Music

Who are your influences...

We have a large selection of influences including music, film, art and literature. Depending on what tunes we're working on this list is constantly evolving: Pearl Jam, David Bowie, Depeche Mode, Joy Division, The Chameleons, Adam & the Ants, Baudrillard, P K Dick, George Orwell, Doctor Who 1963 - 1985...

We sound a bit like...

Personally I like people to make their own minds up. We've been described as new wave/postpunk... We once described ourselves as 'Dickensian Mod' so I've copyrighted the term!

Who would be a dream band member and why?

To tell you the truth, both Chris (bass) and Owen (drums) are equally my dream band members... as without them, Luxury Stranger would still not be out playing live!

Does the city offer you enough opportunities?

Some... lots of fresh minded fans who want to listen to fresh music rather than 'mars bar' bands (a term used by my old MD at Roadrunner Records). Venue wise - I wouldn't say it's as good (or as easy to get gigs) as it used to be... too many cooks in the kitchen trying to share out the power and money and the artists and bands are the ones suffering.

What was your best gig and why?

I would say (and I bet Chris and Owen will agree) Junktion 7, 5th September 2008 - it was Luxury Stranger's first gig and we went down really well. I was pretty nervous as it had been about 10 years since I'd played with a full band. Lots of good feedback came from that gig - and we've turned a few heads.

How did you get signed? How and why did it end up being a German label?

We got signed by sending material to someone 'high up' at Major Records in Germany and he liked the stuff - simple as that really. We knew about the label through bands that we as a band like e.g Ladytron and IAMX.

Luxury Stranger (pic by Tara Inanloo)

How did the band get together?

The magic of myspace, my handing out business cards around 'funky/cool' places and a joint passion for great music.

Who are the most influential figures in your life?

Personally, my family, my loves, my friends, my drink problem, my experiences... I believe that covers that.

Best band in Notts and why?

One Moment are great local band. They're entertaining and even though their influences are old-ish, they're pretty fresh compared to other bands in the UK.

What are you listening to at the moment?

My fingers dancing a nimble rhythm on my laptop.

In a fire, which album would you rescue?

Possibly my vinyl Japanese pressing of Bowie's Heroes. My Dad gave me that and it always reminds me of when I was a kid.

What's the perfect night-out in Nottingham?

Sat in the Stratford in West Bridgford at 10:15 on a Saturday night. You get a nice mixture of local toffs and people trying to act posh by going drinking in bread and lard land! Notice the musical reference?

Give us a short description of your best tracks...

'Precious for Evermore' is a perverse and dark track referring to fetishism of vacuum beds, latex etc and the voyeurism found in the film Peeping Tom.

'Grounded' once again touching on fetishism, this time submission/domination.

'Completion' the first song not solely written by Simon York - a cracking up tempo radio friendly tune about the giving and distribution of power.