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.