THE FACE
THERE WAS ONLY ONE PLACE TO SEE AND BE SEEN ON 20TH AUGUST THIS YEAR- THE FACE. MODELS, MAKE-UP ARTISTS, STYLISTS, FASHIONISTAS, DESIGNERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, PUNKS, GOTHS, YOU NAME IT- ALL DESCENDED ON THE LEGENDARY CLUB NIGHT, INCLUDING AGENT2’s VERONICA CARPIO…
AGENT2's Veronica Carpio
Despite a brief hiatus, The Face club night returned with a bang, promising to ‘turn London back to its best with a night celebrating eccentricity, art, eclectic music, fashion and excess’. And it certainly delivered. The Green Carnation in Soho saw a night dedicated to freedom, beauty, art, eccentricity and extravaganza with renowned DJs Steve Strange and Princess Julia hitting the decks in a celebration of 80’s fashion and music. The aim? According to party boy, model and host Alejandro Gocast, “This night is all about expressing yourself, being free, releasing the artist in you, being whoever you want to be”.
The Green Carnation is a fitting backdrop for such hedonism. A stylish bar inspired by Oscar Wilde, with elegant décor, dim lighting and green and gold walls full of quotes from the writer- “I can resist anything except temptation”- the atmosphere is a cocktail of Bohemian passion and Victorian luxury with a laid-back ambiance.
Vaudeville’s darkest muse Mr Pustra was the star of the show, presenting his fabulous new show King Midas. Covered in gold, with bruised make-up, very long lashes and extreme red lips, he moved elegantly around the stage dripping wax onto his semi-naked body, transporting the viewers to a world of decadence and melancholy. There is no attempt at storytelling, simply a creation of beauty, an experiment, a fantasy, both visually stunning and hugely entertaining.
Mr. Pustra performs on stage
Mr Pustra started in 2006 creating shows inspired by the 1930s, Charlie Chaplin, cabaret and burlesque, making Vaudeville’s art fashionable again. “I want to create something that is visually beautiful. I don’t do shocking things as people don’t get shocked anymore”. He looks for unexpected ways to entertain the spectator: “I am on a continuous journey of learning, always trying different things, always challenging myself”. He gets his inspiration from films, music, paintings and then creates a unique performance. “I don’t follow anyone. I just do my own thing. The most important thing is to be passionate about what you do. You have to believe in yourself and then people will believe in you”.
And this is certainly something that partygoers have taken on board- with guests encouraged to ‘Bring along a face like no other’, we can’t wait for the next one…
Words Veronica Carpio Images Dan Harley
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AGENT2 HAD A FIELD DAY
LAST WEEKEND SAW THE SAHARA DESERT DUSTY VICTORIA PARK IN EAST LONDON HOST THIS YEAR’S FIELD DAY. PEOPLE WERE OUT IN THEIR DENIM AND SUN HATS BRAVING BEING BURNT IN THE OPEN MEADOW. A HORIZON OF CHECKED SHIRTS MET YOU AS YOU WALKED IN AND OUT OF TENTS FOR SOME SHADE AND SOMEONE TO DRINK YOUR BEER WITHOUT GETTING A MOUTHFUL OF DUST AND STRAW. JENNY BUTLER OF AGENT2 MAGAZINE LOOKS AT A RUNDOWN OF THE BEST BANDS ON OFFER AND ALL THE DAY HAD TO OFFER.
When I got through the rather lengthy ticket queue just to get into another queue to get in the cider was really about to hit on. A plethora of fairground shenanigans were all around and I couldn’t help but be a little tempted by the coconut shys. From the corner of my eye I could see a number of crazy trendies having a go at a sack race. Of course this was no match for the skinny jean wearing boys, who were use to feeling restricted in their every day movements.
The first band that caught my eye was Amiina at the Village Mentality Tent. I could hear the familiar sound of violins, plus it was the first tent as you entered the festival. A chilled way to start the day, the use of a saw to create a haunting whistle was pleasing so early on in a hot day.
The early part of the day is generally spent spiralling in and out of tents trying to squeeze in as many acts as possible. As I went winding in to the Adventures in the Beetroot field tent to see Atlas Sounds, one of the bands I was desperate to see I could hear sound problems from the outset. Riddled with sound issues, the muffled vocals and crumpled instruments made this brilliant band sound terrible in comparison to their great album.
The main stage held host to a number of quality acts. Lightspeed Champion got the crowd dancing in the 4 o’clock heat. His raw energy and simple set up was perfect. By far the best band of the day was The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. It was Jay-Z with trumpets, synchronised moves and rippled six packs. If you haven’t heard of them this Chicago based 9 -piece is something special. Mix in the occasional rap and you have a mixture of soulful hip hop.
As night time fell the stage was lit for Phoenix. Having seen this band back in the Camden Roundhouse six months ago I didn’t rate them and went to see them, as most people, because they were headlining. Although they have improved and some of their songs are catchy, they are nothing more than a band of the moment. They were a light bite after some of the days more complicated and more musically capable bands, but they were nothing special. But, for a brief moment as least, they got my feet dancing like a cat on a hot tin roof.
Words Jennifer Butler Images Professor Nerdester
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THE TRAVELLING BAND – THE HORIZON, ME AND YOU
SINCE THEIR FORMATION OVER THREE YEARS AGO, THE TRAVELLING BAND HAVE TAKEN INFLUENCES FROM ACROSS THE BOARD TO CREATE THEIR OWN BLEND OF PSYCHADELIA, FOLK, BLUES, COUNTRY AND POP. INDEED A DIFFICULT BAND TO PIGEONHOLE, BUT WHAT’S THE FASCINATION WITH LABELLING EVERYTHING WE HEAR? THEIR MUSIC CAN BE INTERPRETED IN ANY NUMBER OF WAYS; A QUALITY WHICH MAKES THIS BAND SO INTERESTING AND PROBABLY THE REASON WHY THEY’VE CREATED SUCH A LOYAL FAN BASE NATIONWIDE. A CERTAIN HONESTY IS PRESENT IN THEIR WORK.
2010 is proving to be an exciting year for TTB. Having completed a string of U.K dates including Glastonbury for the third year on the trot, the seasoned travellers are giving fans another teaser of what to expect from their forthcoming second album, which is due for release later this year.
“The Horizon, Me and You” is the next installment from the album, following on from the success of the beautifully crafted track, “Sundial” which received a great deal of radio play and acclamation earlier in the year. The track is to be put out as a very limited edition 7” (500 to be precise) as part of the Too Pure Singles Club series. This appears to be a bold move by the band as all their work has been previously released on their own Sideways Saloon label, but a move that stays in touch with their organic roots nonetheless.
You can expect to hear a definite move into pop territory from this latest offering by the Manchester six-piece. With this track, simplicity appears to be key. Humbling lead vocals from Adam Gorman accompanied by simple riffs, keys and the occasional harmony lead up to one of the catchiest choruses of the Summer. Three minutes of unadulterated Americana bliss. Without doubt a feel good hit, I challenge anyone to disagree!
Each member of the band plays a key part in the song writing process, a factor that is evident on listening through the band’s repertoire. Although they have a distinct sound, there is a definite individuality to each track. This makes it all the more exciting to hear what the new will album have to offer.
Fingers crossed they’ll live up to expectations.
Single available Aug 16th on 7” (pre-order online now) or join the Singles Club at www.toopure.com
Words Dan Howell Images Joanna Dudderidge
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JAMES HOLDEN: PAGAN POST-TECHNO
BORDER COMMUNITY HEAD HONCHO JAMES HOLDEN IS THE LATEST ARTIST TO GRACE THE DECKS AT !K7 WITH HIS OWN EAGERLY ANTICIPATED DJ KICKS MIX. WITH TRACKS FROM THE LIKES OF LEGOWELT, KIEREN HEBDEN (AKA FOURTET) AND MOGWAI, THIS IS AN ALTOGETHER ECLECTIC MIX JOINING THE DOTS BETWEEN EXPERIMENTAL ELECTRONICA, KRAUTROCK, AMBIENT AND TECHNO. THE MIX INCLUDES A BRAND NEW TRACK BY THE MAN HIMSELF AND IS ALREADY BEING DUBBED ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT MIX ALBUMS OF THE YEAR.
AGENT2 spoke to James to find out more:
Hi James. Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to AGENT2. We’ve been really excited about the release of your DJ-Kicks mix. How would you describe the feel of the mix and what does it mean to you?
I find it quite hard to describe well…. but, I really feel the most happy with this out of all the mixes I’ve recorded. It turned out nice I think – the way it feels so coherent whilst also being made up of such disparate things. What it means, I guess is a suggestion for a sound – a way of looking at things where all this stuff belongs together. Pagan post-techno or something.
The DJ-Kicks series have become somewhat legendary. How did you choose which tracks to include and was there much deliberation?
A lot of deliberation, but mostly in the process of collecting a long list of ’maybes’. The actual choosing from that list and mixing was pretty easy. I think that what’s legendary about the series is the breadth it covers, so that just made me feel quite free and relaxed about just filling it with what I love.
Over the years, you’ve managed to create a sound both in your productions and mixes that is distinctly unique. Where does this sound derive from? Is it an expression of your personality?
Isn’t all music in some way that? I guess so though, I’m quite stubborn. But also I don’t think i would’ve had the strength to spend 10 years fighting to do something that doesn’t quite fit in without the support of everyone at Border Community – both the artists and the people behind the scenes. I think that’s probably the most important influence on where we’ve ended up.
The long awaited ‘Triangle Folds’ is your first production in four years. Can we expect to see more releases in the near future.
I wouldn’t say ‘near’… I’m touring so much for the CD that my synths are going to need a good dusting by the time I next get to play with them.
Your Summer schedule looks pretty crazy with the tour taking you all over the world. Does your music translate well abroad and is there a particular country that you look forward to playing in?
I’m not looking in my google calendar at the moment, out of fear, so I’ll take your word for it! I like quite a lot of different places, for different reasons. It changes, some countries have only taken to me in certain sections of my career, whereas some have always got what we were trying to do. Recently I’ve been quite enjoying my Italian trips and I’m really looking forward to going back to Japan, but really almost everywhere has some cool people who I enjoy playing to.
You’ve remixed the likes of Madonna, New Order and Depeche Mode to name but a few. Is there any artist or a particular track that you would love to get to work on and give the Holden treatment?
No, not at all – I’m so sick of remixing now! I’m taking a break from it…
Your label Border Community puts all it’s releases out on vinyl, a format that seems to face an uphill struggle in a world dominated by digital technology. Do you believe vinyl still plays an important role in the music world or are you an advocate for the digital movement?
I like everything digital brings, the democratisation (though the scene hasn’t quite evolved to deal with that yet), the environmental benefits, the wonderful things you can do DJing with a laptop, but at the same time i still buy a lot of vinyl and record it into the computer because it does sound better (or at least different – depends what you like). I’ll be sad if vinyl ever goes, the magic things a good cut does to the sound are completely unfakeable. I like when we can make a record a beautiful artifact. I think there are still plenty of people who want to own things like that.
Well thanks for your time James. Best of luck with the album – we love it! Have a great Summer.
Words Dan Howell
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HEINEKEN OPEN’ER FESTIVAL 2010
STAG PARTIES, CHEAP BEER AND THE BOOM OF LOW-COST AIRLINES HAVE MADE POLAND A POPULAR HOLIDAY DESTINATION IN RECENT YEARS. BUT THERE IS ALSO ANOTHER REASON TO HEAD EAST THIS SUMMER: THE HEINEKEN OPEN’ER FESTIVAL 2010.
For those who slosh through the mud at Glastonbury every year, party at V Festival and buy a three-day pass for Leeds, this is another music event to add to your list. One of the largest rock, pop and dance festivals in Europe, it has also been awarded the title of the best. Earlier this year, it beat the likes of Glastonbury by winning the award for 2009 Best Major Festival at the European Festival Awards.
One of Europe’s biggest, and most important, music events of the summer, this four day July festival in Gdynia, North Poland is an excellent alternative to the best of our British festivals. Situated by the sea, it exudes the chilled ambiance of our welly-wearing weekends whilst being a whole lot cheaper than a ticket to Reading. To top that, the eclectic mix of huge names and some of the world’s biggest artists gives it a feel for a British line-up.
Taking to the stage from 1 to the 4 July, the line-up reads like a ‘who’s who’ of modern chart toppers with this year’s acts including Kasabian, Gorillaz Sound System, Nas and The Klaxons. Classic performers also grace one of the seven stages at the Heineken Open’er and this year you can sing along with Pearl Jam and Grace Jones and rock with The Hives.
Having been a permanent fixture of European festival calendars since its first show in Warsaw in 2002, the Heineken Open’er, now in Gdynia, has since become infamous amongst festival-goers, performers and the media the world over. With tented pitches such like our most beloved British festivals (though I’m sure with a lot less mud) and cheap-as-chip half-litre beers costing only £1.25, there really isn’t a reason not to give Heineken a go this summer.
Unless of course, you’re partial to the old mac in a sac once the British skies open, that is.
The Heineken Open’er Festival runs from 1 – 4 July 2010 in Gdynia, Poland. Ryanair, BA and Wizz Air all fly to the nearby town of Gdansk. For more information on the festival or to book tickets, visit www.opener.pl/en
Prices:
Adult three-day ticket £155 and individual days starting from £55.
Student three-day ticket £125 and individual days starting from £40.
Words Natasha Al-Atassi
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TOMORROW IN A YEAR – THE KNIFE
A BIRD SINGING, THE RAIN FALLING ON LEAVES, THE WIND CARESSING BUSHES AND BRANCHES ARE SOUNDS AND MUSIC OF NATURE AND THE KNIFE WITH MT. SIMS AND PLANNINGTOROCK HAVE CHANNELED THESE MELODIES IN THE ELECTRONIC OPERA “TOMORROW, IN A YEAR”.
Through the centuries nature has inspired many poets, painters, writers and musicians, who have tried to express the beauty, strength and complexity of the world around them. But these guys have gone beyond.
The project was proposed by the Danish performance group Hotel Pro Forma who wanted to take on stage Darwin’s “On The Origin Of The Species” and his researches about nature and wildlife.
The Knife were the first to be contacted and they then decided to let Mt. Sims and Planningtorock take part in the realization of this innovative work.
The result is an electronic opera that combines artificial sounds and field recordings. Olof Dreijer (The Knife) went in fact to the Amazon and Iceland to find inspiration and to record real sounds from wild nature.
He says: “At first it was very difficult as we really didn’t know anything about opera. But after some studying, and just getting used to opera’s essence of pretentious and dramatic gestures, I found that there is a lot to learn and play with. In fact, our ignorance gave us a positive respectless approach to making opera. It took me about a year to become emotionally moved by an opera singer and now I really do. I really like the basic theatrical values of opera and the easy way it brings forward a narrative. We’ve approached this before in The Knife but never in such a clear way.”
15 tracks compose the melodic world of Tomorrow, In A Year: a wonderful, dreaming but dangerous world in which the mystery of unknown nature but also the surprise of discovering new animal and plant species are described.
An opera singer, a pop singer and an actor also enrich the performance, all this accompanied by light projections.
The show is a real travel in a new world seen through Darwin’s eyes and it changes as fast as life and nature do. During the first part single elements are introduced, then they gather and merge becoming a whole before changing again in something new and undiscovered.
Ralf Richardt Strøbech is the co-director with Kirsten Dehlholm. He explains, “Time forms our lives, gives our existence meaning and populates the globe. Generations, eons and millions of years create the new and eradicate existences. Nature selects, invites and dares everything without limitation.”
Everything changes. Today, tomorrow, in a year, forever. Things develop, mutate and so do we.
rabidrecords.com/tomorrowinayear
Words Luca Russo
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THE NIRO
WHEN WE TALK ABOUT INDIE MUSIC WE USUALLY THINK OF WEIRD TUFTS OF HAIR (WHY? AND HOW IS THIS GUY DIFFERENT? PROBABLY BEST TO DESCRIBE THE NORMAL BEATS, SOUNDS OF THE MUSIC WHICH THE NIRO DOESN’T COMPLY WITH). BUT THERE’S ONE GUY WHO REPRESENTS INDIE MUSIC IN HIS OWN WAY. SHOWING A TENSION AND A STRENGTH, HIS TRACKS ARE WORKS OF ART DIFFICULT TO FIND IN THIS POPULAR AND POLLUTED GENRE.
Italian-born Davide Combusti grew up surrounded by music before starting up his own band, The Niro, from 2002. Currently considered one of the best young songwriters in Italy, he is beginning to establish a name for himself on British shores.
Son to a famous drummer from some important Italian rock bands during the 1970s (I Ribelli, I Centauri, La somma), he cultivated his interest for music playing the same instrument before taking his hand to the guitar and bass.
He took to the stage as a drummer, when he decided to write music and lyrics for his own band: The Niro. When they split up he kept the name and continued his solo career as songwriter. In 2008 his first EP, An Ordinary Man was released by Universal. Its five songs were also part of the 13 track album: The Niro.
He has played in New York, LA and Paris and last October, he performed a whistle stop tour around the UK with LiveZone and Track1. Having previously opened for the Zephyrs, Isobel Campbell and TKO and contributed to the Belle and Sebastian’s tribute album with his version of I fought in a War, his biggest British performance was his recent London gig last winter.
On 22 October 2009, The Gramaphone in Commercial Street filled with ‘Indie’ types, eager to listen to something new. Guys chatting on black leather sofas sat awaiting the new beats and sounds that will change the genre for the coming year, as drums and guitars are set up on stage.
The Niro – wearing jeans, black t-shirt and a bowler – jumped on it.
He played songs from his debut with great precision and heart and his performance reflected his discrete and private manner, steering clear of shouting rock bands. Saying only a few polite ‘thanks’ during the set, he’s clearly one of those who prefer communicating through their music and avoid wasting too many words about it.
His style of singing seems to be influenced by Jeff Buckley’s high notes and falsetto reverberations, while his music offers a wide range of emotions: from happiness to melancholy, from rage to serenity. Classic arpeggios suddenly turn into aggressive progressions while tempo and rhythm changes often surprise the audience.
Bass guitar and drums are perfectly synchronized and form a complex carpet on which the artist is completely free to express himself. Years of lessons from his father have paid off and the consensus amongst the now-standing audience was clear: The Niro machine works amazingly well.
The performance quickly left behind something difficult to explain: an uneasiness or sadness that resonated through his lyrics and between each note.
Worlds away from the usual Europop dance tunes of Eiffel 65 that normally filters through from Italy’s music scene, The Niro’s songs are full of content and heart. So much so, that for the first time, the whole world is listening to The Niro to change Indie music to change for the better, and it’s safe to say, we’re eager for more.
Words Luca Russo
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INTERVIEW – RAZOR BLADE KISSES
SOUTHAMPTON SIX-PIECE RAZOR BLADE KISSES ARE A BAND WITH A DIFFERENCE. YOU COULD EASILY MISTAKE THEM FOR ANOTHER SHOCK-ROCK BAND, ALL NOISE AND NO TROUSERS. BUT NEW ALBUM TWINKLE, TWINKLE LITTLE SCAR IS SURPRISINGLY GOOD; A MUSICAL JOURNEY TOLD THROUGH HAUNTING PERSIAN FAIRYTALES AND ETHEREAL MELODIES. WITH TWO VOCALISTS- LAYLA AND AZADEH- THE BAND IS COMPLETED BY ANDI (BASS), STEVE (DRUMS), JACQUI (GUITAR) AND PHIL (VIOLIN). WITH A LOOK AS QUIRKY AND UNUSUAL AS THEIR MUSIC, THEY TALK TO AGENT2 ABOUT THEIR NEW RECORD.
How did RBK come to form?
Layla: Andi and I formed the band in 1999. I used to play keys for his first band and he heard me singing in one of our rehearsals and decided to start a second band with me on vocals. That’s how it all started. This was before we were married so there is the rock n’ roll element too!
Azadeh: When I came here to study in 2001, RBK was consisted of Andy and Layla. Me and Layla used to take classical music lessons back home and we were always doing musical practices together since we were kids. She asked me if I wanted to join RBK as the second vocalist and since it was just an extension of our childhood dream I couldn’t turn it down.
Jacqui: I joined RBK at the beginning of 07, I think. They needed a guitarist with a metal influence, I liked their style so we decided to work together.
Which bands do you look to for inspiration?
Andi: I have a ton of inspirations for the music I write. I think the biggest ones are Linkin Park, Portishead, Massive Attack, Switchblade Symphony, Queen Adreena, Malice Mizer, the GazettE, Jack Off Jill, Placebo, Depeche Mode. I try to take the best parts of all of these, so the power and pop-structure from Linkin Park,, the soul and trip hop stylings from Portishead and Massive Attack, the haunting feeling from Switchblade Symphony, and the raw punky edge from Jack Off Jill. Even though there is massive crossover in some of these bands, what comes out the other side is initially quite incongruous, but by the time it gets the vocals and our own style stamped over it, it all comes together.
Layla: I’m mainly my own inspiration but people I am involved with at the time also are a big inspiration on lyrics I write or the way I sing. My music is from within my heart. As far as other bands go, I like listening to Muse, Placebo, Depeche Mode and lots of songs by other bands. So I guess as far as inspiration goes, if their music or lyrics touch my heart maybe subconsciously they get reflected on the song that I’m working on at the time or spark new ideas in my head.
Azadeh: Anathema and Malice Mizer.
Jacqui: Bands which love and who are dedicated to their work!
How easy is it for you to put a song together and how long does it take?
Andi: A simple concept can take minutes, but making it into something coherent can take forever. Sometimes the writing is the hard part, but sometimes it can be harder to “sell” an idea to others. “Teddy” was written in about 20 mins, but it took nearly a year to convince the band that it was worth doing, conversely, “Choke”- currently a live fave- took about a week from writing to playing fully as a band.
Layla: I mainly write the lyrics. Sometimes if I hear a song lyrics come to me instantly for it and sometimes it takes days or months and something gets triggered in my head when I hear the same song again and lyrics will be there.
Azadeh: I don’t write the music, me and Layla usually sort out between ourselves which bits to sing and it usually takes one or two sessions to master it.
Jacqui: It varies. Most of the time it’s pretty easy, we just jam things out and the songs develop from there. Other times I just work out guitar parts for ideas already written, and sometimes an idea is formed around riff ideas.
You’ve said that your lyrics are influenced by Persian fairytales- which ones do you reference on the album?
Layla: Many Persian fairytales are quite similar to brother Grimm’s ones. So where this album’s image is influenced by Little Red Riding Hood, we have similar ones in Persian where innocence gets abused in the path of growing up; In the Path of Pins and Needles, when a choice needs to be made. Only direct one I can mention is a nursery rhyme of ‘Aroosak-e-ghashang-e-man’ translating to ‘My pretty doll’. The translation of this forms part of the lyrics for Ballerina. My style is also very William Blake inspired. Simplistic nursery rhyme style lyrics but with deeper meanings. Very much like Songs of Innocence and Experience by William Blake. The other Persian influence is in Butterfly. The song is about Forough Farrokhzad, feminist poet who met with a suspicious death. The last poem she wrote was called ‘Parandeh Mordanist’ translating to ‘This Bird is going to Die’. The spoken words in this song sung by Azadeh are lines of this poem. The butterfly is her ghost. In Persian mythology Butterfly is the ghost of people who haven’t parted from this world yet, normally the ones who commit suicide or get killed. Similar to in Christianity, I suppose.
Azadeh: Ballerina is based on an old Persian nursery rhyme called My Pretty Doll. We used to sing it as kids. Ballerina is just a dark take of the same lyrics.
Your sound is difficult to classify. How would you describe it?
Layla: Many different influences, very mood driven. None of us like a set style of music and this changes depends on our moods. We are all very different people yet can bond musically hence the result is un-classifiable. Can only be a good thing. Something there for everyone. Music for the masses!
Azadeh: If Tim Burton had a band it would have sounded a bit like us I would think.
Jacqui: Umm… an enchanting mixture of Alice In Wonderland meets Marilyn Manson down a dark, Victorian alleyway in late 1900’s Whitechapel.
Do you have personal favourite songs from the album?
Layla: Mine are Ballerina, Butterfly and Deadly Yours.
Azadeh: Toy Soldier since it’s based on one of my favourite childhood fairy tales
Andi: “Teddy”, by a mile.
Jaqcui: Two actually, “Teddy” and “Butterfly”.
Your album is available to download from 26th Oct. Why did you decide to choose to go down that route instead of a commercial release with a record company?
Layla: The album was supposed to be released much earlier by the label, but delays in mixing, followed by a delay due to marketing and ultimately the economic situation hitting the label hard so that they would have had to delay the album due to a lack of funds led us to part company.
How much input did you have as a band in making the record?
Layla: The album was 100% us. Even when we were with the label they were very hands off on that front, which is one of the reasons we were happy to sign with them in the first place. Of course, if the band ever did sell out to a major label and got ruled over by their internal marketing departments, we’d simply take their money, walk the walk, then use the cash to fund a side project true to our creativity. But right here and now the band is 100% owned and ruled by us, everything you hear from us is us entirely, unmodified, not watered down. We do it cos it’s what we love, and even if RBK ended most of us would still continue with other similar projects. True music never dies.
Which do you prefer- recording or playing live? And why?
Layla: I love both, Recording is good cause you know it’s being put down somewhere where it’ll stay and it won’t be lost so you’re making a record of your art. Live is good, because I relate to most of my lyrics and singing is a way of releasing my emotions. However, sometimes where lyrics have brought up some things I like to forget back in my mind, I’d rather not be performing them. Catch a show soon you might catch a few sneaky tears running my make up down my face!
Azadeh: They are both good in their own ways. Live is good since you have the audience participation and it’s nice to see some feedback but you don’t always get a good sound and that could be frustrating. Recording is good in a way that everything is set up to get a perfect sound.
Jacqui: There isn’t one I prefer over the other. I love the recording and mixing process and hearing the songs come together. Playing live is definitely fun, it’s a different kinda performance vibe.
Are you planning to tour soon?
Layla: Hopefully, yes. Need to find a big enough suitcase for my dolls though first!
What has been the biggest highlight for RBK as a band so far?
Layla: Whitby shows. Always great audience and decent stage to play on. It makes us feel like real rock stars we are!
Azadeh: Playing in Whitby Gothic weekend three times, twice on the main stage.
Jacqui: Finally getting the RBK album done and dusted.
What would you be doing if you weren’t in RBK?
Layla: Things that I currently do, plus trying to form a band who sound like RBK. Maybe even in a dollhouse trying to lose weight so I fit.
Azadeh: I would concentrate more on my modelling.
Andi: I’d just be doing other musical projects, chances are they’d have something in common with RBK, tho I do have a big love of electronic and dance music, so possibly some mad, anime influenced, breakbeat, industrial dance project….with tentacles.
Jacqui: I’m very busy with my own music projects, writing with Martin Walkyier (frontman of Sabbat) for The Clan destined, session work and also writing my own instrumental albums. So I guess I’d be doing that.
How do you feel about comparisons to other female fronted rock acts like Jack Off Jill?
Layla: Its good. We don’t sound exactly like them but I can see why people see us similar. Troubled teenage angst, spooky dollhouse lyrics, play-on fairytales. Where is Tim Burton when we need him to form a band?!
Azadeh: it’s always a compliment to be compared to someone talented, but at the same time we are not copying anyone, therefore it’s nice to be recognized for our individuality.
Jacqui: People are always gonna make comparisons, it’s fine by me.
Image is obviously important for the band- was it a conscious decision to dress in that way or is it similar to your everyday style?
Layla: I love dolls, I love Victorians, I’m nostalgic. All of this inspire me to dress the way I dress. I do it in my everyday style too but not to the extreme cos i’m lazy sometimes. Lyrics and the music lend themselves very well to this image. A child’s nightmare. Don’t trust the dolls. Bizarre once quoted me saying ‘you can even get away with murder if you dress like a doll’. I’m innocent, honest!
Azadeh: As you say, image is a big part of RBK and that’s partially because as individuals we all are quite conscious of our image and we always try to create an impression through what we wear.
Andi: Bands are a package, especially in the MTV and internet age. Kids want posters in their rooms, they want people to idolize and get inspiration from. I find it difficult to get that inspiration from a bunch of people in jeans and t-shirts. You always hear that same old song though, the “They should concentrate on their music more than their image” idea. That’s bull. I’m a musician, my music will not get any better or worse just because I also spend time on my image. I don’t stop halfway through writing and go, “Oh that’ll do, I’ve not got time to finish it properly ‘cos I need to go get some new shoes”. That’s ridiculous. People who think that is the case for ANY band are stupid and should be killed, to death, in the face.
Jacqui: It was an unconscious decision! The way I dress on-stage is pretty similar to what I wear everyday.
Where do you get ideas for outfits? Do you ever get clothes specially made?
Azadeh: Films and paintings, I tend to get an idea from the past and mix it with something of myself and create something that is truly mine. Inspiration is good but I tend to stay away from copying as much as possible. Unfortunately I’m not good at making clothes from scratch but I’m qutie good at modifying things. You’ll be surprised by the amount of stuff that could be bought from high street shops and be transformed to something unique and original.
Layla: Read above. But new influences might come in future which might change the image slightly. I won’t reveal much yet! One of my other biggest hobbies apart from the band is clothing designer. I run a brand called Mort Couture. Azadeh has also got a big part in influencing what we wear. We normally decide on a design, etc, and I make them. In the past we used to buy them or get sponsored by clothing companies. But the album outfits are by me.
Andi: Visual Kei is a huge influence for me, Mana (Malice Mizer), Hizaki (Versailles) and Uruha (the GazettE) in equal doses. Layla makes a lot of my stuff too.
Jacqui: My image is something that I’ve been working on since I became a guitarist. I see things in clothes shops and if I like them, then I buy them. Layla and Azadeh are very good at making clothes, so they come up with all the ideas for their outfits.
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Scar is released on 26th October, available from iTunes and all all major download sites.
Words Kay Weston
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MARINA & THE DIAMONDS ‘MOWGLI’S ROAD’ VIDEO
AGENT2 FAVOURITE MARINA & THE DIAMONDS IS SET TO RELEASE HER NEW SINGLE MOWGLI’S ROAD ON THE 16TH OF NOVEMBER. HER THIRD RELEASE IS YET ANOTHER SLICE OF INDIE-POP PERFECTION THAT IS DESTINED TO REACH A FAR WIDER AUDIENCE THAN MARINA HAS YET BEEN EXPOSED TO. TO WHET YOUR APPETITES BEFORE THE SINGLES OFFICIAL RELEASE, AGENT2 BELIEVES A QUICK PEEK AT THE CHRIS SWEENY DIRECTED VIDEO IS IN ORDER. TASTEMAKERS AND HIPSTERS ALIKE, VIDDY AND ENJOY.
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INTERVIEW – PALOMA FAITH
I FEEL CHEATED. THERE, I’VE SAID IT. THAT’S RIGHT – SUE ME. ANYONE WHO HAS A VESTED INTEREST IN “POP” MUSIC SHOULD BE ECHOING EXACTLY THE SAME SENTIMENTS, FULL STOP. THINK BACK TO THIS LAST YEAR GONE AND CONSIDER ALL OF THE RUBBISH THAT WE’VE HAD TO ENDURE. HOW WAS IT FOR YOU? AWFUL, RIGHT? AND WHY DO I FEEL SO STRONGLY? I’LL TELL YOU WHY; PALOMA FAITH, THAT’S BLOODY WHY! ALL THIS TIME A GENUINE POP STARLET WAS OPERATING RIGHT UNDERNEATH POP MUSIC’S RADAR AND WHAT DID WE DO? LISTEN TO NONSENSE-FILLED-UNDERACHIEVERS, THAT’S WHAT. EVER GET THE FEELING THAT YOU’VE BEEN CHEATED?
Paloma Faith has just released her debut album, Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful, and the real truth is that it is without a doubt the most essential pop album to be released for quite some time. Think smoky-Winehouse-esque vocals coupled with huge cinematic backdrops and you would be half way there – Faith’s album is one to be digested and enjoyed over a number of listens. If you don’t believe me, I besiege you, discover it for yourself. It is a genre fest of sizeable proportion that will reward you ten-fold in these dark and worrisome times.
AGENT2 tracked Paloma down and managed to catch a word with the lady of the hour before her ship sails for the land of superstars.
Your new single New York is released next week; it’s a big sweeping giantess of a song – ballad and theatrical like in places. What is the song about?
It’s about how the city took my lovers heart. He fell in love with New York and chose it over me. He went to work there and decided to live there and end it with me!
The video for New York is extremely cinematic and well produced. How much input did you have into the creative process of it?
I am very lucky in the way that I have been incredibly involved in the creative process. We wanted to make the New York video more about my performance as an actress in a story as opposed to an overly visual one like Stone Cold Sober. Vaughan Arnell came up with the bowling lanes setting. I think he was inspired by the Big Lebowski.
What can AGENT2 readers expect from your album if they’ve yet to hear it?
I would like my album to transport the listeners to a fantasy world. I feel that everyone needs an escape from the world we live in today and I hope that my album has created something fresh and hopeful that they can escape to.
The album title, Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful, is very evocative of the acting world: the idea of escapism and the ability to pretend. What does it mean to you?
It’s an introduction to me and what I do. I am proposing that I offer you something beautiful as I don’t believe the truth is ever really that important. The title is all about perception and I think it’s beautifully vulnerable. In contemporary culture we spend alot of time trying to unveil the truth and I prefer to enjoy the fantasy and let it wash over me.
What, so far, have been the most enjoyable places to perform live?
Latitude festival… It was the first time I had performed to a big audience who knew some of the lyrics of my songs. I love people singing along! When you buy the album you get all the lyrics in the booklet, I hope people will read them!
Is your live show as flamboyant as the music on your album? We imagine plenty of costume changes and a sense of ‘event’ rather than just another gig.
I try to create a performance that will entertain visually as much as on an audio level. No two shows are the same although I might include homages to past shows. I like to entertain and make an event out of a performance. I come from a theatre background and that influences what I do.
You boast an impressive CV including working as an actress, singer, dancer and magician’s assistant. What’s the worst job that you’ve ever had?
I would have to say it was when I worked in a cafe on a Saturday, boiling chicken.
You have a part in the new Terry Gilliam film, The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus, what was he like to work with?
Amazing! It’s been an ambition of mine to meet and work with him. I love his films and feel that he is one of our generations’ greatest talents. He’s very funny too.
Now you’re set to become a musical force, will you continue acting?
Definitely, although at present I’m focused on my music I hope that at the end of this year I can start doing some auditions…time dependent!!
What do find more personally rewarding, music or acting?
I love doing both and don’t think they’re exclusive.
During your hectic schedule of chart and world domination, you are unexpectedly given a whole day off. What would you do with yourself?
I LOVE THE CINEMA! I would like to go to Gelato Mio for an Italian ice cream and then go to see a film in the cinema.
Paloma Faith Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful is available now.
Words Colin French Images Alice Hawkins
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