Guardians of the Slow Lane

Story

I'd always had guitars around but never took playing seriously enough when I was young. I suddenly found myself in my 30's before I started playing in regular bands and writing songs. After moving from the UK to the US in 2009, I found myself with no band mates to collaborate with and little time to collaborate even if I'd wanted to. In some respects I like the creative freedom afforded by "going solo" but it also means that I have to write and perform all the parts myself, which consumes a lot of time and inevitably reduces the quality of what I can produce. It also means that live performance isn't really possible unless I reduce everything down to acoustic sets.

Profile

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Influences

Equipment

What is music to you? What does it give you?

Few things remain constant in life but a great song or great album will always be great. Nothing evokes a feeling or reignites a memory like music does. It can't be compared to anything else. It's all pervasive and completely accessible. At one level or another, everyone can create music.

What is your music dream?

To write an enduring song. I don't care who records it, as long as they don't completely fuck it up.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

Let everyone pursue their passion. We all work too hard to keep the man in power and spend too little time on the things that fulfil our soul.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

I remember hearing Rock Lobster for the first time, when I was about 10 years old, and thinking, WOW! It was so intense and like nothing I'd ever heard before. I bought the 7" single and right in the middle of the label it demanded "PLAY LOUD", so I did. Who was I to argue? I used to dig through my Dad's records and came across this handsome fella by the name of Elvis. It was the Jailhouse Rock LP and I recall listening to, "Young and Beautiful", which is all about the voice with very little accompaniment. Such a gorgeous voice.

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Bands that write clever and funny lyrics. Bands that aren't too precious, have fun with their music and know how to laugh at themselves. I try not to limit myself and I've had many favorites over the years. I'd like to say I like all kinds of music but that wouldn't be true. There's definitely music that I really can't stand.

What inspires you to make music?

The quest for immortality and to get girls to want to sleep with me.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

When I try to get political or deep in music it just sounds shit and contrived. Being honest in your music is the hardest thing. It's like when you ask a kid to smile for a photo and you get this weird contorted creepy grin. Occassionally, you transcend the attempt to say something real and the message comes through but if you try too hard you are guaranteed to fuck it up and sound condescending or up your own arse.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Sometimes I feel like a fake, like I'm pretending to be the rock star that I'm not. Other times, I am that rock star and I rule the fuckin' world!

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

When two guys write all the hits for pretty people with a half decent voice, I have to question the integrity of music as a whole. Sure, that's always existed but seemingly now more than ever. More than ever, it seems clinical and souless.

What do you think of Drooble?

Ironically, this karma point shite is winding me up. Just let me share my music - it's fuckin' free!

What frustrates you most as a musician?

Not being able to do it all myself but trying anyway. I've played in quite a few bands but ultimately, there's compromise and bullshit. Doing the whole thing myself gives me total control but I miss having people to bounce off and share the creativity and experience.