Devon Music - July 2014

JULY 2014

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

DEVON

MUSIC

OFFICIAL TICKET OUTLETS

Box Office - 01392 667080

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HEAD TO THE SEASIDE

reel big fish

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

ALL SET FOR chagstock

WIN TICKETS!!!

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WELCOME TO THE BEST MUSIC

IN EXETER, PLYMO

DEVON

JULY 2014

YOUR ONE STOP GUIDE

MUSIC E E SEASID HEAD TO TH

reel big fish

moulettes

ALL SET FOR chagstock

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL BAR & DINER

Your venue here? Email

w w w. d e

sales@ phmusicmedi

von-music.com

UTH & THE DEVON

AREA!

S OFFICIAL TICKET OUTLET

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com

boardmasters

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a.co.uk or call us free

on 0808 147 1106

g /d e vo n m u s i c m aag @de von mus icm

Thanks for picking up the July 2014 issue of Devon Music Magazine your one stop guide to the best music in Exeter, Plymouth & the Devon area.

This month we hook up with ‘Lads on Tour’ Baby Godzilla at Download and chat about their forthcoming tour of seaside towns. We talk to baroque indie-folksters Moulettes ahead of their appearances at Chagstock and Forever Sun festivals and catch up with ska-punk legends Reel Big Fish before their UK tour. All this plus Dumbass Questions with Blitz Kids, a chance to win a pair of Boardmasters tickets, previews, listings and announcements for all of the best venues in the region.

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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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KOLEKTIF ISTANBUL

Kolektif Istanbul Sat 5 Jul , doors 8pm, £8 (£5)

A wild Turkish party with brilliant brass lines, accordions blasting, drums pounding and the sousaphone sounding.

Machine Music by Exeter Contemporary Sounds

Sun 6 Jul, 8pm, £10 (£5)

Inspired, composed and performed by machines.

An Evening with Ian McLagan Tue 8 Jul, 8pm, £15.50

Rock’n’Roll from the legendary Small Faces and The Faces keyboardist and his Bump Band.

Theo Brown & The Folklore of Dartmoor Tue 22 Jul, 8pm, £8 (£6)

An audio-visual re-telling of Dartmoor folklore.

Ward Thomas Thu 7 Aug, 8pm, £8

The next big thing in UK Country Music ‘Sensational. They are blindingly good.’

TERRY WOGAN, BBC RADIO 2

The Kast Off Kinks Fri 8 Aug, 8pm, £17.50

Featuring ex-members of The Kinks.

Chris Difford & Glenn Tilbrook

Frank Fairfield & Richard Dawson

For the first time in almost 20 years, Squeeze’s Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook will be heading out on the road.

‘One of America’s best conduits of antiquity’ PITChFORK (ON FRANK FAIRFIElD)

SW Underground

Ale & Cider Festival

Wed 9 Jul, 8pm, £18

Fri 11 Jul, doors 9pm

The best of the region’s house, drum and bass, dubstep, reggae DJs and MCs.

Rosa Rebecka Sun 13 Jul, 8pm, £8 A Swedish folk performer with ‘a lyrical, sun-dappled and golden voice…’

(BBC MUSIC).

Wed 13 Aug, 8pm, £10 (£8)

Fri 22 - Sun 24 Aug, from 12pm Join us for a special Ale & Cider Festival with live music and guest DJs.

(Almost) The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band Wed 27 Aug, 8pm, £15 ‘The undisputed heavyweights of comedy pop.’ DAIlY EXPRESS

Lots more gigs at exeterphoenix.org.uk 01392 667080 | exeterphoenix.org.uk | Bradninch Place, Gandy Street, Exeter, EX4 3LS

feature

everything, get a feel for those massive stages which we are definitely not used to, but once we figured out what was what, we just lost it.

I also loved seeing how big productions like this work from behind the scenes too, I’ve always been a bit of a nerd for “behind the scenes” things so it was a bit of an eye opener, for us all. An experience we’ll never forget.

And now you’re setting out for the seaside to do a run of club shows.

Is it strange to go from massive arenas to festivals to small venues and do you have a preference?

It is a little bit funny when you think about it, playing Brixton Academy and Download festival to venues with an 80 cap, but to be honest, it doesn’t matter where we end up, we’re still gonna play with every ounce of energy we have and just have fun. Some say our band is suited to smaller, more intimate shows and some say we work well on a big stage. Truth is, we’re just happy to be playing our music live to people with our friends no matter where. It’ll be hard for us to ever get demoralised from going from big to small as if you love what you do, nothing should get in the way.

If you haven’t encountered the ferociousness that is Baby Godzilla yet then, well, brace yourselves. And we recommend wearing protective clothing. This Nottingham four piece are not so much a band as they are an experience, and it’s certainly one you won’t forget.

Theirs is a unique brand of rock, lavishly served up with a generous helping of heavy. These boys make noise and lots of it. They also like to cause a scene. There is no standing unnoticed, quietly at the back at their live shows. In fact, there is no back – their set takes place on stage, in the crowd, on top of the crowd, half way up the lighting rig, in fact, anywhere they can get to regardless of whether that’s in the room or outside. A firm favourite at Devon Music HQ we’ve watched as they utilise crowd members as equipment (who needs mic stands anyway!?!), interrupted unsuspecting members of the public attempting to enjoy a quiet drink outside the venue and sail their bass drum across the mosh pit.

Fast becoming a promoter’s worst nightmare they’ve wreaked havoc at ArcTanGent, Takedown and Download festivals, they’ve toured the UK with Limp Bizkit and the Kerrang! Tour and now they’ve decided to take a little jaunt to the coast for a series of set-to-be-insane-seaside-and-sand-castle club shows. But don’t take our word for it, take theirs. We caught up with Matt, Jonny, Paul and Tom for a few beers and a good old chinwag on a park bench at Download festival…and mayhem ensued (obviously)…

You are literally fresh (well, not so fresh!) from playing Download. In fact, we’re still here…..how did the show go?

Honestly, it was one of my favourite shows I’ve ever played. I’ll never forget that show. It was quite a big deal for us as it was our first big festival appearance, and that being download festival, we were so excited and I think it showed! Just ask the security... we are all still friends by the way haha.

Earlier this year you opened for Limp Bizkit on the Kerrang tour, what was that like?

Bizarre but amazing! It was an honour for us to play such a slot supporting 3 great bands, something we’d never even thought would happen. It took us a few shows to get to grips with

Devon MUSIC | JULY 2014

The Download stage managers weren’t too keen about you climbing the staging today, what’s been the craziest venue to climb on?

Haha, no they weren’t. It sounds funny but we can probably find anything to climb up or hang off in any venue! We played a show at The Scala in London recently and Matt was absolutely everywhere.

That venue has lots of different levels and railings which made for quite a fun gig!

What’s the worst injury that you’ve had from playing a show and who was it?

We have been lucky with injuries while playing, but sometimes accidents do happen but you just got to power through. We played some gigs in Poland about 3 years ago now and I remember jumping off the stage with my snare over my head which hit me and resulted in a lot of blood on my face. Jonny also tore a ligament in his knee whilst doing the least rock n roll “jump back on stage” move ever. We took him to A&E the morning after, strapped him up and just carried on.

How many guitars have you gone through since you started?

We counted the other day and it’s approaching 20 I think... which is absurd haha. We have a guitar graveyard at our practice room where we put all the dead. It’s a sad place.

Your sponsors must love you…

Haha, they do! We have a close relationship with Hofner, they’ve helped us out so much. We’re just happy we have the luxury of being in such great hands!

Are you recording at the moment? When can we get our grubby paws on some new material?

We are going into the studio very soon to start recording our first full length album which will be out at some point in life... But as for near future, we have a single that we’ll be releasing very, very soon. Top secret I’m afraid!

Jonny, do you use any products on your particularly impressive beard?

Not washing and instant noodles.

Which one of you would make the best girl?

Matt, he’s fabulous.

And finally, who’s getting the next round of beers in?

You please because we’ve run out of money! [at which point beers were bought and Jager was forced down my neck, as a thank you, apparently - Z] WORDS ZAN LAWTHER

UP COMING SHOW: TIKI BAR | PLYMOUTH | 9th AUGUST

BABY GODZILLA

IN SUPPORT OF:

BUY TICKETS NOW AT

COMPETITION

Boardmasters returns to Newquay for another festival packed with surfing and great music. You and a pal could be watching the likes of Chase & Status, Snoop Dog (or Lion) and Bastille on the beach this August. Just answer this simple question...

Q: At what famous surfing beach is Boardmasters held?

Email your answer to: competitions@devon-music.com or send us a direct message via Twitter or facebook. Competition closes 31/07/14 /devonmusicmag @D e v o n M u s i c M a g

devon MUSIC | JUly 2014

boardmasters

INTERNATIONAL PRO COMPETITIONs

skate / bmx / INLINE / fmx

tickets on sale now at nassfestival.com

FESTIVAL ROUND UP

D E V O N

MUSIC

The rise of the festival scene has a lot to answer for: fashionable wellingtons, the ever increasing popularity of the onesie, flowery tents with flowery head-banded occupants and all manner of alcoholic beverages you can now buy in a bag! Summer is here (at last!) so it’s time to dust off the anoraks, pile your wordly essentials into a trolley and start collecting those wristbands…..

When is it?

When is it?

When is it?

25th & 26th July

1st – 3rd August

18th – 19th July

So where is it?

So where is it?

So where is it?

Robins Cook Farm, Redhill, Surrey

Lower Exe Farm, Week St Mary, Cornwall

Whiddon Down, Devon

What’s it all about?

What’s it all about?

What’s it all about?

Only thirty minutes from London and set in the beautiful surroundings of Robins Cook Farm, Redfest is a two day music festival in its 8th year. Redfest has gained a reputation for championing new emerging bands, solo artists and DJs. Secure camping, quality food, cocktail bar, cider bar and a massive beer tent along with a relaxed atmosphere make this little festival special.

Since its inception almost 9 years ago, Leopallooza has played host to hundreds of bands, thousands of people, countless DJs, exotic foods, strong cider and the odd bemused squirrel. But from the start, the ethos of the event has remained nailed down and it truly does live up to its promise of being the greatest house party, in a field.

So who’s playing?

Fenech-Soler and Foxes headline. Also confirmed are Brother & Bones, Dry the River, The Other Tribe, Rae Morris, Arcane Roots, Chasing Grace, Gnarwolves, Eliza and The Bear, Winter Mountain, Arcane Roots, Saturday Sun, Brawlers and ChainSka Brassika

Fast becoming one of the west country’s best-loved festivals, Chagstock is set in 70 acres of farmland on the edge of Dartmoor, and is renowned for its stunning location, diverse line-up of artists and non-corporate, family friendly atmosphere. The team at Chagstock aim to showcase for you the very best in music, food and entertainment that the west country and the UK have to offer.

So who’s playing?

The Lightning Seeds, The Waterboys, Steve Knightley, Moulettes, Babyhead, The Stansfields, Sheelanagig, Flight Brigade, Winter Mountain, The Selecter, Talisman, Sam Green & the Midnight Heist, Bridie Jackson & the Arbour, New Crisis and more.

How much?

This year’s line up features Skindred, Peace, Hudson Taylor, Toy, George Barnett, Catfish & the Bottlemen, The Skints, The Struts, The Lafontaines, Beans on Toast, Disraeli & the Small Gods and over on the heavy side of the field The Blackout, Heard of a Coward, Baby Godzilla, TRC, LostAlone, The First, Heights, Polar – truly something for everyone!

How much?

£75 for an adult for the weekend, £50 for a child, under 12’s go FREE!

A weekend ticket will set you back £68 for an adult or £35 for a child ticket (5 – 14 years old). Kids under 5 go FREE!

www.chagstock.info

www.redfest.co.uk

DEVON MUSIC |JUly 2014

So who’s playing?

How much? £70 for the weekend, kids (6 -12) £20 for the weekend www.leopallooza.com

festival round up

& I.D. DJ SET X-PRESS 2

DJ SET JUSTIN ROBERTSON jon cross

When is it?

When is it?

7th – 10th August

22nd – 24th August

So where is it?

Matterley Estate in the South of England, just outside Winchester.

So where is it?

When is it?

8TH – 10th August

What’s it all about?

So where is it?

Split into City Districts there is something for everyone at BoomTown with 14 main stages and over 30 inner city mini venues. With a heavy focus on fancy dress and the weird and wonderful expect a full on sensation explosion!

Fistral and Watergate bays, Cornwall

So who’s playing?

Shaggy, The Cat Empire, Jimmy Cliff, The Wailers, NOFX, Bellowhead, Hayseed Dixie, Chas and Dave, The Dreadnoughts, Johnny Flynn & the Sussex Wit, Ms Dynamite, The Bad Shepherds, The Skints and more DJ’s than you can possibly handle.

How much?

A weekend ticket will set you back £150 12 and Under £60 - under 6’s go free! www.boomtownfair.co.uk

What’s it all about?

The combination of all things watersports with all things music come together at Boardmasters.

Watergate bay hosts the music arena, with arguably the World’s best view from a festival site, housing 8 genre spanning stages, bars, endless food stops, festi-stalls and rides... and it’s less than 5 minutes’ walk to the campsite and Watergate’s golden beach! Fistral Beach plays host to the surfing, skate, BMX, evening gigs, the surf village, surf art installations and more so dive in and get involved.

So who’s playing?

Chase & Status, Snoop Dogg (aka Snoop Lion), Bastille, The Cribs, Zane Lowe, Peace, Palma Violets, Dead Kennedys, Reel Big Fish, George Ezra, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Lewis Watson, The Cuban Brothers, Skindred, Jettblack, Fink, 2ManyDJs, Duke Dumont, Mistajam and loads more.

Richfield Avenue, Reading What’s it all about?

A stalwart of the festival scene since 1989, Reading Festival offers an eclectic range of big name bands and new music with an emphasis on ROCK So who’s playing?

This year you can catch Queens of the Stoneage, Paramore, Arctic Monkeys, Blink 182, Vampire Weekend, Jake Bugg, You Me At Six, Bombay Bicycle Club, Disclosure, The 1975, Courteneers, Royal Blood, Jimmy Eat World, Of Mice & Men, Architects, Band of Skulls and Pendulum DJ’ing with many more across the weekend.

How much?

Weekend: £205 face value Early Entry: £15.00 face value Day Tickets: £92.50 face value www.readingfestival.com

How much?

Up to £149 for the weekend depending on when you book. Day tickets also available. www.boardmasters.co.uk

DEVON MUSIC |JUly 2014

festival round up

FESTIVAL ROUND UP

N D E V O

MUSIC

Did you know that music festivals are believed to go all the way back to ancient Greece in the 10th century BC? Ethereal deities, rather than rock gods, were honoured though times haven’t changed so much with the recent emphasis placed on looking your absolute best (weather permitting!) in the field. Dry shampoo has been around since the 70’s but last year Asda reported sales were up a whopping 37% as we all struggle to keep our barnets fresh for five days without a shower!

THE BEST OF THE REST...

An old skool style festival Kozfest is an intimate affair, with limited tickets for sale. Three days with two stages, bar, food, chillout, stalls, entertainment, great people, fantastic music, FREE camping, and communal bonfire 25 – 27 July at Bobbie Watts farm in Devon near Uffculme.

Hatherleigh Festival runs 24 - 28 July. This four day festival of Music, Art and Entertainment is themed this year around Gardens and is centred around the Town Square Marquee in Hatherleigh, just seven miles north of Okehampton.

The 9th Leopallooza is set to be a doozy with Fenech-Soler and Foxes announced to headline. Also confirmed are Brother & Bones, The Other Tribe, Rae Morris, Arcane Roots, Chasing Grace, Gnarwolves, Eliza and The Bear and ChainSka Brassika so get yourselves down to Lower Exe Farm, near Bude, North Cornwall 1 - 3 August.

Celebrate Sidmouth Folk Week’s 60th birthday 1 – 8 August. A seaside celebration of music, dance and song taking place in the charming East Devon regency coastal resort – it’s a must in every festival goer’s annual diary.

The Blackdown Beer and Music Festival at Cherry Hayes Farm, Smeatharpe (between Taunton and Honiton) offers live music, a huge selection of beers etc, food, and family entertainment on 8/9 August.

Bastille, Snoop Dogg and Chase & Status top the bill at Boardmasters this year. Being held on 8 – 10 August pretty much guarantees fun in the sun. Get down to Fistral and Watergate bays and get your surf/skate/BMX on by day and your party on at night.

The Levellers’ popular festival Beautiful Days returns to Escot Park 15 – 17 August. With headliners Seasick Steve, Steve Earle & the Dukes, Bellowhead and a huge roster of names throughout the weekend, it’s family friendly atmosphere is not one to miss.

The 2nd annual Bicton Fest is expected to take place on Saturday 30 August, featuring two stages, set in the stunning grounds of Bicton College in East Devon. The intimate, one day event will showcase not only the best of Devon’s musical talent but also some of the hottest up and coming unsigned acts across the UK. Acoustica Festival takes place at Exeter Phoenix primarily with other venues around Exeter also involved. This year it will take place 12 - 14 September and is expected to include films, DJ’s and multiple stages.

Looe Music Festival 19 – 21 September have announced The Brand New Heavies, Hayseed Dixie, Toseland and more already but with two headliners still to be announced this is already shaping up to be a great weekend.

DEVON MUSIC |JUly 2014

festival round up

5

1

13 6

2

14 3

2

12

11

1 7

3

4

8 8

7

1

4

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4 5 6

5

2

13

le:///H:/Devon%20Music/Sep/954661_575086435870211_293441303_n.jpg

Thirst

Plymouth

7 3

1 The White Rabbit 2 The Hub 3 Club Envy 4 Pavillions

5 Plymouth Uni 6 Tiki Bar 7 Thirst 8 Last Shop Standing

Exeter

1 The Phoenix

2

5

2 The Cavern

1

3 The Lemon Grove 6

4

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

Would you rather be able to run 100 miles per hour or fly at 0.01 miles per hour?

Fly, definitely. It’d just be like floating. Nobody needs to run at that speed. I’d end up tripping up and dying.

What’s your favourite song to play live?

Perfect. Everyone goes mad for it. So much so that we’ve decided to record a video for it and release it as our next single! It’s the best video we’ve ever done too, which bodes well.

Where would you rather live, Mordor or Glasgow?

I love Glasgow. Mordor is full of orcs. So yeah, definitely Glasgow. It gets a bad rep, but everyone loves a good time up there. I’ve had some cracking nights out there.

Would you rather have a photographic memory that can only retain disgusting thoughts for life or have a 1 minute memory where you constantly introduce yourself to everyone?

Constantly introduce myself to people. In honesty, I meet a lot of people when I’m drunk that I can’t remember next time I see them.

So it’d be fairly similar to my life right now.

Would you rather have an extra finger or lose a toe?

Extra finger so I could SHRED on the guitar and piano. I’ve heard that if you cut off a toe, your balance is all off, and I can barely stand as it is.

Would you rather kiss a jellyfish or step on a crab?

Step on a crab. Jelly fish are Satan’s sperm. Awful creatures.

If you could have your favourite celebrity as a tamagotchi, who would it be?

Nicholas Cage.

If you could only say one word for the rest of your life, what word would it be?

Lager.

What Disney Prince/Princess would you most like to see in the Royal Family?

Beast from Beauty and the Beast.

Which character from the Simpsons do you see yourself in?

Hans Moleman.

Complete this sentence ‘I like Twitter because…’

People are hilarious.

What would you most like to see David Attenborough do a voiceover for that’s unrelated to nature?

Robot Wars.

Who would win in a race between you and Mallory Knox?

Us. By a country mile. I’ve never met a slower band.

Catch Blitz Kids live @ White Rabbit, Plymouth 30 September

JULY

2512 19 25 26 -

NO CONSEQUENCE + DREWSIF STALIN’S MUSICAL ENDEAVORS + FRIEND FOR A FOE + CAMBION + ELITHIA 90’S RAVE! THE LINDEN METHOD SEVEN YEAR ITCH (Rave night) LOCAL FOREIGNER / STICKS & STONES the rockers covers + SUPPORT

AUGUST

17 - William Control + Ashestoangels + Bad Pollyanna 25 - KARMA TO BURN (USA) + DESERT STORM (UK) + SUPPORT 30 - RESTLESS (neo-rockabilly legends) + BLACK DIAMONDS

SEPTEMBER 19 - STARS IN THEIR EYES: PLYMOUTH - Featuring:

The Lounge Kittens, Violent Virtues as Whitechapel & many more!

OCTOBER 245-

DRAGONFORCE ASTPAI + DESPITE EVERYTHING KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES

www.facebook.com/rabbitgigs

WHITE RABBIT | BRETONSIDE BUS STATION | PLYMOUTH | PL4 0BG

FEATURE

Few bands can boast as broad a musical range as Moulettes. Containing a mix of self-taught and classically trained members collectively they’ve shared the stage and studio with the likes of Mick Jagger, Nick Cave, Seasick Steve, Bonobo and Dave Gilmour. As a band, their early days were spent playing live and promoting the Den of Iniquity nights in London that brought a host of acts to public prominence. After seven years of being a live outfit it was only in 2009 that their eponymous debut was released. This was followed in 2011 by ‘The Bear’s Revenge’, an album that saw MOJO hail them as “complex and beautiful… intriguing and unique”.

Moulettes have been constantly on the road for 4 years and have played festivals as varied as Cropredy to End of the Road and they’re showing no signs of slowing down yet. We caught up with them in the midst of their Constellations tour as they prepare themselves (and the UK) for the launch of their latest album…

Your new album is out soon. Exciting! You recorded in a variety of different locations including a church, tunnels and bedrooms – tell us about the process…

Ollie, Jim & I spent the summer in the studio, getting visited by a variety of marvellous musicians and working it all together. We were able to explore arrangement ideas and experiment with creative recording techniques and diverse acoustic spaces. We recorded in Lewes next to a community of artists, carpenters and welders so we had access to all sorts of things to make noises with, from an old filing cabinet, industrial chains to a deconstructed set of church organ pipes.

We could happily do this sort of thing all day everyday- building the laboratory of sounds!

What was it like working with such great artists as Arthur Brown and Emma Richardson (Band of Skulls) on the album?

It was a real privilege and a pleasure. All of the guests are friends that one or other of us have worked with before in some capacity. It was a lovely opportunity to make cinematic orchestral-scale music with people we admire and love. One of my favourite moments was hearing Herbie (Flowers) play the same bass he has used in seminal recordings such as Lou Reeds ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ - it sounded so great: it seemed to resonate with 50 years of recorded history. Both Arthurand Band of Skulls have brilliant records out this spring - well worth seeking out.

Your sound reaches across many different genres, what are your biggest influences?

Adventures in sound, storytelling... fantasy films and books. Music of all sorts throughout the ages!

DEVON MUSIC | JULY 2014

And what’s playing on your iPod RIGHT NOW? John Grant, TuneYards, Bombino, Liz Green’s new record, ‘Haul Away’.

You’re playing quite a few festivals this summer, do you have a favourite?

Over the years a few favourites are emerging: old flames like Glastonbury, Bestival, Knockengorroch; & new ones - Beautiful Days, Shambala & End of the Road.

What essentials do you have to have with you during festy season?

Tins of Mackerel in tomato sauce. Earplugs, boots and multiple pairs of socks... Rum...

Will you be back out on tour soon as well? You never seem to stop!

We have a summer of festivals and then Constellations Tour part 2!

We’re happy playing and being on the road.

Where does the name Moulettes come from?

Ah, from the past, present and future; from fantastical worlds and mythologies... It is a unit of force, a sea dwelling creature, a seedpod...

It has a few entries in the dictionary...

And finally, for those that haven’t had the pleasure of seeing you live yet, tell us why we should come check you out…

We have no shortage of energy or ideas...

Catch Moulettes live at Chagstock Festival 19 July 2014 Forever Sun Festival 26 July 2014 www.moulettes.co.uk

WORDS ZAN LAWTHER

MOULETTES

FEATURE

It’s summer and that means two things – firstly, we want festivals and lots of them and secondly, we want to dance around to happy and uplifting tunes. And if Reel Big Fish aren’t the epitome of sunshine then we don’t know what is! With their tongue in cheek lyrics, bouncing ska punk beats and brass section they’ll have you throwing your arms into the air and jumping up and down like a loon within moments of taking the stage.

Shooting into the limelight in the late 90s with their smash hit ‘Sell Out’ they joined the legions of ska-punk bands crossing over into the mainstream MTV generation. And they haven’t stopped since. Despite numerous line up changes (vocalist Aaron Barrett is the only original member) and a whole heap of record company malarkey, they’re still out there, 20 years down the line, making the world a slightly better place.

So, we’re all off to the seaside this month as these goofy lads hit the coast, hopefully bringing some of their Californian weather with them. Their biting wit, infectiously catchy tunes and hyperkinetic live show ensures that a skankingly good time will be had by all. We grabbed a few minutes with frontman and founding member Aaron Barrett to take a look at the real Reel Big Fish….

How do you choose what goes into the set list from your huge back catalogue?

It’s definitely not easy because there are a ton of songs. We do want to mix it up and keep the set list fresh and not ALWAYS the same, but there are a lot of songs that we HAVE to play and that people LOVE and would be definitely disappointed to not hear. But I think we do a pretty good job of making an awesome set list for every show!

What’s your favourite song to play live?

It’s always fun to play the songs that make the crowd go crazy and get a huge reaction, songs like Beer, Sell Out, Take on Me and all the hits!

You’re on a load of festival line ups, sandwiched in amongst loads of metal bands, how does that work? Do you find folks appreciate a break from the metalz?

We always get a little nervous and worry about how we are going to go over when we’re playing these metal festivals but we always get an awesome reaction and people really get into us, also we have lots of fans of our band who also love metal and they come out to support us. It always ends up being fun and we definitely get noticed because we’re so different!

How do UK festivals compare to those in the US? They are both very similar; a bunch of sweaty, dirty, drunken, sunburned people who love music and want to have a good time and want to party hard!

cool again already! But as far as a ska band breaking through, there are a lot of great ska bands out now, I’m sure it’s only a matter of time till we hear a big hit ska song on the radio again.

What career would you have had if you weren’t in Reel Big Fish?

Who knows…maybe I WOULD have worked in fast food all my life.

There have been loads of line up changes over the years as ‘real’ life gets in the way of ‘Reel’ life (sorry!), can you see an end to RBF? Very clever! Haha yes, a few of the old members have left in the last 10 years because babies came along and they wanted to be home to raise them and have a family instead of traveling the world 300 days a year. When I was younger I definitely would not have understood the way they feel but now that I am older I definitely understand what they are going through. It’s not easy on a relationship and a family when you’re gone ALL the time. But I have no plans at all to end Reel Big Fish or to slow down or stop touring; I’ll be doing this for a long time to come!

What’s the craziest thing a fan has ever brought you as a gift?

I was given a midget inflatable sex doll and a DVD with midget porn on it. Also, someone anonymously sent us a Lady Gaga (or lady Gag Gag) inflatable sex doll to our studio. Not sure where they got the idea that we want blow up dolls!

You’re on tour ALL THE TIME, what are your tour bus essentials?

Beer, video games, beer, DVDs, beer, coffee…….and ear plugs.

What do you wish fans would bring you?

Oh I don’t know, I don’t need any gifts, just coming to the gigs to see us play and to dance is more than I could ever hope for or ask for from our awesome fans!

Who’s got the worst habits and what are they?

Everybody in the band is pretty mellow these days and don’t do much to annoy each other. When Scott was in the band, he used to spread his sweaty, stinky clothes all over the back lounge to dry and the whole place smelled like vinegar. Pretty gross!

And finally, you probably get asked the same things over and over in interviews. What’s the one question you wish people would ask?

Haha I don’t know, I’ve been asked just about everything over the years. I guess the question I DON’T like is, “give a brief history of the band” There’s just no short, easy answer for that one!

Do you think ska is due another moment in the spotlight? Are there any new bands you think might break through in a similar way to the way you did?

You never know! I have definitely noticed that the hipsters are wearing Hawaiian shirts now and that the Specials and the Selecter have played the super cool hipster festival Coachella. Maybe ska is

DEVON MUSIC | JUly 2014

Words: Zan Lawther

UP COMING SHOWS: Weymouth Pavilion - July 15th Falmouth Princess Pavilion - July 12th NASS Festival - July 13th

REEL BIG FISH

previews Fiercely heavy electronica

The Algorithm infuses modern metal breakdowns with a menagerie of electronic subgenres such as IDM, chiptune and breakcore to concoct his own potent style of fiercely heavy music. Imagine a mash up electonrica driven breakdowns, djenty guitars, gut wrenching sub wobs and glitchy melodies all working together to fluidly pummel your head into the future. Sounds fun, right?

FOR FANS OF: HACKTIVIST / MONUMENTS / AFTER THE BURIAL

MARK MORRISS (THE BLUETONES)

THE ALGORITHM

JUL 18 | TIKI, PLYMOUTH Return of the mack

Singer songwriter Mark Morriss famously made his name fronting English indie outfit The Bluetones. The four piece over a fruitful 15 year period, scored14 top ten singles and 3 top ten albums, until they ended things in 2011. A case of unfinished business, Mark has now turned to his solo career. It’s a breezy, 70’s inspired sound filled with airy guitar strums and wind instruments. Check it out!

JUL 26 | THE CAVERN, EXETER

FOR FANS OF: THE BLUETONES / GUILLEMOTS / THE DELAYS

Pure and honest pop

Rich Cottell describes his sound as feel-good indie pop with a happy “life’s awesome” vibe and that’s exactly what it is. New single “Whisk Away The Working Day” is about living for the moment and being happy and that’s exactly what it inspires. Making his way through the indie scene and building quite a profile for himself, don’t miss your chance to see this BBC Introducing backed popster.

FOR FANS OF: MATT CARDLE / AIDEN GRIMSHAW

DOWN BY LAW

RICH COTTELL

JUL 27 | ROCK GARDENS, TORQUAY A familiar face returns

Charging guitars and ferocious vocals, Down By Law are back to create a new dynamic for their fans. Being one of the most notable punk bands in the 1990s, and known for being cheeky and defiant, vocalist Dave Smalley still knows how to charm over the audience and get them jumping along to their excitable tracks.

AUG 07 | THE CAVERN, EXETER FOR FANS OF: NOFX / RANCID / PENNYWISE Singing yo-ho yo-ho a bottle of rum and up we go BABY GODZILLA Brace yourself. Baby Godzilla are coming to party, seaside style.

Known for making a whole lot of noise and for creating a whole lot of carnage on stage, theirs is a live show all should experience. It’s angry and aggressive with thrashing guitars and scream, sung and chanted vocals. They’re a stage manager’s worst nightmare and are rarely ever to be found on the actual stage. Wear protective clothing.

FOR FANS OF: CANCER BATS / FEED THE RHINO / GALLOWS

DEVON MUSIC | JULY 2014

AUG 09 | TIKI, PLYMOUTH

previews

previews KARMA TO BURN

Uncompromising instrumental metal

Their latest album, Arch Stanton, is an example of the instrumental cross metal that Karma to Burn, or K2B as they’re also known, have perfected. Known for naming their songs by numbers and not titles, the gigs are as unpredictable as their albums and are constantly surprising their crowds. Completely instrumental, it’s one for those who like heavy guitars and drum solos.

AUG 25 | WHITE RABBIT, PLYMOUTH

FOR FANS OF: BRANT BJORK / KYUSS / DOWN

Cool pop-rock that gets you ON YOUR FEET

Named after their grandfather’s gang during WWII, the band certainly know about overcoming adversity having previously lost two members. In 2013 they toured with Mallory Knox and Lower Than Atlantis, before playing Download and Slam Dunk Festival. Fast-paced and packed with singalong choruses and rousing beats, it’s hard not to jump when they start playing.

FOR FANS OF: KIDS IN GLASS HOUSE / MALLORY KNOX

EAGULLS

OCT 16 | THE CAVERN, EXETER A throaty metalcore experience

SEP 30 | WHITE RABBIT, PLYMOUTH Anthemic old school punk rock

The northern accent in lead vocalist, George Mitchell’s vocals’ reflect the band’s unapolagetic gritty post-punk attitude and gives them the authenticity they deserve. This year they have already toured with Franz Ferdinand and won best music video at the NME awards.

Punchy, aggressive and truly demanding of your attention, Eagulls are bringing punk to pop rock and bringing it brilliantly.

FOR FANS OF: THE 1975/ THE SAVAGES / KAISER CHIEFS

Having surprised fans with a reunion at Download, a SikTh tour has been longed for since their last live performance in 2007. Now fronted by the raspy vocals of Mikee Goodman and Justin Hill, they’re reuniting with their most noted experimental mathcore and nu metal songs. Throw into the mix support from Heart of a Coward and Idiom and you’ve got yourself one helluva party!

FOR FANS OF: GOJIRA / PROTEST THE HERO / MESHUGGAH

PALOMA FAITH

BLITZ KIDS

SIKTH

OCT 31 | WHITE RABBIT, PLYMOUTH Smooth, sassy, retro-soul sound

The exceptionally talented singer-songwriter, if not recognised by her exceptionally rich and soulful voice, can easily stand apart from the crowd with her totally unique bright orange hair and deep red lips. Having just released her latest album, A Perfect Contradiction, Paloma has hardly stopped moving, touring incessantly. Expect a revitalising and empowering performance.

NOV 08 | PLYMOUTH PAVILIONS FOR FANS OF: JOSS STONE / EMELIE SANDE / GABRIELLA CILMI

DEVON MUSIC | JULY 2014

previews

ones to watch

What makes you happy? Actually happy?

The Simpsons, Star Wars, SNES and hanging out with our mates.

What have you got lined up for 2014?

We’re currently writing a second E.P which will be out this year - and playing a lot more shows too.

Describe your music in three words…..

Explosive Devonshire Metal

Formed not that long ago, in May 2013, Pretend Happy started writing music purely for the enjoyment and love of music itself. Taking their influence from life, skateboarding, good times, bad times, the Simpsons, literature and anything else they come into contact with.

Heavily influenced by late 80’s/early 90’s music such as My Bloody Valentine, Nirvana, Pixies, Radiohead and more, they don’t like to pigeon-hole themselves into a genre. And nor should they….“Pretend Happy sounds like The Smashing Pumpkins necking tequila with Weezer - all snarling guitar riffs and closet geekiness”…well that sounds good enough for us!

Hailing from sleepy Barnstaple, North Devon these boys set about releasing their music through a couple of self-funded EPs and heading out on a headline tour under the previous guise ‘Framework’ but a new name and a new focus has turned them into ‘Pretend Happy’. We caught up with them recently to discuss band names, day jobs and what makes them actually happy…

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

Pretend Happy is an alternative rock trio - featuring myself; Jack Brown (Guitar/Vox), Nathan Cook (Bass/Vox) and George Walker (Drums/Vox) You only recently adopted the name ‘Pretend Happy’, what made you change it and how did you come up with the new one?

We were originally called Framework - yet we’re all very fond of a new band from the states called Frameworks. There’s nothing more annoying than explaining your band name doesn’t have an ’S’ on the end. So, we went with Pretend Happy - I’ve been told I’m very good at pretending to be happy when I have a lot going on in my life, so that’s where it came from.

Devon MUSIC | JULY 2014

What are you guys doing when you’re not being Pretend Happy?

We all work jobs we don’t enjoy - I’m a salesman at O2, Nathan works at an electronics factory and George works in Primark. I also book bands to come down to the Barnstaple/Bideford area.

You’ve supported the likes of Pulled Apart By Horses, The Wytches, Marmozets, Boy Jumps Ship, Gnarwolves, Max Raptor, Straight Lines and more. Who’s been your favourite so far and why?

Probably Gnarwolves. They’re good friends of ours and we’ve played with them a few times now. They’re just the best dudes, so fun and Charlie’s an old school friend of mine so it’s always awesome to catch up. We’re playing with them again on July 31st in Bideford.

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

Gnarwolves would be a fun tour - Superheaven, Title Fight or The Be Sharps.

Finally, when can we see you live and why should we come check you out?

We have 3 shows coming up before we really knuckle down on finishing our second E.P - you can catch us at: JUNE 20TH - THE OLD BLUE LAST - LONDON - PUNKTASTIC SHOW

WITH GRAYSCALE AND SPINELESS YES MEN JULY 2ND - PALLADIUM CLUB - BIDEFORD - WITH MAX RAPTOR, OH CAPTIVE, THE DEAD BETAS AND SKATA TONES JULY 31ST - PALLADIUM CLUB - BIDEFORD - WITH GNARWOLVES, HINDSIGHTS AND BOXKITE You should come and check us out because the more support we get - the quicker we can hurry up and leave our rubbish retail jobs. We’re three very relaxed guys, who love playing shows, love drinking beers and also love meeting new people. Definitely the last one, meeting new people is awesome.

WORDS: ZAN LAWTHER www.facebook.com/pretendhappyband

PRETEND HAPPY