KBPS Interview: Glenn Hodge Banned

Describing himself as ‘original Antifolk kinda stuff with hints of Billy Bragg’ Glenn Hodge Banned has a new single out called ‘Faces on Tables’ and we got chance to speak to him about the new record, plans for the future, and an exciting upcoming crowdfunded campaign.

You have a new single out called ‘Faces on Tables’. How would you describe it?

Personally to me it’s a bit of an adventure, a little bit of a journey concerning me and a few friends in the distant past. I’m sure anybody else who hears the tune will make up their own story to it which people often do, which I think is great. It’s a bit of a toe-tapper. It’s Billy Bragg-esque. Some of my work is Billy Bragg-esque. Not all of it, but I’m told that’s what comes across. There’s a punky vibe. It’s not one to sit down to; it’s one to get up and have a move about to.

You mentioned there Billy Bragg; is there a political side to your music?

Some of it. I’m more of a social commentator than full on political in what I’m singing about, but of course it’s difficult not to have a slight opinion at the minute, whoever you are. Everyone’s a lot more aware now so it’s a lot easier to make a few comments and have people aware of what you’re talking about as opposed to maybe a decade or so ago. You go to a gig, you go to a festival and someone is banging on about something that’s happened politically in that environment and nobody had a clue what they were talking about but now you can get away with a lot more: you can say what you’re thinking and what you’re feeling and some people are down with that, so there’s a definitely a little bit in there.

You mention online that you have punk influences; is that important to you musically?

I’m not a big fan of punk music. I like it, but I think it’s more about the attitude that goes with it. I love folk music but the folk world doesn’t seem to love me. I’ve been describe as anti-folk and there’s always this underlying feeling of, not aggression, but there’s a little bit of something in there in the music. It’s not something I try to put in, it’s just my personality coming through in the music, which is what you want! There are so many nice records out there and I’m sick to death of them! It’s alright sounding nice here and there but I think every now and again you’ve got to give it some.

Going back to Billy Bragg, he’s been very positive about your work?

Yes, that’s always very nice to hear. He probably won’t even remember me now after saying that but it’s nice to have someone like that saying something positive about you as there are always negatives flying around no matter who you are. I’ll take anything and everything. I’m getting my name out there more and more. Having someone like that saying something about you gives you a little lift and reminds you that you’re on the right track, especially if you’re looking up to these characters.

As well as your studio work, you have some live dates coming up. How would you describe your live sound?

It’s all about live for me. I only record songs because I have to. I don’t enjoy being in the studio; I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed once being in the studio getting something down. I enjoy the finished product sometimes but most of the time I’m not crazy about it. It’s all about being on stage for me and interacting with people and getting them to feel something, whether they walk out half way through, sometimes in my first song as it’s not for everybody. Or whether they stay to the end and I have a fan for life. It’s about that forty minutes that you’re with this guys and the record is just a bit of a pesky by-product that you have to do these days if you’re going to be recognised and validated. It’s all about the live performance. There’s a lot of energy, I don’t take it too seriously. I like to have a bit of fun and if people are willing to have a bit of fun and go on a vibe with me then it’s generally a good laugh.

If anyone wants to see me live and if they’re coming to London, or London-based, I’m playing on the 27^th April in the Spice of Life in Soho which is a great venue. Dylan has played there as well as lots of great characters through the years. I’m playing with a band called Heavyball so it’s going to be a proper good night.  They’ve got all sorts of stuff out and they’re off on a European tour the day after that gig. They’re great live, and I think they’re going to do a cover of ‘Faces on Tables’ at the gig and I’m looking forward to that. It’ll be something different seeing someone else’s presentation. I think a few years ago I wouldn’t have been too keen on that but it’s nice to have someone interested in my work and putting their own vibe to it.

What are your follow-up plans for the single?

I’m doing a Kickstarter campaign. I’ve had some really nice folk from the Bright Brothers and these guys have helped me make a really quirky Kickstarter video. I’m doing a crowdfunded campaign to pay for this record. Up until now, as an independent folk artist, I’ve funded everything myself out of my own pocket but I want to make a proper album. Just to have a proper body of work. The whole album process is a tough slog but I want to get to the end of that, to have a body of work to show to people and show them what I am and say ‘stick this in your car!’. I’m hoping with the gigs that I’m playing and with the following that I have, that I can get what I need and get something that I can be proud of it out there. It will be live soon, possibly mid-April. I’ve recorded a free single that I’m going to give away with it and I’m just waiting for that to be mixed and mastered. Once that’s done and the video is edited I’m ready to go!

Finally do you have any big ambitions for the rest of 2017?

My focus has to be to enable myself to move myself forward. The Kickstarter campaign is this spring so realistically it’ll be summer before I can start making the record so by the time it’s made, mixed and mastered I’ll be looking at Christmas, or maybe 2018, before I can take it on tour. That’s not that far away and time is flying by, but it’s all about sticking to one thing at a time and then the end game is taking that on tour and move up the ladder which I’ve been doing all these days.

Click here to find out more about Glenn Hodge Banned.

KBPS Interview: MONA

Nick Brown, Zach Lindsey and Jordan Young make up MONA, an exciting band from Nashville. Ahead of their gig this month in Leeds we spoke to them about their music.

You are playing the Wardrobe in Leeds later this month. How would you describe your live sound? 

KINDA LIKE THE ALBUMS BUT LOUDER ...

Your most recent EP and lead single was called 'In The Middle'. What was the inspiration behind the song? 

THE TITLE KINDA SUMS IT UP... NO MATTER WHAT THE SITUATION IS IN LIFE WE ARE CONSTANTLY IN TRANSITION AND/OR FACED WITH CHOOSING SIDES. JUST GOING THROUGH THE EMOTIONS IF THAT PUSH AND PULL 

It's had a big reaction on Spotify - what's it been like to have that for your song?

I THINK ANY BAND LOVES ANY REACTION TO ANY SONG. WE APPRECIATE THE FOLKS AT SPOTIFY AND ARE GRATEFUL TO THE LISTENERS 

Was the video a fun experience to record?

THAT VIDEO WAS PRETTY MUCH A DRUNKEN HANG. MORE OF A CONTENT PIECE THAN A VIDEO. BUT WE DEF HAD SOME FUN 

Do you have a particular favourite track on the EP?

I'M A LITTLE IN THE MIDDLE ABOUT THAT QUESTION :) 

You have an American tour starting in April; how do dates there compare to the UK?

PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE.  WE LIKE THEM ALL 

Do you have any further live dates planned for the summer?

WE WANNA PLAY AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE WE WILL SEE WHAT HAPPENS 

Have you got any follow-up album plans at all?

WE DO HAVE A FULL LENGTH ALBUM BEING FINISHED UP AS WE SPEAK. ALMOST DONE 

What's the best place for people to find out more about your music?

MONATHEBAND.COM

Finally, do you have any big ambitions for the rest of the year?

WE WOULD LIKE TO BUNGEE JUMP, STACK PLASTIC CUPS, DO MULTI COLORED SPEED BOAT TOUR & MAYBE FINALLY MASTER THE G CHORD 

KBPS Interview: Dan Owen

Shrewsbury-based singer-songwriter Dan Owen is preparing to embark on a UK tour which includes the Oporto in Leeds on 12th April. We got the chance to speak to him about his new single 'Moonlight' and his upcoming live dates.

Your new single is ‘Moonlight’. How would you describe it?
It's a really slow tempo song. I always say it has an around the campfire sort of feel.  Quite simple guitar picking but a pretty demanding vocal. 

What was your inspiration behind the lyrics?
It is a love song of sorts. With some darker undertones. People tend to project their own meaning onto songs which I think is really good thing. It means they relate to the lyrics more and create an emotional connection. Sometimes I don't want to ruin their vision of the song by explaining too much.

The video features footage from your tour; how did that all go?
The footage came out of 2 tours, one was from a Birdy support tour and the other half was from a tour with Kaleo, they were both really awesome tours with amazing crowds and artists. Touring is my favourite part of my job. I get to travel, meet great people and sing to my hearts content!

What’s your most memorable moment from the tour or the one you’re currently on?
On the tour I'm on now (which is my first ever headline European tour) to stand on stage at the Paradiso in Amsterdam and hear people in a different country singing my songs back at me has been a memory I will never forget. Singing a duet with Birdy every night of the tour is going to be pretty hard to beat too!

You’re playing Leeds on the 12th April; what can people expect from your live sound?
A mix of up-beat sing along/clap along sometimes stomping tunes and sometimes more intimate slow songs. A bit of harmonica too :)

You have a new EP out called ‘Open Hands and Enemies’. Is ‘Moonlight’ reflective of that release as a whole? 
We called the EP that because two of the songs were written in a way of putting out your hands wanting to bring someone in, and the other two are about pushing someone away. So I suppose it is pretty representative of half of the release? 

You’re involved with Burberry Acoustic as well. How did you get involved with that
We got together over London fashion week and I went to one of their shows to sing them some songs live as well as recording the video session. It was an awesome day and they gave me a free outfit! :)

Your Facebook page has shots of you out and about. Are you a keen walker? Where’s your favourite place to go? Does that help you with songwriting?
I really like being outdoors, I grew up in Shropshire so hills and fields have always been a big part of my life, and it's usually the first place (and my favourite place) I go to unwind when I get back from tour. It is hard to not feel inspired when you're out there.

What are your plans for the rest of 2017? Any album hopes?
Definitely going to be recording a lot of songs through the summer along side a few festivals and really hoping to get something released towards the end of the summer with another big tour at the end of the year! 

Finally do you have a big dream for the year you’d love to achieve?
I would love to have a song get going on the radio. It would also be awesome if I could play to so many new people that every night of my next tour sells out. That would be really amazing.

Find out more about Dan Owen on Facebook.

KBPS Interview: Hands of Industry

Hands Of Industry came together in Yorkshire during the summer of 2014, and have welded their influences of 90s dance music with 80s synth and dark wave to create their own unique and modern sound. Drawing favourable comparisons with the likes of New Order, Depeche Mode and The Sisters of Mercy, the band describe their music as "Dark Dance" – a fusion of driving acoustic drums, catchy synth hooks and samples that provide an imposing and atmospheric backdrop to the dark vocals and lyrical content. We spoke to lead singer Paul from the band about their upcoming new release ‘I Swear’.

You have a new single out on the 31^st March called ‘I Swear’. Where did the idea for this song come from?

It comes lyrically from some experiences I’ve had working in psychology from working with people with pathological jealousy, so it’s a song that’s very much about control and how relationships can start out with the victim of pathological jealous feeling that their partner is wanting to do everything for them, that they’re looking after them, that they’re going to protect them, and gradually as that control takes hold and that person starts to understand and realise they are being controlled that they try to get out of that relationship, and you see the controller getting more and more threatening. I guess it’s quite a dark song, as you might have gathered from listening to it.

With the music, it’s just very typical of the Hands of Industry sound. It’s dark dance / alternative dance. We wanted to make it a combination and I hope we’ve achieved that.

You’ve mentioned dark dance. How would you define that?

If you think about bands like Depeche Mode, certainly towards the latter end of their career. Obviously they’re still going and they’re still fresh, and still a huge band, but as they got a bit darker themselves they’re music started to become much more dance-orientated in how their songs were structured and what was behind the lyrical content, which has always been amazing. But if you try and think about a combination of Depeche Mode and New Order, and I think what we’ve always tried to do is combine a dark lyric, a serious lyric, with a big anthemic dance backdrop, a dance theme that’s holding the lyrical content up. They’re songs that mean things to people and have a relevance to a larger audience en-masse, and songs that people can dance to.

Your songs have a fusion of 80s and 90s; was that an intentional decision?

I think we’ve tried to use all our influences. There’s very much an 80s and 90s comparison that we do keep getting which is absolutely fantastic as these are eras that mean a lot to us, and where we get most of our inspiration from, certainly from my perspective. I’m a huge Depeche Mode fan. I absolutely adore them, but also bands like Sisters of Mercy and New Order. Our drummer is a huge dance fan, he’s really into the Chemical Brothers, Bad Gadget and bands like that. And Brad, the keyboard player, he loves his Kraftwerk and he’s a huge electronica fan. It’s the right blend of personnel in the band as all the right ingredients for the sound come together. We feel it’s certainly not pastiche, and most definitely something deliberately that we’ve tried to make as an evolution from those influences.

Going back to songwriting, do your songs mostly come from your experiences?

I’ve worked in a lot of different areas of psychology, so I’ve had lots of experience working in forensics, working in quite complex psychology difficulties, and some not so complex. But I guess you’ve got to use your own personal experiences as well so I wouldn’t say it’s purely as an observer; the lyrics don’t come from an observer perspective completely. Some songs come from personal experience as well, which is another important thing for us as a band, that the songs aren’t generic. We want these songs to have impact and to connect with people. I hope that that comes across in the lyrical content.

The single launches at the end of the month; are there any plans for an accompanying video?

Yes! We’re currently in talks to shoot a video. We’re just in the process of getting storyboards together which is all very exciting for us. It’s an opportunity for us all to get our heads together and get some ideas based around what the song is about, which I guess is a challenge. We’re currently in talks now with some people to make sure the video truly reflects what the band is about, and to showcase us as well, to show who we are and what the dynamic is between the three of us, which is a really great dynamic. The story itself is going to be an interesting one when it gets to the video. We’re all looking forward to seeing how that comes about.

Away from your music I believe you qualified for Mensa at the age of seven?

Yeah! I don’t remember it as a seven year old, but this is what has been told to me as I’ve been growing up. I went to a school for gifted children. I spent a lot of my time in Ireland. It’s a curious thing and something I’ve learned to play down as I’ve got older, but as they say, it is what it is!

Your drummer also contributed to the name of your act, with his hand movements…

Adam is a phenomenal drummer. [The hand gesture] is something Adam’s done from the very beginning and he’s all got us doing that now, and it’s really effective and fits with us. It’s really different and I think it looks really good on camera, but it’s something he’s done way before he joined the band and has stayed with him, and has become part of our normal repertoire.

You have tour dates coming up in March and April. How does your live sound compare to your studio work?

It’s interesting. We recorded with Ian who’s a huge producer and has been involved with so many different projects, even right back to the Hit Factory. He’s worked with Kylie Minogue and various other people which was quite interesting for us, as a dark dance band how the songs would sound made for radio, but Ian’s been absolutely amazing and thankfully the kind of music we do is the kind of music Ian is really into, so it was a nice change for him to work with music that fits with his musical taste. What you hear on the radio is structured in such a way that it’s a combination reflecting on who we are and what we say as a band, but also making the music as interesting as we can make it for the listener.

Our live sound is very powerful. One of the things we’ve always tried to do on stage is to create a wall of sound that’s defined, but is really powerful, which is everything that we want to do. We want people to feel it musically, but we want them to feel it lyrically as well. Though we’re a three piece the sound that you’ll get from us is absolutely massive. The one thing we also want to include is anthemic pieces in songs that really uplift people. As dark as the lyrics are we want people to feel uplifted by the songs at the same time.

Following the single release have you got any plans for an EP or album release?

Alongside [the single] we have a fantastic remix by Mark Thwaite who has done an MGT German remix. It’s superb and again very dark. We’ve also got another remix – a night remix  – by Jake Neutron, which has much more of a house-feel to it, a real fall-to-the-floor sound that I’m sure people will love. We’ve got another two singles coming out after ‘I Swear’, though the release dates aren’t set in stone yet. We’ve got lots of stuff in the pipeline musically. We’re working on an album at the moment which is nearly finished, so we’re hoping once these singles are released we’ll be in more of a position to talk about an album release.  

Finally, what are your big ambitions for the rest of 2017?

One of things for us now, is we want to be a big band! We want a lot of people to like us, to listen to us, and to hear our songs and for it to mean something to them. We love playing live. We love the idea that [the song] is going out to a much larger audience on the radio. What we’d love to do this year is to generate the right amount of interest to allow us to work on this full time. It’s something that we love and feel passionate about as a band, and it’s something inate, and part of who we are, and a very natural kind of job to have if we can focus on this as a professional band, which is something we’re definitely looking for at the moment. And some bigger tours, and hopefully these things will materialise in the very near future!

Find out more about Hands of Industry at http://www.handsofindustry.co.uk/ and hear the interview in full on BCB 106.6FM on Saturday 11th March at 6pm.

KBPS Interview: Calum Foad

Calum Foad is a 21 year old Singer/Songwriter from Reading who has returned with a huge single called 'You and I' and we got to speak to him all about the song and his future plans!

You have a new single out called ‘You and I’. How would you describe it?

Synth-pop would be the best way to describe it. Some have described it as Human League meets One Direction, which I think is quite complementary!

It has a real bouncy, summery feel to it…

Yeah. The lyrics are a little bit sad. I don’t know how to describe it. There’s like a lost love feel to the lyrics, but we’ve made it really upbeat and hopefully people can get on board with it and sing along!

Do you have any particular influences on your music?

It was a really interesting one. The guy I made the record with over in America did lots of pop-rock bands, like Weezer and Motor City Soundtrack, but they’re obviously keeping track of all the British bands that are going over, like the 1975 and that kind of band that’s becoming big over in the States, so we definitely kind of channelled that sort of stuff. There’s a band called Prides as well, a Scottish band, who do that kind of synth-pop, and they’re a personal favourite of mine, so they were definitely a reference.

Are you a big fan of eighties music?

I absolutely am! Everything and anything from that era!

‘You and I’ was recorded in New York. Was that a good experience?

It was. That was interesting because I’d had a conversation with Mark, admiring his work. He’d asked me to send over some of my material and he asked me to come over and make a record. Obviously I was like ‘I could never afford to record with you’ but he wasn’t worried about the money and said ‘let’s make it happen’, so I went over to America and stayed with him and we did some singles.

Was it good to be part of that scene?

It was amazing. The Americans have a very different approach to music, and to Brits as well, so that was nice to see.

There’s also a video out for the single. What was it like to record that?

Very painful! They shot a lot of confetti and powder paint and threw me on a trampoline that I fell off of after about two takes! All that kind of stuff; all good fun!

Definitely suffering for your art?

That’s one way to put it!

Over on your Facebook page you can listen to an older EP…

I’ve done a couple of EPs. I did a free one called ‘Heart’ which is when I was seventeen, and  I did a second EP called ‘Flaws’ with a chap called Dan Weller, and that got released when I was nineteen, and that has on it a song called ‘Minds and Hearts’ on it, which to this day I still like playing. Obviously when you get a little bit older you look back at your older material and, not say you’re embarrassed by it, but know you could better stuff now.

Do you have any live dates coming up?

We’re currently in the process of booking some in; we’re just waiting on confirmation. I’ll be posting all that on my Facebook and Twitter.

How does your live sound compare to your singles?

It’s very similar. Being the 21^st century we do make use of a lot of technology, so we’ve got lots of synths on sample pads and I play with a live drummer. I’m going to play with live synth and keys, and I play the guitar etc, so we’ve got quite a big sound and hopefully people enjoy it!

And what are your follows up for the single?

When I was over in America we did record a second single and that’s all good to go, and that’s going to be coming out in April / May time, which is all really exciting, and after that I’m going to be heading back off out to America to record the single after that! I’m going to be keeping busy.

Finally what are your big ambitions for 2017?

I’ve been pursuing music for a couple of years and I’d love to get in a position where I could say where I’d truly do it full-time, kind of have a fan base so if someone turns around to me and asks ‘what do you do’ my goal for the end of the year would be to say ‘I sing’. 

You can find out more about Calum and his music on his Facebook page and you can hear this interview and his song on Saturday 4th March 2017 on BCB 106.6FM at 6pm!

KBPS Interview: Jazz Mino

Jazz Mino is a London based pop artist with a northern twist who has released some really incredible singles over the last few years including ‘Hurt’, ‘Suffocate’, ‘Superwoman’ and ‘Blue Eyes’, and she’s back with an exciting new song called ‘Footprints’, and we got the chance to speak to her about this record and what 2017 has in store.

You have a new single out called ‘Footprints’. How did that track come about?

When I wrote it I was playing around in the studio with my producer and he came up with this really cool sound. It just really took me back to summer time and hanging out with my friends, and flirting and sunbathing, and really enjoying the beach.

For those who have yet to hear your music, how would you describe your sound?

I’d describe it as electro-pop with a tropical house influence.

Is that the sort of music you like listening to, or just making?

I think I’ve been quite influenced by it at the moment. I’m really, really enjoying it. I’m absolutely loving Kygo and Sigala, so I think that has influenced my writing quite a lot.

You had several songs out in 2016. Would you say your sound has changed for your new single?

A little bit, yeah. I spent a lot of time doing festivals and gigs last year and spent the past few months just really working on my song writing, and writing lots, and experimenting, so I think it’s changed and developed a bit more and all I can say is that I’m really excited about ‘Footprints’ and the new sound as well!

You were also at a live date recently focussing on up-and-coming pop stars. What was that like to be part of?

It was great, really, really fun! I had an amazing time. The rest of the acts were great as well, and I’ve got a few bookings off the back of that too!

So what’s the plan for this year – is it performing live or writing?

It’s a bit of both really. I’m writing a lot at the moment and recording in the studio. I’m really focussing on the music but when it gets to the summer I’m going to be doing festivals, and supporting, so I’m really, really excited. I’m just in the middle of confirming everything at the moment so I’ll be back in the summer performing live.

When we spoke previously you talked about busking and sets around London cafes; is that something you still do?

Not at the moment, to be honest. I got lots of great opportunities towards the end of last year which has really just helped me be able to really focus on my song writing, and developing my writing and music, so I’m lucky that I get to do that. And I performed so much last year it’s really exciting to get to do something else for a little bit, but I’m really excited to getting back to singing and having a dance on stage this summer!

With you concentrating on writing and with quite a few singles under your belt, have you got any plans for an album?

I’m not sure to be honest, I’ll keep you posted! I’m doing a lot of writing and it might go into an album but I think I’m just going to see how the creativity flows and talk to my team about whether we want to release them as singles or as a big album. I’ve never done an album so it would be an exciting thing to do but we’ll see!

With the single launching what are your plans for the release?

It’s all over the internet now and I’m really excited about it. It’s been a long time coming!

And are there any video plans?

Not at the moment. It’ll be on YouTube so people can hear it but I’m just focussing on the musical aspect!

Finally, do you have any big ambitions for the rest of 2017?

One thing that’s not quite confirmed yet, but I think might happen, is doing Pride, which will be really amazing. That’s a big goal and will be an exciting experience for me this year. I’m also confirming some supports with some artists that I really love so I’m excited about that, and doing some collaborations. I think for me, that’s my main aim for this year: to really enjoy and love the music that I’m putting out for all of my fans to enjoy as well!

Find out more about Jazz Mino on her website at http://www.jazzmino.com/. You can hear this interview and her new single on BCB 106.6FM (bcbradio.co.uk) as part of our radio show on Saturday 25^th February at 6pm.

New Music Review #34

It's time for ten more great tracks that you should hear!

Creeper - Black Rain

Perhaps a little bit heavier than the music I'd normally listen to, there's something about the Evanescence-sound and building guitar work that make this much more enjoyable than the usual heavy rockers of the genre. (7/10)

The Fallen State - Nova

'Nova' is a strong slice of emo-rock with solid guitar work, clear lyrics and a building feeling to an emotive chorus. A rocker with heart it seems. (6.5/10)

Galantis - Rich Boy

'Rich Boy' perhaps wanders into the club parody territory in its sound and embracing of cliches but it has its moments of catchiness and variety that just about justify its inclusion here. (6.5/10)

Lady Gaga - John Wayne

Finally after a series of pretty lacklustre singles Lady GaGa is back with something a bit more fun and memorable. It's not her best but it has more balls and power than much of her recent stuff. (6.5/10)

Little Big Town - Better Man

Little Big Town return with another catchy country ballad with heart-felt lyrics and a gentle, involving vocal performance. Nicely done. (7/10)

Mallory Knox - Better Off Without You

Bringing a bit more energy to this clutch of songs, this new one from Mallory Knox is buzzing with power and fun and will get you moshing, perhaps. (7/10)

The Pale White - Reaction

Part of the intonation of the song title takes me back to the White Stripes' and their hit 'White Orchid', but elsewhere this indie-rock hit works on its own merits. (5/10)

SAINT MOTEL - Move

After their great track 'My Type' from a few years ago, Saint Motel are back with another catchy slice of dance pop. Give this a couple of plays and you'll be singing and moving along. Plus the video is great! (7.5/10)

Sia - Helium

Taken from the soundtrack of the new 'Fifty Shades Darker' movie this is perhaps a little bland by Sia's usual standards but it's still a strong ballad, grounded by her great voice. (7/10)

Temples - Strange Or Be Forgotten

'Strange or be Forgotten' is quite an ethereal little number that takes a few listens to show its hands but when it does it becomes a pleasingly understated little number with surprising heart. (6.5/10)