. 

Is there a running theme throughout your lyrics or a certain message you try to put across through your music?

I can't really speak about the lyrics with true conviction as Nicholas Mallins (singer) wrote every word on the album but I do have a good understanding of where he's going for most of it... a lot of it is dealing with that time when you hit maybe your mid 20's and life hasn't panned out the way you wanted it. It deals with the breakdown of relationships, friendships, frustrations of modern life, the sorts of things that I guess really appeal to our fan base. I think it's sort of interesting in a way that we're probably 10 years older than most of our core listeners... that's probably because what we're writing about is sort of what they're about to face as they grow up and start seeing the real world. I think that's the perfect age gap between audience and band... also allowing the fact that most musicians are highly immature and sort of pause at about 21 years old and stay that way for a long time!
 

What does an average day in the recording studio consist of?

It was actually really fun making the album, it didn't really feel pressured. We were holed up in a cool welsh studio that was basically a barn with a residential cottage next to it where we stayed… I think my fondest memories are of staying up very late doing takes and getting slowly drunk... not that sort of drunk where you're absolutely smashed off your head, more the relaxed slow ebbed sort of feeling...
  

What bands would you most like to tour with?

It's probably not a "cool" choice but I guess the likes of U2, Coldplay etc... Mainly because they play in arenas and stadiums and we'd be exposing our songs to a hell of a lot of people! 

Where do you see yourselves as a band in five years’ time?

It's very hard to say as we didn't really expect to be making a second album! I don't think you can really plan these sorts of things... I think we'd love to become a real cult band with a big following that can sell out cool venues and to be able to fund ourselves & make enough money to keep on going as long as we're inspired... that'd sort of be the perfect scenario really.

Thanks a lot Michael :)

So make sure you check them out! You can find them on pretty much any social networking site... well these four anyway!

http://www.myspace.com/mutineersofficial 

http://www.tri-tone.co.uk/mutineers/ 

http://www.facebook.com/mutineersofficial 

https://twitter.com/#!/Mutineers__ 

Interview with CITIZEN

So, the first ever interview by Beatsix is here... excited? well we definitely are!

The lovely guys and gal from the band CITIZEN answered a few of our questions yesterday and we've been dying to show you what they had to say... but before that, if you're not familiar with the band, then here's a little background info!

CITIZEN are a five-piece unsigned indie pop/rock band from California USA... check them out here - http://www.iamacitizen.net/ and here http://www.myspace.com/iamacitizen

Now for the interview...

How and when did the band form? 

'January 1 2008, probably around 10:00pm. At an Impromptu open mic night/New years eve celebration. Jammed out a couple of songs we'd messed with after our worship team practices, the rest is history.'

Who are the bands musical influences? 

'We listen to a lot of music. Justin loves Hip Hop and gospel, Grant loves alt and classic rock, Luke listens to Coldplay and U2, Sean Likes Prog Rock and experimental music, and Jenna is a classical Pianist. Plus we play a lot of contemporary Christian worship, so theres a heavy pop influence as well.' 

How did you come up with the band name? 

'Luke is from England and officially became a United States Citizen in 2008, just before the band formed. we had an email thread of literally hundreds of band names... ha, everything was on there. Citizen just sort of stuck.'

What was the best gig you have ever played? 

'Our favorite show was when we packed out our local venue (SLO BREW) with our friends and got to bring a different atmosphere than the norm. Also Music festivals like Spirit West Coast are a blast, you meet a lot of people.'

What was the worst gig you have ever played? 

'We played a church on short notice once without monitors, 3 microphones, no sound engineer, on a couple hours of sleep and even less hours practice... it was difficult to say the least, but we met some of our most faithful, longstanding fans there and we loved getting to connect with them.'

Which of your own tracks is your favourite and why? 

'The Title track off our latest EP, The Heartbeat is the band favorite. Its the most energetic and fun to play. We worked hard and messed with a lot of the arrangement to make it work.'

Is there a running theme throughout your lyrics or a certain message you try to put across through your music? 

'Our EP the Heartbeat has a theme of what's happening to a person on the inside, and wanting to stir up a hope for something better. Most of the music scene is consumed by image and appearance and we wanted to bring something deeper. We have a dream to impact the culture with something positive, there is enough negativity out there without us adding to it.'

What’s an average day in the recording studio consist of? 

'Ha.. LOTS OF SITTING AROUND! We all track separately to a scratch vocal/acoustic guitar track, so if one is tracking, 4 are... making funny videos, sleeping, reading, grading math homework(jenna), or sightseeing. we all like to stick around and listen and encourage each other though, i think that comes through on our recording.'

What band would you most like to tour with? 

'The dream would be Coldplay, Switchfoot, NeedtoBreathe and Citizen! All our favorite bands.'

Where do you see yourself as a band in 5 years’ time? 

'Touring, hopefully headlining, at least 3 full lengths to our name (but ideally 5), playing other countries, prime time radio play, performing on talkshows as guest artists, having a Gold or platinum record, win a grammy or two, getting behind some big causes and charities and being a blessing to the world, have a song in a major movie.'

Thanks guys! 

Make sure you check them out!