Devon Music - November 2014

NOVEMBER 2014

YOUR ONE STOP GUIDE TO THE BEST MUSIC IN EXETER, PLYMOUTH & THE DEVON AREA!

D E V O N

C I S U M

OFFICIAL TICKET OUTLETS

Box Office - 01392 667080

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10 year anniversary

paloma faith exclusive interview

sabaton

battle metal in plymouth

deaf havana

answer dumbass questions

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WELCOME TO THE BEST MUSIC

IN EXETER, PLYMOUTH

N D E V O

NOVEMBER 2014

YOUR ONE STOP GUIDE

MUSIC

& THE DEVON AREA!

S OFFICIAL TICKET OUTLET

Thanks for picking up the November 2014 issue of Devon Music Magazine, your one stop guide to the best music in the county and beyond.

667080 Box Office - 01392

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com

This month we chat to London indie-rockers The Rifles ahead of their 10th anniversary and we catch up with eccentric songstress Paloma Faith who plays Plymouth this month. We also talk battle-metal with Sabaton and ask some silly questions to Deaf Havana and Kerbdog, all of whom have huge Devon shows coming up.

10 year anniversary

faith paloma interview exclusive

sabatonin plymouth battle metal

Your venue here? Email

sales@ phmusicmedi

sic.c w w w. d e v o n - m u

om

deaf havana

ns

answer dumbass questio

a.co.uk or call us free

on 0808 147 1106

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All this plus a round up of all of the best summer festivals and previews, listings and announcements from all of the best venues and events in the Devon area. Plus a chance to win tickets for Deaf Havana and Sabaton.

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For news submissions and editorial enquiries email info@devon-music.com If you are interested in advertising with us email sales@phmusicmedia.co.uk or call us free on 0808 147 1106

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FEATURE

Hailing from North Laaandaaan, indie rockers The Rifles have been around long enough to be celebrating their ten year anniversary this year. An anniversary that coincided almost perfectly with their fourth studio album release, None The Wiser, their most successful album to date, just missing out on Top 20 status, landing in the Top 40 in January at No. 21. We had a quick chat on the blower with vocalist and guitarist Joel Stoker to grill him about influences, writing and their upcoming run of UK dates.

And came away with a very real sense of what an absolute geezer and lovely gent he is. Read on music fans…

You’re celebrating 10 years of your debut album ‘No Love Lost’ in November, with a couple of special shows at The Electric Ballroom.

Are there any songs you’re particularly looking forward to playing for your fans, that perhaps you’ve never played live before?

Along with the entire album we’ll be performing a lot of b-sides, some of which we have played live before, and that have always gone down really well, but some we have never played live. I can’t even remember half of them! Nothing really stands out in my mind at the moment, except ‘Repeat Offender’, that’ll be good to play live again.

It’ll certainly be great to be playing songs off the album again, and we’re looking forward to digging up the old b-sides.

If you had to think about just one highlight of your ten years so far, what would it be?

Probably getting Paul Weller on stage with us. We played at The Forum in Kentish Town [about 6 or 7 years ago]. Paul came on and played with us, and then afterwards played Eton Rifles, which he hadn’t played for quite a while. Now he plays it all the time. That was definitely an unforgettable moment for me.

Another highlight was playing in Russia. We weren’t really sure at the time if we actually wanted to play there but we flew over, played our set, which went down really well. Then at the very end of the show, which was some kind of fundraiser, we ended up playing again, singing ‘All You Need Is Love’ to about 170,000 people. Was amazing!

Is there anywhere in the world you haven’t played that you’d really quite like to?

We’ve played quite a lot of places in the US, on the East Coast (with Paul Weller), but we have yet to play in South America, so either there, or Brazil, somewhere else I’ve never been, or Australia. I don’t think I’d end up going there if it wasn’t with the band. Just want a holiday there really!

Your latest album ‘None The Wiser’ came out earlier this year, how do you think your music has evolved over the last 10 years, have you ever put any onus on ‘writing for your fans’, and how have your fans embraced the changes?

We all like lots of different types of music, which obviously helps shape the music we create. It’s me and Luke [guitar] who write the songs, but we’ve never tried to write for the fans, yet it still does connect with our fanbase. Our third album [‘Freedom Run’ 2011] was a little bit different from the first two, and while it did gain us new fans some of our ‘hardcore’ fans found it hard to take. But no, we don’t

devon MUSIC | NOVEMBER 2014

write specifically for our fans. If they like it that’s obviously always a bonus.

You’re doing a little run of dates in mid November also, is there anything special you do to prepare for tours?

We just rehearse a couple of times, there’s no special ritual or anything. We don’t spend too much time rehearsing to be honest, just get in there, rehearse, get out. It’s not that we’re lazy, it just becomes monotonous otherwise and we like being kept on our toes!

It makes us perform better on stage.

What have been the biggest influences on your music?

I’d say songs and melodies regardless of who the artist is, there’s no one specific genre or anything. Music generally. I’m not set in my ways - a good hook, melody and lyrics will always get me. That’ll inspire me and make me want to write.

Who has the worst habit in the band, and what is it?

Luke, although he has got better lately is usually late. We’re always waiting for Luke. It’s never gotten us into any trouble or anything but definitely some nail biting going on at times. Although saying that another story that involves timing was with Rob [bass]. He was living in Germany at the time and we were playing a show in Holland, so he came on the train. We were literally waiting on the side of the stage ready to go on when he turned up. Bit nailbiting!

If you weren’t in a band what else do you think you’d be doing right now?

When I first met Luke at music college I was learning sound production, and then we decided to start the band. I’d like to think I’d still be doing something with music, producing I’d hope. Maybe after the band that’s what I’ll be doing. I could get to do what I like without even taking the slippers off.

Care to explain?

The slipper comment? Aha. Well I have a little shed studio at the end of the garden, and can just walk across the grass!

What do you hope for most for 2015?

As long as we can put music out and people listen, that’s it. We’re lucky that we have a solid fanbase - we don’t get any radio play or anything. The band started just before social media really took off, so we built our fan base the old fashioned way, by going out and playing shows. It’s harder now to get noticed, no-one leaves the house! We’re happy doing exactly what we’re doing. A No 1 album though, if I could wish for anything!

You’re visiting the south coast on your tour, including dates in Exeter and Poole - tell our readers in one sentence why they should come see you at one of these.

They should come see us because they’re never going to hear us on the radio, and because it’s the last tour we’re doing in this latest album cycle.

Words: Marianne Harris

Catch the rifles live @ the lemon grove | 11th november

THE RIFLES

Plymouth’s Premier Live Music Venue & Nightclub

NOVEMBER 1 - The Gallery Tour with Rank 1 + many more (doors 9pm) 5 - Sunset Sons + support (doors 8pm) 7 - Sham 69 + support Arizona Law & Run Against The Crowd (doors 8pm) 8 - John Power (Cast / The La’s) + support Sitting Pretty (doors 7:30pm) 14 - Banjax Returns! (10pm-5am) 15 - Alex Hart + Haunt The Woods + Badcore Horns & Elani Andrea (doors 7pm) 15 - Kurupt FM Takeover - BBC 3 People Just Do Nothing (11pm-5am) 18 - Kerbdog + Hey You Guys + Patrons (doors 7:30pm) 21 - Skindred + support (doors 7:30pm) 21 - One Love with Low Steppa + many more (11pm-5am) 22 - Club Anthems Tour with K-Klass, Billy ‘Daniel’ Bunter + many more (10pm-5am) 28 - THePETEBOX + Dephicit + support (doors 7:30pm) 29 - Premonition & Hardcore Resurrection with Cally & Juice, DJ Sy, Joey Riot, Whizzkid + many more (9pm-5am) 30 - Sabaton + Korpiklaani + Tyr (doors 6:30pm)

DECEMBER 5 - Land of The Giants + support (doors 8pm) 6 - Bad Manners + Badcore Horns (doors 8pm)

facebook.com/TheHubPlymouth www.PlymouthHub.co.uk The Hub is available for hire for live events & clubnights. For details on our great rates and outstanding tech spec please email: ian@PlymouthHub.co.uk

9 B a t h S t r e e t, P ly m o u t h , P L 1 3 L T ( B e h i n d P ly m o u t h P a v i l i o n s )

November AT

THE BEST MUSIC VENUE IN PLYMOUTH!

EVERY FRIDAY - TEAR IT UP! vintage music, rockabilly, 50’s soul and r’n’B. vinyl only!

Saturday, 22nd Occulus + Moorhaven deathcore, EP Launch

Thursday, 6th Slumlord + High Hopes hardcore

Sunday, 23rd The blowouts + Aztecs + Bridges - Indie/alt Rock

FRIDAY, 14th SAM FEaron + guests Acoustic charity gig

Monday, 24th CAbin boy jumped ship deathcore

Saturday, 15th Dead Betas + Oh Captive! ELECTRO PUNK

Friday, 28th Hacktivist + dead Harts + The One Hundred

Thursday, 20th Fake the Attack + Streetfightsilence - Alt ROck www.tikibarandgrill.co.uk facebook.com/tkibarandgrill twitter.com/tikiplymouth

If you could repeatedly say one word and never say another, what word would it be?

Bollocks What Disney character would you most like to be?

Minnie Mouse What is it about Ireland and rock power trios? Is it something in the water?

We are all extremely tight with money and don’t want anybody else taking up a room in a Travelodge. Therefore we keep it to 3 in a band only.

Insert an unlikely item into the M&S slogan, “It’s not just any … it’s an M&S…” Brown note What’s the worst thing about working in the music industry?

The lack of toilet paper in venues below a certain capacity If you weren’t called Kerbdog what would you be called?

The Shoudhavebeens Who in the band would make the best girl?

Me. I’m fond of moisturiser and I sit down for a wee.

Have you ever Googled yourself and if so, what was the weirdest thing you found?

That I was a former drug dealer (I Wasn’t I delivered Chinese food) What’s it like being back on the scene for the first time in almost a decade?

It’s a bit weird as being in a band seems to be all about how many likes you have on facebook and followers on twitter. Everything else is a side issue…including the music What’s your favourite tour bus snack?

German €1 cheesy pasta microwave dinners If you had to cover a nursery rhyme, which one would it be?

Little Miss Muffet……it has a serious drop in the 2nd verse You’ve never been a band particularly fussed by your image.

What do you think of the image of contemporary rock musicians?

Bands put an awful lot of time, thought and energy into looking like they don’t give a shit about their image.

Which reality TV show would you most like to go on?

Coronation Street…….. 4 pints at lunchtime and back to the sewing machines. That’s for me.

What’s on the playlist in the tour bus? Which bands are you listening to?

Jungle, London Grammar, Tool, Fugazi, Sonic Youth and Nickleback of course.

Does every dog have its day and which day of the week would yours be?

Every Kerbdog has its day. And that was Thursday when we used to get our dole before we became globe straddling rock stars.

Catch kerbdog live @ The Hub | 18th November

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REVIEWS

Devon Music took up the challenge to attend as many festivals as possible this summer! Here are our Festival Round Up reviews!

A decent serving of early summer sunshine and an eager if late arriving crowd meant a fitting season-opener at the racecourse in Newton Abbot. We were kept well amused by an assortment of musical entertainment comprising drum and bass tent, acoustic warblers in the bar and two outdoor stages crammed with local favourites, up and comers and statelier names including Mad Dog Mcrea, Will and the People, Shoot the Moon, and The Correspondents.

There was plenty on offer for the family-oriented as well. I was too busy negotiating my way through the genuinely huge selection of craft ales, lagers and ciders that gave the Big Barn area the feeling of a bonus beer festival, but there was unquestionably an assault course of hay bales, space-hoppers, water cannons, paddling pools, trampolines and a fun fair distributed around the site.

The somewhat school-fete-like feeling faded as the town hordes descended later into the afternoon. The small but well set-out and managed venue remained navigable and affably queue-free. Headliners, Gentleman’s Dub Club provided a suitably raucous finale and those camping were gifted an after-hours silent disco. And if getting to your tent takes less time than getting a drink takes at other festivals, you’re winning. – Joe Lovell The mecca of all festivals, the grandfather of the world of live music in a field, the reigning champion of summer whether rain or shine. It sells out in minutes every year without even a hint of the prospective line up being given away. What is it that makes Glastonbury so bloomin’ special?! Well, just about EVERYTHING! It’s literally bursting with things to see, experience, watch and hear; it’s about so much more than headliners or even really the music and there’s far too much going on to cram into a review of this size. Suffice to say that despite some torrential downpours 2014’s Glastonbury was an assault on the senses wrapped up in a whirlwind of smiles, good vibes and party times. - Zan Lawther

It’s the mother of all metal festivals and the highlight of most rockers’ summer and this year’s Download, despite many an internet-based argument over the headliners, was no exception.

They’ve got their format nailed down, although it was great to see better selection of food vendors this year (goose fat roast potatoes, anyone?) and we all wish there was some way around that looong walk to the arena but when the beer is flowing and the rock is pumping, who cares about the details?! I, for one, felt there was a genuine cross section of genres represented in this year’s billing, with a few wild card treats thrown in for good measure. Can’t wait to see how Download 2015 shapes up! - Zan Lawther

DEVON MUSIC | NOVEMBER 2014

REVIEWS

If festivals were people, Somersault would definitely be Jack Johnson.

Chilled, laid back, friendly and honest; bathed in glorious Devon sunshine (despite the sinister Met office warnings) it’s almost as if Jack bought a little bit of Hawaii with him to this little corner on the South West. Set in the beauuutiful grounds of The Castle Hill estate, with the truly magical highlight of an authentic ‘babbling brook’ meandering through its core - the perfect backdrop to any cocktail hour, and perfect antithesis to any mention of a hang-over. The very friendly but educational presence of Surfers Against Sewage (think late night movie screenings and environmentally conscious DJs) along with trapeze school and plenty of yoga was a lovely distraction from the copious (and varied) cider consumption. (It’s still a festival, yeah...!?)

While marginally obvious that this first-time festival had apparently blown their budget on two rather enormous headline acts (aforementioned Jack and also Ben Howard) it certainly did the trick - the festival Sold Out at lunchtime on the Saturday and they’re all but guaranteed a queue of A class headliners next year. Yes, it’s a bit out of the way, but the backdrop is gorgeous, the layout is easy and it’s ooohh so laid back. It’s virtually litter-free with clean toilets, great food, and tiny bar queues. If I could’ve booked my tickets for 2015 already I would have. – Emma Bishop

This gloriously friendly festival is everything you would expect from a party organised by folk-hippies The Levellers. Honed over many years the main thing that immediately strikes us is how tidy the site is (despite the mud). Festival-goers CARE about this festival and it shows in the friendliness of everyone we encounter be it security, organisers, punters or bar staff. It’s totally family friendly with plenty of kid-based amusements and an emphasis on laid back fun. There is no agenda here, it’s just a load of people enjoying themselves and watching some fantastic live acts at the same time. We’ll definitely be back next year! - Zan Lawther

With this year’s lineup being its strongest yet both with athletes and artists, we were excited to head off to NASS. This festival showcases the best in skateboarding, BMX, MTB, inline and more recently Freestyle MotoX (Jamie Squibb). It’s a fantastic opportunity for young, upcoming athletes to perform and ride with legends such as Logan Martin (AUS), Danny Leon (ESP) and many others.

As for music, NASS has always had an eclectic lineup mixing heavy metal, rock, Drum’n Bass and Dubstep and this year was no exception.

Headlining giants Cypress Hill took me back to the days when I thought Black Sunday was the most badass hip hop record, and you know what, it still is! Meanwhile over in the Warehouse, local hero Maxxi P busted out a DnB set that even the great Andy C would have been throwing shapes to! The next day we shake off the hangover and head to our hangovers and head to the Pro Park...

Watching this year’s BMX I was surprised at the lack of audience in attendance, considering the vast amount of people at the festival. This has been something that NASS seemingly has struggled with, although on paper music and sport go hand in hand, there is always a sense of divide. It was great to see athletes and staff getting involved in the running of the events, showing passion and willingness to ensure a well-oiled festival. If you weren’t at this year’s festival then you missed out big time! - Grant Knight

DEVON MUSIC | NOVEMBER 2014

FESTIVAL ROUND UP

This year’s Boardmasters saw Chase and Status, Snoop Dogg and Bastille as headliners, unfortunately due to high winds the last day was cancelled, although there was a distinct lack of communication between organisers, stewards and the general public regarding this. However Snoop Dogg blazed the main stage on the Saturday night and although he may not have been pitch perfect, proved comical and played the classics, which had the ability to get the crowd jumping. Overall Boardmasters has a chilled atmosphere with beautiful views and a wide range of music. There’s a stage (or bar!) for everybody’s needs. – Leigh Drinkwater

I’m already a big fan of this part of the world so to see the little fishing town of Looe brought alive with music and colour and thousands of festival goers was a real treat. The weather is very much on Looe Festival’s side this year as the sun beats down even though we’re well into September, the streets are packed and every nook and cranny you peer down has some sort of distraction or performance, some are part of the event, some are simply down to enterprising businesses who, due to the nature of the layout (taking over the whole town and part of the beach), find themselves slap bang in the thick of it. Stages can be found either side of the harbour which can be traversed by boat for a quid, a cooling diversion from dashing between stages. There are a whole range of acts performing at the event from folk through to hard rock and everything inbetween, from local homegrown talent to huge names like Sweet and Frank Turner, whom on the night I attended gave a rousing performance to a completely packed out beach, a fitting finale to an excellent festival. Kai Harris

Sonisphere has always been a bit of a favourite at Music HQ but after getting off to a great start Team Sonisphere have had a bit of a run of bad luck, imagine our joy to discoiver that it would be returning after a two year hiatus. The theme is very much rock and metal but there’s something more personable about Sonisphere than you would expect from a metalfest, whether it’s the lovely grounds of Knebworth House or the friendly atmosphere I can’t quite put my finger on it but it’s a great vibe. This year is all about the supporting cast for me, Maiden and Metallica put on a fine show but once you’ve seen them 15 times they start to seem a bit pedestrian (the exception being Bruce Dickinson’s WW1 dogfight preceding their performance - awesome). Stand out moments for me include the return of Irish rockers Kerbdog, an incendiary greatest hits set from The Prodigy and our south coast pals The Lounge Kittens being called up to main stage for an a’capella version of their cover of Limp Bizkit’s Rollin’ by Fred Durst himself, followed by a packed tent for their own performance! Top marks, a welcome return for a great festival. Kai Harris

DEVON MUSIC | NOVEMBER 2014

FESTIVAL ROUND UP

5

1

13 6

2

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3 1 2 4

12

11

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7

13

1

4

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4 5 6

5

2

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Thirst

Plymouth

7 3

1 Club Envy 2 The Hub 3 Club Envy 4 Pavillions

5 Plymouth Uni 6 Tiki Bar 7 Last Shop Standing

Exeter

1 The Phoenix

2

5

2 The Cavern

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3 The Lemon Grove 6

4

4 The Corn Exchange 5 Mama Stones 6 Exeter Cathedral 7 Exeter Great Hall

FEATURE

They come from Sweden and there’s no resisting the full on stampede that is powering battle metallers Sabaton. Armed to the teeth with power anthems, they shot to the top of the ranks of the war-obsessed metalheads with their 2008 album ‘The Art of War’ and have been a force to be reckoned with ever since.

Since forming in 1999 they’ve fought their way through their own war (mainly due to awkward dalliances with various labels) to bring to the world their relentless onslaught of pummelling drums and wailing guitars all overlaced with tales of World War I, World War II, Sun Tzu’s famous book on…..you guessed it, war.

In 2012 the line up of the band underwent a huge overhaul as the strains of constant touring wreaked havoc on the family life of some members of the band. “It appeared to be sudden, but it had actually started years ago when some members already got tired of constant touring” explained bassist Pär Sundström at the time “and with wives and kids back home it does not get any easier. During the recordings of Carolus Rex I drew a map of what the band will be doing the coming 3 years and for some that was too much commitment…” So it was a renewed and refreshed outfit that took 2012’s album ‘Carolus Rex’ out on the road. This year’s release ‘Heroes’ has taken the band to a whole new level and they show no signs of slowing down as huge show after huge show is announced, so we considered ourselves very lucky to manage to grab ten minutes with Pär to talk all things tour, all things festival and all things BATTLE.

Devon MUSIC NOVEMBER 2014

You’re currently in the US with Amon Amarth, how’s it going over there?

Absolutely great. In advance people said “what the fuck are Sabaton gonna do together with a death metal band?” but that’s the thing, Sabaton is not what some people think of as a standard power metal band. We don’t really have much of the power metal attributes, such as high pitched vocals and fantasy lyrics. And now after a few weeks nobody asks the question what are Sabaton doing together with a death metal band? We have toured with anything from death metal bands to Mike and the Mechanics and it has always worked out great.

Are the crowds over there different to those you would expect to see in the UK or in Europe?

Well, in UK we know the crowd kicks ass. That’s something to look forward to.

You host your own festival in Sweden, tell us a bit about that…

For the past 7 years we have promoted our own festival called Sabaton Open Air. It’s a 3 day open air festival with 2 stages and about 30 international bands. We have fans coming from more than 30 different countries. It’s one of the best atmospheres we ever experience on a show.

SABATON

How did this year’s festival go?

Great. We have almost perfected the area and the fans love to visit it.

There’s been a bit of a surge in the popularity of theme metal recently, particularly in the UK. How do you feel about the term ‘battle metal’? Is that how you would choose to describe your sound?

I just call Sabaton heavy metal. I would say that anyone who is a fan of metal can be a fan of Sabaton.

You’re taking to the seas for the 5th annual Sabaton Cruise in November, how did that start?

It started out with that I was sitting and routing a tour and trying to figure out the best way to get from Sweden to Finland. The shipping company was quite expensive for the touring package so instead I said why don’t we rent the entire boat? So we did. It has sold out every year. This year it sold out in a few hours. It’s great to have 2000 Sabaton fans on a boat.

And then you’re coming over to the UK for a while. Are you looking forward to that?

Yes we are. The UK has been one of our major goals to conquer since the very start of our career. And seeing ticket sales, as shows start to sell out, we are on the right way.

You’re bringing Korpiklaani and Tyr out with you on this leg of the tour. Are you fans of theirs?

We are good friends. Both bands also played at our festival, the Sabaton open air.

How do you feel about headlining Wacken next year?

That’s a pretty big show…

For sure, that’s gonna be great. Such a slot gives us the chance to really go all out with our show and do it our way. The way it was meant to be. With lots of pyros.

Being out on the road so much at the moment, is there anything you’re missing from home?

Not really. And especially not the weather!

And finally, what would you say to anyone who’s coming out to see you this month?

Expect a really hungry Sabaton. We have been warming up with a 9 week tour in America. We will be in excellent shape.

Words: Zan Lawther

Catch sabaton live @ the hub, plymouth | 30th november

COMPETITION

Swedish ‘battle-metallers’ Sabaton will be tearing Plymouth a new one next month, shows are selling out all over the UK so this could be your last change to bag a pair of tickets. Just answer this simple question...

What is a ‘sabaton’?

Q.

Email your answer to:

competitions@devon-music.com or send us a direct message via Twitter or facebook. Competition closes 25/11/14 /devonmusicmag @D e v o n M u s i c M a g

devon MUSIC | november 2014

sabaton

If you could only ever use one word for the rest of forever, what word would it be?

Flan. Flan flan flan.

What Disney character would you most like to be?

Beast- post transformation. He’s got a huge house and probably lives the high life now!

What’s the best thing about King’s Lynn? …pardon? Erm…leaving it probably! Jokes aside, College Of West Anglia is where most of us learnt to play music, so probably there!

Insert an unlikely item into the M&S slogan, “It’s not just any … it’s an M&S…” Douchebag What’s the worst thing about working in the music industry?

The free booze- it turns people into animals and there’s always too much of it!

Where did the name Deaf Havana come from?

Absolutely no idea- you’ll have to ask our old guitarist Seb Spitz that!

Who in the band would make the best girl?

Tom. He’s essentially a stay at home husband anyway, and he’s excellent at cooking (not to gender stereotype).

Have you ever Googled yourself and if so, what was the weirdest thing you found?

Apparently I share a name with a professional Rugby player.

What’s your favourite tour bus snack?

Chocolate chip cookies.

If you had to cover a nursery rhyme, which one would it be?

Humpty Dumpty.

Which reality TV show would you most like to go on?

None of them. I strongly disagree with reality TV and everything it stands for.

What’s on the playlist in the tour bus? Which bands are you listening to?

Depends who’s DJing but there’s a good mix! Everything from Wiz Khalifa to the Rolling Stones, Earth Wind and Fire to Nine Inch Nails.

What’s your favourite day of the week and why?

Monday, because it means there’s shit do to. I can’t relax, ever, so if I have the rare chance to have a day off from work at the weekend, I can’t wait to get back to work!

You’re taking Lonely the Brave and Verses out on tour with you, but which one would win in a race?

I think Verses would frankly. That Jason seems like he’s super agile and streamlined.

CATCH DEAF HAVANA LIVE @ the lemon grove, exeter | 16th December

FEATURE

The incredible, glamorous and beautiful Paloma Faith seems to have bought herself a one way ticket to stardom. The iconic redhead’s trajectory has been permanently set to skyward for the past few years and she’s just topped it all off by announcing a UK arena tour for March 2015. “I have only done one arena before in London and it is exhilirating.”says the lady herself “It’s scary as well because you’ve got to get your shit together and get organised, put on a good show. I am really excited but also nervous as it is a lot of seats to fill and it is very obvious when you haven’t filled them. It’s not going to be the same as this tour, it will be all bells and whistles. I am already in talks about it now and I have a lot of good things planned for the tour, it’ll be bigger and better than I have ever done, with a lot more people involved and visual elements and stuff.”

Her current UK tour dates (starting this month) are already completely sold out as she wraps up her US tour dates and prepares to come home for a bit. “I am looking forward to it but I am also concerned I am going to lose my voice”she laughs “But I have a three-week gap which is more than enough, I just need two days for recovery.”

Paloma’s current album ‘A Perfect Contradiction’has been one of the huge success stories of the year, recently being certified platinum. A new edition of the album is released this month, featuring five new tracks, including the fantastic new single ‘Ready For The Good Life’and a live recording of her recent knockout performance at the BBC Proms. “That was the best moment of my career to date. It was just all of it. I have done quite a lot with that orchestra before, become friends with a lot of them, it was nice to walk on to the Albert Hall stage for the first time and feel like I was with a family rather than being really nervous. I have done a lot of stuff there before where I’ve done one song but it was my first proper own show”beams Paloma “The venue suits me, it wasn’t my choice that it hasn’t happened before.

As each tour gets bigger, so does the production surrounding little Miss Faith. “I don’t find it scary. It makes me feel confident that I have staff. I feel good I have built a little empire.”she explains about her ever growing army of contributors.

With a penchant for drama and a keen eye for all things beautiful you can guarantee there’ll be something a little different at her shows. “It’s a bigger band, there are three additional players, there’s a brass section, 12 people on stage including me.”

With over 20 dates across the UK this month, life on the road must take its toll.

“We’re on a tour bus most of the time so we all have a lot of different exciting types of pyjama. A lot of onesies flying around. You know in the Big Lebowski how the dude is always in his flip flops and dressing gown holding a white russian? That is basically me on tour. In my flip flops and dressing gown until two hours before stage then I go and turn into this glamorous thing. The rest of the day I have a pyjama party.”she tells us. Oh, so maybe it’s not quite so terrible then…. “It’s funny, people always say being on tour must be so grueling but I think it is the most ungrueling element of my job. It’s basically luxury to me to get up every morning and have literally nothing to do for an entire day, then do two hours’work at the end of the day. Two hours to get ready, then two hours on stage, that’s four hours’work a day. That’s nothing compared to normal days.

Yesterday I woke up, started work at 8 and finished at 1.30 am, that’s a normal

DEVON MUSIC NOVEMBER 2014

day for me. I was doing personal training, then interviews for the entire day, then went to the studio to record more music, and I got home at 1.30 am. I just think it’s ridiculous. On tour is like going on holiday. All those musicians who are telling you it’s hard are bloody lazy bastards. It’s easy. And also you get to perform so you get full of natural drugs every night, adrenaline and stuff.”

And once she’s done with the UK, she turns her attention to the rest of the world, packs up her onesie and heads off to all four corners. “US tour, Oz tour and European tour as well next year. I was No1 in Australia and that’s my first No1 in my career, that was for a few weeks so it’s pretty amazing. It’s building nicely and doing well in Holland which is reassuring as it was Holland that broke Pharrell with ‘Happy’on his comeback. So yeah I am pleased. I am doing a lot more damage than I have in the past.”And we’re guessing it must be a great chance to visit a whole load of new places, getting out and about to explore the cities “I tend not to because when I’m outside London it’s quite difficult for me to go incognito and I find that quite exhausting. I try to really just reserve my energy when I am on tour.”Paloma explains “If I go out and do pictures with everyone in the street all day I’ll be tired by the time I come to perform. I tend to just hide away. Even if I go out in my flip flops and my onesie they do recognise me, believe me, I’ve tried it.”

So with all this running around across the globe, are there plans to release any new material, that’s what we want to know! “On this repack I have been working with people I haven’t worked with before and I am really enjoying it.

I’m concentrating on that. The next album won’t be ready for a while as I have to get all these tours out of the way and I have also been writing for the repack.”

In the meantime we can amuse ourselves with ‘The Perfect Contradiction’ and she’s even found time to record with the inimitable Dame Shirley Bassey “I recorded a duet with her for her 60 years in music album. It’s not a secret bond track, I wish it was.”Maybe that’s one for the future. We certainly wouldn’t count anything out for the wonderful Ms Faith!

Those of you lucky enough to hold tickets for the Plymouth Pavilions show this month will be treated to an unabashed, glorious romp of a show. Support comes from hot off the press singer songwriter Brett Dennen whose guitar playing is a hybrid of finger picking and soul-inspired rhythm with shades of vocal phrasing and lyric craft as sophisticated as Beck’s best efforts without any kind of pretension weighing things down. This is a singer so at home in his songs that he pulls you in there with him. We’ll see you there!

Catch Paloma faith live

Words: Zan Lawther

@ Plymouth Pavilions | November 8th

PALOMA FAITH

COMPETITION

Deaf Havana has grown from a school band formed purely for fun to leading lights of the UK’s rock underground to a sextet with their eyes fixed firmly on the charts. From humble beginnings selling out small rooms like the Cavern just a few short years ago the band have since played the mainstage of numerous festivals, sold out the Roundhouse and supported Bruce Springsteen. They are taking in a few venues off the beaten track this December including the Exeter Lemon Grove, you could be there with a pal, just answer this simple question...

Q: What alt.rock legends did Deaf Havana support in Germany last year?

Email your answer to:

competitions@devon-music.com or send us a direct message via Twitter or facebook. Competition closes 01/12/14 /devonmusicmag @D e v o n M u s i c M a g

devon MUSIC | november 2014

deaf havana

previews Chart topping house DJ

The right honorable Duke Dumont has been championed by Annie Mac since day one and has two back to back UK #1’s including I need U (100%).

His DJ sets are just as incendiary as his productions and he’s well known as a ‘producer’s producer’. He was the name on a 12” record the DJ knew to reach for when he wanted to please the crowd, without them knowing who had constructed the mesmerising sonic confection they were dancing to.

FOR FANS OF: ROUTE 94 / GORGON CITY / LE YOUTH

A DAY TO REMEMBER

DUKE DUMONT

NOV 14 | LEMON GROVE, EXETER The leaders of pop mosh

Since their formation in 2003, Florida’s A Day To Remember have grown from a small band with a dedicated local fanbase into a worldwide phenomenon, gaining the respect and adoration from their peers as much as their fans. This hasn’t been an overnight success, ADTR have worked hard to win over every fan with their blend of emo, hardcore and metal which is affectionately known as ‘pop mosh’.

NOV 14 | PAVILIONS, PLYMOUTH FOR FANS OF: A SKYLIT DRIVE / BMTH / OF MICE & MEN Balls to the wall old skool rock n roll BLACK SPIDERS Dirty, sleazy, sexy and at times totally hilarious the boys in Black Spiders know how to start the party and then keep you rocking until you’re bleary, battered and grinning from ear to ear. With a line up accommodating a face ripping triple-axe-attack, vocals straight from the hair metalling 80’s and songs like the genius ‘KISS Tried to Kill Me’ ensure you will leave this show a little bit more rock n roll than when you came in.

FOR FANS OF: BLACK SABBATH / TURBONEGRO / AIRBORNE

BEANS ON TOAST

DEC 06 | PHOENIX, EXETER Emotive pop rockers

DEC 03 | CAVERN, EXETER Acoustic folk troubadour

Drunk folk singer, barefoot troubadour and cult legend Beans on Toast has been around the block more times than he cares to remember.

Thankfully though, with his unique blend of simple songs and no holds barred quick wit, he is an act that’s anything but tired. The live show is an odd and unpredictable experience. His self-deprecating quality breaks down the barrier between musician and audience.

FOR FANS OF: FRANK TURNER / DAN LE SAC VS SCROOBIUS PIP

BIG SIXES

Lilting melodies draped over upbeat pop-rock guitars are the order of the day from Big Sixes. If you’re a fan of the current upward trend in catchy and accessible rock then get in on the ground floor and get involved with these guys as they hit the road next month. Their music is emotive and glorious so let your hair down and let yourself go!

FOR FANS OF: DEAF HAVANA / BASTILLE / TWIN ATLANTIC

DEVON MUSIC | NOVEMBER 2014

DEC 08 | CAVERN, EXETER

previews

previews AMON AMARTH

JAN 17 | THE HUB, PLYMOUTH Futuristic industrial rocker

Swedish death metal

Deeply rooted in melodic death metal with lyrics centered around Viking history and Norse mythology, Amon Amarth (formerly known as Scum) was formed, with the arrival of Johan Hegg as the new vocalist, in 1992 in Tumba, Sweden, a southern suburb of Stockholm. Their particular brand of death metal features lots of melodies, harmonies and lyrics about Vikings and the norse Pantheon. Where’s my battleaxe?

FOR FANS OF: ARCH ENEMY / TURISAS / MACHINEHEAD

WAYNE STATIC + DROWNING POOL

Brace yourselves cos here comes Wayne Static. The enigmatic former frontman and namesake of Static-X is back on the road with a band that look remarkably similar to Static-X..... With his signature bluntforce-trauma melding of industrial rock, thrash metal, and futuristic disco it’s one to shake yourself loose too. Joining them are Dallas metalheads Drowning Pool, playing their hit album ‘Sinner’ in full. Get in!

JAN 24 | THE HUB, PLYMOUTH

FOR FANS OF: STATIC-X / MUDVAYNE / COAL CHAMBER

SNOT

FEB 11 | THE HUB, PLYMOUTH Goth pop-rockers

Nu-metallers……COME ‘GET SOME’

Playing the whole of their seminal album ‘Get Some’ which launched the band into the eyes of the nu-metal world in 1997, Snot hit the road again next year. Yes, granted, we all still mourn the death of original frontman Lynn Strait, but the chance to experience the full frontal attack of this dynamic hardcore outfit is definitely not one to miss.

FOR FANS OF: AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE / (HED) PE / NIN

Emotion fuelled and energetic, Fearless Vampire Killers have struck a chord with many an angsty teenager over the past few years. One of the hardest working bands on the circuit at the moment, this is their biggest UK tour to date. Attendance guarantees a night of not only great music and great fun but a whole lotta eyeliner!

FOR FANS OF: MADINA LAKE / MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE

FOZZY

FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS

FEB 25 | THE HUB, PLYMOUTH Let’s get ready to rock and rumble

The band Fozzy has really always been about one thing: having fun.

What started out for guitarist Rich Ward as a weekend cover band soon became an internationally signed act with the biggest star in professional wrestling, Chris Jericho, as its lead singer. When you have such high-energy performers and such an overall passion for music combined on one stage, you can’t fail to enjoy their heavy metal.

MAR 13 | LEMON GROVE, EXETER

DEVON MUSIC | NOVEMBER 2014

FOR FANS OF: TRIVIUM / BLACK STONE CHERRY / HELLYEAH

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ones to watch

the drums, after Dom joined Josh went on guitar, leaving the drums free for Dom. In April 2014 Adam joined, following the departure of the old vocalist Josh Brettell, Aiden shortly went on vocals as that’s what he preferred, leaving the bass free for Adam.

Brace yourselves Devon, the melodic deathcore force of nature that is Refuge of the Fallen has arrived and they mean business. This 5 piece found their feet by studying their contemporaries in the local Plymouth music scene. Bands like Elithia, Violent Virtues and Condemned showed them that hard work and dedication could lead to something altogether musically magical and they knuckled down in 2012 to start putting together some songs.

Since then they’ve taken the west country by storm, having recently sold out Tiki Bar as part of their video shoot for new release ‘I, the Victim’ and we for one can’t wait to see the results. So just who are these guys and what makes them so special? We caught up with them recently to find out…

So, who are you and what do you all do in the band?

Well, there’s five of us; Aiden Randolph, Kris Adams, Josh “Scones” Jones, Adam “Beardy” Gilbert & Dom Chiswell. Aiden is our Vocalist, Josh & Kris are the guitarist, Adam is the big hairy bassist & that leaves Dom on the drums.

How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it before?

It’s a strange combination of heavy music, mixed in with instrumental sections full of emotion with added jazz and full of energy!

Who are your biggest influences?

Dom loves Dream Theatre/ Mike Portnoy, for Aiden it’s A Day To Remember, Kris can’t get enough We Came As Romans, Josh loves Black Tongue and for Adam it’s Whitechapel.

How did you all get together as a band?

Josh is the only original member of Refuge Of The Fallen (ROTF), he started the band 2009. Kris joined 2010, after knowing Josh from Livewire Music Youth Project. Aiden joined on bass in March 2012, after seeing ROTF live he wanted to be in the band. Dom joined 2013 which meant that the whole band had a re-shape, originally Josh was on

Devon MUSIC |NOVEMBER 2014

What are you guys doing when you’re not being Refuge of the Fallen?

Three out of the five are currently studying in college, Aiden & Adam are in full time work. Other than that we are usually sleeping or at the pub. We’re normal people, apart from Adam.

If you could go on tour with anyone, who would it be?

Adam wants to head out with our homies in Pillars, Josh just wants to tour. Anyone will do. Dom has his sights fixed on Transhuman, Aiden would love to go out with Sirens & Sailors, and Kris isn’t fussy, he agrees with Josh and just wants to tour.

What’s your favourite live show you’ve ever played?

We all agree that our favourite show that we’ve played is our most recent show at Tiki Bar & Grill on the 10th of October, which was our first video shoot for our song I, The Victim. It was also our first sell out show.

Do you guys have any other talents apart from music?

Dom has a double jointed thumb. Josh & Aiden can sometimes skate, Kris has the term “Technical Difficulties” & Adam can grow hair from his face faster than the average whale.

Your Facebook page says you like potato salad.

Who makes the best kind?

We all disagree on who makes the best potato salad. Kris doesn’t like it, Aiden says Waitrose makes the best, Dom hates potato salad, Josh says Linda makes the best potato salad and Adam thinks his mother makes the best potato salad.

Finally, why should we come check you out?

Adam has a beard and promises to get topless after one song.

We put a lot of effort into our live shows, making them full of energy and fun! Whether it’s wearing stupid clothes, using giant wooden cutlery or even just swapping instruments.

OCCULUS EP Release show!

Tiki Bar | 22nd of November www.facebook.com/RefugeOfTheFallenUK

REFUGE OF THE FALLEN