March 2003
Athlete interview |
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| On the fast track to success - Athlete |
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Last year they were in Nottingham playing third fiddle to the Coral and Doves.
Later this month they'll headline their own gig.
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Athlete's race to the top finally seems to be nearing the finish line.
The band, who also supported Polyphonic Spree at Rock City in 2002, will play the Rescue Rooms on March 12th.
Having enjoyed chart success with the singles You Got the Style and Beautiful, the hope is that the debut album, Vehicles and Animals (released on April 7th) will cement their new found fame.
That's certainly the hope of singer and keyboard player Tim Wanstall.
| Interview with Tim Wanstall |
After the slow burn in 2002 are you worried you've got to make it big this year?
I don't think the pressure's on. We're pleased with where we're sitting. Last year was longer than we expected - we wanted to get the album out in October but when we looked at it we weren't that pleased. We wanted to revise the track listing. |
Did you completely rework the CD?
At the end of August 2002 we had a five week writing session. Then we went back into the studio for three weeks and got three new tracks recorded including El Salvador which'll be our new single (released 24th March). |
Do you get nervous on tour?
We're excited. This is a big headline tour for us. It's been hard to know what to expect. Looking at how tickets are selling for the tour it makes you feel last year was worth while because they're selling really well. |
How have you got where you are without blanket press coverage?
We seem to have avoided the press hype, probably because we don't fit into any set music category. We hope the album has a good chart entry position and we get some good reviews. Ultimately we want people to talk about the CD so it becomes a steady seller though word of mouth.
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| The cover to the forthcoming album Vehicles and Animals |
What about Athlete's musical style - Steely Dan keep being mentioned?
That's strange because I'd not even heard any Steely Dan music until people started saying we sounded like them. I've bought a few albums since then. I can't hear what people say about us and them. It's flattering to be linked with them but not that cool. |
What about Squeeze since you're based in Deptford, South London?
Nah. Squeeze haven't been a big influence. We have got a musical style. We spent a year finding out the strengths of the band before sending off any demos. We've got American lo-fi influences but we love a good tune as well. We have a lot of our own musical influences. |
What about your contribution to the band - you're regarded as the cement which brought everything together?
When I first came in it was as a favour to help link some of the guys songs. I brought a synth and never looked back. It wasn't the first time I'd been with the band. We used to jam together before I went to college in Sheffield. |
So how about the big tour, is it something you enjoy?
It's bitter sweet. We're home boys really and enjoy living in London. The upside is people come and see you play live. Sharing our music is great. We want to put a smile on people's faces. |
What about the future?
We're really hoping we get to the stage where we can afford to think about decent lights and the whole stage show instead of just the music. I'd really like to go to Japan if the album does well. |
The album Vehicles and Animals is due for release on April 7th.
Athlete play The Rescue Rooms on Wednesday 12th March 2003. Tickets cost £5. More details on 0115 958 8484.
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