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Month: February 2019

Interview: The Stranglers

Written by Mia Edwards on . Posted in Reviews.

The Stranglers frontman Baz Warne discusses the state of rock and roll, his distaste for genres and how to
maintain a rebellious image in a sanitised pop landscape.

After Hugh Cornwell left the band in 1990, The Stranglers struggled to replace the hole he left so
when you joined the band in 2000 was it daunting taking on such an iconic role?

I never thought about it that way because I was in my mid 30s, I had been a fan of them for many
years and had even toured with The Stranglers in 95 and 97 as their support act. They made me
feel very welcome and we were so busy touring straight away that I didn’t even get a chance to
think about it. The dust settled after about a year and then we all moved into a farmhouse to write
the next record.

The Stranglers were known for their notorious, punk persona, even appearing on stage in 1978
with dozens of topless female dancers. Do you think bands have to worry about being politically
correct when trying to also maintain their rebellious image?

I think it’s just the times they [The Stranglers] were living in, i think if you try and be right on and PC
you’ll never get a chance to say anything to anyone; you’d end up having to call a manhole cover a
person inspection hatch- to be fair that is a really extreme example, funny though! We are who we
are, and it worries other people more than it worries us.

The Stranglers have touched upon some hard hitting topics in their songs, are there any more in
particular you want to tackle?

Well, subject matter just comes to you at the time. I mean, there’s plenty to write about at this
moment in time; we’ve got some US gigs in May and we’ve just got to watch what we say because
I’ve already written a few songs about the cartoon character they’ve got in the white House. It
happens naturally so you don’t really plan ahead, you just save up instrumental bits and someday
you’ll fit words to that.

So do you have pre-made lyrics, then? Or is it more impulsive?

Different sides of the same coin: you should never through anything away, always write it down,
often on a mobile phone which is crucial to musicians nowadays. You might listen back to it in 6
months and think that’s crap and say “I don’t remember writing” that “I don’t want nothing to do with
that shit” but sometimes you’ll listen back and think it’s great and wonder why did we never
recorded it before.

Did you expect the success of Big With Coming?

Big Thing Coming… that was one of the first thing we did together. To be fair we laboured long and
hard on that record actually. I don’t know, it would’ve been easy to follow the same direction of the
90s album which the other guys would admit was a bit ‘wishy washy’. New blood is always good: in
a football team, for managerial staff, anything; anyone coming at something with a different outlook
is bound to bring something new. Living in this farmhouse altogether, it was like The Young Ones, just trying to learn each other’s personalities and how we worked and Big Thing Coming just came
out of that situation.

Did you grow up listening to The Stranglers?

Well I had no internet- just top of the pops. It was so sanitised and mindless but every once in a
while you’d get a band like The Stranglers- their sound was so unique and no one sounded like
them, and no one probably ever will. That is what you want in a band, 45 years later and we’re still
doing it, so that’s gotta count for something.

Have you noticed a change in the demographic of your fans over the years?

The teenage fans from 1970s are all parents now so naturally yeh. And a lot of the fans, the
vociferous fans, who and eat and sleep the band have clearly got their kids into us too. So in the
crowd we get men in their 60s, all the way down to small kids down by the barrier who are being
lifted up so they’re not squashed and just eating a bag of crisps and watching the show! There’s
this one kid who’s been coming to our shows since he was a wee ginger lad and now he’s grown
up with a beard and a girlfriend, it’s fantastic!

What do you think about bands moving away from traditional rock music, like Arctic Monkeys’ last
album ‘Tranquility Base’, or The 1975 finishing off their recent round of UK arena shows with a
massive ‘Rock is Dead’ sign?

Ah! Well how do you mean by genre, if you had to use that awful word. They’re just boxes and
pigeon holes so that music is quantifiable. I tell you what lad, you come and see us and you tell us
that rock is dead. In London, Manchester, Glasgow, there’ll be thousands of leather jacket wearing
lads just waiting to rock out. Basically, it’s just about how it makes you feel, it’s not rocket science,
its very simple to be honest- you might catch yourself humming a tune that you accidentally hate. If
you don’t like rock go and listen to some bloody acoustic guy or some Ed Sheeran and then you
can tell me you don’t like rock music.

You’re primary fanbase is in the Uk but you also have big fanbases overseas, such as in France,
do the type of fans or atmosphere change country to country?

That’s what happens when you have a French bass player! Yeh we love playing there and we do
very well in France. When you go to places you haven’t been to in years- like our US shows which
will be the first in 6 years- the venues are absolutely rammed and alive because people have
missed us. We’re also off to Japan for first time in 10 years and one of the things I love in Japan is
the politeness, they’re so polite! The stage times are earlier too so you go on at 6pm and end by
8pm, they literally come straight from work and then go home straight after we finish- you wouldn’t
have that in the UK would you.

How to stay on the straight and narrow having such a crazy job?

We’re about to get in a bubble for 6 weeks recording and its important to not get up your own
backsides. Eating good, not burning the candle at both ends, get up, shower, go to the next town,
play the gigs, done. Its just a pleasure to still do this, I know that sounds cliched but we just feel
honoured to be able to still play to our fans. We won’t have played for 5 months by our next gig
which is too long and in the studio we all have massive smiles on our faces, so if we ever aren’t
smiling thats a sign to stop, but we aren’t there yet!

Doing this for so ling, have you guys developed any traditions?

Well of course they’ll be specific pubs or restaurants in specific towns that you want to visit but our
only major tradition is we all have a nip of rum and blackcurrant before going on stage. It’s an old
working mans club trick- the rum opens up your sinuses and blackcurrant coats your throat; a bit of
medical help works but just don’t do 6 shots of rum otherwise you won’t give a crap what you’re
singing.

Did you have any particular inspirations?

To be frank anything with a guitar in it but it didn’t always have to be guitar music. Great guitar
solos used to stick out to me on the radio, like ACDC, Motorhead, Sex Pistols and The Stranglers
but I wasn’t into the Jam or The Clash because they always felt too manufactured for me. As I got
older I even started to listen to Neil Young but to be honest whenI finish work and I go home I just
want to sit with my wife or go ride my motorbike through the Yorkshire dales. Music is my job but
don’t get me wrong it’s also my pleasure and a luxury too.

Do you have any hobbies outside of music then?

I read a lot as I’ve gotten older and I’m a very passionate football fan even if we team [Sunderland]
is now in the First Division; I’ve from a working class background where football was all pervading.
My grandchildren are great- I love being able to play with them and then give them back when they
get too much. Also as I mentioned I ride so maybe when the weather gets better we’ll get the
motorbike out and have some fun!

The Stranglers have dipped into so many different musical styles, what can fans expect from the
upcoming tour, any surprises?

Well you just have to play ourselves, like some old songs that the band haven’t played every or
haven’t played for 30 years; we call them the black jukebox. I could tell you the setlist but I’d have
to come up to Manchester and silence you! There are some secret surprises coming up but
likewise they aren’t public so I don’t wanna piss anyone off by revealing them to you.

The Stranglers play the 02 Apollo on March 30th as part of their UK tour.

Interview by Noah Matthews and Harrison Brown

The OTR Movement Live: Review/Interviews Featuring Big Narstie, Dukz and More

Written by Hannah O'Gorman on . Posted in Reviews.

The OTR Takeover event “marks a significant moment for Sheffield as it begins it’s catch up to
Manchester and Leeds” said founder of Dice Recordings North. I was invited to Cocoon Sheffield
nightclub to speak to Dukz, a rapper local to Sheffield. He is signed to Dice Recordings North and
heads the OTR Movement. He was to be joined by various other artists, many who are also signed to
this registered trademark, as well as Grime MC, Big Narstie!

The night commenced with some UK and US hits played by urban DJ/producer, DJ Regulus. He had
the crowd dancing all night long. Girls would fill the stage one after the other as DJ Regulus smoothly
transitioned to dancehall. It was nice to see so many people enjoying themselves and having a good
time.

Cocoon Sheffield is a luxurious nightclub offering a “unique clubbing environment” and indeed it did.
From the interior to the service, it was spot on. The staff were hospitable and had a smile on their
face the whole time even though we all know bar work is not a piece of cake.

After quenching my thirst with an affordable single rum and coke, I witnessed proud Irish grime MC,
Irish Paddy preparing himself for his performance. The first thing I noticed was the fact that he had
shades on, much like Skepta who proudly wears his sunglasses at night. I then noticed his white t-shirt
which had his EP cover printed in the centre of it. I had not heard of Irish Paddy prior to attending
the event but I was in awe as soon as DJ Regulus played his first track. Produced by Spookzville, Irish
Paddy performed “The Come Up”. He was insanely energetic and set the pace for the following
performers. I immediately opened my Spotify app, searched for his EP, “The Real Irish Paddy” and
downloaded it. His songs represent his views as he talks about history, politics and things that a lot
of youth can relate to so for this reason, I was extremely excited to get backstage and talk to him
and so I make my way to the media room, which was nicely set up with two chairs-one for myself
and the other for him, of course. Waiting nervously, he walks over with his friend who positioned in
between us with a cup in his hand. I shook hands with Irish Paddy and introduced myself and then
we shook hands. It did not feel like an interview at all but rather like talking to a friend. We instantly
had a deep and conscious conversation; he spoke about his inspirations, losses in his life, which
pushed him to work harder and what was even more interesting to me was his confidence. We
discussed grime MCs who have been in the game since before we were born and he said that he
reckons that he could take the title of Grime King if he really wanted to. As somebody who is
addicted to grime and its history, I was extremely impressed by his statement and having assessed
his lyrics and flow, he may stand a chance (I love you, Wiley).

Onto the next performer. I had met up and coming rapper, Milly Millz outside of the venue and had
a brief chat with him about his expectations for the event. I told him, that he looks a lot like famous
American rapper, Meek Mill to which he replied with a cheeky smile, “I know, I get that a lot.” After
our chat, I went back into the venue to join the others in the VIP booth. The host shortly announces
the next performer, “Milly Millz”! I thought that he was a spectator or a fan so when they
announced him and he entered the performance zone, I was pleasantly surprised. I did not know
what to expect so I humbly made room for him and a plethora of his supportive friends as DJ Regulus
played his final track before allowing mysterious Milly Millz to take the stage. He had confidence in
himself and he rapped about the things he experienced and for this reason, I was excited to continue
our prior conversation backstage. He gave me an insight of where he was born and raised and how he wanted to be the one to diminish this negative idea that many people have of “people from the
hood”. Talking with Milly Millz backstage also gave me the opportunity to find out who his musical
inspirations are and to no surprise, he said that it is Meek Mill. It was as though I already knew.

Proud singer/songwriter, PJ Francis is a natural charmer, a gentleman. He “makes music for the
ladies”. He had the girls blushing and adjusting their hair while he was preparing to woo everyone.
Upon interviewing him, he complimented me and I instantly took to him. He had on a smart and
stylish suit and he looked as though he was going on an expensive date. When I spoke to him
after his performance, that’s how it felt, like I’d been on a blind date. I found out a lot about him. Like every
artist, he aspires to become bigger and better but what I found interesting about him is the fact that
he makes ladies feel “better about themselves” and more confident through his music. His origin is
what inspires his style. He is of Sierra Leonean decent and refers to himself as “PJ aka Salone
Borbor” which translates as Sierra Leonean boy. This cheeky nickname is reflected in his
Afro/dancehall style which did not fail to make everyone, the women especially, feel special.

When I got word that well-known UK Grime MC and founder of Base Defence League (BDL), Big
Narstie, was supporting Dukz at the OTR Takeover event, I did not hesitate to grab the opportunity of
meeting him. I have been a fan and have listened to his music since the days of Channel U, which
allowed the careers of artists such as N-Dubz, Tinchy Stryder, Dizzee Rascal and Giggs to elevate. Big
Narstie performed some songs from his latest album, “BDL Bipolar” including one of my personal
favourites, “5AM” featuring Moelogo. His presence and energy on stage were undoubtedly
unmatched. He controlled the crowd as if they were under hypnosis and he had a herd of supporters
including Dukz himself, Deep Green, Irish Paddy, Milly Millz and PJ Francis, cheering and singing
along in unison behind him. After dancing and singing along to some of his amazing tracks, his
performance was sadly over. However, it was time for me to join him backstage and ask him some
questions.

I was nervous to meet Big Narstie but the strong fumes of the mary jane that he was inhaling, entered my system and made me rather relaxed and so for that, I must thank him. I had written a number of accents onto tiny pieces of paper, which I made him pick out of my palm. I then asked him questions-questions that one may ask on a first date such as “do you expect to have sex after the first date?” He picked out the Australian accent and went ahead to answer the question. He said that it is not an expectation but he would not mind if he received “nookie” after the first date. Big Narstie, holding his joint and looking in my direction with his eyes as red as a ripe red pepper said, “if you want to have sex on the first date then do it. You shouldn’t care what anybody says about you” and that is a piece of advice that I will forever cherish.

Finally, it was time for the man himself to perform-Dukz! A few months prior to the event, I had watched his “24 hours with Dukz” video on YouTube which gave viewers “an inside look into the lead
up to a sold out O2 Academy show with M Huncho”. I familiarised myself with his songs and musical
history so I knew what to expect but I was fooled because seeing him perform in person was even
more exciting than merely watching videos on YouTube. He too had an energy that was unmatched
and I was proud as if I was part of his family. His younger brother, who also appeared in the 24 hours
with Dukz video, was present and supported his big brother as he performed for his fans. Although I
thought that I had familiarised myself with him, I soon came to the realisation that there is so much
more for me to find out from him so we took it backstage after a fantastic set to get my
many questions answered. OTR stands for “Only the Real” and Dukz reinforced the fact that it is a
movement for people who are honest and interested in the city’s property and business
development. Dukz isn’t just an artist. He showed me that he has dreams and aspirations like a
lot of us. He always mentioned his “brother” R1, with whom he used to make many songs with. They
were, in fact, a duo but there came a time when they both decided, that it would be best for them to continue their journey separately. However, they continue to be brothers as they always were. Dukz
hopes that the OTR movement only grows and reaches every crevice of the UK. I have no doubt that it will.

Reviewed by Phedra Broch