James Arden checks out the garage rockers latest album.
The Christian rock band from Brighton bring religion to the masses.
Recipe for modern R'n'B album: liberal helpings of guest rappers and an overdose of sexual euphemisms.
What made you move on from Fightstar to making your own independent record? People assume that there was a big change, that I suddenly wanted to become a singer-songwriter. This isn't the case. I'd always had the songs in the back of my head and had always admired singer-songwriters such as Elliot Smith. I think they have the same vision that I do and his sound was an inspiration.
What was it like moving from a major label to an independent company [Pledge Music] You get 100% creativity control. Unlike in a major label, where everybody sticks their oar in, you get to go away for 6 months and make the album you want rather than the album other people want.
You've already mentioned Elliot Smith. What were your other inspirations when writing your songs? The songs were primarily harmony-driven. I'm a big admirer of bands like The Beach Boys and The Eagles. For me these big vocal harmonies and choruses came first, and then I would write the song around them.
You've experienced big gigs and small gigs. What are the main differences? The difference between the two settings is immense. In a more intimate setting you can see the faces of the crowd, whereas in a big festival it's really impersonal. But one of my favourite gigs was playing on the headline stage at Reading with Fightstar - it was an amazing feeling. Also when I was just starting out with my solo work I played at a place in Notting Hill called The Tabernacle, and I was so nervous walking out on stage thinking 'This is really happening'. Also I have fans who come to every show - I know one who's coming to every show on this tour - and that means a huge amount.
You've toured all over the world. Are there any major differences between countries? Actually I have the same mentality going into all gigs. In the USA it's a bit different because you can be driving for 24 hours down the same road. But Europe has a big band scene, much bigger than you think - Germany especially.
Are you going to be playing any covers on tour? Actually the night before we did an 80s cover, which got a mixed reaction, a bit like Marmite. I'm a huge fan of 80s soundtrack and the singer-songwriters from that time, a big sound with an electronic edge. One of my favourite bands is actually Genesis.
So would a duet with Phil Collins be one of your dreams? Oh man that would be awesome! It's something I'll have to look into.
Finally, because we have to ask one Busted-related song, is there any chance of a reunion? Not in a million years!
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