Sum up 1 up 1 down in three words?
Ever changing moods.
Members:
Kieran Graham - Guitars,
Kevin Lynch - Vocals.
History: Formed after previous 4 piece were involved
in split up. Fulfilled gig obligations that had been arranged whilst
in 4 piece band and received good response from audiences, giving
us incentive to continue as duo.
1. How did you all meet? Kevin and I (Kieran)
have known each other since we were both 5 years old. I had been
working with the aforementioned 4 piece group when the singer we
had quit, so Kevin stepped in and saved the day and we have been
writing and performing ever since.
2. How long have you been together? We Have been
gigging as 1Up 1Down for about 3 years.
3. Has it been a long hard road to fame? I will
let you know when we get there, but in the meantime, yes it has
been difficult to fulfil musical aspirations with little money and
both of us trying to hold down full-time jobs.
4. Who is the main song writer? That would be
me, Kieran. Kevin is the mouth piece for my inner most thoughts,
strangely enough.
5. Are there any band squabbles? We tended to
have most things relating to our musical career in perspective when
we started, so arguments are rare. Although, we sometimes disagree
on the suitability of certain venues for our gigs, but once we articulate
our opinions a mutually agreeable decision is usually reached.
6. What is the 'scene' like in your area? Unfortunately,
the scene in Birmingham is still influenced by the success of 70's
rock, so there is quite a substantial dinosaur element at large.
Also, the success of Ocean Colour Scene has launched a series of
similar sounding bands which is a bit disappointing. Luckily, there
are a few bands who venture outside the Midlands for their inspiration,
such as BROADCAST, who have hung around Bristol and London developing
their unique moody trip/pop sound.
7. Who or what inspired you to become a musician?
Both of my parents are Irish, and they had a strong appreciation
of their culture through music, so I was never far away from musical
inspiration as a child. I then went on to develop my own tastes,
but I must admit that Elvis was an unavoidable influence as rarely
a week went by when he was not on the turntable at home. Punk was
a very important motivator for less privileged people like myself
to get up and make a noise with a guitar.
8. Who are your favourite bands of the moment?
Rather than have favourite contemporary bands I tend to like certain
singles, as a lot of Britpop bands especially, are none too consistent.
I thought Paul Weller's Stanley Road was exceptional, and my many
visits to the music library have me leaving with CD's from the likes
of Elmore James or the sweet tones of Carmen McRae and Ella Fitzgerald.
Not very rock'n'roll, but that's were it all started.
9. What are highs and lows of being in a band?
The highs come from an unexpected positive audience response, but
after a few years . . . It does take recognition from somebody in
the business to give you the drive to go on. After all, localised
adulation has limited motivation value. Lows: - Money! Money! Money!
Or should I say lack of. I may sound like a stuck record but funding
musical aspirations is a big problem. I have a lot of talented friends
who are musicians and there is only so far they can go with technological
improvisation and local gigs.
10. Do you prefer recording in the studio or playing live
shows? Realising musical vision in a studio can convince
you of your actual abilities as a composer and ideas person, but
a gig in the middle of summer with a good live sound and few friends
to get drunk with afterwards is not a bad way to spend your time.
11. Do you have any advice for bands just starting out?
Go through necessary stages: If your first raw attempt
at creativity does not pay off then widen your musical knowledge
until you are capable of analysing and improving your sound. If
you grow out of your first look and sound, do not be afraid of change
because it is best to feel totally comfortable with your
12. Sum up your music in three words? Ever changing
moods
Feel free to contact the band at 25 Records anytime for interviews/Band
features/ gig info etc. at: 25 Records PO Box 3006, Poole, Dorset,
BH12 2HU.
|
|
Meanwhile you can hear a song called
'take a city any city' or 'someone else's number' on the
25 Records compilation CD 'Obvious', priced at only £5 including
post.
|
|
