Thanks again to Hitoshi Oka for this interview! I actually interviewed Hitoshi many years ago about the band Sloppy Joe who released some wonderful albums and for me played one of the best gigs I ever saw at Indietracks. But of course, he had been involved in othere bands, like most recently Ivory Past. I was aware of the band he had been prior to Sloppy Joe which was called My Coffee Moment who released a terrific 7″ on Firestation Records, but I knew very little about this band. So I am very happy to learn more details about My Coffee Moment as well as the Japanese scene of the 90s/early 2000s.

++ Hi Hitoshi! Thanks so much for being up for this interview! Many years ago we did this great interview about your current band Sloppy Joe, and was wondering what’s new with the band? Is it still going?

Hi Roque! Thank you for interviewing me again.

Sloppy Joe released new album ‘Waiting for the night begins’ (LP and CD) on July 2020.And we released remastered version of the album ‘With Kisses Four’ (LP ,Originaly CD released on 2011). Please check our Bandcamp. You can listen and get our releases here. https://sloppyjoe-jp.bandcamp.com/

Because of Covid-19,we Sloppy Joe haven’t organized new album release party yet.

++ You have also been working lately on another project called Ivory Past which sounds amazing. Are there news on that side?

Thank you for always giving me praise comments about Ivory Past. Ivory Past recorded for releasing a split cassette with fanzine  in 2012, which was released by Satomi(Twee Girrrls Club,LITEN BUTIKEN) for Trixie’s Big Red Mortorbike Live Tour in Tokyo. After that, in 2016, I released a cassette single from Miles Apart Recors. In 2018 I released a split cassette with snowflakes, and in 2020 I released a split cassette with Shino Kobayashi from Blue-very Label.All of them are cassette releases, but I’m not particular about cassettes.

I want to record more songs and release it, but I haven’t been able to make enough time. I’m planing to release some songs as Ivory Past or another project.

++ So let’s go back in time. What are your first music memories? Do you remember what was your first instrument? How did you learn to play it? What sort of music did you listen to at home while growing up?

When I was a kid, I only listened to popular Japanese music such as the theme songs of TV dramas. I became interested in fashion magazines and music magazines from the 14 or 15 years old. I remember being interested in The Who, The Jam,Style Council and so on by fashion magazines. And after listening japanese Cornelius’ debut album, I became interested in Flipper’s Guitar as well. That’s when I started listening to artists from Japanese Trattoria Label and Cruel Label such as Bridge, Wack Wack Rhythm Band, Freedom Suite, Citrus , Roof and Favorite Marine etc. At the same time, I was addicted to music like Orange Juice, Aztec Camera, The Monochrome Set, Felt and The Smiths.

I started playing the guitar when I was in high school. I saw a TV program which introduce Orange Juice , Everything But The Girl etc…, and the moderator of the TV program was playing my favorite song on the guitar. I decided to buy a guitar. I bought an electric guitar and practiced songs of Flipper’s Guitar and The Smiths.

++ Had you been in other bands aside from the ones we’ve mentioned so far? If so, how did all of these bands sound? Are there any recordings?

I’d been in the band called ‘Ollie Vee’ on bass guitar.The band was with the singer of ‘Airplane Rider’ and the drummer of ‘Chicago Bass’. One of the band’s song was included a compilation CD. We play some original songs and cover version of Eggstone, La’s, and the Fairground attractions songs at our gigs.

++ Where were you from originally?

I was born in Tochigi prefecture and lived there until in high school.I couldn’t buy a lot of records because there weren’t so many record shops there.After moving to Tokyo to go to college, most of the money I earned from my part-time job was spent buying 80’s and 90’s indie pop records. 

++ How was Tokyo at the time of My Coffee Moment? Were there any bands that you liked? Were there any good record stores? Or what about the pubs or venues to go check out up and coming bands?

I remember a senior in college taking me to a gig of the band ‘Lucy Van Pelt’ (later renamed Advantage Lucy). Then I started going to their gigs a lot. I met some friends at their gig,and they invited me to the indie pop party.Then,I started the band and DJ party.

At that time, I was crazy about collecting records of the 80’s and 90’s indie pop. And I often went to gigs of overseas band. It was an incredible night to see the jazz butcher, max eider, dislocation dance overnight. I also saw Trash Can Sinatras, Rocketship, Eggstone, Poundsign, The Aislers Set and so on.

There were some good indie pop record stores in Tokyo, and I used to go there almost every day. Zest, Rough Trade, Vinyl Japan, Blue-very records (now Disques blue very), Warszawa etc. I had a lot of friends I met at the record shop. And I also worked at a record shop named ‘DMS’ as part-time job. At that time, there were a lot of indie pop DJ parties, and I was doing an event too.

My coffee moment was often played mainly at the venue named Shinjuku Jam.And, I saw a lot of indie bands there. There were many other indie pop band gigs at venues in Shibuya and Shimokitazawa too.It’s also a good memory to have performed several times at the Clover records event at a bar in Ikenoue (Local Station in Tokyo) called Bobtail.

Shinjyuku JAM closed in 2017.Japanese indie musicians and fans were very sad about it.I’m grateful that I was able to perform as sloppy joe just before the store closed.

There were so many indie pop bands around us, but I think most bands had a hard time releasing CDs and records.So,many bands sold their own copies of the cassette like us.

++ When and how did the band start? How did you all meet? How was the recruiting process?

In 1997,I met Takeyoshi on drums at university. I remember I lent him some vinyl records of Aztec Camera, The Monochrome Set, Orange Juice and McCarthy.Then he went into indie pop.Yuko, the bass player, met at the club and had a DJ Party together. I formed a band with them. Katsumi (PROGURU) also helped me with gigs and recordings. All members loved indie pop well.

After that, Riichiro (currently a member of sloppy joe) joined as a member on the guitar. I remember meeting for the first time at the DJ Party of Guitar Pop Jamboree(Disc guide book) after recruiting members. Later in the band, Osamu Shimada (The Caraway, Swinging Popsicle) help me with the drums.

++ How was the creative process for you? Where did you usually practice?

The songs were basically made by me and played in the studio as everyone liked.The lyrics were written by some members.We practiced at a rehearsal studio near my apartment. We always spent the night listening to records in my room after practice. It wasn’t difficult to share what I wanted to do because the members really loved indie pop.

++ What’s the story behind the band’s name?

The band name was taken from the catchphrase written on the vending machine. I still think it should have been a different band name.

++ Who would you say were influences in the sound of the band?

We liked Aztec Camera, Orange Juice, Dislocation Dance, The Man from Delmonte, The Desert Wolves, Razorcuts,The Chesterfields,The Close Lobsters, etc. And we wanted to make that kind of sound. We weren’t so good at playing though.

++ I believe your first releases came out on tape. I’ve seen some on Discogs and they seem quite rate. Were these early tapes distributed in any way? Sold at gigs?

It was difficult for the indie pop bands around us to put out vinyl records and CD, so we often made our own cassettes and sold them at gigs, or had them sold at record stores, and we did that too. I think I only copied 100 or less. There were also some shops that sold a lot of unknown indie pop band’s cassettes like us. 

++ One of the tapes is called “Scrapbook Sampler” and dates from 1999. This one has two songs and it says it was released by Duplo Records. Wondering then who were Duplo Records? Was it yourself perhaps? And then there’s also a “Scrapbook” compilation 7″ where you contribute one song. There are three other bands on it, Corniche Camomille, Red Go-Cart and Airplane Rider. Was the tape just a promotion piece for the 7″? Was a release party with all four bands? Were you all friends with the bands or at least you were aware of them at the time?

It’s a extra cassette for the 7inch released with Red Go-cart,Corniche Camomile,Airplane Rider from Duplo records.The label was organized by Osamu Ikeya who was writing articles and apprentices in ‘Beikoku Ongaku’.He was the same age as me and loved indie pop. He really appreciates that he released our songs.

The all members of Airplane Rider was friends of Osamu. I was in a band called ‘Ollie Vee’ with Yasutaka the singer of them.

Red Go-Cart is a band from Sendai (Miyagi prefecture). When I went to Sendai with the band ‘Poussin’ for their gig, we stayed at their room after the gig. One of the girl I met at the night was White Lily Records’ owner who later released Sloppy Joe album ‘With Kisses Four’.

++ The other tape, also from 1999, is called “I Saw Many White Tea Cups..” that had 3 songs. This was for sure a self-release. One thing that I wonder is why did you go through the cassette release route? Are you a fan of them? What do you think of the rebirth of tapes that’s been happening in the last 5-10 years?

t was a self-release. We wanted more to release on vinyl than on cassette, but we had no choice but to release on cassette.We didn’t have enough money to release it on vinyl or CD, and we didn’t have a label to release it.

There’s a boom in cassette releases these days, but I think it’s better to put it on vinyl for me.

++ Then I see a demo tape with “Spring”, “Real Life” and “Girlfriend from Summerfield” dating from 2000. Did you make any other demo tapes? Or was this the only one?

This is what we were giving out to some friends. I sent this to uwe on Firestation Records and then had the song ‘Spring’ put into their compilation ‘I Tried A Thousand Times, A Thousand Times To Change Your Mind’.

++ The one release I have by you is the 7″ Firestation Records released in 2001. I am curious about how this relationship started, you being in Japan and the label in Germany?

Shortly after the compilation, it was released on Firestation Tower Records. It was a very incredibly happy event for us.

++ Were there interest from any other international labels to release your records? What about within Japan?

It was included in some cassettes with Japanese fanzine, but I don’t think other labels were interested in releasing our songs.

++ The 7″ has a nice photo on the sleeve and was wondering if it is you on it?

That is our member. I had my college friend take a picture with me. There was a video (The Bird from Northern Britain) he made at that time, and it wasn’t released until now, but I uploaded it so please watch it.

++ And what about the split cassette with Proguru? Who was this band? I’ve never heard them! When was it released? Do you remember? It seems it was only limited to 110 copies and of course I wonder who released it and why such a limited release?!

It’s a project that Katsumi was doing, who also participated in my coffee moment in the early days. He loves indie pop and was a benefactor who taught us a lot of great bands.

Perhaps the split cassette was released 1999.Around 1998 to 2000,we released some compilation cassette with his other projects “QUADRATEENY” and “PROGURU” and other friends’ “MEGNOW”  and “Orange Bike” with us.I think these were distributed at our DJ party.

++ Aside from these releases you did appear on a few compilations. Mostly on Firestation Records and then on a few Japanese ones. There’s one CDR compilation that I believe was put together for The Lucksmiths Japan Tour in 2001. Clover Records put this out. Did you play a gig with the Australian band? There are 19 bands on the compilation, so I am not sure if all were part of the tour, or how did this work out?

We’d done a couple of Clover Records events, and we played with The Lucksmiths in Tokyo. I don’t remember the CDR well, but I think it contains the bands that appeared on their tour.

++ The other compilation that caught my eye was the “Beady Compilation Vol. 2”. This one has a few obscure bands I’ve never heard before like The Cartoon Characters, Patorush, Maybelle or Start Up Bus. I should look for them. But wondering if you’d recommend me some obscure Japanese bands as well?

Beady was a good indie pop fanzine.”Beady Compilation Vol.2” includes 9 bands. Bobbie’s Rocking’ Chair, Trans Alphabet, Chain Letter are good Japanese indie pop band you know. Especially,I remember being very excited when I heard Trans Alphabet songs on their  self release cassette. Patorush and Maybelle released some cassettes,and Patorush released a CD from Minty Fresh Japan in 2000.

I still have the cassettes I bought in the late 90’s, so I’ll show you some of those bands.

Harmony Hatch, Risette, Ping Pong Dash! were the band we played on our first or second gig.We played with them some times.

Cyclon 86 was C-86 sounds band as the name suggests. I have two cassettes of them. Bass player of Cyclon 86 is now playing as the member of Bertoia. Bertoia is very good shogazer style band that is still active.

I have cassettes of other bands, but many of them are obscure bands that only released cassettes, so it may be difficult for you to get them. I’ll send you a photo of the cassette for you.

++ Are there still many unreleased songs by My Coffee Moment?

There were a few unreleased songs that were being recorded at the time, but two were provided for the Firestation Records compilation ‘Still Mad At Me?’ released in 2000. There are a few more songs that I couldn’t mix properly in the middle of recording and ended the band activity, but I don’t know if the day will come when they will be released.

++ I think my favourite song of yours might as well be “Remember”, wondering if you could tell me what inspired this song? What’s the story behind it?

I think it was a time when I was influenced by Close Lobsters, The Desert Wolves, The Man from Delmonte, and so on. Of course I still love their songs

++ If you were to choose your favorite My Coffee Moment song, which one would that be and why?

For early year songs, I like ‘Seventy Seconds Tea Time’. We were happy that our song became a vinyl record for the first time.And ’Remember’ (released from Firestation Tower Records) is the best. I also like ‘Living’. The song couldn’t be released while we were active, but I’m glad to have it included in the Firestation compilation ‘Still Mad At Me?’

++ What about gigs? Did you play many?

We did lots of gigs. The most of our gigs were at Shinjuku JAM which was one of famous venue for japanese indie bands.We played there once or twice a month.

Most of our gigs were with Japanese bands, but we also played against some overseas bands such as The Lucksmiths and The Salteens etc. The Salteens was also included in the Firestation tower records compilation ‘I Tried A Thousand Times, A Thousand Times To Change Your Mind’ with us.

++ And what were the best gigs you remember? Any anecdotes you can share?

Poundsign and The Aislers Set Japan Tour held by Beikoku Ongaku (I remember the gig was with Japanese The Capuale Giants). Mike (Owner of Slumberland Records) stayed in my apartment, and he came to our bands’ gig with them. That’s so excited to us.

++ And were there any bad ones?

I think there were a lot of bad gigs. We were not so good at playing, especially the first gig I have some videos of our gig. It’s scary to watch for us.

++ When and why did My Coffee Moment stop making music? Were you involved in any other bands afterwards?

I don’t remember the reason why I quit, but I think it was disbanded when I graduated from college. After that, I started making demo somgs by myself and became an activity of ‘Sloppy Joe’. I’m still interacting with them. 

++ What about the rest of the band, had they been in other bands afterwards?

Takeyoshi was the drummer of ‘Sloppy Joe’ early year, and he played drums several times with ‘Poussin’ and ‘Boys and Girls Together’. Riichiro on the guitar is also the current Sloppy Joe guitar. He also participates in a band called Cleandistortion. At the end of the band, Osamu (The Caraway/Swinging Popsicle)  was temporarily playing drums in our band.

++ Has there been any My Coffee Moment reunions?

Probably there is no reunion. It’s been so long that I don’t think I can play the songs of the time, and each one has a different environment.

++ Was there any interest from radio?

As far as I know, a local radio show in Fukushima played our song only once.

++ What about the press? Did they give you any attention?

The press did not show any particular interest in us. Because we weren’t famous.

++ What about from fanzines?

We were interviewed by a few indie pop fanzines.“Beady”, ”Calino” and more. And our songs was included their compilation cassettes. Those interviews were also valuable to us.

++ Looking back in retrospective, what would you say was the biggest highlight for the band?

After all, it was the best for us to released our 7inch single from Firestation Tower Records. I’m really grateful to Uwe.

++ Aside from music, what other hobbies do you have?

My hobbies these days are running and taking pictures. I always run with my camera. DIY work is another hobby of mine. I make 7 inch record cases for LITEN BUTIKEN(the general shop and cafe).

++ Anything else you’d like to add?

I’d like to release some new songs of sloppy joe, ivory past and others.

I hope I can let you know something soon.

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Listen
My Coffee Moment – Remember

Thanks so much to Martyn Cooper for this interview! I wrote about the Reading band Henry Does a Runner not too long ago. I was lucky that a week or so ago Martyn got in touch, shared with me the 4 songs of their one and only demo, and I knew I had to do an interview with him and find out more details about his band. So here it is, and I hope you enjoy it. Time to discover this great long lost 80s band!

++ Hi Martyn! Thanks so much for being up for this interview! How are you? Are you still involved with music?

Yes – still playing

++ Let’s go back in time. What are your first music memories? Do you remember what was your first instrument? How did you learn to play it? What sort of music did you listen to at home while growing up?

My mum and dads vinyl collection was very varied – lots of rock’n’roll and country as well as ‘pop’- I was into Bolan and Slade – definitely preferred the grungier rockier tunes to ballads then punk turned up 🙂 and I was hooked.

Started on bass in school band but soon became front man and vocalist and started learning guitar. Self taught which possibly explains limitations.

++ Had you been in other bands before the Henry Does a Runner? If so, how did all of these bands sound? Are there any recordings?

The school band was ‘Dan Druff and The Lotions’ and thankfully no recordings exist. A punk/pop mix

After them I formed The Escapists who had a reasonable following in the Reading area – space Rock – mostly covers [Iggy Pop, B52s, Utopia,. Here&Now, Ramones, Sex Pistols] – real eclectic mix. Still in touch with most of them [Tom Hall, tony Man, Graham Coombe] – some bootleg recording were around but I don’t have copies. One from a gig in a barn near Huntercoombe Young Offender unit and one from ‘Doris’s Party’ – a free festival in Reading which had a great line up including Here&Now, Ozric Tentacles amongst others.

++ What about the other members?

Henry Does A Runner line up was

Brian Glister [drums]

Johnny [Bass] replaced when he left by David White

Jim Holmes [Lead guitar]

Martyn Cooper [Rhythm guitar and vocals]

Songwriting was Brian and Jim

++ Where were you from originally?

The band definitely identified as a Reading band although Brian was out in Maidenhead

++ How was Reading at the time of Henry Does a Runner? Were there any bands that you liked? Were there any good record stores? Or what about the pubs or venues to go check out up and coming bands?

There were some great venues and bands around. As a ‘pop’ band we tended to get a few support gigs to touring ‘up and coming’ groups which meant we played some of the better/larger venues but sadly to very few people. We played the Rock Garden in London apparantly twice but I only remember once 🙂

Best band in Reading at that time was ‘JOJO Namoza

++ How did you all meet? How was the recruiting process?

The guys advertised for a singer/frontman – I turned up and was too gorgeous and talented to turn down …. …. and I had my own PA system

++ How was the creative process for you? Where did you usually practice?

We rehearsed weekly in a warehouse behind the old Gillette building on the Basingstoke Road. Brian Jim would turn up with a new song and we’d work it out together but they came fairly well formed

++ What’s the story behind the band’s name?

I think Brian had been dining out and some posh blokes [Hooray Henrys] ran off from their table without paying [did a runner] – when talking to people the name was often shortened to ‘The Henrys’

++ Who would you say were influences in the sound of the band?

Everyone says ‘Lloyd Cole’ but I think there is a lot of The Smiths in the mix – catchy guitar riffs and poignant clever lyrics.

++ I’ve started asking this lately, as bands played with other bands that remain obscure to most people. Were there any great bands that you played with, that didn’t get the attention they deserved, with that you would recommend checking out?

My memory is hazy. I’ll say again that JOJO NAMOZA were brilliant.

++ I think my favourite song of yours might as well be “Before Your Eyes”, wondering if you could tell me what inspired this song? What’s the story behind it?

Brian best to answer

++ If you were to choose your favorite Henry Does a Runner song, which one would that be and why?

Frozen Frame – rockier number with, as the old folk say, a bit of bollocks!

++ What about gigs? Did you play many?

Seemed to gig a lot ….

++ And what were the best gigs you remember? Any anecdotes you can share?

I remember for a gig at The Rock Garden I literally ran into the venue having just got into London from Heathrow having been in Spain running the bulls in Pamplona. I just remember it being a good gig possibly because I hadn’t had time to get anxious about it beforehand.

++ And were there any bad ones?

Brian and I ‘exchanged words and wrestled’ a bit at a gig in Gun Street in Reading – I’d pissed him off and … well … stuff …

++ When and why did Henry Does a Runner stop making music? Were you involved in any other bands afterwards?

Because we’d worked so hard and were getting no interest from record companies it sadly just disintegrated. A shame as the songwriting of Brian and Jim was incredibly good

++ What about the rest of the band, had they been in other bands afterwards?

Dunno

++ Has there been any Henry Does a Runner reunions?

Not yet but I’m in touch with Jim, Jonny and Dave via social media. Lost touch with Brian sadly.

++ Was there any interest from radio? TV?

Not enough

++ What about the press? Did they give you any attention?

We got some local press attention but not a lot.

++ What about from fanzines?

Not to my knowledge

++ Looking back in retrospective, what would you say was the biggest highlight for the band?

++ Aside from music, what other hobbies do you have?

Back then I played rugby – now playing music continues to be my major ‘hobby’

++ Never been to Reading, so tell me a bit about your town. If I was to visit, what would you suggest me to do, what are the sights one shouldn’t miss, the food I should try  and the drinks one should drink?!

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Listen
Henry Does a Runner – Before Your Eyes

Thanks so much to John Furniss for the interview! I discovered the Sheffield band Mr. Morality late last year and wrote about them. They were an 80s band that toured with Pulp and had recorded many fantastic songs. Sadly none of their songs got properly released. Just a few years ago their song “Treehouse” ended up on a boxset released by Cherry Red featuring Sheffield bands. That was their first appearance on a release. But they had recorded many songs as I mentioned, which you can listen on Soundcloud. And also they have a Facebook updated often with lots of memorabilia.

++ Hi John! Thanks so much for being up for this interview! How are you? Are you still involved with music?

Yes, me and Dave Oldale (the guitarist) are in an indie cover version band, called Consider This. We play covers of indie songs by bands such as REM, The Cure, The Clash, Psychedelic Furs, Morrisey, Echo and the Bunnymen. We’re named after a line in Losing my Religion by REM.

++ Let’s go back in time. What are your first music memories? Do you remember what was your first instrument? How did you learn to play it? What sort of music did you listen to at home while growing up?

My sister is 3 years older than me and so I could hear the music she played. Most of it was rubbish so when punk came along it grabbed my attention.

First serious instrument was bass guitar, although I did have piano lessons at an early age.

For the bass I listened to songs and tried to pick out the bass line, or I watched friends who also played bass. There was no Youtube back in 1981.

Before the age of 14 it was music from the radio, or my sister’s bedroom.

In 1978 I bought my first single – 5 Minutes by The Stranglers. My favourite band was The Jam, with All Mod Cons being my favourite album.

++ Had you been in other bands aside from Mr. Morality?

Myself, Dave and a couple of school friends rented a practice room but soon realised that we had no idea how to play or write songs. We didn’t even have a singer or a drummer. Dave and I were approached by Steve to be in a band with him.

++ How did all this bands sound?

Awful. We were learning our instruments.

++ Are there any recordings?

++ Where were you from originally? And how come you ended up in Sheffield?

We were born and brought up in Sheffield and still live either in or very close to this wonderful city.

++ How was Sheffield at the time of Mr. Morality? Were there any bands that you liked? Were there any good record stores? Or what about the pubs or venues to go check out up and coming bands?

It was an exciting place to be. We were about 21 years old, and we felt invincible. We wanted to be rock stars and Sheffield had some successful bands in the early ‘80s so we wanted to be part of that success, although musically nothing like those bands (Human League, ABC, Heaven 17).

Pulp had been around for a while with many other bands being formed and disbanded within days, forming for just one a gig. It was a fun thing to do. Artery were the band tipped to be the next big thing. They were exciting to see live.

Sheffield had a Virgin outlet, where we could go and listen to LPs through headphones. Record Collector is the longest running independent outlet.

The Hallamshire was the main small venue for seeing new bands. Other venues were used but The Limit, The Leadmill, The Octagon and The City Hall were the bigger venues for touring bands.

++ How did you all meet? How was the recruiting process?

At secondary school. I met Steve on the first day in September 1975. We were in the same class. We met Dave on the first day of Sixth Form in September 1980. In 6^th form you were either a punk or a rocker. We were in the room where the punks gathered between lessons.

In late 1984 me, Steve and Dave produced a demo tape with around 20 songs on. They were recorded on a 4 track in my bedroom, using a drum machine. Martin was known by Steve, so we gave him a copy of the demo tape to listen to. He liked it and wanted to be in the band. We moved into our own practice room either in December 1984 or January 1985.

++ How was the creative process for you? Where did you usually practice?

Initially Steve wrote all the songs, but Dave and I helped to refine them and make them work. Latterly the songs came about by jamming and picking up on parts that sounded ok. Steve always wrote the lyrics.

We had a practice room on Garden Street, close to the centre of Sheffield, which we shared with a few bands on a rota basis. Pulp were one of the bands to use the room.

++ What’s the story behind the band’s name?

It’s taken straight from the title of a Pulp song. Steve suggested it and we liked it.

++ Who would you say were influences in the sound of the band?

XTC, Talking Heads, The Buzzcocks, The Jam, The Damned, Stiff Little Fingers, The Smiths, Echo and the Bunnymen.

++ There are so many unreleased songs by the band, have you ever considered putting together a compilation album of all these songs?

For my 50^th birthday my wife organised an LP for me, so there is actually 1 piece of Mr Morality vinyl in existence. She had to tell me about it, as she wanted me to pick the track listing.

++ One thing I did notice from all your songs I could listen is that the sound of the band evolved a bit. Early on you sound like very jangly and poppy and in later recordings you are a bit rockier, was that the natural evolution of the band? Or why do you think this change in direction happened?

It was a natural progression. Our song writing was getting better, and the songs were more involved. The main reason though was that Martin left at the end of 1987 and we replaced him with Dean, who had previously played trumpet at our gigs and on the recordings. Dean was more of a rock drummer then Martin, so our sound did change.

++ I think my favourite song of yours might as well be “A Less than Perfect Thing”, wondering if you could tell me what inspired this song?

It’s a love song about someone that didn’t feel confident in their life. Based on no-one in particular but maybe a number of people that Steve had gone out with.

++ If you were to choose your favorite Mr. Morality song, which one would that be and why?

I have many. If I had to pick one, and I did for the compilation, it would be The king of nowhere. Cherry Red Records wanted Valium Days for the compilation, I didn’t so we came to a compromise with Treehouse. A lot of the older songs are easier to play on the guitar.

++ Something that surprised me is that your Facebook page is well maintained with lots of memorabilia of the band. Who runs it? Is it yourself?

Yes, it’s me. Probably inspired by my midlife crisis but I thought it was about time that the story of Mr Morality was told. I’m currently working my way through the 35^th anniversary of each gig. For most gigs I drove the van, so hadn’t had a drink, and after each gig I wrote down the set list and a few particulars from the gig. It’s amazing what comes back to me when I read a few words of what happened that day 35 years ago.

++ Do you think social media, or even the internet, would have make a difference for Mr. Morality if all of these existed back in the day?

I’m sure it would, and I would probably have a better idea of how to get the message across. I have no real idea what I’m doing or how to promote the page. I rely on my Facebook friends sharing the post.

++ What about gigs? Did you play many?

We played 45 gigs, all are mentioned on our Facebook page, which I’m currently just over half way through the 35 year anniversary review.

++ And what were the best gigs you remember? Any anecdotes you can share?

Plenty, but playing at The Limit, The Leadmill and The Nelson Mandela Building in Sheffield and Rock City in Nottingham were great venues to play.

All memories will be on our Facebook page.

++ And were there any bad ones?

Not that many, again my memories will be shared on our Facebook page. I think the most disappointing thing was playing to large crowds in Sheffield then going out of town and playing to hardly anyone.

++ When and why did Mr. Morality stop making music? Were you involved in any other bands afterwards?

I think we were frustrated with the lack of recognition and the inability of being able to get quality gigs out of Sheffield. One reason could well have been that we didn’t have any vinyl for the venues to play in advance of a gig, or any other merchandise to sell. Sheffield in the mid to late ‘80s was not the trendy place to be from so the music press and the A&R people were focusing their resources elsewhere.

I was involved in one project with Mr Morality’s keyboard player (Dave Hinckler) and percussionist (Steve Naylor). I do have a copy of the song. It’s not my favourite song but it was great fun to create.

++ What about the rest of the band, had they been in other bands afterwards?

Steve has been most prolific. He’s been in a number of bands and produced a couple of solo albums.

The keyboard player, Dave Hinckler, was involved with Sheffield band Artery for a while, when they reformed. His brother Simon was an original member.

++ Has there been any Mr. Morality reunions?

I see Dave Oldale very regularly (we’re in a band together, playing cover versions of mainly indie type music). I see Steve a couple of times a year and I’ve seen Martin and Dave H a few times in 35 years. Only once have the four original members been back together, which was in a cafe over a coffee. I haven’t seen Dean or Steve N since 1988.

++ Was there any interest from radio? TV?

Only on local radio, when we sent them a new tape. We were on both of Sheffield’s local radio stations. We were also on Manchester Piccadilly radio – my wife went to University with the presenter and asked him to play us.

++ TV?

No, but there are a couple of videos out there. I have a copy of one of them (it’s also on Youtube), the other I’ve never seen.

++ What about the press? Did they give you any attention?

There was some attention, especially from the local press but not enough National press that we could use to get gigs outside of Sheffield. The press clippings are on our Facebook page.

++ What about from fanzines?

Nothing, as far as I’m aware.

++ Looking back in retrospective, what would you say was the biggest highlight for the band?

The creation of the songs, which I think stand the test of time. It’s a pity that only a small number of our songs were recorded. I wish we could have afforded to go in the studio more often. The memories are special, as are the enduring friendships. We shared a moment.

++ Aside from music, what other hobbies do you have?

I play and watch football and am a keen astronomer.

++ Never been to Sheffield, so would still like to hear from a local for some recommendations! What are the sights one shouldn’t miss? Or the traditional food or drinks that you love that I should try?

Sheffield is the 4^th/5^th largest city in England, but it is really a big village where everyone knows someone who knows someone famous. The city is built on 7 hills, but only 5 rivers, and we have lots of trees. We’re on the doorstep of the Peak District National Park so Sheffield is used as a stopping off point for people who enjoy walking, climbing, cycling and anything else that involves adventure outdoors.

We have a massive real ale/micro-brewery scene and some wonderful old industrial buildings that have been renovated and converted into food and drink venues.

We have our own condiment (a sauce you put on your food). It’s called Henderson’s Relish, but is known locally as ‘Endos. It’s ideal on fish and chips, or on pies mash and peas.

Tramlines Festival, held at the end of July, has in just over 10 years grown from a free inner-city festival to a mid-range size three-day festival attracting 1000’s of paying customers. The main venue has moved to a large park out of town but on the same weekend the city centre still has a three-day free festival with music on in most pubs and clubs.

At other times of the year there are always bands playing in pubs. The Leadmill is still the best venue for seeing smaller established bands whilst the larger bands play at either the City Hall or Sheffield Arena.

++ Anything else you’d like to add?

Just to say thankyou for your interest. Knowing that the music we made 35 years ago is still being found and enjoyed is a good feeling.

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Listen
Mr. Morality – A Less than Perfect Thing

++ Hi Davy! Thanks so much for being up for this interview! How are you?

Hi – we are all well thanks, it been a tough year but luckily here in Scotland vaccinations are going well and we are starting to see life (very) slowly return to normal.

++ Let’s go back in time. What are your first music memories? Do you remember what was your first instrument? How did you learn to play it? What sort of music did you listen to at home while growing up?

My personal first memory of music is being forced to sing by my parents at house parties, it used to be common that people were expected to ‘do a turn’ at parties back then. My parents listened to a lot of music like the Carpenters & the New Seekers and my mum liked country – Tammy Wynette, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton etc I still like country music today. However I was a punk at school, learned 3 chords on a guitar from the sleeve notes on a Damned Album and we had various bands putting on gigs in each others garages etc for our friends. It was a fun time.

++ Had you been in other bands aside from The Muldoons? If so, how did all of these bands sound? Are there any recordings?

I was in other bands but fortunately no recordings survive ! The Muldoons was our college band formed around 1990 and we stuck with it for about 7 years first time round.

++ And what’s the connection with The Church Grims?

Greg our trumpet/keys player was in the Church Grims, they were part of a great music scene in Paisley in the 80s along with bands like Close Lobsters. When the Grims decided to call it a day around 1990, the Muldoons had just started. Fortunately he is the cousin of Andy our drummer so it didn’t take much persuasion to get him to join.

++ Where are you from originally?

We are all from Paisley. I was born there but I grew up a few miles away, then came back to study engineering at the University which is how we met. Although I have been lucky to live and work in places like Germany and the USA I still consider myself to be from Glasgow/Paisley.

++ How is Paisley these days? Are there any bands that you like? Are there any good record stores? Or what about the pubs or venues to go check out up and coming bands?

Paisley for those who don’t know it is an interesting place with its own rich history but it probably suffers from being extremely close to Glasgow. It has gone through some tough economic times in the last few years so it can appear a little shabby. It made a name for itself musically in the 70s because Glasgow banned punk bands and it was close enough that all the bands played at the Bungalow in Paisley instead. The Clash, The Fall, The Tourists, Echo & the Bunnymen, Orange Juice, Siouixsie, Elvis Costello, Buzzcocks and many more played there. Its part of the wider Glasgow scene now which was in good shape before covid – the live music scene was pretty vibrant before lockdown and the hope is that the venues can open up again and find ways to thrive again.

++ How did you all meet? How was the recruiting process?

That was pretty simple. Gerry the singer and main songwriter was always inspired by the 80s indie bands he listened to in his bedroom. He formed a relationship with a guy called Tim Campbell who was on the same engineering course. They wrote a couple of songs and managed to get on the bill at a local pub/venue. They found Andy the drummer through friends and they played without a bass player – they were so good I went out and got a bass next day and showed up and told them I wanted to join. We went through a few lineup changes before we got the the current one which added Bobby on guitar and Greg on Trumpet.

++ How is the creative process for you? Where did you usually practice?

Most songs are collaborative – we usually start with a simple riff, chords or baseline and if it sparks a melody idea in Gerrys mind we build it up from there. We are lucky to have a friend/producer/engineer called Gavin who runs a small rehearsal and recording studio on his dads farm north of Glasgow. We usually practice and record there and its thanks to Gavin we have such a rich, layered sound. Also there is no-one to disturb except a few cows.

++ One thing that I really enjoy from your songs is that you add trumpets. That’s always something that wins me over. When you formed the band, did you always wanted to have trumpets? Are there other indiepop bands with trumpets that you like?

In the first couple of lineups we had no trumpet – Greg was still with Church Grims and there aren’t usually that many trumpet players hanging around the streets of Paisley. However if we think to our early influences – bands like the Brilliant Corners, Bodines, June Brides – trumpet was a cornerstone of a lot of those indie/C86 bands sound. When Greg finally joined it felt like we had been waiting for him, it was an instant fit.

++ What’s the story behind the band’s name?

Its just a corruption of the way we talk to each other in Glasgow – often we take someones name and shorten it for a nickname.I think it was Tim the original guitar player who called Gerry ‘Muldo’ in the pub when we were trying to discuss names and someone said ‘hey what about the Muldos ?’ – or something like that. It was a long time ago and a lot of beer was involved !

++ Who would you say are influences in the sound of the band?

We could have a loooong discussion about that. Its clear our melodies lead our sound and Gerry is influenced by Lawrence, Orange Juice, Smiths, Velvet Underground, Bodines, June Brides etc You can hear those influences clearly. Collectively we have a big overlap but we all have our own different tastes. Somehow it all ends up sounding the way it does – these things are more sub-conscious I think, we never set out to write a song ’the sounds like….’

++ Are there unreleased songs by The Muldoons?

Yes we have recently finished recording a new single, our first song written this century ! It is scheduled for release later this year, hopefully to support a return to gigging. We think its the best thing we’ve done but maybe that just because its the first genuinely new thing we have done. Its called Audacity.

++ And are there plans for the near future for more releases? I hear there is some project with a link to The Bluebells?

This week we just released a cover of Cath by the Bluebells for a compilation album called ’Step Sisters’, an album of covers to celebrate the re-pressing of the original Sisters album. The album will be released later in the year by LNFG, but our single is the first release. This has been pretty life affirming for us – the Bluebells themselves have supported the release since they heard our version and privately have been unbelievably supportive. They liked our version so much they offered us an updated version of their original artwork to use. This is a personal achievement for all of us and we are overwhelmed by this kind of acknowledgement from a truly incredible Scottish band. As a footnote there is an outstanding female vocal on that track which was composed and performed by Gerry’s daughter, Niamh. She is studying drama and is clearly very talented, that’s a classic pop song and yet her vocal sounds like it should always have been part of it.

++ I think my favourite song of yours might as well be “Made For Each Other”, wondering if you could tell me what inspired this song? What’s the story behind it?

Thanks – most of these songs are stories based very loosely on people, stories and events from our misspent youth. They are based on real things but are hugely exaggerated and distorted with a great degree of artistic license. Gerry writes these things, we have an idea, but the ’truth’ is probably less interesting than the song. Also Gerry won’t really tell us so we are using a lot of guesswork.

++ If you were to choose your favorite The Muldoons song, which one would that be and why?

I would probably say Don’t Be Like That Girl – it is the point in a gig when we can just cut loose and not have to worry about anything. It is a bit of a mash-mash of styles stolen from Wedding Present, New Order, Velvet Underground and everything in between, but it hangs together amazingly well live – you always need a song to go to in case the gig hasn’t fired and thats ours.

++ What about gigs? Have you played many?

Well not recently sadly, but we have had some amazing experiences. In the 90s we traveled a lot and played some unbelievable gigs, though we used to think it was a good night if we got expenses and a free bar. This time round we have mostly played in the Glasgow area. But since the LNFG launch we have had a much higher profile so we are hopeful we can travel further after lockdown. We have started selling our first tickets for a gig in July which is looking increasingly likely to happen.

++ And what are the best gigs you remember? Any anecdotes you can share?

In our first spell we were younger, dafter and drank more booze ! We had brilliant chaotic gigs and some just chaotic gigs, they were happy days. We played a gig with Clem Burke’s band a couple of years ago and it was hilarious. It was amazing enough to be asked to come and support Blondies drummer, but we sat in the dressing room with this collection of Californian TV execs and musicians and they told us incredible stories about the LA music scene and drank beer. Later in the evening we were having a post gig drink and Clem told Andy our drummer how much he liked his jacket. Andy being a bit drunk took it off and made him try it on. In the end Clem left wearing it. We now imagine Clem showing up at showbiz parties in Santa Monica wearing Andys jacket…

++ And had there been any bad ones?

Yeah a few. One in particular in the 90s when the engineer didn’t show up with the PA and we were resigned to cancelling. We were really annoyed since the venue was packed and it was a beautiful summers night. He showed up almost 2 hours late, probably stoned, and tried to set up quickly – it was a shambles of feedback and noise. We emptied the venue in about 3 songs and one customer was so annoyed he charged the stage and had to be restrained. Seems funny now but it is possible to wreck peoples night out if things go badly !

++ Looking back in retrospective, what would you say has been the biggest highlight for the band so far?

Without doubt releasing our album, I don’t think anything will ever feel better than walking into a record store and finding your album on sale for the first time or seeing people tweet photos of their copies. It’s such a buzz.

++ Aside from music, what other hobbies do you have?

Well I have 2 great kids and a job in the tech industry, so my hobbies are few outside the band but I used to live near the Alps so I am a very enthusiastic snowboarder and I love to cycle.

++ I’ve been to Glasgow, but never to Paisley, so I will take advantage to ask a local for some recommendations! What are the sights one shouldn’t miss? Or the traditional food or drinks that you love that I should try?

Paisley has some great old pubs, we would recommend the Bull Inn. If you like architecture it has some incredible old mills (it is the home of the Paisley Pattern) and a 12th century Abbey. Its a cool place. To eat we recommend fish n chips from Castelvecchi which is run by the parents of Paulo Nutini !

++ Anything else you’d like to add?

Thanks – great questions, that was fun.

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Listen
The Muldoons – Made For Each Other

Thanks so much to Floyd Foreman for the interview! I wrote about Triple Blind some time ago on the blog, and one of the band members, Iain, got in touch with me. Then he passed my questions to Floyd, the guitarist and vocalist of the band, and he was up for answering all my questions! This is indeed great as there is very little information on the web about them. So sit back and discover this great High Wycombe obscure indiepop band!

++ Hi Floyd! Thanks so much for being up for this interview! How are you? Are you still involved with music?

Hi Roque, it’s a pleasure to answer your questions, thanks for your interest. I’m doing ok thanks, it’s been a really strange year for everyone you know, live music’s completely stopped! I’m still very much involved in music and play in a reggae/ska band called Dubious Roots. We’re now in our 5th year, but lost a year last year, it’s been horrible. Before the UK went into lockdown I was doing some stuff with another indie band from back in the day, playing guitar and bass when needed and driving the tour van. Rolling back the years!

++ Let’s go back in time. What are your first music memories? Do you remember what was your first instrument? How did you learn to play it? What sort of music did you listen to at home while growing up?

First music memories are listening to my mum and dad’s records on an old portable record player in my bedroom. I was really young, 5 or 6 years old. To be honest the records were pretty shit, but there was some Beatles, Stones and Buddy Holly in there, a few treasures.
My first instrument was a guitar, a little ¾ size nylon stringed thing which I still have. The tuning pegs have snapped and it’s unplayable but I can’t bring myself to chuck it away. My dad taught me the chords D G & A and I was off. I got a Beatles Music book and taught myself to play along with their records.
I didn’t really like my parents records when I was younger, except for the bands I’ve mentioned, so I listened to my own stuff from quite young….. The Ramones, The Clash, early U2, Queen, Bob Marley, The Cure…. And some uncool stuff you don’t need to know about, ha ha.

++ Had you been in other bands aside from Triple Blind? If so, how did all of these bands sound? Are there any recordings?

I think Triple Blind was my second band, the first was a school based one called Dream Of A Tree. I don’t think there are any recordings thank god, but it’s through that band that I got in with Triple Blind. I joined another band while I was playing with Triple Blind called Blossom. I play the saxophone and couldn’t fit it in with the Blind so got my kicks elsewhere. Blossom were a great band, I loved it, heavily influenced by Cardiacs and The Stupids. There is some live stuff on Youtube and I was around in the earlier recordings.

++ Where were you from originally?

High Wycombe born and bred, my parents made the short move from London just before I was born.

++ How was High Wycombe at the time of Triple Blind? Were there any bands that you liked? Were there any good record stores? Or what about the pubs or venues to go check out up and coming bands?

Wycombe was a fairly typical suburban town, just 25 miles from London so lots of commuters. It was very diverse culturally which was to Wycombe’s benefit, a melting pot of different races and religions. It had its rough areas and social issues at times, but it’s surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Just before Triple Blind formed and largely throughout the time we were together, Wycombe had an extra-ordinary live music scene. There were several bands locally who were an inspiration to us, the punk attitude of “anyone can do this” carried on for several years. I used to watch local bands every week and had seen loads of gigs before going to see the bigger more established bands in London. Particular favourites were Thee Hypnotics, Egon & the Worms, Sub Sound Thrash and Chainsaw Enema.
The best record shop was an independent store called Scorpion Records, run by Geoff and Steg, then joined by Cheryl. Scorpion had the biggest influence on me musically, I’m sure it did for others. It was a treasure trove of second hand and later on new independent records. They always championed the local bands, would sell your demo tapes if you asked them. Venue wise we had Pontons which became Heroes & Zeroes, The Nags Head which has a history of famous bands from the 60’s onwards, then later on the White Horse became the place to play. There were other pubs but these three were the main ones for music.

++ How did you all meet? How was the recruiting process?

We met at local gigs, Iain & I met at Wycombe College when we were 16/17 years old, he had started playing bass in Triple Blind and asked if I wanted to join as a saxophone player. I did a few gigs with them but the set was mostly cover versions, pub rock type stuff so I left. A couple of other people left soon after and just Neil (drums), Iain (bass) and Birdie (guitar) were left. They wanted a singer and to change the direction of the band by writing original songs. They invited me to try out for them, I think we had one rehearsal where were wrote 3 songs, then my “trial” which was a gig at Heroes & Zeroes. After the gig the three of them asked me to join and that’s how it was for the next 5 or so years.

++ How was the creative process for you? Where did you usually practice?

I used to write the lyrics, the music I usually based around a riff that Birdie came up with. Then we’d all structure the song in rehearsal. We rehearsed in a few places, the back room of pubs, I think we rehearsed in a church hall for a while, then found a proper space at an industrial unit in Wycombe. It was by the Wycombe Wanderers football ground, so we would rehearse on Saturday mornings and go to the football match in the afternoon.

++ What’s the story behind the band’s name?

I wish I could come up with an interesting & elaborate story about this, but the band name was in place before I joined. Iain once told me that he went in to a book shop in Wycombe (WH Smiths), randomly picked up a book, opened it at a random page and the title Triple Blind jumped out at him. I think it was a book about aeroplanes ….. pretty deep stuff.

++ Who would you say were influences in the sound of the band?

There were a couple of bands who we all liked and we each had our own favourites too. The bands who influenced us the most initially were The Cure, The Cult and The Alarm…. Then the Stone Roses happened! I remember driving back home together after recording our first demo tape, we were buzzing having just listened to it in the car. When the demo ended we turned the radio on and “She Bangs The Drums” came on…. We looked at each other and went “Ohhhh Fuck!”

++ As far as I know you didn’t release any records, is that right? How come? Was there any interest from labels at the time?

You’re right Roque, we didn’t release any records, I don’t think we were ever in the right place at the right time. We used to send our demos to record labels and were often told that an A&R person would be there, but none of them ever were. To be honest I don’t think we were good enough to be signed by a major label and the indie labels weren’t interested either. I do think that on our day, if the right person had been at one of our “good” gigs, it would have happened. Because when we were on it, we were on FIRE! We were always more of a live band than a studio band.

++ But you did make some demo tapes, right? I know at least of three songs, “Stoke”, “Bus Shelter Boy” and “Take Me Back”. Were they all in the same demo tape? Were there any other recordings by the band?

We made three demo tapes. Waste of Tape in 1989, 3 tracks – One Way Love, Locked Out & Waste of Time. The second demo tape was called Stories in 1991, 5 Tracks – Home, Story, Listen, Seven Day Domination and Spin My World. And third tape in 1993, the one you must have heard, Stoke ep, three tracks – Stoke, Bus Shelter Boy and Take Me Back. We did some other recordings around 1995, before we broke up but they never got put out. No one seems to have a copy of them either, although I just found a blank DAT tape in the loft….. maybe they’re on there!! The lost demos! Wish I had a DAT player!

++ I think my favourite song of yours might as well be “Stoke”, wondering if you could tell me what inspired this song? What’s the story behind it?

Thank you, nice to hear you have a favourite song. It’s just a love song really, and about getting all consumed with love for someone for the first time. Not knowing if this was how being in love felt, whether it was healthy or not. It was based on my experience and also my sister’s, she thought she was in love for the first time and this person lived in Stoke.

++ If you were to choose your favorite Triple Blind song, which one would that be and why?

It’s something that changes, depending on mood, circumstances, memories. “Bus Shelter Boy” I like, especially the ending which we nicked from the Buzzcocks. We had a song called “Dragonfly” that was pretty cool, it was one of the last songs we wrote and we recorded it but it must be on the lost demo tape. A song called “When You Die” was also recorded at the time, that was a cheerful little ditty.

++ What about gigs? Did you play many?

Yes we did, we played many. If anyone ever questions whether we served our apprenticeship as musicians, we certainly did. Many nights sleeping in the back of vans, on people’s floors or pub benches.

++ And what were the best gigs you remember? Any anecdotes you can share?

The gigs we played in the north of England were my favourite. We did a tour supporting Thousand Yard Stare and all those dates were in the north and were great. We had been playing lots of gigs in London, where if you weren’t in the NME or Melody Maker people didn’t bother watching or paying any attention. Too cool for school attitude. When we played up north the crowd went mad for it, they didn’t care who you were, what press you’d been in, if they liked your music they went for it.
Just after the tour I was at a big outdoor gig in Finsbury Park, The Cure were headlining. I was stood around with my mates and saw a couple of girls walking our way wearing Triple Blind T-shirts! I thought I’d hit the big time, my mates would think I was so cool getting recognised. They were good looking girls, I remembered selling them the tee-shirts at a recent gig. So I tried to look cool, put myself in their way and tried to make eye contact….. they glanced at me and walked on by without a hint of interest…. Didn’t have a clue who I was.

++ And were there any bad ones?

Not too many luckily, one in London where only our girlfriends turned up. Some early gigs in Wycombe where fights broke out, people throwing drink glasses at us…. But it was a rite of passage, I guess.

++ When and why did Triple Blind stop making music? Were you involved in any other bands afterwards?

I left the band in 1995, to go traveling round the world and as far as I know they didn’t do any more gigs. I kept writing songs, did a few little projects but wasn’t involved with any bands until 5 years ago when I joined Dubious Roots.

++ What about the rest of the band, had they been in other bands afterwards?

Neil and Birdie joined forces with the remnants of another Wycombe band and formed Subrosa/Subrosa 5. They were good and kicked around for quite a few years. Iain had a spell with Wycombe punk band The Xtraverts when they reformed.

++ Has there been any Triple Blind reunions?

Yes, just one on the back of the release of Small Town Glory LP we got asked to re-join our old friends Thousand Yard Stare and do a gig at the 100 Club in London. That was in June 2016.

++ Was there any interest from radio?

No

++ What about TV? I read you played in an episode of Eastenders. How was that experience? How did it happen?

We made a very brief appearance in November 1992 on Eastenders. The characters Michelle and Sharon went to see a band at Michelle’s uni and we were the band. I think we has about 6 seconds screen time then while our song played in the background of a scene the actors proceeded to slag us off. Twenty two million viewers watched as we got slated, a very public execution. I was told the script was written before we were chosen to appear, but who knows. It was a fun day, in real life the actors liked us and even came to see us at a real gig afterwards…. Only once though.

++ What about the press? Did they give you any attention?

Local press was usually complimentary. They would review our gigs and demo tapes. I don’t think we ever got any national press.

++ What about from fanzines?

Funnily enough Neil and I used to write and produce a fanzine with another Wycombe band, Sub Sound, but it was a football fanzine, for Wycombe Wanderers. As it was written by mostly musicians there was a bit of a music theme in there now and then, but we never used it to promote our bands. I remember there was a Wycombe based music fanzine that did a couple of issues, they said I looked like Morrissey and Howard Jones. It was meant as an insult but I was quite flattered.

++ Looking back in retrospective, what would you say was the biggest highlight for the band?

The dates with Thousand Yard Stare on tour, we played at venues in towns we’d never been to before, the audiences were awesome. TYS were a great band to hang around with, they looked out for us, gave us food and petrol money. I used to sleep on their tour bus in a spare bunk, you’ll have to ask Neil, Ian & Birdie where they slept, I doubt they can remember. We ended up in a police station at the last gig, well Neil and I did….. heady days.

++ Aside from music, what other hobbies do you have?

I like surfing and skateboarding. I’m getting a bit old now and have got myself a Stand Up Paddle Board, much easier to paddle in to the waves on. Also I like making short films, music videos mainly.

++ I’ve never been to High Wycombe, so I will take advantage ask a local for some recommendations! What are the sights one shouldn’t miss? Or the traditional food or drinks that you love that I should try?

I haven’t lived there for many years now and only really go back to watch the odd Wycombe Wanderers match. The town centre has changed a lot, none of the music venues are there anymore. The best thing about Wycombe though was the people, I do miss my old pals. Wycombe has always had good curry restaurants and they are still open. My pick of the bunch are Mr India, Chutney and Bombay Palace.

++ Anything else you’d like to add?

Yes, its been so good looking back on the Triple Blind days, I can honestly say that my time with the band were the best days of my life! PLUS….there could be another reunion gig in the offing at the end of 2021. There’s a 90’s, indie, music festival in the planning, in Wycombe and we have been invited to play. I can’t give out any more details because it hasn’t been announced yet (it has been confirmed though). There are some big old bands from back in the day playing. I’ve reactivated the Triple Blind Facebook page. Check that out for further details. We’re not done yet!

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Listen
Triple Blind – Stoke

Thanks so much to Henrik Edberg for the interview! I wrote about Saliva some time ago on the blog and last week I heard from Henrik and he was up for an interview! And luckily he was also quick replying all my questions! Saliva released just one EP back in the 90s on Dorian Records, the label of the great Roger Gunnarsson. If you haven’t heard them yet, or heard about them yet, this is a nice way to discover this fine 90s Gothenburg band!

++ Hi Henrik! Thanks so much for being up for this interview! How are you? Are you still involved with music?

Hi! Thank you for your interest! I’m fine, thanks. I never thought I’d be interviewed about a band that broke up 25 years ago. I still play guitar almost daily and I have lots of songs, but I’m not involved with any band unfortunately. I am currently working on music for a one man project called Quaadillac. I would describe the music as a cross between Screamadelica-era Primal Scream and 1970’s jazzfunk.

++ Let’s go back in time. What are your first music memories? Do you remember what was your first instrument? How did you learn to play it? What sort of music did you listen to at home while growing up?

My first musical memories are listening to my father’s records in the living room when I was a child. He had quite a record collection. Lots of American and British vinyl singles and LP:s from the Sixties. I particularly remember listening to Del Shannon. I loved his big hit Runaway, but I was even more fond of his songs Hats Off To Larry and Keep Searchin’. A few years later, when I was about seven or eight I got into KISS (this was about 1982). I saw KISS on their first tour without make-up in 1983, when I was nine. That made a huge impact on me. I knew then I wanted to play guitar and be in a band.

My first instrument was a used Hagström Corvette electric guitar from the 60’s, which I got for Christmas or possibly my birthday when I was about 11 or 12 years old. It was almost unplayable. But I took guitar lessons and learned songs by Black Sabbath and AC/DC in a cellar beneath a nearby school. In the early 90’s I took jazz-guitar lessons with Fredrik Berggren and Patrik Landgren who were also in Saliva, which had a great influence on our style and our songwriting.

++ Had you been in other bands aside from Saliva? If so, how did all of these bands sound? Are there any recordings?

Yes, the first ”real” band I was in was called Jelly Roll in the late 80’s. We played 80’s style hard rock, I guess. At least initially. There might be some demo about somewhere, but not in my possession sadly… or perhaps luckily.

++ Where were you from originally?

I’m from Torslanda, a suburb of Gothenburg. All the members of Saliva were from Torslanda, except for our bass players (first Pekka Häkkinen, then later Erik Norinder) who were from other parts of Gothenburg.

++ How was Gothenburg at the time of Saliva? Were there any bands that you liked? Were there any good record stores? Or what about the pubs or venues to go check out up and coming bands?

There were some great record stores in Gothenburg for sure, with lots of import albums and lots of different genres. In that aspect we were really lucky living in Gothenburg. The venues for up and coming bands on the other hand were not that many. Underground, Magasinet and Kåren were the main three venues and quite hard to get to play for local bands. Then there was a place called Valvet that was a bit easier to get to play but very scruffy. It seems to me now that the likelihood of a fight breaking out was constantly imminent at Valvet.

There were some good bands and some bands and artists that made it big. Me and Erik Norinder (bassist) went to school with Henrik Berggren and Håkan Hellström in Broder Daniel. Håkan went on to become Sweden’s biggest and most popular artist. Which feels a bit strange to me and at the same time totally unsurprising. He had quite a unique talent. He is probably the most gifted musician I ever encountered. Believe it or not – this is actually a controversial opinion in Sweden. We’re a horribly jealous people. *laughs*

++ How did you all meet? How was the recruiting process?

The band that was Jelly Roll, but we were probably named something else by then, gradually turned into Saliva. The first version of Saliva had me, Erik Jacobsson (vocals) and Per Strömberg (drums) and added a friend named Fredrik Berggren (guitar) to it. Fredrik brought in his friend from school – Pekka Häkkinen. We still played some sort of rock music, I guess. It was a bit more experimental than the Jelly Roll stuff. We had begun developing a taste for jazz music and Frank Zappa, but also alternative bands like Jane’s Addiction and Mr. Bungle. This was probably around 1992.

++ How was the creative process for you? Where did you usually practice?

I wrote most of the lyrics for the band from early on. In the later days me and singer Patrik Landgren worked on songs separately for the most part, even though Fredrik Berggren and Erik Norinder also brought in song ideas occasionally. But all the songs were very much finished by the group collectively. We rehearsed in Torslanda on what used to be an old airport. We were kicked out of our first rehearsal room by the members of a horrible old bluesrock band who lied to the owners and said that we got drunk there regularly which was totally untrue. The old guys wanted the rehearsal room for themselves. Fortunately Patrik and Fredrik had kind of a small barrack close-by which they had made into a rehearsal space for their previous band. So we moved there.

++ What’s the story behind the band’s name?

I saw some graffiti at a bus stop which said Saliv (which is the Swedish word for Saliva) and I thought it would be a good band name. The idea being that it’s intimate and a bit sexy, but also kind of disgusting! I still think it’s an okay name even though lots of people back then misspelled and mispronounced it as Salvia, which is the Swedish word for the herb sage. In 1998, two years after we split up, I saw a poster of another band called Saliva outside a venue in Memphis, when I was there on vacation. They became quite famous for a little while. They played some kind of Nu Metal… not my thing at all. We’re the Original Saliva.

++ Who would you say were influences in the sound of the band?

We had too many different influences. That was always part of the problem. The jazz influence always stayed in the music but we shifted from rock band to a more poppy sound in 1994, partly because I discovered The Smiths and Morrissey and became obsessed with them. This also coincided with britpop becoming popular in Sweden. Suede was probably our biggest influence out of the britpop bands. We were also listening to a lot of 70’s Bowie and 60’s music like Scott Walker and The Walker Brothers which you can hear in Patrik’s vocal style on the EP.

++ You only released one record, the “Hooligan at Heart” EP in 1996. I was wondering if before that perhaps you had made recordings? demo tapes?

There is the A Chance To Shine-compilation with one song (Tender Castration) which predates the EP and the Rockslaget compilation that has two songs on it. We made a couple of cassette demos that had several songs on them. In Between Smiles was a great song. There was another one called Lovely, Lovely which we later re-wrote for what was to be our last gig… I haven’t listened to those songs in years. Oh, and there’s a song called Making Annie Glad… And Swell and If I Only Knew (What I Know Now)..

++ The “Hooligan at Heart” EP came out on the fine Dorian Records. How did they hear about Saliva? How was the relationship with the label?

Our bassist Erik did his military service in Halmstad with Roger Gunnarsson (who started Dorian Records). Roger was heavily into britpop so I guess he approved of our music taking a poppier turn. Roger was a really enthusiastic guy. I have nothing but fond memories of him. Our EP was the first on Dorian and then we split up so we didn’t have much of a relationship after that. I did run into Roger in 2003 or 2004 when I lived in Stockholm. He was as affable as ever.

++ And speaking of labels, were there any other labels interested in putting your music out?

We sent out several demos to record labels in Sweden, the UK and probably the US too. We got some polite rejection letters and some not so nice rejection letters. So, no, unfortunately not.

++ The EP has a few photos, one on the front and another on the back of the sleeve. I was wondering who is on the photos? Is it one of you? Someone you know?

The man on the cover is Patrik’s father, Guy. If my memory serves me right the photo was taken on his honeymoon in Italy back in the 60’s. There’s another picture of him from the same vacation laying in a sun chair on the back of the sleeve. The photo of the huge boat engine was ”borrowed” from some book about the shipbuilding industry in Gothenburg.

++ How was working at studio Lare? Was it your first time at a professional recording studio?

We recorded several demo sessions at Studio Lane. For me personally as early as the Jelly Roll days in 1989. We were quite used to recording in that studio. I always felt terribly claustrofobic at Studio Lane. It was really small and situated in the cellar below the famous rock club Errols (later Magasinet) in the central part of Gothenburg. The air was stale down there and it smelled of garbage and exhaust fumes from a close by car garage. I was much more scared of being trapped down there and never seeing the light of day again than the actual recording process.

++ The third song on the EP is titled “Polyester Convention, (Des Moines)”.  I just have to ask it even if silly, have you ever visited Des Moines?

No, I haven’t. But there was an actual polyester convention in Des Moines. At least according to a news segment on ZTV (which was kind of the Swedish MTV). I remember that I saw the footage and thought that it would make a good title, since the song is about people I perceived as fake or phony. Where would fake people gather? At a polyester convention, of course. The comma in the title is a misprint by the way. But we had commas in most of our titles so it was an honest mistake.

++ And there was yet another compilation called “Rockslaget 1994” where your two rockiest songs “Twinsoul Lulu” and “Coming Home Being Good”. I noticed that this compilation featured more hard rock bands. Was this a natural evolution for the sound of the band, towards a harder sound?

That was earlier. Hooligan At Heart was recorded in the autumn of 1995 and released in January 1996.

++ Are there still many unreleased songs by Saliva?

There was one additional song that we left off the EP called Silicon Teens. I haven’t heard that one in years either. There was the new version of Lovely, Lovely (only the title was the same as an earlier demo song) and a song called Man in Uniform and possibly a late song called Young Women. But there are probably a few more from earlier on.

++ And how come there were no more releases by the band?

We split up a few months after the release of Hooligan At Heart. First our singer left to pursue his dream of becoming an opera singer, then the drummer left as well. I guess it was down to musical differences. Me, Erik and Fredrik tried to audition new members, but Patrik’s distinctive voice was really hard to replace. We couldn’t find a new singer that fit, we tried a young female singer who really wanted to be in the band but she was so shy that she wouldn’t sing into the microphone. Then we wanted Christer Lundberg, who was later in Universal Poplab to join, but he turned us down after one audition. We auditioned a few drummers as well, but nothing fell into place so we eventually gave up.

++ At some point I noticed that the band lineup changed too, right? What happened? Who left and who came to be part of the band?

Me and Fredrik were in the band the whole time. Our first singer was Erik Jacobsson (who sang for Jelly Roll) and drummer Per Strömberg (who was also in Jelly Roll). Pekka Häkkinen played bass for a brief period. Then Patrik Landgren (vocals) and Erik Norinder (bass) joined, which was kind of when the band got more ambitious. Later on, Tobias Mattsson replaced Per Strömberg on drums.

++ I think my favourite song of yours might as well be “Turn Off the Engine, Dear”, wondering if you could tell me what inspired this song? What’s the story behind it?

It was probably an attempt at writing something that I thought could be played on the radio. The song has a disco feel to it, which was in part inspired by the band Blondie but probably also Girls and Boys by Blur and to some extent Pulp. The lyrics are about someone trying to convince his girlfriend not to commit suicide. But it’s a bit too irony-laden in a 90’s sort of way to be heartfelt, I think.

++ If you were to choose your favorite Saliva song, which one would that be and why?

Probably “Whoever You Are, I’m Your Neighbour”. I think that song captures what we, or at least I, wanted to achieve musically at the time. I remember being really proud of that song listening back to it in the studio monitors.

++ What about gigs? Did you play many?

Not too many. We played Underground and Magasinet which were the two premier indie clubs in Gothenburg at the time and a couple of other venues in the city, as well as a city festival. I don’t think we ever played live outside of Gothenburg, although there were talks of gigs in Halmstad, Malmö and Stockholm that never happened.

++ And what were the best gigs you remember? Any anecdotes you can share?

In 1994 we performed in front of a few thousand people at Liseberg amusement park. We had reached the final in the band competition Rockslaget and performed two songs live on the biggest stage. It was brief, but the closest I got to feel like a real rock star. I don’t think it was our best performance, but it was by far the most memorable as the crowd was so large. Even though we didn’t win the competition it seemed we made an impression on at least parts of the audience as well. 

++ And were there any bad ones?

Early on we had a concert where only two or three people showed up, one of them was my then girlfriend. It was in a café. I do think we did go ahead and played even though we felt humiliated. Frail young male egos being tested. It was probably a good thing.

++ When and why did  Saliva stop making music? Were you involved in any other bands afterwards?

We had one gig early in 1996 after the EP was released. We had a written a couple of songs after the EP but they were only played live once and we didn’t demo them before we broke up.

I was in a band called Housequake (before changing our name to Emission) a few years later. We had three female singers and played music inspired mainly by Phil Spector and the girlgroups of the 1960’s.

++ What about the rest of the band, had they been in other bands afterwards?

Fredrik Berggren was (or is, I’m not sure) in a band called The Elliots. They have released two albums to date – Bullet For Pretty Boy (2007) and Love/Decay (2011). Erik Norinder played with a shoegaze band called Shallow Soundwave (that are featured on the A Chance To Shine compilation) after Saliva split. Nowadays he’s making music on his own as St. Levene.  

++ Has there been any Saliva reunions?

No, not really.

++ Was there any interest from radio? TV?

A couple of our songs were played on national radio (P3) in Sweden in 1996 and we were interviewed by a college radio station that also played our songs.

++ What about the press? Did they give you any attention?

The local newspapers (Göteborgs-Posten and Göteborgs-Tidningen) wrote about us a few times. And we were featured in some fanzines, but we were hardly media darlings.

++ What about from fanzines?

A few fanzines, yes. I used to collect everything that was written about us, but I’ve not been able to find the collection of articles. Or the old demo tapes…

++ Looking back in retrospective, what would you say was the biggest highlight for the band?

Playing at Liseberg and recording and releasing Hooligan At Heart. But it was such a bitter ending soon after releasing the EP when everything broke down so quickly, which left me quite depressed for some time afterwards. What I miss nowadays is not that we never made it big, but rather going to rehearsal several times a week with my friends, making music together, being sort of a gang.   

++ Aside from music, what other hobbies do you have?

Music was always and will always be my number one hobby. Listening to music, reading about music, writing about music, visiting places of interest when it comes to music, going to gigs, going to record stores, buying physical albums, and to some extent playing guitar and writing songs. But I also like reading in general, I like watching football (soccer), I like craft beer, I like Larry David and I’m fascinated by American history, culture and politics.

++ I’ve been once to Gothenburg and I really enjoyed, still I will take advantage ask a local for some recommendations! What are the sights one shouldn’t miss? Or the traditional food or drinks that you love that I should try?

Oh. I’ve lived here for most of my life (except for a few years when I lived in Stockholm), but these are really tough questions. First of all you should visit Gothenburg in spring or summer time. Autumn and winter are a nightmare in all of Sweden, if you ask me. I’m not an outdoorsy type at all but I like strolling around the city when the weather’s nice. Nowadays there are lots of good restaurants and bars in lots of locations. I like the neighbourhood of Mariaplan in Majorna a lot. The craft beer scene in Gothenburg is also good, if you’re into that sort of thing. The best microbrewery in town being O/O Brewing.

++ Anything else you’d like to add?

Yes, our biggest fan was a friend called Björn Boman. He supported us from the beginning. Hung around at rehearsals and saw most of our shows. I’d like to give a shout out to him!

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Listen
Saliva – Turn Off the Engine, Dear

Thanks so much to Patrik, Johan, Carl-Johan and Benno for the interview! I wrote about Drums in Minor on the blog some time ago and it was great news that the band got in touch with me! This of course gave me the big opportunity to do this interview and find out more about this obscure -but superb sounding- Gothenburg band! Enjoy!

++ Hi Patrik, Johan, Carl-Johan and Benno!  Thanks so much for being up for this interview! How are you? How have you been handling this pandemic? Tired of it as everyone I suppose?

Patrik: First of all we would like to thank you for writing about Drum In Minor and we are almost in chock that you found us! We would like to know how you found the song?

This situation that we are in is super boring and it feels like my whole world just stopped. No rehearsals, no touring, no gigs, no concerts, no pub visits and no friends for visit. For me, I have worked on new material for my band “Dun Ringill” so I am occupied.

++ It was really cool to get in touch, really liked what I heard from Drums in Minor. So let’s go back in time. What are your first music memories? Do you remember what was your first instrument? How did you learn to play it? What sort of music did you listen to at home while growing up?

Patrik: Growing up in the 70s listening to Elvis and then Sweet, Slade and Kiss gave me the wish to be able to make music and to maybe make a living out of it.

But the 2 artists that made me choose the bass was Lemmy, Motörhead (Coolest guy ever) and Geezer Butler, Black Sabbath (He showed me Penta scale and how to be swinging as a bass player).

Later Stuart Morrow of New Model Army formed and influenced my bass playing massively.

Benno: My first idols when I was around 13-14 were Sweet, Status Quo, Alice Cooper etc. A lot of glam-rock…and then came Thin Lizzy into my life. My first drum was a snare drum when I was around 13. I hit it hard in our storage room in the stairwell. I locked the door so no one could enter. The neighbors were not happy.

My mother showed an ad in the paper for a drum school at the local music store. I started there but was no fun cause only those who could already play a little got priority in the class. I stopped going there wasn’t fun anymore. I more or less quit drumming at that point.

Then punk music came along…everyone could and should play. My mother got me a drumkit when I was around 17. The music store was far away and my mother and me had to carry the whole kit on the bus home…we had to take two trips.

Carl-Johann: For me it started with learning to play the piano. But after discovering Kiss it was impossible not to play the guitar…because of Ace Frehely in Kiss. Best guitarist in the world ☺ But before Kiss it was as for many kids growing up in the seventies ABBA, Sweet, Slade, Kiss…but also lots of classical music and later hard progressive music King Crimson, Genesis, Yes and so on.

Johan: I come from a sort of ”music family” on my fathers side. My grandfather was a multi instrumentalist in Jazz music and his father was a priest and ”local herbalist” who had a local ”Big band” in Dalarna, Sweden during the end of the 1800’s.

I have some really nice photos from this era up until the 60’s with them playing all kinds of instruments.

Myself, I started with piano and slowly moved towards guitar in my early teens.

I learned the basics of music theory and simple scales very early on.

It all started when got a small cassette recorder from my grandfather. He had just been to Germany to buy new jazz records and new music gear, so he brought this Cassette Recorder with him, along with some tapes he did not like too much, so he showed me how to make my own recordings ”re-using” these cassettes.

Among these tapes were fantastic 60’s pop bands and a strange ”Liberty Label cassette” titled Deutsche Progressive Rock. This was probably where it all started for me. This is early 70’s.

++ Had you been in other bands before Drums in Minor? If so, how did all of these bands sound? Are there any recordings?

Patrik: I played in some bands before but nothing to talk about and I am so happy that there is no recordings from that era. D.I.M was my first major try to make a living out of music (I still don´t make money out of music after 40 years and 12 albums).

Benno: My first band was called Antabuz. We had our rehearsal room in a shelter. This band only excisted for a couple of years with only a few gigs. After that it was a band called Interrail. We had an awesome guitarist. His way of playing made me change my way of drumming into a more heavy and dynamic way.

After Interrail I was in a band called Bellair. We won a rock band competition and got the opportunity to record a demo in a professional studio, Bohus Studio were many famous bands like Status Quo have recorded.

After Bellair there was a band called Curtain Call. We got a lot of credit cause our live performances. Some famous faces in that band with members from both Stonefunkers and Union Carbide. We also made a demo with 13 songs…think I still have it.

There have been many different styles of music over the years. That made it easy for me to play most things in music. Drums In Minor later Simpkins was my last band that I played music with my own material. After that it’s been mostly cover bands at weddings and parties.

Carl-Johan: I played in some bands before D. I. M. Great variety of styles. Lots of progressive music with long songs and strange beats. But the band right before Drums In Minor was a AC/DC cover band called Chain Gang.

++ Where were you from originally?

Patrik: I am from a small village called Larv, with a population of maybe 500 persons, so imagine me walking around there 16 years old looking like Robert Smith, ha ha….

It was then a natural step for me to move to Gothenburg -88, the music scene there was superb at that time.

Benno: Born in Gothenburg 1963

Carl-Johan: I’m from Gothenburg but actually born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia but that is another story ☺

Johan: I was born in Gothenburg

++ How was Gothenburg at the time of Drums in Minor? Were there any bands that you liked? Were there any good record stores? Or what about the pubs or venues to go check out up and coming bands?

Patrik: Yes, Whipped Cream, friends of ours, was a great band and an inspiration. Jörgen Cremonese, gutar and vovals, produced the first album with Simpkins (The name of the band after D.I.M). Blue for two, Cortex, Sonic Walters, Easy, Sator…. Just to name a few of all the good bands from Gothenburg at that time.

The best record store was in my opinion Pet Sounds! Specialised in Alternative music and where you could find albums with bands like Neon Judgement, New Model Army etc.

Another great record store was Skivhugget, where Johan used to work, a bigger and nice environment to find new music at.

Carl-Johan: We were all well around in different constellations in Gothenburg’s music world. And there were some that you looked up to…who had succeeded. But as always when you do something…in the end you get to know most of them and even play with many of them.

Sator, Stonefunkers, Union Carbide and Whipped Cream just to mention a few…those guys had at least a record deal. And think we got to be know and play with some of them.

Three record stores that mattered…where the cool kids bought their records Bengans, Skivhugget and Pet Sounds as I remember.

It was actually hard to get gigs at that time. For unknown bands at least. We often ended up in obscure clubs that may have only existed for a short time. But we got a few gigs at established venues and drew a lot of audiences. So the rumor went well that we were worth checking out.

++ When and how did the band start? How did you all meet? How was the recruiting process?

Johan: I pinned a ”looking for musicians for a new band” at the local Music store in december 1986. I did have synth-band projects earlier during highschool (”Hybrizine”, ”Statement”), but I was interested in trying out more guitar based rock/pop-oriented music, and also to meet new musicians who actually could play. I received a few answers and Patrik (who turned out to be great bass player and a friend of my elder brother) plus a singer/keyboardist named Jerker met up with Benno and me for our first jam in february 1987. I had never rehearsed with a good drummer before this occasion, so I thought straight away this may become something solid to build on.

We auditioned 3 guitarists during the first spring months and made some simple recordings, but it did not sound quite right and Jerker left after a few rehearsals. Patrik, Benno and I took the decision to skip keyboards completely and instead find a good guitarist or guitarist/singer and focus on a 4 piece band with 2 guitars.

I called my childhood friend Carleboo from ”The Chain Gang”, and it turned out their band had just quit.

With Carleboo we started to sound ok straight away. The only problem now was we did not have a good singer, so me and Benno started to share this task, and with Carl-Johan being a great guitarist, I could focus more and more on the vocal part.

Carl-Johan: Speaking for myself I had just quit the AC/DC cover band and didn’t play with anyone. I worked with Johan’s big brother and ask him if he knew what Johan was up to. We know each other from school and I knew Johan was a talented musician. So heard a rumor he was up to something interesting.

So Johan was kind enough to introduce me to Patrik and Benno and another. We jammed together and for me…and I loved it. Think we clicked right away.

++ How was the creative process for you? Where did you usually practice?

Johan: On some few occasions a song was presented with chords and melodies, but usually someone had an idea we started jamming on. The songwriting-process often happened during rehearsals and on many occasions lyrics was not written down. This meant we often had to come up with words just before recording.

Carl-Johan: Was a really nice process when we created music, I think. Often someone had an idea, a riff or a melody loop…so we jammed up something fun from that. Although Johan had many good songs in his head.

In the beginning we rehearsed in a shelter were Benno lived. Was built to protect the residents of that residential area if there was a war and bombs would fall.

It smelled like mould and the air ran out pretty quickly. Then you had to go and crank on a large crank so that some new air could come in. But we could play as loud as we wanted…no one would hear us scream ☺ So if we die soon…it’s because of all the time we spent in that mold infested shelter ☺

++ What’s the story behind the band’s name?

Johan: I don’t remember really. I think we thought it sounded good and one of the musical visions from the beginning was to make it all sound ”organic” at least in contrast to the electronic music I had done before.

I remember also being quite fond of weird names of some 60’s psych bands.

Carl-Johan: To be honest…I don’t know ☺

++ Who would you say were influences in the sound of the band?

Johan: So many! At the time it was The Chameleons, The Sound, Wire, Echo & the Bunnymen, Killing Joke, XTC & Dukes, Psychedelic Furs, House of love, Stranglers and so on.. When I was younger also Krautrock bands like Neu! & Can influenced my musical thinking early on.

Carl-Johan: We are four very different people when you think about it. Therefore, the influences varied very much. That’s probably why it was so much fun, I think. But of course we had common music we liked…we simply liked good music. Didn’t really matter what music it was.

++ One thing I am always impressed by is the amount of quality Swedish indiepop bands through the years. Why do you think your country is always producing so many good bands? And if you were to name a few favourites, who would they be?

Johan: Some Gothenburg favorites were: ViVA!, Twice A Man, Kai Martin & Stick & Camouflage. Also Thirteen Moons from Stockholm and Garbochock from Malmö were great bands. These were not Indiepop bands though.

I do not think there were any(?) when we started. Patrik probably knows..

Carl-Johan: Speaking for myself I’d say the classic answer, the municipal music schools all over our country. But I wasn’t that hard into indiepop myself. But lots of great bands in Gothenburg.

++ As far as I know you only released one 7″ record. It came out on Reazone to Release Records. I had never heard of this label before and was wondering if you could tell me any details about it? And of course, how did you end up signing with them?

Johan: One of my earlier bandmates (Mats Blysing) was into sort of ”MUTE type” – Synth Music. He was signed to Reazone in 1987 when this label started.

Reazone was a Gothenburg based record store with a focus on alternative, electronic and industrial genres of music plus anarchist literature.

In 1987-88 they asked us if we wanted to press any vinyl, since they had good deals with a European vinyl pressing plant.

We thought this could be fun and gave them the pressing cost money for a single and a full length LP.

It turned out Reazone had fallen behind in rents and bills, so our single was not pressed until over 2 years later and the full-length was never released as Reazone went bankrupt in 1990.

Carl-Johan: I think Johan has the best answer for that ☺

++ This 7″ was recorded at RRL Studios. Was this your first time in a professional studio? And how was that experience? How long did it take to record the songs?

Johan: RRL studios started as a collective of musicians from my childhood area

who had equipment like multitrack Reel to Reel Machines, mixing consoles, Tape echoes, mics etc. We started borrowing stuff from each other when we were to make recordings. This was during high school and up until 1987-88.

It turned out Benno also had equipment, so I contacted my old friends and in combination with Benno’s equipment we managed to arrange a pretty good recording situation.

The Single was mixed by the band on Bennos mixing console and the unreleased full length LP was later mixed in Urania. This was a reputable studio in down town Gothenburg where Twice a Man had made recordings and later Easy were to make their studio recording debut. This was actually the first time for me working in a fully equipped studio.

Carl-Johan: For me it was not the first time. Done some recording in professional studios before that. Can’t remember the amount of time we put in on that LP.

++ Tell me about the photo on the cover of the record, I see some grapes and a stone I think? What was it about? And who took the picture?

Carl-Johan: Benno took the picture…just think he thought it was a nice picture. Not sure ☺

++ I read that an album worth of songs were recorded later on but this album never got released. What happened?

Johan: The unreleased album was recorded throughout summer 1988, and as mentioned earlier. Reazone went bankrupt.

Carl-Johan: I guess money issues as usual. Think the record company went broke before the released.

++ How many songs had been recorded for the album? Did the album had a name already?

Johan: We had recorded 12 songs. I believe 10 were to be included on the album.

Carl-Johan: I remember a name but not sure I’m right; Great Scenery?

++ I think my favourite song of yours might as well be “You Would be Sorry”, wondering if you could tell me what inspired this song? What’s the story behind it?

Johan: It was the first pop-style song idea I had. I was into Killing Joke at the time and had just discovered that The Smiths were actually great. This was during my school days around 1984-85. The guitar-picking style was originally meant to sound a bit like Geordies guitars and the vocals in line with Morrissey or Lloyd Cole. Since I was neither a singer at that time nor a good guitarist, I was never able to make any decent presentation of it.

When Patrik, Carleboo and Benno heard it, the whole song was rearranged and realized. The first recording of it is the one on the vinyl single.

We made more recordings of it, with different sound and lyrics, and I think all should be released in one way or another

Carl-Johan: It’s a very catchy tune but don’t know the story behind it. Think Johan can explain better.

++ If you were to choose your favorite Drums in Minor song, which one would that be and why?

Johan: Maybe ”Drowning in the Pool of life”. It was originally a song idea from Patrik in 1988, and I remember us really enjoying the parts where major chords tangle up with the minor scale bass lines.

I remember being into Echo and the Bunnymen at the time. It brings up great memories.

It was also a great moment when it was played on the radio show ”Bommen” in 1989.

Carl-Johan: As for Drums In Minor I’d say “You would be sorry” But then for Simpkins…loads of great songs ☺

++ What about gigs? Did you play many?

Patrik: If we include Simpkins we maybe did about 100  gigs and a small tour in the northern parts of Sweden.

Think we did about a hundred gigs in all. Not sure but we played a lot in times. Some timeas as opening act and sometimes by ourselves. Think there was a tour in north Sweden and lots of gigs in Stockholm.

++ And what were the best gigs you remember? Any anecdotes you can share?

Carl-Johan: In the beginning we got some offers to play “at the door” at some bigger clubs. They would only pay if there were people coming. First time at a club called “Magasinet” we filled the place. They wasn’t so happy having to pay us big that night. That happened a few times until they realized it wasn’t a good deal to do with our band ☺

As many bands we’ve had our share of “Spinal Tap moments” Benno and Johan getting stuck with all our gear  in an old elevator just before a gig. Some strange bookings…we showed up for a TV talent show for example. In the makeup room they were wondering why we were there…cause there was a big article in the paper about us the same day.

But we took every chance to play and it made that you could end up in very strange situations sometimes.

++ And were there any bad ones?

Patrik: The worst must have been in a town called Sundsvall, the promoter had forgotten to promote the gig so 0 people turned up… But we played in front of the Promoter and some staff. Ha ha Crazy memory.

Some gigs were alcohol was involved…they are usually bad…but funny sometimes ☺  We usually manage to do a good performance. But there’s a rumor about a recording from a small town in Sweden where we played…very intoxicated. Johan usually said something between songs. But this time no one understood a word he said ☺

++ When and why did Drums in Minor stop making music?  You mainly changed names to Simpkins, right? Is that what happened?

Johan: The reason was probably we felt we had made lots of strange gigs under that name and the unreleased album felt outdated. I remember us sitting in a tour-van 1989 discussing how to proceed. We wanted to take our music into a more rock-oriented territory and the band name did not really fit into this new concept. Carleboo had a copy of Canterbury Tales and simply put his finger into it; It landed on ”mr Simpkin”…

The name switch happened later while we were in Musicamatic studios Christmas 1990 until the first week of January 1991. We had hired Jörgen Cremonese from Whipped Cream and other Delights as a producer and had some more riff-based rock songs. ”The Miss Thingamagic – Coming Down For Me Sessions” This was the time of the switch towards a new direction.

Thus a new name. The 2” tapes and track-sheets were still marked as ”Drums in Minor” though.

Carl-Johan: True I think it was a way to get a new start. Same band but different name. Not sure it was a smart idea but we thought so at the time.

++ And in general, had all of you been in other bands afterwards? Which bands?

Johan: I started a short lived project together with Jonas Sonesson from Whipped Cream. We recorded some songs. Otherwise I mainly became a producer and studio musician. My wife and I started the band Tapefly in 1999 where also Carleboo joined for some recording sessions.

Carl-Johan: I’ve done some musical projects with friends. Mostly recordings but there has been band constellations and cover bands and all kind of things. But nothing as serious as Simpkins for me. Even some fun stuff with Johan.

++ Has there been any Drums in Minor reunions?

Patrik: We did a reunion as Simpkins a couple of years ago but we realized that we didn´t have the time to do it justice so we left it there.

Carl-Johan: We had a reunion to celebrate 25 years since first Simpkins album. But at that time we couldn’t get it to work cause of different things. But was great fun to play with the guys I say. It was as time had stood still.

++ Was there any interest from radio?

Patrik: There was a great Program called Bommen that played D.I.M and the host really loved us.

Carl-Johan: Yeah we had a big fan in a radio host who always played our songs. Think the name of the show was “Bommen”. We also went on some radio playlists when we released our first Simpkins album with the song Miss-Thing-a-Magic. And interviews and stuff.

++ What about the press? Did they give you any attention?

Johan: Not very much. It was then as it is now. Especially if you don’t play for the big labels or if you don’t sound like any Swedish hyped big label bands.

You had to get a ”green pass” from the tastemakers, even if these tastemakers were way out of date musically.

I remember us sitting in Urania Studios when Jörgen Sangsta, the studio owner told us a big label was very interested in signing us. For real!

Short after, we received some calls. (EMI ?)They wanted us to start singing in Swedish. It would probably have been a clever move and given us the much needed press. We never did however. All our references were in English, so the conversion felt very awkward.

Carl-Johan: They did…later on. Both in morning and evening papers and event magazines and things.

++ What about from fanzines?

Johan: Yes there were some fanzines, weren’t there? ”Arrg!” and some other local fanzines. Ultrahusets (?). I remember us getting good reviews in ”Nöjesguiden”and on the Radioshow ”Bommen”. The reviews in the bigger papers were always kind of lukewarm.

Carl-Johan: Not that I know of ☺

++ Looking back in retrospective, what would you say was the biggest highlight for the band?

Johan: The last gig 1995. A fully packed classic place that burnt to the ground a few years later. Don’t remember the name now..

Carl-Johan: I think it was when we released our second album. Even though it was tough and we didn’t always get along. The quality of our work was good and we inspired the younger generation to do what would later be the famous “Gothenburg Sound”.

++ Aside from music, what other hobbies do you have?

Johan: Gardening, plants, nature, birds and butterflies. I think butterflies are perhaps the most psychedelic living things in all creation. Some even have supernatural compounds in their chemistry. Research Telepathine….

I don’t eat them though. Only photography ☺

Carl-Johan: I’m a sport guy so a lot of that for me. Sailing, golf and tennis all the posh sports ☺

++ Been once to Gothenburg but would love to hear from a local. What are the sights one shouldn’t miss? Are there any food or drinks one should also try?

Carl-Johan: If you have the opportunity you should go out and visit the archipelago during summer. That’s just magical. And you should eat something Patrik cook. He’s now one of the best chef’s we have in this town.

++ Anything else you’d like to add?

Always fun with interviews and talk about old memories ☺

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Listen
Drums in Minor – You Would Be Sorry

++ Hi Marc! Thanks so much for being up for this interview! Many years ago we did an interview about Bulldozer Crash so it’s great to do this as sort of a continuation. Or maybe that’s not, right? Was there any other projects in between Bulldozer Crash and The Liberty Ship?

I played in two bands. I played bass in Boyscout in the mid ‘90’s we were a noisy 4 piece, the key influences were alternative US rock like The Pixies and Smashing Pumpkins, very much a rehearsing and live band (the first drummer was Brian from Peru and later The Flatmates) Later I played synths and guitar in Johnny Domino, the band was influenced by Pavement, The Fall, Krautrock etc. I loved playing in both bands but I needed an outlet for my own songwriting. I played in The Liberty Ship at the same time as I was ‘operating’ synths for Johnny Domino.

++ And these days you’ve actually released music just under your own name, Marc Elston. How do you you like that? Compared to releasing music with a band, what differences do you find? Is it easier perhaps?

Actually as MJ Elston now (I have no idea why). I record when I feel I have something worthwhile to make, though the last thing I released was pretty improvised. It’s just a complete labour of love because when I’m in the mood I really enjoy the process of making and recording music. I really miss making music with other people, other commitments and now the pandemic make that difficult.

++ So let’s go back in time. What are your first music memories? Do you remember what was your first instrument? How did you learn to play it? What sort of music did you listen to at home while growing up?

The first album I discovered for myself was ‘Revolver’ by The Beatles and remains one of my favourite records… a really predictable choice but the breadth of imagination and variety on it are incredible. My first instrument was a Roland SH09 monosynth…one note at a time so not a great challenge to get great noises out of it. I only picked up guitar when I was 19. I’m lucky that I was an early teen for the explosion of great imaginative chart pop music coming out of the UK in the early ‘80’s (Japan, Soft Cell, Human League, Depeche) and then as a later teen The Smiths, C86 and getting into earlier guitar bands like Orange Juice, Aztec Camera and The Pale Fountains. I’d grown up with The Beatles and The Byrds as part of my childhood soundtrack.

++ Had you been in other bands aside from the ones we’ve mentioned so far? If so, how did all of these bands sound? Are there any recordings?

I can’t think of any, a few false starts with local bands etc but no recorded evidence.

++ Where were you from originally?

I’m from Durham in the North East of England…I lived in the same village as Paddy McAloon as a young child.

++ How was Nottingham at the time of The Liberty Ship? Were there any bands that you liked? Were there any good record stores? Or what about the pubs or venues to go check out up and coming bands?

Nottingham was quite vibrant at the time. Sam Metcalf was promoting gigs at a great venue called Junktion 7 and he was really kind to us with support slots, The Rescue Rooms was getting up and running, bands like Airport Girl and The Chemistry Experiment were around, labels like Fortuna Pop, Artists Against Success in Derby and record shops like Selectadisc were all going strong.

++ When and how did the band start? How did you all meet? How was the recruiting process?

I’m a little sketchy, it was c1999/2000. Tim the bass player was already a friend and we started working on my songs with a drum machine. Rachel came to us via an ad in a music shop and Steve was a workmate of Rachel. Tim was a Felt fan but nobody else was a big indiepop fan. Things came together quite quickly mainly due to the enthusiasm and open mindedness of everyone involved.

++ How was the creative process for you? Where did you usually practice?

I always recorded basic ideas on 4 track cassette machines so everyone had something to work from. It was great when Rachel started to contribute songs because she really brought a different perspective and I loved working on the guitar parts for her material. We sometimes rehearsed at Tim’s house but mainly in a rather nice (we were working and we weren’t kids), well equipped rehearsal space in Nottingham.

++ What’s the story behind the band’s name?

It’s a bit ‘precious’ really…as I was in a band already and it was a vehicle for my songs it was a ‘Liberty Ship’…no connection with The Las, though I like them…I am a History fan so I knew about WW2 Liberty Ships.

++ Who would you say were influences in the sound of the band?

The Byrds, West Coast ‘60’s pop generally, Teenage Fanclub, The Go Betweens, East Village but bits of my synthpop youth crept in.

++ Most of your records came out in Matinée, and your brother’s band, Slipslide was also on the same label. I was wondering if this brought any benefit to you both? Perhaps you had gigs together? Or for touring?

We did a couple of gigs together but no ‘touring’. Graeme had already recorded for Matinee and I knew it was a really well organised label with a strong aesthetic and Jimmy was kind enough to release some of our stuff.

++ Speaking of your brother Graeme (Love Parade, Pure, Slipslide), has there ever been a band with both of you together?

Graeme and I grew up with our Dad’s Yacht Rock, and our Mam’s chart pop. We listened to synthpop and jangly guitar bands together and we were introduced to lots of great music by Stephen Maughan and his fanzines. Graeme was up and running as a band leader as a mid teen and I was already at University. We’ve played together a few times but nothing regular or serious. Graeme has always been really encouraging with my music and helps me with recording a lot…not very ‘Gallaghers’ I’m afraid!

++ Another interesting thing when it comes to labels is that you released your records only in American bands. Was there no interest from UK or European based labels? Or other labels in general?

I have never had any expectations in terms of labels taking an interest I have felt incredibly grateful for anyone enthusiastic enough to want to release my songs. The Liberty Ship was a band of people with jobs and commitments so the idea of ‘going for it’ didn’t really figure.

++ So both “Tide” on Matinée and “Small Lives” on Sunday Records came out in 2003. I can’t remember which one came first? And I understand your relationship with Sunday was thanks to Bulldozer Crash but how did you end up working with Matinée?

As I said the connection came through Graeme and I guess that Bulldozer Crash singles were known by some people.

++ Speaking of Matinée, your first release, “I Guess You Didn’t See Here”, has on the cover photo someone with a guitar, I want to guess that it is you. Am I right? Do you still own that guitar? And what about the B side on the 7″, a Gene Clark cover. What other covers did you usually have in your repertoire? (I also remember The Smiths one!)

++ In 2003 you released a CDEP called “Northern Angel”. I’ve seen many photos of the Angel of the North sculpture, just like the one on the sleeve, but wondering what does it feel to see it? Must be impressive?

It’s an impressive thing, maybe not a big as you might expect but a fascinating piece of civic art. I’m quite homesick for the North East at the moment.

++ On Sunday, as mentioned, you released “Small Lives” a nice 6-song mini-album. Why did you stop releasing with them after this release?

No specific reasons, it’s always nice to be asked to do anything for any label. I provided an instrumental piece for a Sunday compilation recently.

++ And just out of curiosity, to make all these lovely jangly songs, what were your favourite guitars to play? Did you use 12-strings on any of the recordings?

In Liberty Ship I was playing a Rickenbacker 360 6 string and Danelectro 12 string a lot. I had a Eko Ranger Acoustic 12 string which I liked too.

++ I think my favourite song of yours might as well be “I Guess You Didn’t See Her”, wondering if you could tell me what inspired this song? What’s the story behind it?

It’s about hurting people you love and knowing that you’re doing it…nice. There’s a lot of The Byrds and ‘Reckoning’ period REM in that song musically…it’s one of the first songs I wrote with the magical musical device…the capo.

++ If you were to choose your favorite The Liberty Ship song, which one would that be and why?

I love “Cabin Fever” of mine, I like the arrangement and the lyrics. I recently recorded an all acoustic version because, well…lockdown. My favourite overall is Rachel’s ‘Final Kick’, I remember her presenting it so modestly as a basic 4 track recording and I loved it straight away.

++ What about gigs? Did you play many?

Quite a few really, we supported The Lucksmiths, one of Amelia Fletcher’s bands (I can’t remember which one) my memory is awful for gigs usually due to the fog of stage fright…I think we supported Camera Obscura but I’d have to check with Tim who kept gig diaries…I’m a terrible archivist. It’s a good job I’ve worked with people like Stephen in B Crash and Steve in Johnny Domino otherwise there’d be no evidence I’d been in bands at all.

++ And what were the best gigs you remember? Any anecdotes you can share?

The gigs out of town were always fun, we played  in Widnes near Liverpool a couple of times, they weren’t ‘indie scene’ gigs and it’s always good to play to a different audience. I’m a school teacher and I thought playing gigs in small obscure venues wasn’t going to be a problem…until I heard ‘Mr Elston!’ being shouted from the back ‘The Rescue Rooms’!

++ And were there any bad ones?

Nothing awful…just some nervy performances

++ When and why did The Liberty Ship stop making music? Were you involved in any other bands afterwards?

Nothing dramatic just run of the mill ‘grown up’ stuff like work relocations. When Rachel left to take a new job we worked as 3 piece for a while but she brought a lot to the band and it sort of fizzled out. I’ve not been in a full band since and then my kids came along. I still make a lot of music and collaborate with people when I’m asked.

++ What about the rest of the band, had they been in other bands afterwards?

Rachel played in a band in London but I don’t think anyone else has done anything musical since.

++ Has there been any The Liberty Ship reunions?

No, but never say never…

++ Was there any interest from radio?

A few plays on some very niche radio stations but nothing noteworthy

++ What about the press? Did they give you any attention? What about from fanzines?

I think Sam wrote about us in one of his ‘zines and a few kind internet reviews. I never felt our recordings were as good as we could have done…which is completely my fault. I’d had fun experience of DIY recording with Johnny Domino and it really worked for the band. The ‘lo-fi’ approach wasn’t right for us and I shouldn’t have been so stubborn about it.

++ Looking back in retrospective, what would you say was the biggest highlight for the band?

Building the band from Tim and I with a drum machine to a full band line up and working on those songs as a harmonious and easy going group of good humoured adults…that sounds a bit dull doesn’t it but making music can be cathartic without being painful.

++ Aside from music, what other hobbies do you have?

Reading, cycling, I love France (sighs), History…

++ Anything else you’d like to add?

I enjoyed doing this, it reminded me of a happy time making music with great people.

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Listen
The Liberty Ship – I Guess You Didn’t See Her

Thanks so much to Gretchen DeVault for the interview! The Icicles were a Grand Rapids, Michigan,  band that released records mostly on Mike Babb’s labels Microindie Records and Drive-In Records from 2001 to 2015! They left us three albums and two EP, two of their songs appearing on TV commercials, and did many great tours, including one through Denmark, Sweden and England. If you remember them, or you’ve never heard of them, I suggest reading and enjoying this great interview!

++ Hi Gretchen! Thanks so much for being up for this interview! How are you? You are still making music with the Blue Herons these days, right? Care telling me about this transatlantic project? How does it work?

Yes!! I just joined the Blue Herons in October and it’s been a whirlwind. We’ve released two singles already and have quite a few other songs that are close to completion.

Andy had a collection of really great indiepop/janglepop songs he had written but he was looking for the right vocalist. Thanks to a chance connection on social media, he heard my other band The Francine Odysseys and reached out and asked if I’d be interested in collaborating on a song. He shared his songs and they were so beautiful (plus I already loved his band The Churchhill Garden) and I immediately started working on one of the songs. Shortly thereafter, he asked if I’d like to join the band. I really love being part of the Blue Herons.

Because I’ve been recording remotely for so long with Voluptuous Panic, the transatlantic piece was a pretty easy thing.

I also have two other music projects:

The Francine Odysseys
Indie pop / dreampop
Based in LA

Before the pandemic we practiced in person and had just started playing live shows.

Voluptuous Panic
Shoegaze

Our first release was in 2014 and we’ve been recording remotely since almost the beginning. Brian my partner in the band, is currently living in Cairo. While we’ve had this project, both of us have moved from the midwest to different parts of the US and abroad.

I was also part of another music project this year:

Hero No Hero
I was a guest vocalist for their EP during the pandemic.

++ And I suppose it is very different to The Icicles, right? What do you find more different and what more similar between both projects?

Yes – the new projects are a bit different from The Icicles. I do miss the camaraderie of making music in the same room, touring and recording albums in the studio, etc. The Icicles was a huge part of my life and identity.

That said, there is also something really cool about recording alone in a room. You can go places musically that you might not have gotten to if you are in the studio. I’ve been able to experiment more vocally and push myself further with my recording skills.

I actually love both because at the end of the day it’s about making music. That’s what feeds my soul — whether it’s happening in the same room with my bandmates or across an ocean.

++ So let’s go back in time. What are your first music memories? Do you remember what was your first instrument? How did you learn to play it? What sort of music did you listen to at home while growing up?

Music has always been a part of my life. My earliest music memories are of playing the piano. We had a piano in our playroom and my mom would play the piano while we played with our toys. My grandparents (on my dad’s side) had a piano as well. I would spend hours making up songs on the piano, though I didn’t have much in the way of formal training.

My great grandmother was a pianist and taught piano lessons. I took lessons from her for a short time, but she was a pretty strict, old school piano teacher and my parents gave me the choice of whether to continue with her or not and I chose not to. My cousins all took lessons from her and I was always envious that they knew how to read music and play songs like “Ice Castles” and soap opera theme songs. So I would have them show me how to play some of the songs they were learning.

In college, I took a guitar class. I was pretty terrible at it and I’m still not sure how I passed the class. It felt like I’d never be able to play, then one day I could finally change chords sort of smoothly. The day I was able to change chords, I wrote my first song.

Listening to music was always a big part of my life as well. I would tune into Casey Kasem’s Top 40 when I was in elementary school. My mom had a record player and just a handful of records. I remember listening to her Beatles records. As soon as I was able, I signed up for one of those Columbia House Tape Clubs. I remember listening to tapes and reading the lyrics to all the songs (Tracy Chapman, 10,000 Maniacs, U2).

++ Had you been in other bands before The Icicles? If so, how did all of these bands sound? Are there any recordings?

The first band I was in was Hansel & Gretel. It would probably be described as a power pop band, though back then it was just “alternative”. There are some recordings out there, but nothing online. 

++ Where are you from originally?

Wayland, Michigan

++ How was Grand Rapids at the time of The Icicles? Were there any bands that you liked? Were there any good record stores? Or what about the pubs or venues to go check out up and coming bands?

While there weren’t tons of indie pop bands when we first started out, there were so many amazing bands coming through Grand Rapids because of Mike Babb from Microindie Records. I met Mike through the college radio station. I’m not sure if Mike was booking the shows or if he was just connecting the bands on his label to venues in town, but he was one of the big reasons such great music was coming through town. The scene definitely grew and there were some really great bands coming out of Grand Rapids (and nearby towns) like Radiator Hospital (Sam Cook-Parrot), the Campanellis and the Keen to name a few. We also loved hosting our favorite bands like The Smittens and Casper and The Cookies when they came through town. A great record store that still exists in Grand Rapids is Vertigo Music.

++ When and how did the band start? How did you all meet? How was the recruiting process?

Korrie and I started the band originally, though Joleen really is an original member too. Korrie and I met in college. We were part of a group that had started the student run radio station WCKS. Joleen was also at Grand Valley State University with us and we all hung out in college. The Icicles didn’t start until a few years after college though. When Korrie and I decided to start the band we asked Joleen if she’d be interested and she was. Then we put flyers up to try to find a bass player which is how we got our first bass player.

++ How was the creative process for you? Where did you usually practice?

We started out practicing in Korrie’s basement. Eventually practices moved to my basement.

++ What’s the story behind the band’s name? 

Well, being from Michigan, a cold climate kind of name seemed fitting. Plus we could say the name was “cool” (bad Dad joke).

++ Who would you say were influences in the sound of the band?

The music of the 90s was still a big influence to us since we were not that far past college. So bands like Belly, Throwing Muses, Heavenly, The Sundays, Even As We Speak, Luna and Bettie Serveert were heavy influences.

At the same time, there was so much new music inspiring us. Bands like Holiday, Dressy Bessy, The Salteens, The Lucksmiths, All Girl Summer Fun Band, Ladybug Transistor, Aislers Set, Essex Green, and Camera Obscura.

++ I think my favourite song of yours might as well be “La Ti Da”, wondering if you could tell me what inspired this song? What’s the story behind it?

Thank you! I remember writing the song at my house on Richmond Street in Grand Rapids (it was the first house we lived in on Richmond Street). The words and melody came to me pretty quickly. I can’t remember specifically what inspired it but I was feeling hopeful.   

++ This song also was used on a Target commercial. How did that happen? What did you feel when you first saw the commercial?

We sent out cool promos for all of our albums. The whole band always got together and put together packages for blogs/magazines/radio stations. It was before digital so you had to mail in a physical copy of your music. I am a graphic designer so I always liked creating cool packaging for promos. I think Mike Babb gave us a mailing list that must have included some music supervision shops and so we sent them promos. We really didn’t give it much thought once it was sent though. Months after we sent out promos for A Hundred Patterns, we got an email out of the blue (it actually ended up in our junk mail) with a request to license Sugar Sweet for a Motorola commercial. So the Motorola commercial is what eventually led to the Target commercial.

Seeing the Target commercial for the first time was like the scene in That Thing You Do when the song comes on the radio!

++ If you were to choose your favorite The Icicles song, which one would that be and why?

It’s super hard to choose. If I had to pick, I’d have to say Insomnia on Renegade Parade. I love how it builds. And I love Rebecca’s guitar part. It’s not the early style of Icicles but it’s definitely how we grew together and evolved as musicians and bandmates. Would You Know is another great one — Joleen’s keys are amazing on that one. There are actually alot of great songs on Renegade Parade. That’s another album that we didn’t fully promote.

++ What about gigs? Did you play many?

We played lots of gigs around Grand Rapids and throughout the midwest. In our early days we did weekend tours throughout the midwest regularly. In our middle to later days, we limited our local gigs a little more and then tried to do bigger tours. 

++ And what were the best gigs you remember? Any anecdotes you can share?

We opened up for Dean & Britta in Copenhagen and they ended up asking us to play a secret show the following night. It was a dream come true!

++ And were there any bad ones?

We got stuck in a bad snowstorm when we were scheduled to play in Indianapolis. We drove from the hotel to the venue (it was a harrowing drive and I’m not even sure how we made it). By the time we got there, businesses were all closing. I think even the highway was closed. We ended up staying with one of the other bands for the night. I think that might have been the end of us doing weekend tours during the winter. 

++ I was never lucky to catch you live but I’ve seen a video of you on Youtube wearing like air hostess outfits which is really great. Did you usually dress up for gigs?

We did! Costumes were a really important part of our identity. We always wore matching outfits, usually ones that we sewed ourselves. Joleen was the true genius behind our outfits. She’s a brilliant seamstress and designer. She made so many of our outfits and they were absolutely gorgeous and perfectly fitted.

++ When and why did The Icicles stop making music? Were you involved in any other bands afterwards?

Things slowed down quite a bit when four of us in the band started having kids. We stopped making music when Zane and I moved to LA. But, we never officially broke up. And the door is always open to making more music.

Yes – Voluptuous Panic (which started while The Icicles were still going) and The Francine Odysseys (started a couple years ago in LA).

++ What about the rest of the band, had they been in other bands afterwards?

Yep – pretty much everyone is still working on different music projects. Joleen has a number of bands she’s in – Free Hat, Natural Body, Part Time Warriorz, Potato Babies. Aaron and Rebecca are in a band called Rabbit Fur. Zane has also played drums on some of Voluptuous Panic’s releases.  

++ Has there been any The Icicles reunions?

Yes! Usually every summer. Sometimes we are even able to pull off a show!

++ Was there any interest from radio?

The Icicles got lots of play on college radio.

++ What about the press? Did they give you any attention?

We did get good press as well. 

++ What about from fanzines?

I’m not sure if I remember any fanzines in particular. 

++ Looking back in retrospective, what would you say was the biggest highlight for the band?

Touring was definitely the biggest highlight. Two tours in particular. One was the 3 month US Tour we did. Our regular bass player and drummer couldn’t go for the full tour (Joleen and I quit our jobs to do the tour), so my husband Zane filled in on drums (he later became our permanent drummer) and our friend Melissa played bass. That trip was epic and some of my favorite memories in my life are from that tour. We met life long friends while touring. Our tour of Sweden, Denmark and England was also a huge highlight.

++ Aside from music, what other hobbies do you have?

Travel, bird watching and gardening

++ Never been to Grand Rapids, Michigan, so would love to hear from a local. What are the sights one shouldn’t miss? Are there any food or drinks one should also try?

Rowsters Coffee is one of my favorite places. I always go there when we visit.

El Adobe is another classic. We used to go there before shows for burritos and chips.

Grand Rapids also has the Flouride Monument which is kind of a funny thing.

A trip to Oval Beach in Saugatuck to see Lake Michigan is also a must.

++ Anything else you’d like to add?

Thanks so much for your interest in The Icicles. 

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Listen
The Icicles – La Ti Da