| Profile : Alex Kocan | Alex Kocan is a freelance writer from Nottinghamshire. He is 24 and currently works as a temp for Experian in Nottingham. He graduated from Derby University in January 2003 and has been following a career in writing ever since. He likes hanging out at Junktion 7, The Pit and Pendulum and The Malt Cross and says he loves Nottingham because it's got such a great music scene. "I'm discovering more about it all the time. I have seen so many great bands here, in both pubs and concert halls. Nottingham has a great atmosphere that I don't seem to pick up on in the other cities I visit." |
Lords have recently been signed to Nottingham's own Gringo Records. Stating their influences as far apart as Hendrix and Boney M - there's got to be something in there for the majority of musical palettes, surely! With the release of their new album, 'This ain't a hate thing, it's a love thing', they were pleased to talk to us about their music and their careers so far. Be warned, herein contains mild quirkiness. I chatted to Chris and Phil from the band... Where did you guys meet? Phil: In the hot tub. Chris: Yep, it was definitely in a hot pub. If you were forced to describe, categorise your music, what label would you give it? Phil: A big squidgy mass with shimmering qualities and bounce to boot. Chris: Loud and righteous. Phil: Together, apart like huge toothless jaws, shed-like collapses but with bursts of togetherness, and hot gospel. Musical influences? Chris: There are millions. I think Captain Beefheart was the shared interest that got us together. From there we've gone through many collective phases. ZZ Top, Golden, The Meters, Circus Lupus, Black Sabbath, Groundhogs, Jimi Hendrix, AC/DC, Lungfish. I think the trick is that there is nothing that is not allowed to be eaten up and spat out by this band. This includes Boney M, our drummer Elvis' obsession. I'm slowly coming round to that one. Why 'Lords'? Phil: At the time of the band's conception, we (Elvis, Chris and I) were living in a stately home in the English countryside, it just seemed fitting y'know? Chris: I recall seeing a programme about how being a drunken layabout was seen, at one time, as a real virtue. Contracting gout from slothful inactivity was seen as quite an achievement. It's where the phrase 'drunk as a Lord' originated and, at the time of the band's inception, it seemed very apt. Do you have any rituals in which you regularly partake prior to the commencement of your gigs? Phil: Occasional yoga, reaching for the sky and a port. Chris: Two and a half pints provides optimum enthusiasm level. Best and worst gigs? | "The best way to create a video for Lords would be to come round and film one of our weekly banqueting sessions. " | | Lord Phil |
Phil: Playing with the Magic band was amazing. I cannot think of a bad gig from my point of view but the audience might say different. Chris: I enjoyed our recent Chinchillafest appearance in Leeds. We also got a good reception at the Dot To Dot Festival in Nottingham, which was a surprise. I enjoy most gigs though. What can someone coming to see you live expect to see? Chris: I guess they should expect to have a good time. We're not good in front of 'c'mon, prove yourselves' crowds though. A bit of participation and communal spirit is required. Tell me about 'This ain't a hate thing, it's a love thing'. Is there a theme to the album? What's your favourite track? Phil: The theme is in the title… 'luurve'! As someone pointed out, there also seems to be a running theme of drinking songs but this can help to lower inhibitions, hmmm? Chris: I agree with Phil. I like all the songs and there does seem to be an unplanned drinking / sex theme which, if we'd noticed before we released the record, we may well have lessened a bit. Mainly because all three of us are rubbish at both. Have you made any videos to accompany the album? If not which track would you like to release as a single and what would the theme of the video be? Phil: The best way to create a video for Lords would be to come round and film one of our weekly banqueting sessions. I'm sure the court jesters and dancing girls would make for a visual treat. Chris: We haven't made a video as we're not sure what the purpose would be, we're more of a live proposition. That said, we welcome anyone making their own and would help them in any way as long as it didn't involve acting, children or dancing. What made you settle upon signing to Nottingham's own Gringo Records? Phil: The clincher was that Matt (Gringo boss) agreed to sustain our Lordy existence with a constant flow of money, food and wine. Without this we refuse to cooperate. Chris: It's true. The Gringo empire is huge and far reaching. That said, we haven't 'signed' anything as Matt's good like that. What's your opinion on downloading music? Phil: Download away, then buy the record because our artwork is great! Chris: If that's how you consume music then fine but I like the vinyl in my hand and the big colour cover. Somehow buying (or stealing) some computer information doesn't seem as exciting, does it? On your journey along the stardom trail which celebrities have you rubbed shoulders with? Phil: Boyzone! Chris: I met the Krankies in Marks & Spencers when I was really young. 'Jimmy' was out of uniform and in 'middle aged woman' mode and seeing him / her holding hands with the other Krankie took a lot of explaining from my Mum. What do you think about the new design of Nottingham market square? Phil: Can I still pour bubble bath into the fountains? Chris: I saw the boards come down and thought not much had changed. I don't think there are fountains anymore, are there? If it were the sixties would you be a mod or a rock? Explain... Chris: I can't help but let the term Mod be tinged by the later association with Paul Weller. So, rocker it is! Favourite hangouts in Nottingham? Chris: I am the only Nottingham dweller and I don't have a job so I'd say my house due to finances. However, I am likely to be found in the Social, Broadway or any of the choice boozers in Sneinton with a special nod to The Moot Hall. I am a simple man. When and where is your next gig in Nottingham? Chris: Nothing planned in Nottingham, we did a few recently so it's nice to take a rest for a while and get round the rest of the country. One last question. Who is your favourite Lord? Phil: Lord Lucan | 
