Sparklers on Primrose Hill, flasks of mulled wine, distant fireworks over London Town; what’s not to love about November 5th?
Next Friday, we are adding a further delight to our already action packed evening, a trip to Barfly to see the talented Collectable Few. Having hummed along to some of their tracks online, we were eager to know more and got in touch with the boys for a quick chat……
TCS: How did you start out making music?
Nat and I (Tom) were old school friends who started listening and getting excited by music at an early age. We began writing songs and performing in bands together shortly after, during our early teens.
One night we got talking to a quiffed young man in a West London pub, who turned out to be Tarek – a singer who was looking for a new project.
The three of us met several times in the following weeks, writing material inspired by fuzzy 90’s guitar bands and new-wave pop from both sides of the Atlantic.
Shortly afterwards, having grown tired of foot stamping, we decided to try out a talented local drummer who Nat had seen around a few places and taken an instant disliking to. Thankfully that changed over a few ales. As soon as the four of us set foot inside the rehearsal room, the band came to life.
TCS: Do you prefer writing or performing?
We love both in different ways. Playing to a live crowd brings a very intense excitement which lasts for a while after you’ve left the stage, disappears and then comes back as soon as you think about the next gig. Writing is something that you never really put down, there are ideas in your head constantly and it can be both very energising and quite exhausting. We often get worried looks on the tube when we’re singing bass lines and untested melodies into our phones for safe keeping.
TCS: What inspires your songs?
The songs are all short stories inspired by Tarek’s experiences of growing up in London – his home away from home, and his acerbic but heartfelt take on life and relationships. Some of them involve his own experiences, others are inspired by Manga and too much sugar.
TCS: Are there any artists that influence your work?
Sonic Youth, The Beatles, Stanley Kubrick, Prince, Radiohead, Stevie Wonder, Peter Blake, Jack Nicholson, Larry David, The Police, Nirvana, Blur, Paul Simon, Sly Stone.
TCS: What’s next?
Our debut single ‘Headstrong’ will be available in all creditable record stores from January 24th 2011.
The Camden Store Team X
