Fallen Mafia

It’s not easy this music lark, and it’s been made even harder the past few years with all that has been going on around the world. However, as we all begin to emerge on the other side, and start to witness what could be a ‘new normal,’ it’s certainly a case of, as you were, for the region’s musicians, well, with some new music in tow that is – just ask five-piece heavy rockers, Fallen Mafia. That five-piece, it’s recently seen a change in membership with guitarist Ruth Cranston, formerly of Scream of Sirens, joining the ranks, the line-up now being the following, talented, musicians - Hannah Cowan (Vocals), Chris Johnson (Guitar/Backing Vocals), Ruth Cranston (Guitar/Backing Vocals), Duncan Emmerson (Bass/Backing Vocals), and Adas Cowan (Drums/Backing Vocals) Here at N E Online, we got the chance to fire some questions at the northern rockers, primarily Chris Johnson and Hannah Cowan, here’s what they had to say…. Over a decade on the music scene now, guessing it’s got a little harder because of covid, but, as a rock band, how have you found it, more in regards your progression? Chris Johnson (CJ) - It has been a very interesting journey. We have naturally evolved and developed as musicians over the years which is evident in the music that we are creating now. I’d like to think that we have learnt from our experiences in the past and it has made us better for it. Covid has been tough, but it has allowed us to learn an awful lot. I think the biggest take away is that it has helped us rekindle the appreciation and passion that we have for playing live music. Our first gig back was genuinely emotional. Fallen Mafia’s debut album, how was the recording process and reception, and how have releases since compared? CJ - The recording was spread out over a year and started when we were just a quartet, so it was great to hear the songs develop once we became a five-piece. The release process was a huge learning curve for us. We hadn’t released anything on that kind of scale before. We held the release party at the O2 Academy, Newcastle and had a great night! Then along came Covid and put a stop to pretty much everything apart from writing. Like a little flame flickering in the night akin to a Charles Dickens scene, new music started to grow. Working in between various lockdowns and restrictions we managed to get back into the studio to record and release our most successful track to date, Stars. I felt that we learnt more about ourselves as musicians in that one song than we did in the entire back catalogue. We’ve since taken that knowledge and applied it into the songs that we’ve written and plan to release this year. 15

Who knows, they may be even more popular than Stars. You’ve gigged plenty in the past decade, what have been highlights, and why? CJ - That’s a hard one as we have had some fantastic opportunities over the years! We’ve played in front of some amazing audiences all over the UK and in Europe too! For me, getting to share the same stage as one of my all-time favourite bands was a particular highlight. Even if they didn’t see us play, knowing that they likely saw our name on the poster is amazing! One of the best ones, from an atmosphere perspective, was a show we played in Trillians in October 2021. Hearing people singing back your songs is always spectacular, but this was just off the charts! It’s so amazing to know that you have influenced someone with your music. Hannah Cowan (HC) - Stonedead Festival, Winterstorm Festival, Crashdiet tour, playing with Michael Monroe & turisas, a really fun photo shoot to welcome Ruth, Duncan’s homemade Christmas pudding vodka that led to a beautiful palm tree being ordered haha. I might as well stick some personality in there. (New music withstanding) the past two years has been a manic, how have you found working your way through the mire of 2020/2021? CJ - I’m not going to lie; it has been horrendous at its worst but amazing at the same time. Not being able to meet up for extended periods of time put some serious strains on our friendships and desire to work together. There are lots of different pressures that come with being in a band that all happen in the background. They can usually be resolved when we get together at rehearsals or at gigs but when that isn’t an option, things can become very strained. Thankfully we were able to get through to the other side and still wanted to continue together. HC - It has been difficult to feel motivated at times having not been able to gig for a lot of it. I had a writer’s block at times too, but I’m pleased to be back on stage again.

This year will see firstly, a couple of new singles, being released into the world. What’s thoughts on the two tracks? CJ - I’m sure that all bands say this, but these are some of our best tracks yet! I feel that we are writing more maturely and are taking things that we have learnt during previous recording sessions, to a new level. The production is top notch and I get goose-bumps listening back to the tracks. That’s got to be a good thing! Secondly, and as a five-piece, you’ve witnessed a recent change with Stephen Hope replaced by Ruth Cranston (Hi Ruth) - early days but what’s thoughts on the changes, and moving forward? CJ - It’s always going to be difficult when members leave bands, especially when they are great mates. We spend an awful lot of time together on the road and waiting backstage so it’s a big deal when they leave. Stephen has taught me an awful lot and has helped me to develop myself as a musician. Ruth is a great guitarist too and brings a new dynamic to the band with her playing style. I’m excited and confident that this will result in some amazing music being written. Ruth Cranston (RC) - I’m really excited to be the new guitarist for Fallen Mafia. It’s still early days but everything seems to gel very well together in the practice room, and we all get along really well! I’ve got a fair bit to do to get “gig-ready” but there’s still so much going on behind the scenes in preparation for new music releases and the future of the band. It’s a really cool time to be a part of Fallen Mafia. I just can’t wait to get writing and gigging together and see where the next few years takes us. What does the next decade hold for the band, hopes and dreams? CJ - Now that is the million-pound question. We’d love to have a crystal ball to see where the road will take us. Our band goal is to have a top 40 album and have a 5-year plan working us towards that. If we don’t achieve it within that timeline then we’ll take the learnings and reapply them to the next 5-years. We want to have fun along the way and will make sure that we don’t get too bogged down to the point that we lose the enjoyment of playing. HC - Albums, tours, and big stages! And there you have it, it’s already ben a fun, long, interesting, insane journey, and they for one are ready for the next chapter of the journey, which begins with the release of a new single, on 11 February, they bringing forth ‘Broken,’ oh, and they’ve got some gigs they’re starting to announce and promote across their social platforms – be sure to check them out. Keep up-to-date with all things Fallen Mafia via their socials on Facebook https://www. facebook.com/fallenmafia and Twitter https://twitter.com/ FallenMafia and via the website https://fallenmafia.co.uk/ (Photo credits - Gigs: Steve Lyth; Promo: Darklight Device)