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Friday 17 February 2012

The Hippy Hippy Shake Company Sits Down With... Aaron Mobberly from Clockwork Owls!

You know how the Hippy Hippy Shake Company likes hitting two birds with one stone? Well, imagine our luck when we realized that on the same night as Jim McShee was playing at The Old Brown Jug, so was the lovely bespectacled Aaron Mobberly from Clockwork Owls. Naturally we leapt at the opportunity to grab a quick interview with him in between sound-checks and despite my concern that I might begin to get a reputation, I dragged him out of the back-door just like I did with Jim, so we could talk in 'private'. Not nearly as naughty as it sounds, we spent the next ten minutes talking about music, college and milkshakes. My kind of conversation...


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It's so very nice to meet you Aaron. I've heard so much about you! Am I right in thinking you're not actually performing with Clockwork Owls tonight?
Yeah, that's right. I'm taking a slight break from Clockwork for a little bit at the moment just to focus more on my acoustic stuff. This is my solo act. But don't worry, we'll be back on form for HippyHaze!

Good. Or else *smiles sweetly yet with what I like to believe is a dangerous looks behind the eyes* So, tell me about Clockwork Owls...
I'm on bass and vocals, we have Jimmy T on guitar, then Josh Morris and he's the drummer. We're alternative rock, with post-punk influences. We love Joy Division for our bass and drums post-punk element. Then Foals have a huge influence on us, and Wild Beasts too. Jim likes Radiohead and anything that's more progressive whilst Josh prefers more punk music.

Big mix. Like a cocktail. Yum. So how did you guys meet?
Me and James met at Newcastle college. I'm studying photography now (which is an expensive hobby...) but I was originally doing music technology which is where I first met Jim and Luke our past band member. Luke's at uni now. Then as for Josh, well, he goes to our college too but we actually met him at a gig here at The Old Brown Jug!

Ahh no way small world! Well I guess the music scene relies heavily on people being sociable, introducing themselves to new people and networking, right?
Yeah definitely. I mean that's how we've got a lot of our gigs really. After college Jim and I used to go around Newcastle, come to The Old Brown Jug and The Full Moon and we used to just talk to people and make new friends. It's all about making friends and knowing people who know people.

Ok, so around about how many gigs have you done together?
With Clockwork Owls we've done about twenty gigs probably. My favorite gig was on the 23rd of December. We supported The Control and the atmosphere was fantastic. It was the fullest gig I've ever played and we even had a small mosh-pit for our music so I was amazed, it was really cool.

Sure you'll probably have a lot of that at HippyHaze too what with all the beer. How do you get along in terms of writing the music?
We all write the songs together. Like I'll come up with a bass-line, then Jimmy and Josh will write to it. Lyrics usually come last and I don't really think about them. I usually write lyrics when I'm tired and I find that my subconscious comes out. Like a stream-of-consciousness rather than a planned out thing.

That's so refreshing! I like that. Now, if you could choose any act that is playing at HippyHaze to collaborate with who would you choose?
Ahh it's funny because some of the acts are already doing that for Stoke Sounds this summer. But apart from those that I'm working with on that, I guess I'd have to say Shane from The Get Alongs. He's like my brother. Oh, and Jo-ee-T. I met him at Mark Askew's gig at The Underground a couple of weeks ago. He's a bit of an icon for the Stoke scene.

Yeah, everyone gets really excited about Jo-ee-T! Anyways, let's wrap this up so you can get on with your folksy-acoustic set shall we? The one thing I really want to know is *drumroll please* what's your favorite Hippy Hippy Shake Milkshake?
*Laughs guiltily* I've had way too many to count... that's why I've got a bit of *gropes at stomach and trails off* Anyway, Ferrero Rocher has to be my favorite.

Mmm, good choice. Well thanks for your time Aaron, break a leg!
Thanks.

***

I can honestly say that Aaron's acoustic set was so easy to listen to, I could have listened all day. AND THEN when I got home and did a bit of Clockwork Owls listening on their Myspace page, I was amazed that this was the same guy! The quality of both projects is undoubtedly fantastic, yet they're so different that you can really tell that this is a guy with serious talent and flair for music. Clockwork Owls are officially on my Must See list for HippyHaze this Easter, and I strongly suggest you add them to yours too, especially if you've got a thing for handsome rebellious artists with catchy choruses. The ladies out there are going to adore Not My Face, and if they don't then they're stupid. 'Nuff said. :P

TICKETS ARE SELLING OUT FAST SO MAKE SURE YOU HEAD INTO THE HIPPY HIPPY SHAKE COMPANY IN NEWCASTLE OR HANLEY AND GET YOURS NOW. £14 FOR A DAY PASS INCLUDING ONE NIGHT CAMPING AND JUST £33 FOR A THREE-NIGHT CAMPING TICKET. PLUS IF YOU BUY A 3 NIGHT TICKET, GET ANY REGULAR SHAKE FOR FREE!

Love and milkshakes
The Hippy Hippy Shake Company

Thursday 16 February 2012

The Hippy Hippy Shake Company Sits Down With... Jim McShee!

So last weekend, The Hippy Hippy Shake was invited to The Old Brown Jug pub just down the street from our Newcastle branch, by a couple of the bands who will be gracing the HippyHaze festival this Easter with their musical talents. You can only imagine my excitement when I realized that one of these acts was country/blues singer Jim McShee. Now, I'm sure you're all aware that The Hippy Hippy Shake Company has never been one to follow the crowd, and as a family of self-confessed country music lovers (it's just so American!) once we heard about Jim, we knew we had to have him. More than a little bit intrigued by a 20-year-old, Stoke-on-Trent-based, country singer, I had to compose myself in order to make sure I asked all of the right questions. Of course, Jim's so down-to-Earth that seconds after slipping out of the back door for a 'quieter' interview location (OO-ER madam...) I automatically felt relaxed and we were having a right laugh. Here's what came of it...

***  


Tell me about Jim McShee then...
Well, it's just basically me playing country and blues music. Simples. Obviously it's something different as there aren't many people doing it in my generation. I'm only twenty.

I'm a huge country music fan and my dad's always been a total nerd about country too. We're huge Garth Brooks and Reba McEntire fanatics. So who are your biggest musical inspirations?
Musically I've got loads of influences. I started with rock music before coming over to country. Nowadays I'd say my biggest influences are Johnny Cash and Bruce Springsteen.

Good stuff, I approve. With such an unusual genre of music, I wonder how you've been received?
Well, I started just last February, and since then I've probably done about 50 shows in the local area with one in Manchester also. I think a lot of people around my age who don't really dig that kind of music have been warming to it because I am the age I am, and I think they are starting to think, 'Mmm this is something I could get into' and that's exactly what I want. I really believe in the Stoke music scene and at the moment it's exploding with loads of different genres and people are receiving it all really well. Country, folk, blues. They all have their overlaps but with subtle variations meaning it never gets too samey. People like something new after they get used to it.

Definitely. Throwing something unique in with the mainstream mixes things up and keeps it exciting. Like, obviously at HippyHaze, your genre is definitely going to stand out as we have a bunch of fab rock bands but only a handful of folk/country/blues-y type stuff which is great!
Yeah I can't wait! Sure it will become one of my favorite gigs.

*Massive dazzling grin catches my breath a bit* Let's hope so! What have been your other favorite gigs?
I have three.

Greedy boy. Go on then...
My first favorite was one where I supported Pete Doherty at the Undergound.

WOW!!! Subtle name drop... *We both laugh*
Yeah, it was a huge show. I'm close friends with a promoter from the Underground and because they were looking for acoustic artists he got in touch with me on Facebook. It sold out in a day and none of my friends got tickets. I thought I'd be eaten alive by a crowd that was there to hear Libertines songs and got me as their support act. But, after my first song everyone cheered and I've never felt so humbled. People were literally screaming, 'I love you Jim' and I couldn't believe it.
Then there was my first headline show at The Sugarmill. People were singing along to my lyrics and basically wouldn't let me off stage!
My third favorite was my gig in Manchester. There was only ten people in the audience. It had a folk-Americana vibe going on. I was the second one on and despite the small audience, I didn't have to fight over anyone talking which is often a bit of a pain. They were all there to listen to my kind of music so it was such an amazing experience. It was a huge learning curve. I didn't think gigs like that existed anymore!

Jeez, you've had some great times this past year! I'm sure you've also had some not-so-great times though too, and if I know country music, I know that the lyrics always tell a story right?
Yeah, they all are very personal and are usually about something sad that's happened but has since been resolved and ends in happiness. So my lyrics are definitely from personal experience. I like writing about things I WANT to happen too which haven't happened yet. Always looking forward. My favorite track at the moment is The Coffin Nail Blues which is going to be the title track on my upcoming EP.

Nice little bit of self-PR there Jim *I try to wink cheekily but remember I can't*
Haha. No-one else likes that song as much as I do, but that song is like a conversation between me and God. It's really personal. It's not my newest one but that's the song I'll always play even if the crowd don't like it, because it's just me.

I'm sure we'll all love it! Finally, what's your favorite Hippy Hippy Shake Milkshake?
Oreo or Double Decker. Actually definitely the Double Decker. I've had one too many of them without a doubt.


***

Jim McShee is what HippyHaze is all about. Getting something new and exciting out there and embracing it! He's a lovely guy with a beautiful voice and between you and me, The Coffin Nail Blues is my favorite of his songs too. Despite being touching and tackling some pretty heavy issues, it's actually surprisingly catchy too. This is definitely an act for anyone looking for the next big thing as Jim is definitely one to keep an eye out for. Not to mention the fact that his lullaby-style will be a treat for your aching heads as you'll all be recovering from the absolute rave that will be Easter weekend! Catch Jim McShee on Monday the 9th of April at HippyHaze and if you totally and completely cannot wait until then, check out his Facebook page for a bit of a teaser... Swear to God, you'll be back for more!

TICKETS ARE SELLING OUT FAST SO MAKE SURE YOU HEAD INTO THE HIPPY HIPPY SHAKE COMPANY IN NEWCASTLE OR HANLEY AND GET YOURS NOW. £14 FOR A DAY PASS INCLUDING ONE NIGHT CAMPING AND JUST £33 FOR A THREE-NIGHT CAMPING TICKET. PLUS IF YOU BUY A 3 NIGHT TICKET, GET ANY REGULAR SHAKE FOR FREE!

Love and milkshakes
The Hippy Hippy Shake Company

Thursday 2 February 2012

The Hippy Hippy Shake Company Sits Down With... The Pretty Great Whites!



On the same evening and I was lucky enough to grab some time with The Get Alongs and 3's A Riot, The Pretty Great Whites also made time for a quick interview. As well as being awesome musicians, this is a band of four of the nicest gentlemen I've had the pleasure of meeting. Bringing me my drink, making space for me and my friend to sit down and politely waiting for me as I faffed around with all my uni notes, these boys have the whole package... and their fans know it! So what did the Kris, Dave, Kane and Liam have to say for themselves?


***



First of all, boring question but, who are your biggest influences?


Liam: The Who, The Jam, all that really!
Dave and Kris (in unison): Sham 69
Liam: Yeah, Sham 69
Kane: Paul Weller too, legend.


Ahh Paul Weller, I'm a fan. Looking forward to hearing your stuff then... So they are huge rockers with loads of stories to tell, but I want to know what's been your biggest rock and roll moment so far?


Dave: Rugfest
Liam:        Rugfest
Kane:               Rugfest
Kris:                        Rugfest was a rock and roll moment because... well... I can't remember much of it... We had no shoes on... guitars got broken and it went down quite well!
Liam: Basically we drank beer from a wellie!


Eeeew. That reminds me of particularly treacherous game of Ring of Fire...


Kris: Grim. Yeah, you know really the people who come follow us regularly... they're all off it. That's partially because we hang out with them. We drink with the fans, everyone gets smashed and has a good time.


Awh that's nice you have a close relationship with fans! So, you're not adverse to being drunk on stage at all, what with those two alcoholic drinks in your hands Kris...


Kris: *Shrugs* It gives you the courage. The majority of my life I spend...
Liam: Wasted. On the p**s.
Kane: On the floor.
Kris: Drunk. And that's where the songs come from. When you're drunk you're more likely to take in what's around you and when you do that, you write a song. If they're written under the influence, they should be performed under the influence! It puts your heart in it!


Makes sense! So you guys write all of your lyrics then? Where does the inspiration for the songs come from... apart from the bottle...


Kris: Every song is inspired by something in the world around us. Like, the first song is inspired by a prostitute druggie wino, then the last one is about government propaganda and oppression and stuff. Like, none of our songs are commercialized they're all social commentary.


*Rest of the band gazes in awe at the eloquence of their drunkest member* Wow ok, so you're tackling some pretty heavy issues there, not going to lie.


Kris: Well, David Cameron is a f**king w***er, he just sits there behind his desk.


Do I sense a labour voter then? Lib Dem perhaps?


Kris: I don't follow any of them. To be fair, Lib Dem told me they'd legalize marijuana. 


Yeah, and they told me that they'd make uni free. They lied.


Kris: They chat sh*t don't they? They just want a bit of that *rubbing fingers together to signify money* don't they? We're the ones that work and pack cheese for a living so they should just f**k off. 
Liam: Pack cheese?
*Band laughs*
Dave: But yeah, in answer to your question, we write our own lyrics.


*Can't help but laugh* Ok, do you know the other bands that are performing at HippyHaze? Who would you like to perform with if you could?


Liam: Emilio Pinci straight up. 
Kris: We've known him for like, seven years and he's an amazing writer and guitarist


Yeah well I haven't had much experience of meeting him yet but I hear great things so I'm looking forward to it. I'm probably going to need to interview him soon...


Kris: Well you know what, at any point when you're there and he's there, just come and find me and I'll introduce you. Are you going to be at HippyHaze? *Everyone looks baffled at his question*


Yeah... my dad is the organizer, remember? 


Kris: Oh yeah, yeah yeah. Anyway, I'll introduce you. He's a top guy!


Fab! Ok, so who has a girlfriend and who hasn't? 


Kris: Liam is a dedicated boyfriend!
Liam: If it counts, we met at our first gig...


Awhh that's sweet!


Kane: Basically she's a groupie. 


*Laughing* Leads me to my next question. Would you s**g a groupie?


Dave: Oh yes.
Kris: Hell yeah.
Kane: Without a doubt.


That's what we like to hear! One more question... what's your favorite milkshake from The Hippy Hippy Shake?


Kris: Have you done a Pretty Great Whites one yet? That one.


No we haven't yet, but we will, I promise.


Liam: The Kinder Bueno one.
Dave: White Maltesers.
Random stranger: Blackcurrent Cheesecake.
Kris: To be honest, I've only tried a bit of the 3's A Riot one. It was dead good. It tasted pukka!


Well it's been really nice to meet you guys, I'm so glad I've had an opportunity to interview you all. Thanks for your time.


The Pretty Great Whites: Thanks.


***


Labeling themselves an 'indie/post punk' band, The Pretty Great Whites seem to have a very large following of Stoke-based fans and I'm now one of them! Songs to listen out for are Fake Romance and Pretty Little Scumbag... check out their MySpace page and see if you can resist bouncing around your bedroom to these two tunes. I challenge you. Can't wait to see them perform at HippyHaze this Easter, not sure about you guys, but I'll be directly in front of the stage screaming like I love them. Join me? Like you'd be able to resist, The Pretty Great Whites really know how to rock a venue, and we're chuffed to have them on-board :)


TICKETS ARE SELLING OUT FAST SO MAKE SURE YOU HEAD INTO THE HIPPY HIPPY SHAKE COMPANY IN NEWCASTLE OR HANLEY AND GET YOURS NOW. £14 FOR A DAY PASS INCLUDING ONE NIGHT CAMPING AND JUST £33 FOR A THREE-NIGHT CAMPING TICKET. PLUS IF YOU BUY A 3 NIGHT TICKET, GET ANY REGULAR SHAKE FOR FREE!

Love and milkshakes
The Hippy Hippy Shake Company