Dead Discotag:dead_disco.seatwaveblogs.com,2008://1262008-08-28T14:47:48ZWomen that ruin.Movable Type 3.36INTERVIEW: Robots in Disguisetag:dead_disco.seatwaveblogs.com,2008://126.30262008-08-28T13:13:37Z2008-08-28T14:47:48Z Robots in Disguise Interview with Sue Denim by Zarina Raja You just played Reading Festival last weekend. How was it? Ah-May-Zing! Did you get to see any bands? Yeh, loads, MSI, Crystal Castles, CSS, Gallows, Glasvegas, The Kills, Metallica,...ZedRobots in DisguiseInterview with Sue Denim by Zarina RajaYou just played Reading Festival last weekend. How was it?
Ah-May-Zing!
Did you get to see any bands?
Yeh, loads, MSI, Crystal Castles, CSS, Gallows, Glasvegas, The Kills, Metallica, The Death Set, Pendulum. There were loads of others I wanted to see, but they played on the other two days!
Did you stick about for the campsite looting on the last night? Sounded pretty horrible to me!
Don't know anything about that! (At least that's what we told the police when we were taken in haha). No, seriously, haven't heard about that. We did try to find a campfire though and then gave up and forward rolled down a muddy hill instead.
Was it the biggest festival you guys have played this year?
This and The Mighty Boosh festival.
How was the Boosh fest for you? Have R.I.D got anything else lined up with the Boosh that you can tell us about?
It was such good fun because we're all mates. It was a really good atmosphere. We are going to be doing some gigs at the aftershows on their live tour coming up.]]>
In September, you have a string of London dates. Is it always good playing to a London crowd full of R.I.D fans, or is it just as good playing to a festival crowd, perhaps to people who aren’t solely there to see you guys? I imagine it is more challenging.
It felt really good playing to the Leeds and Reading crowd. I guess they weren't all fans, but they were having such a good time and so were we, it was a brilliant energy. Plus we came on in a home made human size mirrorball!
The last time we spoke, it was just before the release of We’re in the Music Biz.’ How are the fans treating the newer stuff?
They didn't boo. Oh actually sometimes they do join in with the booing on the end of Music Biz. They've been going crazy for the new stuff, it is extremely gratifying!
What else have you been up to since then?
We're writing and knitting woolly catsuits for the big freeze.
Are you working on anything new?
Yes! We really want to record the new album early next year but it's no where near finished yet.
What seems to be their favourite song from the new album?
There are lots, but Music Biz always goes down really well.
The Tears is out in September. It is slower than some of your other stuff, is it still a good one to perform?
Yeh, it's not as frenetic but it's a song that you can get deep into in an anthemic kind of way.
Tell me a bit about the background to the song.
It's a twisted love song, it's about paranoia and pain and possession.
Although it is a slower song, the feisty R.I.D vibe still slips through with my fave line: ‘I’ll cut her from ear to ear.’ Which one of you penned that?
This line may have been written by Dee, or me, or together, I can't remember. We both had our reasons! It's always important for the songs to be relevant to us both since we're both singing them, which is why we write so together.I do remember us writing lyrics for this song in a cafe in Friedrichshain Berlin, round the corner from the studio over much discussion and masses of tea.
What is your advice for girls (and boys) that find themselves in that crazy state of paranoia in a relationship?It's not worth The Tears! Learn from it. Life is short! And relationships go through all sorts of phases. Don't panic!Sum up The Tears in one word.
Intense.
What have you got planned from now until the end of the year?
More gigs, writing; I want a holiday too!
Are either of you working on any solo projects?
I have Sue And The Unicorn, my folky project. Dee plays drums with The Budda Cakes.
Are you and Android still living in Berlin? Does that work out OK with Dee in the UK?
We officially live there but I can barely remember what my flat looks like. I haven't been back since June. Ann has been spending a lot of time in Cologne due to romantic reasons too so we've kind of abandoned Berlin.. for now!
I’m going to Berlin in September for the first time. If there was one place you recommend me to check out, what would it be?
I recommend you listen to our song ''I Live In Berlin' and do the Robot trail.
The Tears is out on 8th September 2008.Related LinksThe Tears single review.Interview with Robots in Disguise. Buy Robots in Disguise tickets
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GIG REVIEW: Be Your Own Pettag:dead_disco.seatwaveblogs.com,2008://126.30142008-08-27T14:56:09Z2008-08-27T15:04:16Z Be Your Own Pet Dingwalls, Tuesday 26th August Review by Zarina Raja Last night, Dingwalls housed the last ever UK Be Your Own Pet gig. As always, Jemima performed furiously, spitting out shrieking vocals as if her life depended...ZedBe Your Own PetDingwalls, Tuesday 26th AugustReview by Zarina Raja
Last night, Dingwalls housed the last ever UK Be Your Own Pet gig.
As always, Jemima performed furiously, spitting out shrieking vocals as if her life depended on it.
Her appearance had dramatically changed from the last gig that they did at the Scala a few months back. Her ‘typical American’ looks; long blonde hair, perky face and tiny frame, had changed somewhat drastically, and now suited the tone of BYOP’s music and her stage presence.
Her hair, now cropped short and with an undercut on one side, lay pasted over her face and covered in sweat. Her make-up dribbled down her face; her smudged eyes reeking of something wonderfully Punk like.
The set was hot and frantic; the songs were short and bursting with an appetizing vulgarity, mainly led by Jemima.
Towards the end of the set, like excited teenagers (most of whom were probably teenagers) the crowd surged on to the set for one last Be Your Own Pet sweat-filled orgy.
And that was the end for Be Your Own Pet.
Related Links Be Your Own Pet Scala review
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SINGLE REVIEW: Robots in Disguisetag:dead_disco.seatwaveblogs.com,2008://126.29572008-08-12T10:24:42Z2008-08-12T12:31:32Z The Tears Robots in Disguise Review by Zarina Raja The Tears, Robots in Disguise’s third single from the album We’re In The Music Biz, is an Electro/Pop ballad spinning on the suspicions and paranoias that rear their ugly head...ZedThe Tears
Robots in DisguiseReview by Zarina Raja
The Tears, Robots in Disguise’s third single from the album We’re In The Music Biz, is an Electro/Pop ballad spinning on the suspicions and paranoias that rear their ugly head in all relationships.
RID have not fallen for making a soppy love song – anything but. Although the melody is slower than the likes of past RID songs, it has an appetizing and delectable, yet threatening, edge. ‘I’ll cut her, I’ll cut her, I’ll F*** her.’
The Tears is a great Pop song, etched with a light Electro vibe, heavily carpeted with lyrics that every girl can relate to.
The single features various versions of The Tears, portraying an elasticity within The Tears which allows it to be remixed into something completely different from the radio edit.
The heretic mix by Tim Burgess of The Charlatans is a brilliant, danceable remix, one that emphasizes the slow urgency in the idea behind the song.
Billion $dj’s funkpanic remix is another great attribute to the single. Fast-paced, manic and slightly crazed, wonderfully representing a disbelieving lover.
Related LinksRobots in Disguise interviewBuy Robots in Disguise tickets]]>
GIG REVIEW: Kap Bambinotag:dead_disco.seatwaveblogs.com,2008://126.28822008-07-17T14:20:15Z2008-07-17T16:07:50Z Kap Bambino Sin, July 10th Review By Zarina Raja Kap Bambino repulse contemporary musical boundaries. They veered, like a crazed machine, into the looming abyss of Death/Metal type Electro, fired by a burning Punk vibe that seethed and shuddered...ZedKap BambinoSin, July 10thReview By Zarina Raja
Kap Bambino repulse contemporary musical boundaries. They veered, like a crazed machine, into the looming abyss of Death/Metal type Electro, fired by a burning Punk vibe that seethed and shuddered through every Kap Bambino track that crashed out from the amps.
Kap Bambino, otherwise known as Caroline Martial and Orion Bouvier, ripped Sin to shreds on Thursday with a spectacular – and highly anticipated– manic fervor. With Caroline on vocals, and Orion mixing Kap Bambino’s dirty Metal/Electro mixes, the crowd had no chance of maintaining any control – or dignity.
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Related Links
Buy Kap Bambino tickets]]>
GIG REVIEW: Peachestag:dead_disco.seatwaveblogs.com,2008://126.28762008-06-23T12:35:19Z2008-07-17T12:38:08Z Massive Attack’s Meltdown Peaches DJ set – Silent Disco. Southbank Centre – Thursday 19th June Review By Zarina Raja What’s the point of a Silent Disco? Seriously though, think about it – a Silent Disco. Intrigued, but not wholly...ZedMassive Attack’s MeltdownPeaches DJ set – Silent Disco.
Southbank Centre – Thursday 19th JuneReview By Zarina Raja
What’s the point of a Silent Disco? Seriously though, think about it – a Silent Disco. Intrigued, but not wholly amused, we headed to the Royal Festival Hall to check out this weird, quiet disco business.
‘But Zed, it’s fun…’that’s what they kept saying to me, ‘especially when you take your headphones off and there is no music.’ Oh right yeah, that is fun isn’t it? Is it?
Keeping my disparagement at bay, we entered the Royal Festival Hall. Upon entry, a rather large, yellow pair of headphones was slung around my neck. At this point, as curiosity got the better of me, I started thinking that maybe this was cool. Oh look, there are two channels of music…and where is the volume?
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Related Links
Buy Massive Attack tickets
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GIG REVIEW: Ladyfest London 2008tag:dead_disco.seatwaveblogs.com,2008://126.28802008-05-13T12:54:32Z2008-07-17T12:59:23Z Ladyfest 2008 May 9th -11th - The Underworld, Camden Review by Zarina Raja Ladyfest 2008 removed me from the blistering sunshine on Friday and into the clammy depths of The Underworld. Tagged by our pink wrist bands, we descended...ZedLadyfest 2008May 9th -11th - The Underworld, CamdenReview by Zarina Raja
Ladyfest 2008 removed me from the blistering sunshine on Friday and into the clammy depths of The Underworld.
Tagged by our pink wrist bands, we descended into the dark, ready for three nights of female-based bands and a little Riot Grrrrl action.
Ladyfest London 2008 kicked off with a string of films at the Islington Arts Factory and some workshops on Feminism, Confronting White Privilege and a bit more feminism…(well, what did you expect?)…The Feminist Antique Roadshow to be exact.
Your Heart Breaks, Monday Club, The Bobby Mcgees, Slow Club and Kimya Dawson, all took to the stage throughout Friday night.
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Standing out amongst the rest was Slow Club, a clattering girl-boy duo with sweet sounding lyrics and a great stage presence. They resembled something like a polite version of the Moldy Peaches.
Kimya Dawson of the Moldy Peaches, however, who was expected to be the highlight of the night, proved to a little less fun without her co-star, Adam green.
A good but slow start to Ladyfest sent us in to the empty Monarch bar in Camden where we carried on with the Ladyfest spirit by requesting the likes of The Knife, Peaches and M.I.A.
After a day of films and talks on Saturday, we were ready for a second night of bands.
After a gentle start on Friday, things picked up on Saturday. Although missing Drunk Granny, who have been likened to a Hole cover band, we did mange to catch Comanechi, Das Wanderlust, New Bloods, Matt and Kim and Riot Grrrl legend, Angie Reed.
Favourites from Saturday night were New Bloods, who are surprising mix of strong vocals, violins and clapping, resulting in a layered sound that cut the Underworld in half.
Matt and Kim also managed to pack an infectious set of tunes into the Underworld’s shuddering sound system with their Poppy electro sound, drenched in Matt’s thick American accent and some severe drum smacking from Kim.
Ending Saturday night was Angie Reed – an artist signed to Chicks on Speed records. She put on a thumping show of electro tracks, accompanied by some pretty random visuals and a bit of improvisation.
Sunday night – feeling like the Underworld had become our second home – caught hold of the weariness of its Ladyfester’s who remained seated for the first half of the night while Mandy Muden dabbled in some magic and Sarah Kendall made the tired audience cry with laughter.
The Actionettes kicked off the first of Sunday night’s music with a retro dance routine reflecting something of a school dance contest.
Betty and the Werewolves, a highlight of Sunday night – stormed the stage with a
crunching set of Rock/Pop melodies, smattered in a vague Kinder Whore look, initiated by Courtney Love in the 90s. Cute summer dresses and an almost innocent look, topped off by an electric guitar and the ability to jam.
The Priscillas were second to last to take the stage. With a lead singer that looked like the female Noel Fielding, The Priscilas were a dab hand at rocking out. They certainly pumped the audience up with their glam-rock vibe and set of clash/crash tracks.
The last to take to the stage were Peggy Sue and the Pirates.
The Ladyfest party then moved on to Bar Monsta.
Ladyfest saw the arrival of all different types of girls: gay girls, straight girls, feminists, vegans, musicians, artists - and a dashing of brave lads - all coming together to watch a display of fantastic bands – something that is denied in the mainstream music industry.
Ladyfest London 2008 – The Verdict.
Ladyfest 2008 was an inspiring insight into the female led arts industry.
It is a shame that it takes a festival once a year to showcase such artists, but if the Ladyfest gals have it their way, I am sure it will become a more regular thing.
A real positive aspect to Ladyfest is that the all the music takes place in one venue. There is no queuing, and no deciding where to spend the night, or which bands to miss out on.
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GIG REVIEW: Be Your Own Pettag:dead_disco.seatwaveblogs.com,2008://126.28782008-04-02T12:46:41Z2008-07-17T12:48:13Z Be Your Own Pet Scala, Tuesday 1st April Review by Zarina Raja I have no idea where to start. Be Your Own Pet completely obliterated the Scala last night. They played one of the most splintering sets that I...ZedBe Your Own PetScala, Tuesday 1st AprilReview by Zarina Raja
I have no idea where to start. Be Your Own Pet completely obliterated the Scala last night. They played one of the most splintering sets that I have seen in for a long time. Jemima Pearl and her band make music to drown in - and last night’s set was no exception.
The boisterous, heaving, and sweaty crowd sunk into BYOP’s screeching Punk/Pop tunes with a frantic immediacy and fraught urgency. The gig stripped things back to basics; a bunch of crazed fans, lunging like lunatics, to a band that are wonderfully unrefined, raw and passionate performers.
Jemima Pearl, BYOP’s ferocious front girl, rocked it harder than Courtney Love during her Pretty On The Inside era. Jemima has the appearance of a typical American girl; tiny, pretty and blonde, a girl that gets all the boys sweating in their pants with just one look. As soon she opens her mouth, however, this sweet-as-pie image rapidly deteriorates.
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Be Your Own pet totally annihilated the Scala. One of the best gigs of the year so far!
Releated LinksBuy Be Your Own Pet tickets
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GIG REVIEW: The Gossiptag:dead_disco.seatwaveblogs.com,2008://126.28792008-03-23T13:51:07Z2008-07-17T13:01:10Z The Gossip Shepherd's Bush Empire, March 21st Review by Zarina Raja Beth Ditto did it again. She completely obliterated Shepherd’s Bush Empire last night, leaving us gasping for breath and clinging on for dear life. She put on a...ZedThe GossipShepherd's Bush Empire, March 21stReview by Zarina Raja
Beth Ditto did it again. She completely obliterated Shepherd’s Bush Empire last night, leaving us gasping for breath and clinging on for dear life. She put on a fast, furious and frantic show – I don’t think that there has been a time when she hasn’t.
Saturday night’s performance explicitly portrayed a woman bursting through boundaries and quite frankly not giving a f***. You could see the adrenaline pumping through her veins as she screamed into the cowering microphone.
As soon as she set foot on stage, an intimidating energy soared through the venue, firmly grasping people’s attention and swallowing them whole in one wide lip-sticked gulp.
Ditto is an enviable mass of talent. She exudes an arresting charm that makes you stop and stare as her heaving cleavage smothers her unfathomable shrieking lungs.
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It was the perfect end to a raw and ferocious gig.
Related LinksBuy The Gossip tickets]]>
INTERVIEW: Robots in Disguisetag:dead_disco.seatwaveblogs.com,2008://126.28752008-01-29T13:30:39Z2008-07-17T12:31:52ZRobots In Disguise Interview By Zarina Raja ‘We have a lot of fans that give us support, but in terms of the music industry, we have had f*** all. ‘ Robots In Disguise are not afraid to fight their corner....ZedRobots In DisguiseInterview By Zarina Raja ‘We have a lot of fans that give us support, but in terms of the music industry, we have had f*** all. ‘
Robots In Disguise are not afraid to fight their corner. ‘G-I-R-L, it’s not a dirty word’ they scream in their song, Girl , from their second album Get RID. No, it’s not a dirty word, but it is clear to the Robots that the music industry has trouble with it. Go on, say it…GIRL.
Robots In Disguise are really pushing the girls-in-a-band vibe and are doing it well. They don’t rant and rave about men like bored housewives, instead they drench their lyrics in something that resembles girl power - but a cooler version than the 90s two-fingered, Spice inspired variety. The Robots are way more Grrrl and a lot less Giiirl.
Robots In Disguise make crunching tunes that flip between danceable Indie, dirty Electro and thudding Pop. They always put on a ruddy good show for fans, never missing the chance to dress up in a silver cape, and always dripping in glitter.
Robots in Disguise have just released their third album, We’re in the Music Biz, which is available to download now and will be available to buy on February 4th.Dee Plume and Sue Denim chatted to us on their day off (despite still doing interviews and sorting out tax returns). Dee was the first to talk Robots with me. ]]>
Dee PlumeHow did the gig go last night?
Yeah, it was really good, a great gig. Liverpool are a good audience for us, they get quite excitable. We have a day off today though; I’m going to be doing my tax returns. Whooo! That’s how Rock ‘n’ Roll it is.
What do you do when you are on the road to entertain yourselves?
Actually, we are learning to play poker. What else do we do? We have got some 3-D sketch books too; we sit and read those with our 3-D glasses on.
Is your song Argument true to the nature of your friendship?
Yeah, definitely; we don’t argue as much as we used to though! That’s why we wrote it, it has true feelings behind it. You have got to feel something when you are writing.
Do you ever get to the point where you are not speaking to each other?
We have done in the past but not really anymore. We have had fights in the past where we haven’t spoken for about a day. We have known each other a while now so we get over it quicker.
What is it that annoys you about each other most?
I think it is just being with someone all of the time. Me and Sue have shared responsibility for our band; there is no-one else to really shout at if things go wrong. We had a problem with our backing track the other night in Glasgow and I was really p***** off about it. It’s only me or Sue that is responsible for it so…
For those who haven’t heard We’re in the Music Bizz, what are they missing out on?
Well, similar stuff to DJs Got a Gun. We have got a song called I’m Hit, which is a kind of Indie Dance and another song which is more crazy Indie. Disguises was about four or five years ago now. It was very electronic but this album is more about Rock ‘n’ Roll. It’s all really up tempo. We have written more of the type of stuff that works live. It’s also a bit dirtier and a bit more smashed up.
Apart from Argument, you don’t play much live from Disguises do you?
No, its music for a different time really; Argument works live and we still play Bed Scene, we are going to play that at the next few gigs. When you start writing stuff, you don’t really realize, until you play it in front of an audience, whether it works or not.
How is everyone taking the new stuff?
Yeah, really good. We have played I’m Hit and Don’t Copy Me before. A lot of people seem to already know about We’re in the Music Bizz, maybe it has leaked out or something. We played that last night and it was really good; people were really punching the air so it had the desired effect.
I read in the London paper that someone had called Robots in Disguise the most unsuccessful duo in the UK.
I think it was a magazine in Germany. We spend quite a lot of time out there putting records out and touring.
That comment annoyed me so I can’t imagine how you felt.
At the time we felt annoyed, well yeah, I do feel annoyed actually. We haven’t had any music industry support. We do have a publisher and a great producer and we have had loads of our mates making really good videos for us. Loads of people have given us support in that way and we have a lot of fans that give us support, but in terms of the music industry, we have had f*** all.
Maybe if the guy who wrote that got down to one of your gigs, he would take that comment back...
Yeah. I think people just write stuff for their own perversity. Also, not everyone is going to like we do. I think if you are a young girl, what we do appeals more. We seem to be really appealing to teenage girls at the moment. Maybe for this guy, who is probably in his late thirties, we don’t do much for him. He has Cold Play doesn’t he.
Yeah and Snow Patrol.
Exactly. I just think that there is not enough support for women in music.
You did a song on the Girl Monster compilation. Do you think the other female artists on that have a similar problem in the industry?
Well, I guess so. Rock ‘n’ Roll is about male sexuality. That is how it started. It is kind of hard to make that about women.
Would you guys call yourself feminists?
Yeah, definitely.
You spend a fair bit of time in Berlin don’t you?
Sue lives there now and so does our drummer.
Do you prefer London or Berlin?
I like both really. I like Berlin because it is really chilled out. It’s easier to feel successful in Berlin because it’s cheaper to live there and you are not always worrying about money. In London I am always worrying about money and whether I can do stuff. Berlin is a much slower city, people just get on with being creative without having to stress about money. It’s hard for anyone struggling with money in London. That’s the good thing about it though; it gives you a really good work ethic. The down side in London is that there is loads of partying.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
Well, I would definitely like to work with Peaches that would be really brilliant.
What is your current music obsession at the moment?
I’m listening to a lot of 60s stuff at the moment in the hotel room and loads of folk music.
That’s very different from your own music.
Yeah, well, I listen to whatever. Rock ‘n’ Roll is definitely something that I am into but not really electronic music. That’s one of the misconceptions about me. People say, ‘you’re really electronic,’ some of that is because we like it but there are only three of us in the band so we have to have a backing track. I really like playing instruments more really than making a noise.
Sue Denim
Ello.
Hey, how are you?
I’m fine. I have just been practicing German with our drummer, Android.
How’s it going?
The German or the tour?
Both.
Yeah, it’s all going good. We have a day off today so that’s cool.
Are you doing your tax returns as well?
Oh, God yeah. That is the main thing that we have to get down. I also have had the very exciting task of going to the passport office. It’s all go. We are going to hang out in Liverpool now though for a couple of hours then get back to the tax returns later for the tax return party.
I saw you play at a Mighty Boosh after show part at the Brighton Pressure Point during their last tour.
Oh, that was a good gig. I remember that.
Will you be joining forces with the Boosh on their next tour?
There is some talk of it. We are not sure yet though, we can’t say one way or the other. It was really good fun…there has definitely been a suggestion.
Does it annoy you that in a lot of your interviews, The Mighty Boosh always gets a mention?
It doesn’t annoy…we have lots of friends that do really interesting things and they get mentioned a lot. They are still our friends who happen to have gotten really popular. Generally, I would rather stick to talking about the Robots but we really love the Boosh and we are really good friends.
I also saw you guys at the Barfly in Brighton when the stage was invaded by swarms of fans. Does that happen a lot?
Oh yeah! Oh my god. Well, it doesn’t happen a lot to that extent. That was really funny. We had about five people onstage last night. What we do now is invite anyone who is really dressed up. There was one guy who had made a real effort and made a robot outfit out of tin foil. He came on stage. There was a girl dressed as a bumble bee too. We put a message out on our MySpace saying that anyone who is dressed up with the theme of our album could come on stage…well, there is a song called Animals and we thought she might have been an insect.
Your shows are so energetic; you are always diving about. Do ever feel like you really can’t be arsed to throw on you r silver cape and play to a drunk crowd?
Sometimes but not exactly like that. I remember on the last tour we said that it just becomes an endless routine of getting ready for a gig, or going out or an interview. Constantly doing your makeup gets a bit tedious but I always want to get on stage and do the gig. If you do too many gigs in a row you do get pretty tired though.
How many do you have in a row this time?
Well, after our day off today, we have twelve in a row and then we have another day off, then maybe another eight.
When was the first time you guys stage dived?
Oh, I don’t know if I have ever been asked that before. (To Dee) Can you remember the first time we stage dived?
Dee: Yeah, it was at the Barfly in Chalk farm for the Turn It Up video.
Has it ever gone really wrong?
Yeah, I got dropped on the first night of this tour. I hurt my back. Oh, I done my back in! It wasn’t too bad actually, I saw it coming so I managed to somehow go all limp and it was a reasonable fall. I hit my head on the ceiling too because I was jumping about so much. I hurt myself quite a lot at that first gig. I was a bit over excited. I got dropped at one of the Gossip support shows too. I don’t think they were expecting the support act to stage dive. I got also got dropped in Liverpool once before and got stuck in a handstand. You can’t guarantee that it is going to be ok. I don’t jump anymore; I just lie back and let them carry me away!
Last Wednesday, I queued ten hours to see Radiohead at 93 Feet East. Is there a band that you would do that for?
(Silence) No, but probably because I spend my life travelling to play gigs. Right now, I can’t think if any band that I would do that for.
Not even if you had a few weeks off?
I wouldn’t be going to see bands. It’s like a busman’s holiday. I would be lying on a beach somewhere.
What music are you into at the moment?
I can tell you what I have with me on tour, other than teach yourself Germany. I have Patrick Wolf, Kate Bush…
Do you have similar taste?
Well yeah, although I did put my itunes on yesterday and Dee told me to turn it off as it was too techno. I don’t really like techno that much though! I seem to have a combination of techno and insane folk music. I like Electro if it is on the melodic side.
How is living in Berlin?
Great, I love it. I don’t love it more than being on tour though. I’m quite into living out of a suitcase at the moment. You don’t have to worry about loads of stuff that you do when you’re at home.
What is your prize possession in your suit case?
My laptop. Or my yellow teddy that’s actually a travel pillow. It has no face either. Dee got it for me for Christmas to replace a gift that got really abused on the last tour… and then disappeared.
And now for a few quick questions:Has success made you stupid?
No, not yet, I’m still hoping.
Who’s better: girls or boys.
Girls, I like them both though.
Any heroes?
Um…these are supposed to be quick questions but you are making me think! I find Peaches pretty inspiring and a lot of women in girl bands. I don’t really have any heroes as such to be honest. I hate saying to be honest because that make sit seem like I have lied the rest of the time.
What is the one thing that would make your world a better place?
These aren’t quick questions for me! (To Dee) What is one thing that would make my world a better place? More days! That’s true actually, If we had two little days. Actually, if we had a mini Sue and Dee, that would be good. We are pretty good at all the other jobs that distract us from writing more albums.
They could go on tour for you sometimes.
I don’t know, we might really hate them if they came on tour with us. We could stick them in an office somewhere and make them do the tax returns. Or we could make them into a street team. Imagine loads of little us on tour. You can’t really fall out with yourself! (To Dee) You’d really hate the mini Dee. You’d always be fighting!
What is the most memorable gig you have been to as an audience member?
One that I really loved recent was the Buzzcocks. I travelled a long way to see them but coincidently, we were playing! But they were really amazing.
Dee: I’ve got one, I’ve got one!
Sue: I’m doing it now. Shut up. Dee is saying We Say Party! You Say Die! Android is grinning because she loves them.
Anything you would you like to add?Sue: Yeah, it is really important that people buy our album this time. It is going to be released in February on CD. Basically, if our fans want to support their local girl band, then buy the f****** album. It’s great that everyone is coming to the gigs and we have 80,000 friends on MySpace, the gigs are packed but no-one buys the albums. We probably won’t make any money out of it; it is more about getting into the charts and getting a profile. Then we can play more gigs and keep going.
Related LinksWin tickets to see Robots in Disguise at Reading FestivalBuy Robots in Disguise tickets. Buy Mighty Boosh tickets. For more info on Robots in Disguise, check out their MySpace. Read our Robots In Disguise review from the Great Escape Festival. ]]>
GIG REVIEW: Ida Mariatag:dead_disco.seatwaveblogs.com,2008://126.28812008-01-21T13:56:44Z2008-07-17T12:57:54Z Ida Maria Dublin Castle Tuesday 15th Jan Review By Zarina Raja Ida Maria is a female artist that unifies surging rock, Swedish Pop and – I’m sorry to use the phrase but – Girl Power. She is a fiery...ZedIda MariaDublin Castle
Tuesday 15th JanReview By Zarina Raja
Ida Maria is a female artist that unifies surging rock, Swedish Pop and – I’m sorry to use the phrase but – Girl Power. She is a fiery chick with a guitar who has a bunch of songs that need to be heard now (and loud).
As soon as Ida Maria marched into view, it was clear that the hype about her was true. She strode to the centre of the stage and sucked in the gaze of a rammed Dublin Castle. Dressed in a short green lacy dress and black ankle boots, blunt fringe and red lips, she looked like she knew how to rock a packed venue.
After her first song, Drive, she kicked off her boots and peeled off her socks. Standing bare foot on the stage, she launched into the second song of the night, Louie.
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Ida Maria has that kind-of-crazy Bjork edge to her. She seemed to be feeling every lyric that tumbled out of her mouth with her whole heart. As the gig wore on, Ida was obviously thriving on adrenaline and getting increasingly swept away by her music. Whenever she had the chance, she threw her body around and immersed herself in the screaming guitars around her.
Towards the end of the set, a charged Ida poured water all over her face and then begun her last song - and by far the best song – of the night, Oh My God.
Oh My God, is a crashing, manic song that surged through the Dublin Castle, licking the sweating walls like an unmanageable flame. ‘Oh My God,’ she screamed with a satisfying air of liberation, ‘I think I’m in control.’
After hurtling through her set, she collapsed to the floor, having used up all her electrifying energy. She looked up out at the cheering crowd and then disappeared of into the dark. This girl had me hooked.
Related LinksFor more info on Ida Maria, take a look at her MySpace.
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GIG REVIEW: Electrelanetag:dead_disco.seatwaveblogs.com,2008://126.28772007-11-30T13:41:22Z2008-07-17T13:42:51Z Electrelane Koko – Nov 29th Review By Zarina Raja Anni Rossi - a solo performer with an incredible voice and a viola - opened the show for Electrelane last night at the Koko. She appeared small and lonely on...ZedElectrelaneKoko – Nov 29th Review By Zarina Raja
Anni Rossi - a solo performer with an incredible voice and a viola - opened the show for Electrelane last night at the Koko. She appeared small and lonely on the vast stage. Her set was simple – just her and nothing else - but her performance was far from plain.
Most of her songs were dominated by her viola and a little foot stamping that gave her songs some base. Her set was slow and intriguing. She looked like her mind may have been somewhere else; possible tangled up from the specs of light bouncing off the Koko’s disco ball. Her arms jutted out to the side as she cut through the strings on her viola and murmured softly into the microphone; sometimes pushing her voice to an angular high. The crowd swayed slowly with her, well warmed up for the next band Yeasayer.
Yeasayer started their set with a drawn out arrangement of synths drowning the Koko in a heavy 80s vibe. Although Yeasayer sounded kind of 80s, at times they slipped in to Rock, experimental and instrumental throughout their set. The front man looked like he was from a recent Indie band whilst the other members looked like they had been plucked from a 80s Rock gig. Yeasayer were, in fact, amazing. They totally immersed themselves in their music and seemed unaware that they were performing to hundreds of people. Their music was unlike nothing I have heard for a while and I enjoyed it but still wanted them to get off the stage as quick and possible so Electrelane could start.
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Related Links
www.myspace.com/annirossiwww.myspace.com/yeasayerwww.myspace.com/electrelane
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Gig Review: Bat For Lashestag:dead_disco.seatwaveblogs.com,2007://126.14902007-10-29T11:02:01Z2008-07-17T12:20:52Z Koko, 28th October Review By Zarina Raja How did the Klaxons win the Mercury award for best album of the year and not Bat For Lashes? Although the Klaxons exude a certain quirky, youthful charm, they are leagues below...ZedKoko, 28th OctoberReview By Zarina Raja
How did the Klaxons win the Mercury award for best album of the year and not Bat For Lashes? Although the Klaxons exude a certain quirky, youthful charm, they are leagues below the incredible Natasha Khan and her fascinating band, Bat For Lashes.
As I stared down on to the backdrop of twinkling lights, glittering instruments, and make shift trees that were all basking under a mysterious blue haze, I could see that we were about to enter Khan's enchanting imagination. The rest of the crowd could feel it too because there was a warm calm that clung to the air as people quietly waited for Natasha to grace the stage. As she took her place, she gave the audience a shy smile and then began to sing something in French. We were immediately captivated by a sense of mystical awe as the KoKo whirred to life.]]>
Related Links
Buy Bat For Lashes tickets]]>
Gig Review: Robots In Disguisetag:dead_disco.seatwaveblogs.com,2007://126.14612007-10-18T11:38:22Z2008-07-17T10:46:18Z Virgin Mega Store The Sex Has Made Me Stupid Reivew By Zarina Raja Every time I see Robots in Disguise, each performance tops the last, and yesterday’s performance at Oxford Streets Virgin Mega Store was no exception. In store...ZedVirgin Mega StoreThe Sex Has Made Me StupidReivew By Zarina Raja
Every time I see Robots in Disguise, each performance tops the last, and yesterday’s performance at Oxford Streets Virgin Mega Store was no exception.
In store performances always lack the atmosphere that a gig has; people mill about, many seem to stumble into the performance without realizing who it is, and it is always too bright and too soon after work to allow yourself to be fully immersed by the music.
RID, however, had no problem in rocking Virgin with a variety of old and new tracks, a massive stage presence and a highly entertaining rock star attitude.
Clad in silver capes, back combed hair and blunt fringes, they swaned onto the stage, already owning the audience. Two robots followed them out, wearing silver cardboard robot outfits and dancing manically throughout the set, funnily enough, throwing robotic shapes that tease the hyper crowd.
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Related LinksBuy Robots in Disguise ticketsRobots in Disguise interview]]>
Album Review: White Chalk - PJ Harveytag:dead_disco.seatwaveblogs.com,2007://126.14452007-10-15T14:08:33Z2008-07-17T10:52:48Z Review By Zarina Raja White Chalk is Polly’s most haunting album so far, even the art work on the album cover is eerie - a Victorian looking PJ with a pale face, painted by a disturbingly blank expression that...ZedReview By Zarina Raja
White Chalk is Polly’s most haunting album so far, even the art work on the album cover is eerie - a Victorian looking PJ with a pale face, painted by a disturbingly blank expression that longs to be read. It is the kind of album that you may expect to hear seeping under the doorway of a creaky old house, infested with child ghosts and a spinster pianist.
White Chalk is a quiet album that slithers its way to the back of your mind, prodding and awakening your hidden, bleak imagery until it manifests itself at the front of your thoughts. This album makes you want to stop in your tracks (and collapse to the floor) whilst the world spins on without you.
PJ Harvey’s ghostly presence wafts towards you from every angle, soft and poignant, and masked in a trembling sadness and suggesting something resembling regret and guilt.
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Oh, something metal tearing my stomach out. If you think ill of me, can you forgive me?’ How horrifyingly blunt but gaspingly effective? ‘I lay on the bed, waste down undress. I look up at the ceiling and feel happiness. The woman beside me is holding my hand…something inside me, unborn and unblessed, disappears in the ether, this world to the next.’
I think somewhere there is a feminist message - maybe don’t think badly of me for what I have done, I have the right - but then you stumble across the line ‘scratch my palms, there is blood on my hands’ which pushes us in to Macbeth territory which quite frankly, after listening to White Chalk, I am too emotionally drained to pursue.
Despite White Chalk’s gloomy subject matter, this is an incredibly absorbing piece of music, which is feeding off of PJ’s melancholy. It is brimming with hopelessness and torment, but is addictive and strangely calming.
Related LinksBuy PJ Harvey tickets
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INTERVIEW: Alison Moyettag:dead_disco.seatwaveblogs.com,2007://126.14142007-10-10T11:02:27Z2008-07-17T10:59:42Z Alison Moyet Interview by Zarina Raja It's not every day you get the chance to question the likes of Alison Moyet. The Essex born singer began her musical career in a number of punk rock, pub rock and blues...ZedAlison MoyetInterview by Zarina Raja
It's not every day you get the chance to question the likes of Alison Moyet. The Essex born singer began her musical career in a number of punk rock, pub rock and blues bands and later joined Vince Clarke (Depehce Mode) to form Yazoo. Two albums and several hits later, Moyet took a turn down the solo path and emerged with a backlog of hits and a West End theatre role or two under her firmly tighetened belt.
We grabbed a moment of Alison's time ahead of the release of her new studio album 'The Turn' (released on Monday, 15th October) and the single 'One More Time' (Monday 8th October). Catch her during her upcoming gigs... and while you wait, wrap your eyes around the responses from a woman with overpowering talent and intergrity.
Your passion for your music is patently clear – what was the defining moment in your life when you decided that you wanted to pursue a career in music?
I never really was planning for a career in it. I expected to get a job and do a bit on the side as a semi-pro. Be a part of the pub-rock scene like Dr Feelgood and Wilco Johnson. I became a pop star by a turn of fate and then played with the cards I was dealt.
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I know that when you were younger, you were in various punk bands – what was it like being a part of the original punk scene in the 70’s and 80’s?
It was absolutely fantasic. We were making it it up as we went along. Had gigs in car parks and youth clubs and every night it was our whole gang together, taking the stage by turn. Next meeting always by word of mouth. We had a local fanzine that drew all the bands together and there was always someone on a corner to warn you which way the Teds and the Skinheads were blowing in from.
What do you think of recent Punk bands – do you think they are still as good as they used to be?
It's not my place to judge the current crop. It is righfully and naturally a youth scene. If the bands speak to their own then they are doing it right.
You have moved through punk and into electro and then on to a more poppy phase, do you think that genre wise, your music will change again?
My music has been influenced by everything my 46 years have seen and that which came before. My genre changes constantly and always will while I am working, although the trasitions may be more subtle to the eye these days. It is not that we stop changing, it is that our changes are no longer under a magnifying glass when we move beyond the front line.
If you hadn’t have entered the music industry, what direction do you think your life might have taken – what do you think you may have been doing now?
I was studying to become a piano tuner. Knowing me I would have changed with the wind several times and still not be sure of where I belonged.
How was it going on to work with Vince Clarke from Depeche mode? Are you still in contact now?
It was exciting and unexpected. It was amazing to be doing it rather than just talking pipe dreams. We didn't see each other for many years and still don't as he lives in America.. but we are in touch more often now.
Is there anyone that you wish you’d had the chance to work with or would like to work with in the future?
The only ambitions I have are artistic ones these days. I would always be open to something completely unexpected. I am attracted to no one's star.
Your new album The Turn is going to be released in the next few weeks. What is the significance of the title?
The Turn is a dark thing. It is he who has to turn it on and turn it out and turn it off. It speaks of struggle and rejection and disrespect and nothing surprises a Turn.. It is also a term used in magic...the transformation of something ordinary into something wonderful. It is too, a term I use in jest to connect myself to my knowing and understanding fan base.
Do you approach creating an album any differently to how you would have done 20 years ago?
There are some changes, although they have been gradual so it is hard to judge when and why. Initially there was more writing in the studio and when I collaborated it was together in a room. These days I prefer to do my writing alone. Either from scratch of from tracks that I am given. It has gone full circle in some ways. When I started in Yazoo we were left to our own devices. Later the record companies got overly involved. Now it is back to autonomy and I am happier that way.
Can you sum up what you were aiming for when creating The Turn?
I wanted an album of crafted song. That showed both restraint and passion. Was lyrically intellegent but not oblique for its own sake. We began with our eye on Chansons, Roy Orbison, Torch song...and then moved out, fraying the edges.
You have released so many great tracks and albums over your musical career - which one is your personal favourite and why?
That is always too hard to say because things mean different things to us at different times. We all imagine that we love our new love better than any other before it, but that is often because we have forgetful minds. My favourite albums are The Turn and Hometime. The song writing on both to me has moments of true brilliance and have been better realised than some of the earlier records. But there are a good few songs over the years that I am extremely proud of and not all hits. Yazoo of course will always be special because of its then newness and the wonder that young open minds bring to a project.
I know that you enjoyed working in theatre – did you ever consider moving on to an acting career and pushing your music aside?
I would never push one thing aside for the other. It is because of a restless spirit that I ever set my hand to something new. I don't want a career in anything. Artistic expression is a vocation and when the stage holds no more appeal or finds none in me ..I will go to art school.
If you had to name one musician as your biggest influence or inspiration, who would it be?
I have been influenced by everything and nothing and mindlessly
Do you still get nervous when you perform, even though it must be second nature to you?
Mostly, but only a little, more so when I am being recorded live and then the heart pounds and the throat constricts.
A question we always like to ask at Seatwave is what is the most memorable concert that you have been to as a fan?
Ah...me and my memory are not reliable bedfellows. Harry Chapin – Ravinia 1976. Buzzcocks at The Roundhouse '78 maybe. The Fabulous Thunderbirds and I can't tell you where or when..
Related LinksBuy Alison Moyet tickets
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After a gentle start on Friday, things picked up on Saturday. Although missing Drunk Granny, who have been likened to a Hole cover band, we did mange to catch Comanechi, Das Wanderlust, New Bloods, Matt and Kim and Riot Grrrl legend, Angie Reed.
Favourites from Saturday night were New Bloods, who are surprising mix of strong vocals, violins and clapping, resulting in a layered sound that cut the Underworld in half.
Matt and Kim also managed to pack an infectious set of tunes into the Underworld’s shuddering sound system with their Poppy electro sound, drenched in Matt’s thick American accent and some severe drum smacking from Kim.
Ending Saturday night was Angie Reed – an artist signed to Chicks on Speed records. She put on a thumping show of electro tracks, accompanied by some pretty random visuals and a bit of improvisation.
Sunday night – feeling like the Underworld had become our second home – caught hold of the weariness of its Ladyfester’s who remained seated for the first half of the night while Mandy Muden dabbled in some magic and Sarah Kendall made the tired audience cry with laughter.
The Actionettes kicked off the first of Sunday night’s music with a retro dance routine reflecting something of a school dance contest.
Betty and the Werewolves, a highlight of Sunday night – stormed the stage with a
crunching set of Rock/Pop melodies, smattered in a vague Kinder Whore look, initiated by Courtney Love in the 90s. Cute summer dresses and an almost innocent look, topped off by an electric guitar and the ability to jam.
The Priscillas were second to last to take the stage. With a lead singer that looked like the female Noel Fielding, The Priscilas were a dab hand at rocking out. They certainly pumped the audience up with their glam-rock vibe and set of clash/crash tracks.
The last to take to the stage were Peggy Sue and the Pirates.
The Ladyfest party then moved on to Bar Monsta.
Ladyfest saw the arrival of all different types of girls: gay girls, straight girls, feminists, vegans, musicians, artists - and a dashing of brave lads - all coming together to watch a display of fantastic bands – something that is denied in the mainstream music industry.
Ladyfest London 2008 – The Verdict.
Ladyfest 2008 was an inspiring insight into the female led arts industry.
It is a shame that it takes a festival once a year to showcase such artists, but if the Ladyfest gals have it their way, I am sure it will become a more regular thing.
A real positive aspect to Ladyfest is that the all the music takes place in one venue. There is no queuing, and no deciding where to spend the night, or which bands to miss out on.
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‘We have a lot of fans that give us support, but in terms of the music industry, we have had f*** all. ‘
Robots In Disguise are not afraid to fight their corner. ‘G-I-R-L, it’s not a dirty word’ they scream in their song, Girl , from their second album Get RID. No, it’s not a dirty word, but it is clear to the Robots that the music industry has trouble with it. Go on, say it…GIRL.
Robots In Disguise are really pushing the girls-in-a-band vibe and are doing it well. They don’t rant and rave about men like bored housewives, instead they drench their lyrics in something that resembles girl power - but a cooler version than the 90s two-fingered, Spice inspired variety. The Robots are way more Grrrl and a lot less Giiirl.
Robots In Disguise make crunching tunes that flip between danceable Indie, dirty Electro and thudding Pop. They always put on a ruddy good show for fans, never missing the chance to dress up in a silver cape, and always dripping in glitter.
Robots in Disguise have just released their third album, We’re in the Music Biz, which is available to download now and will be available to buy on February 4th.
Dee Plume and Sue Denim chatted to us on their day off (despite still doing interviews and sorting out tax returns). Dee was the first to talk Robots with me. ]]>
Dee Plume
How did the gig go last night?
Yeah, it was really good, a great gig. Liverpool are a good audience for us, they get quite excitable. We have a day off today though; I’m going to be doing my tax returns. Whooo! That’s how Rock ‘n’ Roll it is.
What do you do when you are on the road to entertain yourselves?
Actually, we are learning to play poker. What else do we do? We have got some 3-D sketch books too; we sit and read those with our 3-D glasses on.
Is your song Argument true to the nature of your friendship?
Yeah, definitely; we don’t argue as much as we used to though! That’s why we wrote it, it has true feelings behind it. You have got to feel something when you are writing.
Do you ever get to the point where you are not speaking to each other?
We have done in the past but not really anymore. We have had fights in the past where we haven’t spoken for about a day. We have known each other a while now so we get over it quicker.
What is it that annoys you about each other most?
I think it is just being with someone all of the time. Me and Sue have shared responsibility for our band; there is no-one else to really shout at if things go wrong. We had a problem with our backing track the other night in Glasgow and I was really p***** off about it. It’s only me or Sue that is responsible for it so…
For those who haven’t heard We’re in the Music Bizz, what are they missing out on?
Well, similar stuff to DJs Got a Gun. We have got a song called I’m Hit, which is a kind of Indie Dance and another song which is more crazy Indie. Disguises was about four or five years ago now. It was very electronic but this album is more about Rock ‘n’ Roll. It’s all really up tempo. We have written more of the type of stuff that works live. It’s also a bit dirtier and a bit more smashed up.
Apart from Argument, you don’t play much live from Disguises do you?
No, its music for a different time really; Argument works live and we still play Bed Scene, we are going to play that at the next few gigs. When you start writing stuff, you don’t really realize, until you play it in front of an audience, whether it works or not.
How is everyone taking the new stuff?
Yeah, really good. We have played I’m Hit and Don’t Copy Me before. A lot of people seem to already know about We’re in the Music Bizz, maybe it has leaked out or something. We played that last night and it was really good; people were really punching the air so it had the desired effect.
I read in the London paper that someone had called Robots in Disguise the most unsuccessful duo in the UK.
I think it was a magazine in Germany. We spend quite a lot of time out there putting records out and touring.
That comment annoyed me so I can’t imagine how you felt.
At the time we felt annoyed, well yeah, I do feel annoyed actually. We haven’t had any music industry support. We do have a publisher and a great producer and we have had loads of our mates making really good videos for us. Loads of people have given us support in that way and we have a lot of fans that give us support, but in terms of the music industry, we have had f*** all.
Maybe if the guy who wrote that got down to one of your gigs, he would take that comment back...
Yeah. I think people just write stuff for their own perversity. Also, not everyone is going to like we do. I think if you are a young girl, what we do appeals more. We seem to be really appealing to teenage girls at the moment. Maybe for this guy, who is probably in his late thirties, we don’t do much for him. He has Cold Play doesn’t he.
Yeah and Snow Patrol.
Exactly. I just think that there is not enough support for women in music.
You did a song on the Girl Monster compilation. Do you think the other female artists on that have a similar problem in the industry?
Well, I guess so. Rock ‘n’ Roll is about male sexuality. That is how it started. It is kind of hard to make that about women.
Would you guys call yourself feminists?
Yeah, definitely.
You spend a fair bit of time in Berlin don’t you?
Sue lives there now and so does our drummer.
Do you prefer London or Berlin?
I like both really. I like Berlin because it is really chilled out. It’s easier to feel successful in Berlin because it’s cheaper to live there and you are not always worrying about money. In London I am always worrying about money and whether I can do stuff. Berlin is a much slower city, people just get on with being creative without having to stress about money. It’s hard for anyone struggling with money in London. That’s the good thing about it though; it gives you a really good work ethic. The down side in London is that there is loads of partying.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
Well, I would definitely like to work with Peaches that would be really brilliant.
What is your current music obsession at the moment?
I’m listening to a lot of 60s stuff at the moment in the hotel room and loads of folk music.
That’s very different from your own music.
Yeah, well, I listen to whatever. Rock ‘n’ Roll is definitely something that I am into but not really electronic music. That’s one of the misconceptions about me. People say, ‘you’re really electronic,’ some of that is because we like it but there are only three of us in the band so we have to have a backing track. I really like playing instruments more really than making a noise.
Sue Denim
Ello.
Hey, how are you?
I’m fine. I have just been practicing German with our drummer, Android.
How’s it going?
The German or the tour?
Both.
Yeah, it’s all going good. We have a day off today so that’s cool.
Are you doing your tax returns as well?
Oh, God yeah. That is the main thing that we have to get down. I also have had the very exciting task of going to the passport office. It’s all go. We are going to hang out in Liverpool now though for a couple of hours then get back to the tax returns later for the tax return party.
I saw you play at a Mighty Boosh after show part at the Brighton Pressure Point during their last tour.
Oh, that was a good gig. I remember that.
Will you be joining forces with the Boosh on their next tour?
There is some talk of it. We are not sure yet though, we can’t say one way or the other. It was really good fun…there has definitely been a suggestion.
Does it annoy you that in a lot of your interviews, The Mighty Boosh always gets a mention?
It doesn’t annoy…we have lots of friends that do really interesting things and they get mentioned a lot. They are still our friends who happen to have gotten really popular. Generally, I would rather stick to talking about the Robots but we really love the Boosh and we are really good friends.
I also saw you guys at the Barfly in Brighton when the stage was invaded by swarms of fans. Does that happen a lot?
Oh yeah! Oh my god. Well, it doesn’t happen a lot to that extent. That was really funny. We had about five people onstage last night. What we do now is invite anyone who is really dressed up. There was one guy who had made a real effort and made a robot outfit out of tin foil. He came on stage. There was a girl dressed as a bumble bee too. We put a message out on our MySpace saying that anyone who is dressed up with the theme of our album could come on stage…well, there is a song called Animals and we thought she might have been an insect.
Your shows are so energetic; you are always diving about. Do ever feel like you really can’t be arsed to throw on you r silver cape and play to a drunk crowd?
Sometimes but not exactly like that. I remember on the last tour we said that it just becomes an endless routine of getting ready for a gig, or going out or an interview. Constantly doing your makeup gets a bit tedious but I always want to get on stage and do the gig. If you do too many gigs in a row you do get pretty tired though.
How many do you have in a row this time?
Well, after our day off today, we have twelve in a row and then we have another day off, then maybe another eight.
When was the first time you guys stage dived?
Oh, I don’t know if I have ever been asked that before. (To Dee) Can you remember the first time we stage dived?
Dee: Yeah, it was at the Barfly in Chalk farm for the Turn It Up video.
Has it ever gone really wrong?
Yeah, I got dropped on the first night of this tour. I hurt my back. Oh, I done my back in! It wasn’t too bad actually, I saw it coming so I managed to somehow go all limp and it was a reasonable fall. I hit my head on the ceiling too because I was jumping about so much. I hurt myself quite a lot at that first gig. I was a bit over excited. I got dropped at one of the Gossip support shows too. I don’t think they were expecting the support act to stage dive. I got also got dropped in Liverpool once before and got stuck in a handstand. You can’t guarantee that it is going to be ok. I don’t jump anymore; I just lie back and let them carry me away!
Last Wednesday, I queued ten hours to see Radiohead at 93 Feet East. Is there a band that you would do that for?
(Silence) No, but probably because I spend my life travelling to play gigs. Right now, I can’t think if any band that I would do that for.
Not even if you had a few weeks off?
I wouldn’t be going to see bands. It’s like a busman’s holiday. I would be lying on a beach somewhere.
What music are you into at the moment?
I can tell you what I have with me on tour, other than teach yourself Germany. I have Patrick Wolf, Kate Bush…
Do you have similar taste?
Well yeah, although I did put my itunes on yesterday and Dee told me to turn it off as it was too techno. I don’t really like techno that much though! I seem to have a combination of techno and insane folk music. I like Electro if it is on the melodic side.
How is living in Berlin?
Great, I love it. I don’t love it more than being on tour though. I’m quite into living out of a suitcase at the moment. You don’t have to worry about loads of stuff that you do when you’re at home.
What is your prize possession in your suit case?
My laptop. Or my yellow teddy that’s actually a travel pillow. It has no face either. Dee got it for me for Christmas to replace a gift that got really abused on the last tour… and then disappeared.
And now for a few quick questions:
Has success made you stupid?
No, not yet, I’m still hoping.
Who’s better: girls or boys.
Girls, I like them both though.
Any heroes?
Um…these are supposed to be quick questions but you are making me think! I find Peaches pretty inspiring and a lot of women in girl bands. I don’t really have any heroes as such to be honest. I hate saying to be honest because that make sit seem like I have lied the rest of the time.
What is the one thing that would make your world a better place?
These aren’t quick questions for me! (To Dee) What is one thing that would make my world a better place? More days! That’s true actually, If we had two little days. Actually, if we had a mini Sue and Dee, that would be good. We are pretty good at all the other jobs that distract us from writing more albums.
They could go on tour for you sometimes.
I don’t know, we might really hate them if they came on tour with us. We could stick them in an office somewhere and make them do the tax returns. Or we could make them into a street team. Imagine loads of little us on tour. You can’t really fall out with yourself! (To Dee) You’d really hate the mini Dee. You’d always be fighting!
What is the most memorable gig you have been to as an audience member?
One that I really loved recent was the Buzzcocks. I travelled a long way to see them but coincidently, we were playing! But they were really amazing.
Dee: I’ve got one, I’ve got one!
Sue: I’m doing it now. Shut up. Dee is saying We Say Party! You Say Die! Android is grinning because she loves them.
Anything you would you like to add?
Sue: Yeah, it is really important that people buy our album this time. It is going to be released in February on CD. Basically, if our fans want to support their local girl band, then buy the f****** album. It’s great that everyone is coming to the gigs and we have 80,000 friends on MySpace, the gigs are packed but no-one buys the albums. We probably won’t make any money out of it; it is more about getting into the charts and getting a profile. Then we can play more gigs and keep going.
Related Links
Win tickets to see Robots in Disguise at Reading Festival
Buy Robots in Disguise tickets.
Buy Mighty Boosh tickets.
For more info on Robots in Disguise, check out their MySpace.
Read our Robots In Disguise review from the Great Escape Festival. ]]>
Related Links
For more info on Ida Maria, take a look at her MySpace.
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