Neon Waltz - Questions for the Band

This weeks Question’s for the Band features Highland rockers Neon Waltz, as usual I will let the band introduce themselves.

A gentle start, for those that don't know the band that well. can you tell us a little bit about yourselves ?

We are 4-piece band consisting of Jordan Shearer, Kevin Swanson, Jamie Swanson, and finally Darren Coghill. We’re from Caithness, in the far north of Scotland. We’ve known each other since primary school, and have been playing together in bands since we were in high school. Darren and Jamie have probably been in bands together since they were 11.

Who are the bands musical influences ?

The Band, and The Walkmen are the kinda classic examples of who we wanted to be like in the beginning, as we loved the fact that both groups felt like they were a collective effort, and needed the talents of all members to be at their best.

 Influences at the moment - I’m forcing the boys to listen to a lot of Big Thief in the van, there’s also a lot of Hard Nilsson, Fontaines DC, Michael Nau from the other lads that may end up influencing the new stuff.

What is your writing process ? Music or Lyrics First ?

We write the initial ideas individually, and i’d say that most of the time it’s probably the music first. Although our latest single 'Thanks for Everything’ started off with the lyrics idea before we worked on the song as a band. it went from acoustic version, to a bass, keyboard, drum machine combination, to full band, band demo, then to Liverpool for the recording…a pretty long affair for that one really. Worth it though!ha

What is your favourite and least favourite parts of being in a band ?

Favourite parts - Recording, touring, playing music with your best mates. Meeting fans of the band. 

Least favourite - Everyone hates driving. If anyone wants to put their name forward as a driver for the spring tour, get in touch!

What items are always on your rider for a gig ?

Some nice beers, some alcohol-free ones for the driver so they still feel part of the fun. Ham, bread. Not much, we’re easy to please.

If you could choose to collaborate with any musician who would it be and why ?

Edwyn Collins lives near us, and has one of the most amazing studios there. so that would be a great one to do. We travelled down to meet him and his wife Grace a few weeks back, and they were lovely so hopefully we can arrange something there. 

Also, we’ve all been massive fans of The Coral since we were young, and have been lucky enough to meet Bill Ryder-Jones a number of times, so that would be cool. His music, and the what he’s done with the bands he’s  worked with over the years influences our band heavily.

Looking ahead for this year, what are your plans ? can we expect new music ? and do you have any ambitions that you want to fulfill this year ?

We have a new single out right now called ‘Thanks for Everything’, and EP out soon, and a UK tour at the end of March, going into April. Summer will hopefully be filled-up with festival appearances, and we’d love to start venturing into Europe soon. 

And finally, if you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be and why ?

Personal pick would be 'The Pogues - Rum Sodomy and the Lash’. I love the sound of the recording, the sound of Shane McGowan’s voice, the storytelling, and the honesty in the lyrics. 

Thanks to Neon Waltz for some great and interesting answers, as they said they release their EP ‘Huna’ on 27 March.

They are also on tour soon and can be seen at the following venues:

Kilmarnock - Bakers, Saturday 28 March

Newcastle - Think Tank, Sunday 29 March

Nottingham - Bodega, Monday 30 March

Birmingham - Dead Wax, Tuesday 31 March

Leeds - Headrow House, Wednesday 1 April

Brighton - The Green Door Store, Thursday 2 April

London - Omeara, Saturday 4 April

Manchester - YES, Sunday 5 April

Edinburgh - Sneaky Pete’s, Tuesday 7 April

Dundee - Beat Generator Live, Wednesday 8 April

If you can get along to one of their gigs then do so, you won’t be disappointed they are awesome live.

In the meantime have a little listen to their latest single: