North East England band, Ambershift, have had quite
an eventful few years together including playing Newcastle O2 and featuring on
BBC Introducing. Ambershift have also recently just released their new twelve
track album 'Shadows'.
I caught up with Ambershift lead singer Dave Lord
to ask some questions.
Interview Starts:
So, what are your band members names
and positions in the band?
Dave: Well I'm Dave Lord and I play the bass and the
vocalist. Then there is Phil Hodgson who plays drums, Ben Clement who plays
guitar and backing vocals and there is Andy Green who play keys and also
does backing vocals.
What genre of music do you consider
your work to be?
Dave: I'd say we're more alternative rock than
anything.
Who are your major
influences?
Dave: I was brought up on the Beatles and Queen but as a band I'd say we are mostly influenced by: We are scientists, foo fighters, interpol, thin lizzy, new order.
How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
Dave: We all met at Newcastle races weirdly. Me and Phil have played together for years and met Andy and Ben betting on a horse called 'Two Tone'. We all got talking about music then went out on the drink in Newcastle after the races and decided to set up a practice. That was back in 2007!
What inspired you to make music
together?
Dave: We all have very different tastes in music but something we do have in common is we really like writing music that people can empathise with, the sort of music that people can find identity in the melody and lyrics. We also all love gigging and the twists and turns that come with being in a band.
What are your favorite venues you've played?
Dave: We've played a few O2 academies across the country. We did a gig a while back at Newcastle University which was great, it was sold out and was obviously at home, I would say Uni gigs are usually the best. we've also just done a gig for some promoters in leeds called 'Double Denim', they put on a great gig.
Who writes your songs and what are
the main themes or topics for most of your songs?
Dave: I write the lyrics but we write the music as a band
in the practice room, our kitchens or the studio. We write best when theres
been some kind of 'event' such as a fight or a difficult time. We
throw ideas about and basically the best ones stick. We refine ideas over time
but sometimes the first ones are the best ones and tend to stick more often
than not.
How has your music evolved since you
first began playing music together?
Dave: We didn't used to have keys so when Andy [Green]
joined it changed the dynamic a lot. We've also been writing some slower stuff
recently which is a big difference as we're known for loud, energetic and edgy
music so over the last couple of years,we've been trying something new by
calming it down a bit.
What has been your biggest challenge
as a band?
Dave: We've had a lot of different things thrown our way.
Recently I think working with bigger managers, PR labels and producers has made
us a bit more clued up about how the industry works, or doesn't these
days. I think as soon as we don't enjoy what we're doing we'll stop, enjoying
what you're doing is the whole point isn't it?
Do you have any upcoming shows?
Dave: We have three shows coming up our next three shows
are: Oconnells in Middlesborough, KU Bar in Stockton
and Whickham FakeFestival. All ticket info is on our website.
How can people gain access to your
music?
Dave: You can download a free track from our debut album
at our website, All our other music, including our brand new album
'Shadows' is available to download on itunes.
What advice do you have for people
who want to form their own bands?
Dave: Don't be beat! Talk to each other, have a plan,
only spend what you can and practice! You need to be tight and together if
people are going to notice you. Try and make sure you never finish a gig
without a sweat on!
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