Showing posts with label Albany Down. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Albany Down. Show all posts

Tuesday, 27 July 2010

Artist of the Month Winner: Albany Down

Well, we had some awesome offerings from hip-hop to thrash past pop and through to folk but one act stood out with that certain something extra. Step forward Albany Down and well done. You can read a full review of Albany Down's latest demo here

We caught up with the guys from Albany Down are here is what they have to say:

Paul Muir – Vocals
Paul Turley – Electric Guitar
Billy Dedman Bass
Jonny Bescobe - Drums



BandAssist: How would you describe Albany Down's Sound?

Paul Turley - “It’s Bluesy rock music”
Billy Dedman – “Its a classic rock vibe. big riffs, big style.
Paul Muir –“Heavily influenced by the big hitters of classic rock. Every song is different though.”

BandAssist: "South of The City" is an awesome track can you let us in on the storybehind it? and how/who wrote it.

Paul Turley – “I wanted to do a song with a resonator guitar, so I brought it along to practice one week and we came up with the riff and chorus chords. From there it gradually changed into the final song structure once I started using the electric guitar and Paul Muir came up with the lyrics”
Billy Dedman - . “We wanted something as awesome as Zeppelins 'In my time of dying' and 'when the levee breaks', something that really stands out.

BandAssist: What is your writing process?

Paul Turley – “Usually either Billy or I will come up with a riff and we'll work on it as a band until it has a bit more structure. Paul (Muir) generally does the lyrics and vocal melody and we'll all chip in ideas if we think we need extra sections or parts need changing.”
Paul Muir –“The lyrics go in last, once the melody is sorted - after all, that's the part people will be singing so it needs to be memorable!”





BandAssist: What do you find most difficult about being an unsigned band?

Paul Turley -“Expanding the fan base and getting people we don't know to listen to our music.”

Band Assist: What is your top tip for other acts?

Billy Dedman – “Always sound check!”

BandAssist: What is your fantasy band line up (Vocals, guitar, Bass and Drums)

Paul Turley - “Going to agree with Billy here: Plant, Hendrix, Entwistle, Bonham”

Band Assist: Tell us an amusing Band Story!

Paul Turley – “ Seeing the member of another band set his floppy fringe on fire when trying to light a cigarette was probably the most memorable.”

BandAssist: Proudest moment so far in Albany Down?

Billy Paul and Paul - “Hearing the final recorded songs!”

BandAssist: What are your views on Band Assist?

Paul Turley – “Bands need all the assistance they can get these days. Your assistance and advice is always appreciated.”
Paul Muir – “I think it's a great idea. There are so many websites out there with little fragments of info that's useful, but none of it explains exactly what steps you need to take to help your career like Band Assist."

BandAssist: What's next for you guys?

Paul Muir – “World domination, obviously! European tour next year, recording some more songs over the next few months
Paul Turley - We've also been working on a video and now we're looking to get some more publicity, with a view to releasing our album early next year.

Tuesday, 13 July 2010

5 To Watch out for!


Afternoon All


So the review requests have been flying in but I have been asked a few times what are the artists that I tip to make a breakthrough in the next 12 months. Well there are some great acts out there and I aim to get full reviews on the website as soon as possible (this Blog is not really the place for reviews just tips and advice) anyway here are, in no particular order, 5 acts you should check out and are on their way:


1) Logan – Ok this is a bit of an obvious one as they are quite well known to everyone and they have just got signed but still worth being on the list so others can catch on before they explode. These guys have supported some big acts and played numerous festivals. Great riffs, awesome tight feel and a classic rock singer that ties it all together. Proper rock with proper melody – I defy you to listen to “Out of Mind” and not be a convert
Check them out at: http://www.logan-net.com/

2) Goober Gun – Now a little bit of a confession. I have known of these guys in a few different incarnations over the years and all have been awesome (Rat:daddy, Idiot3). It is almost a crime that their songs are not bothering the charts on a weekly basis whilst we ask “Cheryl Cole? Isn’t see married to that camp Chelsea chap?” Anyway, the latest version Goober gun looks set to put this straight. More mature, but with an urgency and 21st century feel. Listen to “1979” for pure pop rock perfection.
Check them out at: www.myspace.com/goobergun

3) Rhyme Asylum – A grimy Urban act that is music at it’s street level. Awesome rhymes, hard beats and a real fresh approach. Every word is spat out and meant; street poetry does not come more real than this. Honed, dark and threatening. This is hard music for hard times. There are a load of pretenders but these guys are the real deal plus so innovative, just listen to Strange Deranged.
Check them out at: www.myspace.com/rhymeasylum

4) The Lottery Winners – From sunny Manchester comes some modern beautifully uplifting pop indie stylings for a great little outfit that are sure to be hassling the top 20 very soon. This is the modern sound of “Madchester” and these guys storm in with some unique songs and harmonies that are simple divine (check out “Sheeps and Dogs” if you don’t believe me). Listen to Lovers Lane and you will be humming it all day –short to the point and utterly awesome.
Check them out at: www.myspace.com/thelotterywinnersmusic

5) Albany Down – I only heard about these guys when they contact me and signed up to band assist a few weeks back. Since then they asked for a review and thank God they did! If they hadn’t I would have never heard “South of the City” which is currently my favourite song in the world and reminds me why I do this, so I get to hear tracks like this. Albany Down are part Skynard, Part The Doors and bring a great vibe.
Check them out at: http://www.albanydown.com/

So these are my thoughts, let me know if I am missing anyone and I am sure in a few weeks I will have 5 more suggestions.