1. PGH is all about helping artists highlight their most recent projects, so let us all know what your new project is – and tell us about how it come into the world. What has the initial feedback on it been like?
Our new EP, ‘Off the rails’ available as a digital download via Itunes, rapsody, etc.
Has received great reviews and air play across the world !
2. The Recording Process – there are so many interesting ways that music projects coming into being these days compared with what artists encountered years ago. Take us on the creative arc of how this project came into being and any wisdom that you learned along the way. Also, what were some of the obstacles or struggles that you encountered when you were working on the project?
Recorded at Robanas in Birmingham UK, only problem we had was picking the four tracks out of our vast repertoire, oh, and our sound engineer, Miguel, had to pop back to Portugal for two weeks for the birth of his son !
3. Are there any particular songs on this project that are special to you or communicate a message that you’d like to share here?
All these track are special and each carry a message of their own..
4. As we all know, the music industry has been devastated for many reasons over the past 10 years, what are you thoughts on these changes and are you finding some of them helpful to you with getting more people to hear your music?
The music industry is ‘shattered’ , we get great air play and reviews etc through Internet sites but without ‘serious’ backing we are limited to what we can achieve .
5. Along the lines of this discussion, it would be really interesting to get your thoughts on what you think the future of ‘music enjoyment’ might look like? How do you personally enjoy and ‘consume’ music? Any trends you’ve noticed with your own habits?
CD’s are a thing of the past now, even the new Ford cars will not have CD’ players, just AUX in for whatever device you may have, We rarely buy anything but special releases, like the Smile sessions (Beach Boys) that’s next on our list.
6. So many artists are wrestling with different ways to approach the recording process now – I would love to hear what your plans on with your next project – Are you going to a full CD, an EP or just release songs as you finish them. Release them digital only or combine physical with the digital or what?
we only release in small amounts now like the EP above, Digital only, we will also do one track at a time to suit gigs we play, We will not be doing any physical copies any more unless we get pre orders etc.
7. What are you finding that is working well for your music right now that others may find interesting to hear about?
Nothing special with out (financial) backing
8. Okay – time for some light humor: Spinal Tap Moment – dig deep. Locate. Relive. Share that special ‘trauma’ with all of us! 😀
My keyboards exploaded at a recent gig !
9. Is there a particular musician you’d love to collaborate with – and why?
Brian Wilson, but, the Brian Wilson from 1966, not today’s version.
10. Advance apologies: the ‘classic’ questions. What other artists and bands have influenced your music and any particular reason why? Also, push come to shove: “Your Top 5 Albums Of All Time”? (Pop Geeks really are interested in this, trust me!)
Beach Boys Eels, Nirvana, Byrds, Beatles, Neil Young, Best album of all time ‘Pet Sounds’ followed by ‘Dark side of the moon’ Jagged little pill’ ‘Ram on’ and ‘With the Beatles’.
11. We’re always trying to find new music discoveries here at PGH – what are some of your favorite music releases of 2011?
Pearl Jam’s vinyl release of his ukulele tunes!
12. Yes, it would be great if most indie musicians could work on music full-time but the reality rarely the case for most of them. I always am asked by music fans, what are the careers or full-time jobs that the musicians of the music they are listening to do…so ‘what’s yr main gig?!’ ;-P
I’m (Mark) an Engineer Electrician, Bass player Tim is a Jeweller, Rich guitar works part time as admin staff in a hospital and Chris the drummer is at University in Coventry studying modern history.
13. We’re taking an informal PGH poll of all musicians: Do you own a Kindle or Nook? Any thoughts on what reading books looks like to you?
no, ate a Kindle egg once tho….
14. Okay, last question: Where can we learn more about your music and any other releases you have?
