Swinging or MingingYou are in: Essex > Entertainment > Music > Swinging or Minging > Whitespace  Whitespace WhitespaceHaving battle through some tough times, Whitespace are now going from strength to strength with their brand of slightly retro-rock. - Q: How and when did the band form?
- A: Simon Elms formed Whitespace in 2002. Formerly known as Flask, Simon recruited guitarist Lloyd Winn and bass guitarist Richard Bennett. In the first year the band played with several different drummers, however none of them were suitable for various reasons. This unstable situation hindered the progress of the band. The songs were there to be played, however due to a lack of a reliable drummer it was hard for the band to get out and gig. John Rollinson joined the band in 2003 and it looked like things were on the up. John's jazz/swing influenced style of drumming gave the band an original sound and for the first time they got the opportunity to gig regularly and perfect their live show. By 2005 every member of the band were confident live performers, and it was this confidence, coupled with the ability to write and play fantastic rock songs that enabled them to win the 2005 Harlow Square Rock Contest.
- Q: So things were looking good then?
- A: However John left the band to pursue his career not long after winning the contest, and it was straight back to square one. Simon and Lloyd carried on coming up with new material but finding themselves once again without a drummer meant their enthusiasm for the band was starting to diminish, to the point of nearly throwing in the towel. But there was one person who would not let that happen! Bass guitarist, Rich Bennett was not about to stand by and let the band die. He put all his effort into recruiting another drummer, and his efforts paid off! In December of 2005 Andy Barford answered one of Richard's many adverts, he came for an audition and fitted in straight away.
- Q: Where did you go from there?
- A: The decision was then made to re-launch the band and give it a new lease of life. The name was changed to Whitespace, the new material was perfected and introduced to the set and Richard even cut his hair! Whitespace got straight out there and started gigging with more energy and enthusiasm than ever before. The band is now better than it has ever been, and everyone is working as hard as they can to ensure a successful future for Whitespace.
- Q: Describe your style of music
- A: Rock, maybe a bit retro, but predominantly rock.
- Q: What are your musical influences?
- A: The Doors, Led Zepplin, Paul Simon, Muse, Radiohead, The White Stripes, The Who, David Bowie.
- Q: Out of all your material, what’s your favourite song?
- A: Anything Like You.
- Q: Who are you aiming at?
- A: Mmm, tough one. I suppose we are aiming at people of our own age who are into guitar based music, however the age range of people who come to our gigs is between 16-55. So really anyone who loves good music.
- Q: Where do you usually perform?
- A: Bay Horse in Chelmsford. Harlow Square in Harlow. The Twist in Colchester. The Tek in Dagenaham. The Hermit in Brentwood. Club Riga in Southend on Sea. The Pleasure Unit in Bethnal Green.
- Q: What would be your ideal venue?
- A: Wembley. When it's finished.
- Q: Tell us one thing about yourselves that no-one else knows?
- A: Last year Simon from the band went to see Bon Jovi! This is top secret! He is very ashamed and has promised it won’t ever happen again!
- Q: What was the last CD you bought?
- A: Rufas Wainright – want 1.
- Q: Where would you like to be in five years time?
- A: International rock megastars, obviously!
last updated: 04/09/2008 at 15:56
created: 14/09/2006 You are in: Essex > Entertainment > Music > Swinging or Minging > Whitespace See AlsoHelp playing audio/video On the rest of the webThe BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites |
