Getting to Know: Manchester Rockers, Strangeways
In today’s Getting to Know, we meet Manchester rockers, Strangeways. This collective fancies itself a little Pink Floyd, as well as a little N.W.A. If you are in an up and coming band that would like to partake in a Getting to Know feature, contact editor@riffyou.com to receive the questionnaire and instructions. Thanks!
Band Name: Strangeways
Band Members: Simon Collier (vocals, rhythm guitar), Alex Jenner (drums), Kris Loughlin (lead guitar), and Thomas Castle (bass).
Years Active: 1.5
City of Origin: Manchester, UK.
Who are you and what do you do?
“We’re Strangeways and we play music.”
In 100 words or less, tell us how your band has gotten to this point.
“Through blood, sweat, tears, losing a member, juggling day jobs, and gigging as much as possible. It’s been a hard ole slog so far, but we’ve enjoyed every minute and wouldn’t change a thing.”
What is your latest release and how would you best describe it to someone who hasn’t heard your band?
“We’ve just released a brand new single we recorded with the brilliant Sugar House Productions. It’s available to stream and download from our Soundcloud page now, as is our set from Dry Live! In Manchester.”
When making an album, which aspect of the process do you put the most time into and why?
“We try to put the right amount of time into each part of the process – there’s no set method. Some songs might take a while to write, some we might knock out in two minutes, and it’s the same with each step. We like to give each song the attention it deserves where it needs it.”
What is the best part about your band and why?
“It’s probably the fact that none of us take ourselves too seriously. There’s a nice laid-back feel to the whole thing, which is exactly what you want in a creative environment. That makes it nice and easy to make music.
What makes your band unique from the rest?
“Everything. But, I’m not sure how to answer this without sounding like a d-bag.”
How does your band survive the challenges of touring/gigging?
“We always have a spa day after. Pamper ourselves, get our toes done, etc. There’s a nice Thai place on a back road in town. Mary Jane’s a good girl. In all seriousness, gigging isn’t really a challenge…we love it! There’s nothing better than getting up on stage and playing for people. We haven’t toured yet, so we can’t comment there but check back with us!”
Would you rather be critically-acclaimed; rich and famous; or an under-the-radar band with a dedicated fan base?
“I think the dream for any band is all three. If those were the only choices, we’d have to say dedicated fan base. You need those nutters who are going to jump on stage with you at gigs and make it all worthwhile.”
If you’d have to compare your band to another one out there, living or dead, who would it be and why?
“We’d like to think we’re an eclectic mix from across the many musical genres: from Pink Floyd to NWA; from Dylan to Vanilla Ice; from Bach to The Beatles.”
Which band/musician would you like to share many drinks with? What would you talk about?
“That would be a very long list and way to hard to narrow down.”
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