SWURVE
As part of Designer Magazine's new focus on unsigned and raw talent we've scoured the whole of the UK, Europe and the States for the best new bands. Swurve are currently one of the best unsigned bands in Northern Ireland, although you'll soon be able to drop the "unsigned" tag and just call them your best band. With the sort of radio friendly hooks that Travis and the Stereophonics delivered on their early single, Swurve look set to bring back sing along choruses instead of "boring stuff that would get you depressed". 2004 looks set to be their year with the band gaining interest in the industry and winning Storm Radios Rock Revolution contest in February.
Q: 2004 has started off really well for you guys. Must
feel good after 4 years of hard work. Give us a potted history from 2000
to now including all the dodgy names and directions you took to get where
you are now?
A: Really since 2000 we have continued writing &
creating songs and the new material is a lot more of a mature sound. We
are constantly touring around the UK and Ireland building up our fanbase.
This is hard work when you do it without financial backing, since we got
a manager it has helped and we have also been attracting the attention
of music industry people. I don't think our big break is to far away, In
our travels we have met some famous bands along the way like the Darkness,
Huey from the Fun Lovin Criminals to name a few, we are hoping to get some
high profile support slots this year.
Q: The name Swurve really doesn't conger up any images
of a particular style, yet still has nods to Shoegazing and the Britpop
era. Why the name Swurve?
A: Its a simple one worded catchy name, it just came
out in the rehearsal room one day and we've stuck with it, i think it suits
us. I agree i don't think it has images of a particular style, but this
Swurve is a rock band that's for sure.
Q: Is it hard being an Irish band, so far removed from
the industry heads in London?
A: Yeh it is, cause we have to travel for them to come
and see us, and at times they don't turn up but that's just part and parcel
of keep plugging away trying to get a break. Even U2 had to go to London
to land a record deal. Easy Jet know us by our first names now
Q: Louis Walsh - the irish devil set to wipe away the
cultural mark Irish music has made in the past. You agree or disagree?
A: Disagree/ When you've got bands like U2, the Corrs,
the Thrills and hopefully one day Swurve around they are the cream of irish
talent. While they are around they will continue to represent Irish talent.
Louis is just in the karaoke section!
Q: You've got that real pop sensibilities that people
see in bands like the Stereophonics or Travis. Have you always aimed to
write good songs that can be hummed along on the radio?
A: Yeh i think its important to write songs that have
hooks instead of boring stuff that would get you depressed. I would definitely
say our stuff is radio friendly.
Q: Lyrically the Irish are renowned, whether it be
Shane MaGowan or Sinead O'Connor through to more straightforward songwriters
like Bono or Tim Wheeler from Ash. What do Swurve try to get through in
their lyrics?
A: I think we try to put across positive vibes to people
with deep meaningful lyrics, but we are just saying what we feel and see
in life and going through things like everyone else, for example changes
is about facing up to new things in your life, not running away from them.
I don't think Bono is a straightforward songwriter. He's a genius and a
legend in the world of music!
Q: Tell us about your recent single "Changes / Taste
The Sunset"?
A: The single is really to promote and present us more
to all music industry people throughout the UK and Ireland. Changes has
had some excellent feedback and has a warmth about it that kinda sends
shivers but we have a catalogue of great songs and continue to go from
strength to strength.
Q: What's in store for the rest of 2004? Is there any
label interest and can we expect a full length album by the end of the
year? Any tours?
A: We are going to be touring the single hopefully in
may, also we are in for the major festivals so it would be great to play
them. We have label interest and we are going to recording some new material
which will hopefully feature on our debut album, we are considering releasing
one by the end of year, if not there will be a new single.
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For more info on Swurve tour dates / new material
/ sound clips keep an eye on
www.swurvemusic.com
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