Meet Tom, Andrew, Phil and Brad - a.k.a.: local
rock group Motion. The lads and I
took advantage of the sunny weather and caught up - discussing everything from
Ben Howard to B.B.King to Justin Timberlake.
Describe your music with one word.
T: Shit, that's pretty genuine.
Next question. One word? Ummm, music.
Where does the name Motion come from?
A: We did think of lots and lots
of things.
P: We thought about our music and wrote down
words that came to mind on a bit of paper that we passed about. Then came a process
of elimination and we got down to a few words and just saw which ones sounded nice
enough until we got Motion.
Who are your musical heroes and influences?
F: Flea, Michael Balzary, the
bassist in the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
A: John Brush, yeah yeah I got in
there quick! Go on then.
P: Ben Howard, Simon Neil, the
late B.B.King.
A: Pfff, not the current B.B. King
Phil? Or the previous B.B. King?
B: Lads we can't be making a
fucking joke about B.B.King's death!
(Somewhat nervous laughter)
P: Oh and this band called Low Roar, who do some pretty cool stuff.
B: As a drummer, probably Toni
Royster Jr.
A: Whoever did the snare drums for
Justin Timberlake-
T: Whoever drummed for Justin
Timberlake's album -
A: Whoever tightened that snare!
T: Yeah should clearly be
president.
What was the first album you bought?
T: Um, I think it was DJ Tiesto. But it was in a cluster with 'Even
if it kills me', Motion City Soundtrack and 'By the Way' and DJ Tiesto. That's what my first albums were.
A: I honestly can't remember what
mine was. Maybe some sort of Guns and
Roses hits or something.
P: Um, mine was also a bundle. I
got it off my sister, I think it was a 'Now 20-odd' back then. I think there was
also a S Club 7, back when that show
was on Disney Channel. Oh and 'Unemployment' by the Kaiser Chiefs. That was the one I got from HMV and actually bought. That I like properly bought with my own
money.
B:
I don't know. It's hard to remember when I started buying albums rather than
stealing my brother's! I think it might have been an Eminem. I was like eight years old. It was like a Mother's
nightmare man.
Would you rather: Never go to a concert again or
never listen to recorded music again?
T: I'd never go to a concert
again, cause I just couldn't handle not listening to recorded music, cause I
listen to it the most.
A: I don't need to say, you've
answered for me.
T: Is that the same with everyone else?
B+P: Yeah.
B+P: Yeah.
T: Pretty stupid fucking question really man.
What is your earliest memory of music?
T: Singing 'Row row row your boat'
in Nursery.
A: Probably something my dad did
in a band.
P: So like Steely
Dan? I was on holiday in Greece and
I watched the video to 'Sweet child o' mine', with Axel Rose and Slash and
that's the whole reason why I picked up a guitar. It's so fucking shit now, I
hate it! It was the first song I learned to play on guitar.
A: So do you now have a hatred for
the guitar?
P: Aye, clearly can't stand it!
B: Think mine has to be sitting in
the front room with my Mam sliding in
her CDs of like 'Now that's what I call music 8' or something. All the
hits from the 80's and stuff.
What was the last gig you went to?
T: Probably my own to be honest!
A: What about one that you didn't play at?
T: Alright! It was probably Charlie Dancer.
Charlie Dancer playing with Dalaro
and us playing with Dalaro!
A: Mine was Ben Howard and he was
not as good as when he was at Riverside.
Like when he was there, there was a point where he had the guitar on his
knees and was proper slapping it.
P: Doesn't do that any more.
A: The best one he did was
'Wolves' cause he changed it up so much.
P: I get the impression he's a
broken human being now like.
A: Yeah he's lost a lot of
friends.
P: Yeah he also lost his wife and
I think a child too. Anyway... My last gig was Humanism on Saturday night, which was alright. Wasn't mint but it
was alright. Street Party in Soho were
canny shit but I enjoyed seeing my mates in Humanism
play.
B: I think mine was Charlie
Dancer's too.
Name an album that summarises your personality?
A: Ahh for all of us it's gotta be
Justin Timberlake like! Like as a band and that! The cheek, ah the cheek of it
man.
P: Nah I reckon Tom's is 'Blood,
Sugar, Sex, Magic' like.
T: Yeah probably 'Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magic' and Motion City Soundtrack 'Even if it kills
me'. Even to this day cause it's such a huge album.
P: I'm gonna say 'Only
Revolutions' by Biffy Clyro and also
'Every Kingdom'. There's just so much variety on that album, like different
moods and messages.
B: I think I could do a 50-50
blend of Justin Timberlake, 'Justified' and maybe 'Curtains' by John Frusciante
for when I've got to bring it down a notch.
What's the best and hardest part of being in a
band?
T: Dealing with everyone. They're
annoying shits.
A: Putting up with these three.
P: Yeah this lot.
A: We've only said the crap parts!
P: Aye there's nowt good about it!
B: Yeah just don't get into this
kinda stuff! I don't know what the hardest part is really. So much to choose
from!
T: I suppose the best part is that
it's a weight off your shoulders. Like knowing what you love and want to do for
the rest of your life really.
A: Yeah man, I do actually really enjoy playing music with you guys. As much as I hate being
around you.
Out of all your songs, which is your personal
favourite?
T: It is probably 'Jazzy'.
A: Please answer that again man.
T: No no. 'Jazzy' is the best song we've ever
written.
A: I'd say 'Festivals'.
P: Yeah I'd say 'Festivals' is my favourite song.
I'd go a bit deeper but fuck it, yeah 'Festivals' is my favourite song.
B: Mine's probably 'Splash
Avenue'. It's hard hitting, the gain on the guitar is right up, it gets
everyone's blood pumping and everyone loves it.
What is your biggest musical achievement to date?
T: Learning to play bass guitar.
A: Playing in the triangle section
in the school choir. We haven't really got any achievements as a band. I'd be
lying though if I said my personal one wasn't going down to London to play in
the music section for a theatre.
B: My biggest achievement is
probably 'Splash Avenue'. I just love it. I just love the drums . I really just
love that fucking song.
To hear the lads live, head down to ThinkTank in Newcastle on Saturday June
27th. The gig is brought to you by HeartRock
Live and will also feature music from Harry Smith and band, Temple Avenue, Black Velvet and Altrostratus.
To see more amazing gigs and news
from HeartRock follow/visit:
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