Thanks so much to Carol Samways for the interview! This interview has taken quite a bit to happen, so very happy to finally publish it. I wrote about the Southampton band Whirlpool Heart many years ago. And finally I get to find out some more details about them!
++ Hi Carol! Thanks so much for being up for this interview! How are you? Are you still involved with music?
Regretfully I have been struggling with my mental health, & ADHD, over recent years, which has prevented me from pursuing my love of music. Prior to that I was getting together with a couple of other musicians, one a guitarist & one a singer, and working with them. On the rare occasion I am well now I am still very much inspired to sing, & want to get together with others to do 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?
My first music memories are listening to my parents records at home, jumping around to “ Sugar Sugar “, and dancing to their Bill Haley and the Comets album, in particular “ Rock Around the Clock “ & “ Shake Rattle and Roll “ ( happy days ) , the theme tune to “ White Horses “ and other black & white tv programs from my young childhood, such as “ Champion the Wonder Horse “ & “ Casey Jones “ ! , hearing songs on the radio, and the little records I had : ‘ The Owl & The Pussy Cat ‘/ ‘ Run Rabbit Run ‘, ‘ The Ink is Black The Page is White ‘ / ‘ Me & You & a Dog named Boo ‘ ( my favourite ) , & an instrumental interpretation of ‘ Peter and the Wolf ‘ ! . My first instrument was always my voice, as I sang & made up little songs at a very young age, but my first non vocal instrument was the recorder ! Which I learnt at school, at home, and using music books, when I was at First School. Growing up at home I listened to popular & easy listening music of the 60’s & 70’s played on the radio. Radio 2’s Breakfast Show, hosted by Terry Wogan, as the radio was always on in the kitchen in the mornings when I was having breakfast before going to school. I particularly loved “ Penny Lane “, ‘ The Carpenters ‘ ( “ Mr Post Man “ featured strongly from the radio in my childhood, and I remember singing along to it as I left the kitchen on my way to get ready to leave for school ), other ‘ Beatles ‘ tracks , Smokey Robinson, Neil Diamond ( also in my parents record collection ) of which ‘ Forever in Blue Jeans ‘ was a particular favourite of mine, which I always felt joyfully compelled to sing along to 😊 , along with David Dundes’s ‘ Blue Jeans ‘ ( not that I knew the singers name until hearing it on the radio in recent years ), Mary Hopkin ‘ Those were the days ‘ ( which had come out in the year I was born ! 😊 & I have a particular love of ), ‘ The Byrds’ ‘ Hey Mr Tambourine Man ‘, ‘ The Electric Light Orchestra ‘ in particular ‘ Mr Blue Skies ‘ 😊 The Kinks ‘ ( ‘ Waterloo Sunset ‘ / ‘ You Really Got Me Going ‘) Carole King ( I think my parents had the Tapestry album, but if not I certainly bought it myself in my late teens ) , James Taylor, ‘ Steve Harley and the Cockney Rebels ‘, ‘ The Moody Blues ‘ , ‘ Procol Harum ‘, Mott the Hoople ‘ , Squeeze’ , Billy Joel ( in particular ‘“ Just the Way You Are “ which I fell in Love with and “ She’s Always a Women “ ), Joan Armatrading ( swooning over “ Love and Affection “ ), Lynn Anderson ( “ I Beg Your Pardon “ ), ‘ The Doors ‘ ( “ Light My Fire” ), ‘ Elvis Castello & The Attractions’ , ‘. ‘ The Police ‘ , David Cassidy, David Essex, ( & watching ‘ The Partridge Family ‘ ) The Osmonds, The Jacksons and ‘ Abba ‘ ! I also loved ( & still do )the music of ‘ The Monkees ‘ loving to watch their tv shows. My Mum & Dad’s record collection included the ‘ Isley Brothers ‘ ( who’s music I really got into in my late teens, at ‘ Riverside ‘ 😊 ) ‘ Del Shannon ‘ ( one of my Mum’s records from her teenage years, which was one of her and my favourites, which I used to sing along to ) , Bobby Vee , ( featuring another favourite of mine, ‘ Rubber Ball ‘ ), Connie Francis, Paul Anchor, ‘ The Three Degrees ‘, ‘ Jimmy Cliff’ ( who’s music I rediscovered later. in my teens – ‘ I Can See Clearly ‘ helping me through some emotional times ) , ‘ The Detroit Spinners’ , ‘ The Three Degrees ‘ , ‘ Matt Monroe ‘ , ‘ Paul Robeson ‘, ‘ Caruso ‘ , ‘ John Denver ‘ ( who’s music touched me deeply & I loved ), ‘ Glen Campbell ‘ ( who’s songs will always remind me of my Mum, because it was one of his album’s in particular she used to listen to a lot and I loved, & still do ) , Barry Manilow was another favourite of my Mum’s. Also in my parents record collection were Roberta Flack ‘ , ‘ The New Seekers ‘ ( featuring one of my favourite ever songs ‘ Morningtown Ride ‘ ), Nat King Cole, Simon and Garfunkel, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Joan Baez and Bob Dylan ( the later three particular being favourites of my Dad’s ) , Val Doonican, soundtracks of musicals, such as ‘ South Pacific’ & ‘ The King and I ‘ , along with the Top of the Pops albums of each year throughout the ‘70’s, into the ‘80’s with their scantily clad glamour model covers ! , Salsa music, and Christmas albums of Vera Lynn ( which I loved. Always heralded the coming of Christmas as my Mum would have it on while writing her Christmas cards. Filled me with Christmas joy, and I sung along to ) and Carol’s from a couple of Cathedrals.
My Dad was a dedicated watcher of ‘ Top of The Pops ‘ so I grew up watching that as well.
I also enjoyed going to the theatre to see Musicals with my Mum & Dad as a child, and the music from ballets, of which we saw a few. After the records I was given when very young I was given the soundtrack of the film ‘ Oliver ‘ ( songs of which I loved, & again I would sing along to ) , the soundtrack of Disney’s ‘ The Aristo Cats ‘ ( which I loved, singing along to “ Everybody wants to be a Cat ! “ ) , & ‘ Mary Poppins ‘. I also loved the theme tune music for ‘ Little House on the Prairie ‘ and ‘ The Walton’s ‘ !
I also enjoyed the music of ‘ The Amazing Darts ‘ ( which was played at the holiday camp evenings we went to, as well as watching on ‘ Top of the Pops ‘ ) . The music of Elvis Presley was also a big part of my life in the ‘70’s & I loved watching his films when I was a child & in my teens.
I also remember “ I love the sound of breaking glass “ by Nick Lowe, on the radio, and Bill Withers’ “ Lovely Day “ which I love 💗 ,. I’ve loved ‘ , ‘ Blondie ‘ since hearing “ Heart of Glass “ being played through our wall from our neighbour’s eldest daughter ! Debbie Harry was my greatest female idol, later followed by Chrissie Hynde, & Kate Bush. The first record my Dad bought me when I was a teenager was by ‘ Musical Youth ‘( which would not have been my choice ! ) . The first cassette tape I bought ( for the brand new cassette player I bought from selling my dolls ) was “ Grease “ having loved the film when it came out when I was 9.
In my middle school years there was also the Two Tone scene, and my love of the music by ‘ The Selector ‘, ‘ The Body Snatchers ‘ & ‘ The Beat ‘ remained with me for life.
My favourite at family weddings was always “ The Twist “ , and at Middle School discos Madness’ “ Baggy Trousers “, & Abbas “ Dancing Queen ‘“ always got me up dancing.
I also liked music from other decades, the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, & ‘60’s. I loved/love ‘ Someone to Watch over Me’ , ‘ Smoke gets in my eyes’ , ( two songs that have always touched me deeply ) & ‘ At Last ‘ in particular Etta James’ version, what a Voice ! & The Glen Miller Band.
In my first year of Secondary School I bought the obligatory ‘ Rio ‘ tape as dictated by my peers, I never felt comfortable with that & never again bought any music I wasn’t drawn to myself, as I tended away from the more Commercialised music of the ‘80’s.
At 12 I was introduced to the music of my Mum’s teenage years, from attending the musical “ Rock-A-Billy Son of Heaven “ , finding the songs in the sound track prior to the show particularly engaging, & finding a love of Billy Fury in particular.
Then when I was 13 I was totally mesmerised by ‘ The Kids from Fame ‘ ! buying all their albums & going to see them in concert ( I can’t claim this was the first concert I went to as I also have vague recollections of seeing a glam rock children’s band who’s members were in animal costumes ! doing ‘ Tiger Feet ‘ at Southampton Guildhall ! ) . During my Secondary School years I loved ‘ Stay Cats ‘ “ The First Picture of You “ by the Lotus Eaters, songs by Matt Bianco, Depeche Mode, The Cars, Crowded House 💗 , Roxey Music, ‘ The Bangles ‘, ‘Roman Holiday ‘, ‘ Coast to Coast’, ‘ The Bluebells’, ‘ The Style Council ‘, ‘ Dexy’s Midnight Runners’, ‘ OMD ‘, ‘ Fun Boy Three ‘ , ‘ Hall & Oats ‘ , Kirsty McCall, Billy Bragg, ‘ Bronski Beat ‘ ( being totally blown away by “ Small Town Boy “ ), ‘ Sade ‘, ‘ Tracey Chapman ‘ ( won over as soon as I heard “ Fast Car “ ) ‘ Tasman Archer ‘ ( “ Sleeping Satellite “ ), ‘ The House Martin’s ‘, ‘ Yazoo ‘ , ‘ Altered Images ‘ , Cindy Lauper, Lionel Richie, ‘ The Belle Stars ‘ , Godley and Creme’s “ Under your thumb “, ‘ The Pogues ‘ ( who’s music I later loved skipping & swinging around to at various Hammy Nights ), Alison Moyet , ‘ Wings ‘, Paul McCartney, Madonna’s “ Border Line “ album, but not so much her later stuff, & ‘ The Thompson Twins’. I also loved Giorgio Moroda & Phil Oakey’s “ Electric Dreams” 💗( which still touches my heart as profoundly as the first time I heard it ) , ‘ Aha ‘, Michelle Shocked, and ‘ The Beautiful South ‘……….I also got in to Jazz, particularly Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Louie Armstrong, Duke Ellington,and the music of Bill Evans ( introduced to me by my Dad ) . I loved Ray Charle’s ‘ Hit the Road Jack ‘ ( from a young age, hearing it on the radio ) and ‘ What’I Say ‘, ……‘ Martha and the Vandellas ‘ ( “ Jimmy Mack “ ) , ‘ The Velvelettes ‘ ( “ Needle in a Haystack “ ) , Be-Bop, & Swing, and Georgie Fame’s “ Yeah Yeah “, Peggy Lee ( “ Fever “ ) , Louis Jordan’s “ There Ain’t Nobody Here but us chickens “ ! 😁 “ The Girl from Impanema “ , & other Latin American music, Sam Cooke, ‘ The Drifters ‘, Brenda Lee, Connie Francis, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darrin, Buddy Holly , Dione Warwick, Gladys Knight & The Pips , ‘ , Ben E King, Marvin Gaye, Van Morrison ( “ Brown Eyed Girl “ ), & Don McLean ( “Vincent “ ).
It was Jazz, and the great artists Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and later Aretha Franklin who really inspired me to be a singer seriously.
I fell in lust with ‘ Scriti Politi ‘ who’s music caught me unawares one morning when I was listening to the radio on my headphones.‘ 💗 From there I moved on to ‘ UB40 ‘ ( my first London gig was to see them at Brixton Academy, despite my Mum’s fears, despite it being several years after the Uprising. It was also my first encounter with Brixton, I loved that the fruit & veg stalls were still open at 9 O’clock at night ! & I was swept away by the beauty and atmosphere on going into the Academy) . By this time I was listening to Ranking Miss P on Radio 1, totally immersed myself in reggae, and obviously Bob Marley, using his songs to audition for the College play whilst at 6 th Form College. At 6th Form College I was introduced to ‘ Everything But The Girl’s ‘ “ Eden “ album, Carmel ‘ Talking Heads ‘ “ And She Was “ , ‘ The Mighty Wah ! ‘ , and was re-introduced to Georgie Fame’s music , from music played by the Upper Sixth students in our art studio. I’ve also always loved Boogie Woogie piano. In 1986 I wanted to experience the Jazz music scene as depicted by the film “ Absolute Beginners “, walking out from the vibrance of that film into a dark, damp, Southampton town centre, on a Friday night, to find a barren emptiness, absolutely nothing was happening at all ! I was then introduced to more great music at 6th Form Discos, from ‘ The Clash ‘ ( “ Rock the Casbah “ ) ‘ The Cure ‘ ( “ Love Cats “💗 which encapsulated the music style that I most enjoyed ), ‘ Lloyd Cole and The Commotions ‘ ( “ Lost Week- End “ ) ‘ Aztec Camera ‘ ( “ Oblivious “ 😊 ) ‘ Echo and The Bunnymen ‘ , ‘ The B52s ( “ Love Shack “ ) ‘ Siouxisie and The Banshees ‘, name a few, so loving the vibrance and energy of the songs/ music bands. I also re-visited my love of 50’s & 60’s music, becoming more aware of motown, and enjoying the music of Nina Simone, Richie Valance ( “ La Bamba “ ) ( who’s life story film left me in tears, as did “ The Buddy Holly Story “, & “ The Glen Miller Story “ ) and back to Jazz with Humphrey Littleton & Helen Shapiro.
Not long after “ Absolute Beginners “ I saw “ Pretty in Pink “ which introduced me to ‘ The Psychedelic Furs ‘ 😊 . From 6th Form College I was introduced to the wonders of Southampton’s alternative night life scene, starting with Riverside, where I loved to dance to Aretha Franklin’s “ Say a Little Prayer “ , Chris Montez’s “ The More I See You “, Mel Torme’s “ Comin’ Home Baby “ , Jackie Wilson, ‘ The Jackson Five’, and Northern Soul. I’d just started going to “ Alternative Night “ at Riverside, favouring the music of DJ Neil, who played Louie Jordan’s “ There Ain’t Nobody Here but us chickens “ 😉, rather than DJ Hammy at the time ! when it was shut down 💔 Then there was “ Stitch Up “ and “ Get Smart “, the local skiffle bands who brought my friend Eileen and I much Joy & excitement 😊, which took me to the early recordings of Elvis at ‘ Sun Records ‘ , ‘ Bobby Darin ‘ , & further back to the Deep Blues of Bessie Smith & Robert Johnson. At this stage I was very much inspired by the works of Duke Ellington, as far as singing was concerned. I also got into Rock-a-Billy music, as my best friend at the time was a Rock-A-Billy, and from there I was also introduced to Psycho-Billy through her sister and her boyfriend. Then “ Fairground Attraction “ took me to my first band audition.
When Riverside was closed down Neil and Hammy moved to ‘ Barbarella’s ‘, the second coolest night club in Southampton ( Riverside was the first ) . When I first went it was for the music of Neil, but when he left I began to Love the music that ‘ Hammy ‘ played, some just because I loved it anyway, such as ‘ ‘ Martha and The Muffins ‘ “ Echo Beach “, ‘ The Doors ‘ ( “ Light My Fire “ ), ‘The Cure ‘, ‘ The Buzzcocks ‘ ( “ Falling in Love With Someone “ ) ,‘ The Inspiral Carpets ‘ , ‘ Susie & the Banshees ‘, and ‘ The Waterboys’ but other’s because I grew in to them from staying, throwing myself around, on the dance floor to the likes of ‘ The Dead Kennedys ‘ and ‘ Husker Du ‘ to avoid feeling awkward standing around the side. I also came to love ‘ Pixies ‘ at this time, as well as ‘ The House of Love ‘, ‘ The Wonder Stuff ’ , ‘ The Levellers ‘, ‘ Blur ‘ , ‘ Carter USM ‘ , ‘ The La’s ‘ , ‘ Ride ‘, ‘ The Happy Mondays’ , ‘ The Sundays’ , ‘ The Darlin Buds ‘, ‘ Kitchens of Distinction ‘ , ‘ The Primitives ‘ , ‘ The The ‘ ( “ Uncertain Smile “ & “ This is The Day “ 💗 ) , ‘ New Model Army ‘ , ‘ New Order ‘ , ‘ The Undertones ‘, ‘ Joy Division ‘ , ‘ The Fall ‘ , ‘ The Stone Roses ‘ , ‘ The Charlatons ‘, ‘ The Violent Femmes ‘ 💗 , ‘ The Jesus and Mary Chain ‘, ‘ The Sundays ‘, ‘ 10,000 Maniacs ‘, tracks by ‘ The Rolling Stones ‘ and David Bowie ( in particular “ Suffragette City “ !
) , more music by “ The Stranglers”, ‘ Teenage Fan Club’ , “ The Mighty Lemon Drops “ , “ The Mission “ , ‘ Dinosaur Junior ‘, REM ‘ ( “ It’s the end of the World ( as we know it “ ) , ‘ Iggy Pop ‘, ‘ The Skatalites ‘, ‘ Toots and the Maytels ‘, the impassioned ‘ Free Nelson Mandela ‘ by Special AKA, being re-introduced to ‘ Echo & The Bunnymen ‘, & the music of ‘ The Kinks ‘. My Star song being The Waterboys’ “ The Whole of the Moon “
……… and the list went on. I was actually at Hammy’s night, at Thursdays ( which replaced ‘ Barberrela’s, and we went to on Wednesdays ! ) when it was announced that Nelson Mandela had been released, and what Celebration we felt that night, dancing to the aforementioned song ! 😊 I was also introduced to further albums by ‘ Everything But the Girl ‘ , ‘ The Marine Girls ‘ & solo ventures by Tracey Thorn & Ben Watt, ‘ Deacon Blue’ & ‘ Prefab Sprout ‘, & ‘ All About Eve ‘ ( Martha’s Harbour ‘ stole my heart ) – The later three through TOTP’s. I got more into the music of Kate Bush ( ‘ Under the Ivy ‘ being my all time favourite Kate Bush song ) , enjoyed the music of ‘ Then Jerico ‘, & ‘ Big Country ‘ & later ‘ The Indigo Girls ‘ 💗Also became more aware of the richness of ‘ World Music ‘ ……… & So I reached the age of 21 ! Grown up, not really, and there was certainly a great array of music I was exposed to & loved over the next 30 plus years ! but I guess I should leave it there for now ! I’m sure there are many that I’ve already missed from the first 21 years !
++ Had you been in other bands before Whirlpool Heart? If so, how did all of these bands sound? Are there any recordings?
I was in a band called “ Rodney and the Plonkers “ ! primarily as the backing singer, but I did get to solo on Fats Domino’s “ Blueberry Hill “. The music was a combination of covers, ‘ The Everly Brothers ‘ , ‘ The Beatles ‘, and ‘ Dire Straits ‘ ( not a band who’s music I enjoyed 😖 ) and their own songs, which I guess would be described as soft rock/ Middle of the road ( not really my cup of tea but I was not part of the decision making or writing in this band. Just did as I was told, or not as the case may be – I wasn’t very good at harmonising & kept singing the lead singers parts ! 🤦🏻♀️ much to his annoyance !, so I didn’t last long in that band, but I did get my first experience of gigging, which I loved 😊 ).
I think there were recordings of the band, but I’m not sure if any featured me singing. I was just covering the lead singer’s wife’s maternity leave.
++ Where were you from originally?
Southampton.
++ How was Southampton at the time of Whirlpool Heart? 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 was from Southampton.
Back in the day, during the 80’s there was quite a divided cultural scene in Southampton, the main stream culture being that of Casuals ( known as ‘ Kevin’s and Traceys ‘ ) who followed a certain style of dress, sticking to the more commercial music on offer & being closed to other musical styles. Southampton was quite a prejudiced place at the time if you deviated from the norm. I had abuse shouted at me due to the way I dressed a couple of times, and as a girl alone & even in a couple it was not advisable to go to certain pubs ( local pubs & the more mainstream City Centre pubs ) all, usually male, heads would turn towards us as we walked in , and abusive comments would be made. However, for those with more independent thought, there was the underground/alternative scene, which I was so excited to discover in my mid teens. Things did improve, generally, in the ‘90’s , but I relished being part of the minority clique. The minority was made up of lots of different sub cultures, Punks, Goths, Rock-A-Billies, Psycho-Billies, Mods, Indie Kids, Northern Soulers …… a great coming together of like minded people who appreciated music, all united by our draw away from the established ‘ norm ‘ , and I loved it all 😊 . All of societies misfits united, I had found my cultural home. The underground scene in Southampton was low key, but it was vibrant and inclusive, supplemented by the music scene at Portsmouth/Southsea & many trips to London 😊 The places to be were ‘ The Joiners Arms ‘ ( pub and renowned music venue for up & coming bands on the national music circuit, many bands that become massive later in their careers played the Joiners when they were starting out as touring gigging bands )‘ Riverside ‘ ( one of Southampton’s old floating bridges turned into a Night Club ) sadly closed & burnt down before ‘ Whirlpool Heart ‘ though, ‘ Thursdays ‘ ( on a Wednesday ! only ! avoid any other night ! ) which was previously ‘ Barberellas ‘ ( check out ‘ DJ Hammy Club History on Facebook, & DJ Hammy on Cloudmix ) , ‘ Goblets’ ( pub & music venue ), ‘ Bogarts ‘ ( pub where Hammy sometimes DJ’d ), ‘ The Cliff ‘ , ‘ Raffles ‘ ( Night Club ), ‘ Aggie Greys ‘ ( pub/night club ) , ‘ The West Indian Club ‘ , ‘ The Crown & Sceptre ( pub & gigs ), ‘ Southampton Guildhall ‘ ( for bigger bands ), ‘ The Maple Leaf ‘, ‘ Marshall’s ‘ , ‘ The Onslow ‘, ( Blues bands mainly at the time ) , ‘ The Frog and Frigget ‘, ‘ The Canute ‘, ‘ The Albion ‘, ‘The Hobbit ‘ , ‘ The Alexander ‘, all pretty much pubs and music venues back in the day. Southampton Pier had a mini revival, for the Rock-Billy scene, in the 80’s, but this was before ‘ Whirlpool Heart’. There was also ‘ The London Hotel ‘ for a late night hang out. Actually looking back, considering we were the minority we were extensively catered for across the City, don’t think we appreciated that at the time as we always seemed part of such a small scene & felt under provided for in comparison to the mainstream night club nights which were considered ‘ cattle markets ‘ . Those really were the days 😊 considering Southampton applied to be a City of Culture, but it doesn’t have a scene like it used to ( although I’m guessing the young people must have an underground scene & venues of their own, that I’m not aware of ) . Everything seems so commercial and prescribed these days, although ‘ The Joiners ‘ is still standing & a respected music venue after all these years, despite facing many crisis’ over the years. I’m sure there are others that I don’t recollect that Colin & Darren will have contributed to this list.
There was a thriving local music scene at the time of ‘ Whirlpool Heart ‘ with my favourites being ‘ Up Balloon Up ‘( Indie punk ) , & ‘ Space Hopper ‘ ( fronted by our friend Dennis Marfy, who gave it a ‘ Psychedelic Furs ‘ sound ).
‘ Weasels ‘ was the go to second hand record store & there was ‘ HMV ‘ & ‘ Our Price ‘. There was also a little ‘ Virgin Records ‘ store for a while.
++ How did you all meet? How was the recruiting process?
I was introduced to Colin by one of my best friends at the time, Christine Webb, at Barbarella’s, our then favourite night club. When I came to choose to drop out of college, as we were walking home from Barbarella’s one Thursday morning Colin asked me what I was going to do instead. I said I wanted to sing. Colin had been in various bands at that point, and was looking to start up a new band so offered me the opportunity to audition.
If I remember rightly Darren was the boyfriend of a girl Colin worked with at the time, and I first met him when he came along to jam with us. Likewise our second base player, Dan, was the boyfriend of a girl Colin was friends with.
++ How was the creative process for you? Where did you usually practice?
Colin was the main writer. Colin created the music on his guitar & wrote the lyrics initially. We also used a poem from a selection given us by my friend at the time, Jo Lampard, called “ The Lane Green “. Colin encouraged me to contribute with the lyrics, which I came up with listening to his music, “ Flights of Fancy “ being one of mine. Lyrically I just wrote what came in to my head as I listened to Colin’s music, although at times my lyrics would have been influenced by my feelings for Colin, or my appreciation of life & the Seasons ( like the “ November Song “ ) . Colin programmed the drum machine & we did have a drummer, Mark Doncaster, for a short period of time. Darren, & later Dan, came up with the bass lines as we jammed together. I tended to follow Colin’s guitar playing, or the bass line, with the singing.
We mainly practiced in Colin’s room, wherever he was living at the time, although we did use a run down rehearsal room above an old pub for a while when Mark was drumming with us.
++ What’s the story behind the band’s name? There’s a Wild Swans connection, right?
Yes, the ‘ The Wild Swans ‘ was one of Colin’s favourite bands & the name “ Whirlpool Heart “ was his inspiration from their song of the same name. Prior to that we had been called ‘ Insight ‘, again from Colin’s inspiration from his deep regard for ‘ Joy Division ‘, but apparently there was a band of the same name in the USA, so we had to change. Both names were jointly decided on after Colin’s initial suggestions.
++ Who would you say were influences in the sound of the band?
That’s more one for Colin to answer. ‘ Joy Division ‘, ‘ Wild Swans ‘ & ‘ The Chameleons ‘ I guess. Maybe ‘ The House of Love ‘ as well. I was inspired by the jazz greats, Sarah Vaughan, Aretha Franklin, Brenda Lee, Kate Bush, ‘ All About Eve ‘, Tracey Thorn from ‘ Everything But the Girl ‘ , but I can’t claim to sound like any of those singers or have the vocal talent or ability of those that inspired me. I just sang because I liked singing.
++ Also during your time there were some great bands around! Wondering if you had any favourite indiepop bands then? Also any obscure bands that you’d recommend?
My favourites were ‘ Everything But the Girl ‘, ‘ The Cure ‘, ‘ The House of Love ‘, ‘ 10,000 Maniacs ‘ , ‘ Kitchens of Distinction ‘, ‘ The Cranberries ‘, ‘ Cranes ‘, ‘ Buzzcocks ‘, ‘ Even as We Speak ‘ , ‘ Pixies ‘ ,‘ Violent Femmes ‘, ‘ The Go-Betweens ‘, ‘ Aztec Camera’ , ‘ Nirvana ‘, ‘ Catherine Wheel’, ‘ REM ‘ the songs featured on “ This Mortal Coil “, and of course the ‘ The Wild Swans ‘ from Colin.
++ Being in different compilations and all, how come there was never a proper release by your band? There was no labels interested? That’s hard to believe!
There was one record label, a , new at the time, German label called “ Pop Goes On “ ( if I remember rightly ), who were very keen to put a record out of our music, but by the time we went into a recording studio to do the tape we had our new bass player Dan playing with us, and the music was heavier. When they received the tape it was too heavy for them as they were after a more jangly pop sound, and my voice was too low in the mix for their liking. Regretfully I was too stubborn to be willing to record it again, wanting to be true to our sound, but realistically we couldn’t afford to go into a recording studio again, so we lost that opportunity.
We also missed out on being on the same fanzine tape as the “ Manic Street Preachers “ before they became well known.
++ So as there was no proper releases, I’m wondering, how many songs were recorded? Perhaps you did sell some demo tapes?
Only four songs were recorded professionally, but I’ve still got tapes of our own recordings. No, we didn’t sell any demo tapes. Didn’t even think of it, would have just given tapes to those interested.
++ Is it possible to do a demography?
I don’t think so now, after all these years. I certainly couldn’t. I can’t even remember the titles of all the songs we did. I can’t even remember the first song we did. There was “ Too Late Now”, “ The Ghost of S.A.I.F “, “ The Lane Green “, “ Flights of Fancy “, “ Walls Spin Around “, and a handful of other songs, the names of which escape me now. I have got some paperwork at my flat, but I don’t know when I’ll get round to look at it.
++ How do you end up on the Turquoise Trees compilation tape with two songs (“Too Late” & “Walls Spin Around”)? It was released in Bliss Aquamarine, in America!
Was Turquoise Trees one of Steve Genge’s fanzine tapes ? If so, I don’t know how he first came to hear our music, maybe was at one of our gigs.
If not then I expect the fanzine writer that put out Turquoise Trees got the songs from Steve, or corresponded with me & I would have sent them a tape.
++ The other compilation appearance of yours is in the “Seahorses” tape which was released by the Red Roses For Me fanzine. How did this come about? And how was your relationship with fanzines in general? Did you read lots? Was Whirlpool Heart featured on some of them?
We ended up on the “ Seahorses “ tapes due to Steve Genge liking our music, but as I said, I can’t remember how that came about. We did a gig with a Portsmouth band, “ The Windmills “ I think they were called, at The Joiners. Steve may have attended that gig as he lived near Portsmouth, at Porchester. I certainly remember him attending a gig we did at “ The Railway Inn “ in Winchester, and we became friends following his interest in the band.
++ You also participated in the Ambition Records compilation “Bobby Stokes Salutes The Fall Of Manchester” covering Joy Division’s “She’s Lost Control”. Why did you choose to cover this song?
We did two Joy Division covers , “ Insight “ & “ She’s Lost Control “ . We had to do Joy Division as Colin held them in the highest esteem and was profoundly taken with their music. I loved singing those Joy Division songs. The choice of songs would have been Colin’s.
++ Ambition Records was from your hometown, right? Perhaps Mark Pearson from Ambition a regular at your gigs?
Yes, Ambition Records was from our hometown.
No, I’m not sure Mark attended any of our gigs, he hated my voice, finding it monotone, but we became very good friends.
++ I think my favourite song of yours might as well be “Walls Spin Around”, wondering if you could tell me what inspired this song? What’s the story behind it?
That’s one for Colin to answer.
++ If you were to choose your favorite Whirlpool Heart song, which one would that be and why?
I can’t even recall the name of my favourite “ Whirlpool Heart “ song. Of those I can my favourite was “ Flights of Fancy “, probably bias because I wrote the lyrics of my favourite songs.
++ What about gigs? Did you play many?
We played a few gigs.
++ And what were the best gigs you remember? Any anecdotes you can share?
Too long ago to remember our best gigs.
I remember our last ever gig I sang as I was coming down with glandular fever but I thought my voice sounded pretty good on an intake of red wine mixed with dark rum ! Actually thought I sang the best I’d ever sang at a gig that night, but I wrecked my voice & couldn’t talk afterwards. I believe it was at a Birthday celebration for one of Colin’s friend’s.
I also had glandular fever when I sang at the professional recording for “ Pop Goes On “ , which wasn’t ideal.
I remember one of our first gigs, at the “ Joiner’s Arms “ I was so nervous I couldn’t move my legs & one of our friends had to lift me down from the stage at the end.
I preferred doing gigs where there was a stage.
We probably did most of our gigs at the “ Joiner’s “, supporting other bands. We played at a charity All Dayer there, and another fundraising event for one of Colin’s friends.
We also played at a pub in the village of Warsash, where Colin worked at the.
++ And were there any bad ones?
Indeed there were.
At one, I can’t remember if it was our gig at “ The Railway Inn “ in Winchester, I think it was, or the gig at Warsash, the equipment packed up part way through a song, Colin stopped playing but I carried on singing.
We played at an IBM ( where our bass player Dan worked at the time ) event, and the inflatable we were playing under deflated down on to us !
I would say our worst gig was at an outdoor All Dayer in a pub garden in Bevois Valley. I couldn’t hear the instruments on the monitors, so struggled to sing along with them.
There was also a gig when my nerves got the better of me and spoiled my singing.
I remember how difficult it was to sing live without any monitors.
++ When and why did Whirlpool Heart stop making music? Were you involved in any other bands afterwards?
I think we stopped making music in 1995, or 1994.
I think Dan ( our second bass player ) had left the band by then, so Colin & I were back to being a Duo, but as our relationship broke down so did the band, we weren’t really working on the songs any more.
Colin went on to be in another band further down the line, and I believe Darren did too, and I think Darren produced a lot of his own material. I don’t think Dan did. I just went on to working with individual guitarists, as duo’s, but nothing long standing or committed as “ Whirlpool Heart “.
++ Has there been any Whirlpool Heart reunions?
No.
++ Was there any interest from radio? TV?
No.
++ What about the press? Did they give you any attention?
No, only fanzines, we weren’t really that well known.
++ Looking back in retrospective, what would you say was the biggest highlight for the band?
For me it was playing gigs, although I loved working on the music with Colin & the boys as well.
I guess the biggest highlight was being offered the opportunity to put out a record with “ Pop Goes On “.
++ Aside from music, what other hobbies do you have?
I love dancing & gardening when I’m well enough. Also used to read, was into Spiritual development, writing & studying, but since not managing with my mental health I don’t really do anything. I spent most of the earlier years of my son’s life enjoying doing things with him, going out to places, and took up kick boxing with him, but I can’t afford to do those things any more.
++ Never been to Southampton, so I want to know what would you suggest them doing here, like what are the sights one shouldn’t miss? Or the traditional food or drinks that you love that I should try?
I’d say go to the “ Joiner’s Arms “ in St.Mary’s for live music. A venue that hosted many a band that went on to make it big, like “ Oasis “ when they did the national venues in their early days, but still supports local bands.
The Greedy Flea at the Mercantile and Flea, in Bitterne, once a month for Hammy night.
The Art House in the City Centre is also a cool venue to go to, and veggie fare.
For those interested in history I’d recommend the Tudor House Museum, and Southampton Sea City Museum.
In September the “ Music in the City “ event, that hosts a variety of bands at various locations around the town centre for free is a good event, and there are periodically other live events in the City Centre and parks.
For those into art there’s Southampton Art Gallery.
For those into activities there’s the outdoor ski slope at Southampton Sports Centre, for skiing & donutting, or Woodmill for kayaking in their pool or along the River Itchen.
Surrounding areas, a train or bus ride away, are the New Forest, including Exbury Gardens, Beaulieu Palace House, historical Bucklers Hard, river boat rides, riverside walks, forest walks, Lymington Quay and Lido with it’s inflatable obstacle course, open top bus tours, & the New Forest Show, in the Summer.
Historical Portsmouth, with Lord Nelson’s flagship “ The Victory “ and the remains of “ The Mary Rose “.
I’d highly recommend a ferry ride over to the Isle of Wight, where you can visit Queen Victoria’s holiday home “ Osborne House “, see the beautiful thatched village & Chine in Shanklin, and the coloured sands at Alum Bay.
No food & drink traditional to Southampton that I know of. Traditional food of England eaten here though include full English breakfast, fish’n’chips, pie & chips, sausage & mash, ham, egg, & chips, bacon butties, egg roles, Scotch eggs, egg & cress sandwiches, & roast dinners. Best to go to a pub that does home cooked meals, like The Dolphin at St.Denys, The Art House, in town, for vegi/vegan roasts on a Sunday, or go to Colin’s for a traditional roast ! . Traditional puddings include steamed sponges with jam or syrup topping, bread & butter pudding, spotted dick, jam roly poly, rice pudding, semolina pudding, and trifle, blackberry & apple pie ( in blackberry season ), apple pie & custard, and apple or apricot crumble. A lot of our traditional food has virtually died out, so you’d be hard pushed to find some of the foods I’ve referred to as dinning in Southampton has become much more cosmopolitan and chains have taken over a lot of places.
Traditional drink to the area would be Bitter ( by the pint ) or tea ( & biscuits ). I’d also recommend trying out the Real Ales at micro breweries such as the “ Dancing Man “. Other pubs I’d recommend are “ The South Western Arms “ in St.Denys , and “ Overdraft “ drinking establishment, in Shirley, for craft beer & ciders, & DJs certain nights of the week & some ‘ Take Overs “.
++ Anything else you’d like to add?
My favourite Wild Swans song is “ Archangels “, which I absolutely adore.
My son, at the age of 16 ( five years younger than I was ) has now played The Joiners, on the same stage as Ed Sheeran.
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