Idola (Interview)

by Andrew Jackson on 14.04.09

Andrew Jackson talks with Idola and how the transition over to the Manchester gig scene has worked out wonders for these plucky lads.

Idola describe themselves as “the loudest rock band in the world”.

This may be somewhat of an over statement but after listening to them describe one of their first gigs in Castleford (West Yorkshire) they certainly seem to come close, as vocalist Boo indulges,

“…suddenly after playing a few songs my guitar didn’t work. I bent down, checked my distortion pedals, they were fine; a sound was there but was really dim. I decided to floor the guy’s amp we were using to 10. Got half way through the next song and it sounded like a fucking airplane taking off.”

Regular gig-goers judge that the best sound balance is usually heard within concrete bunkers some 37 miles from the stage. You will be able to judge that for yourself soon, as after signing to Manchester record label ‘Cognitive Records’, Idola will be sure to be playing a gig near you.

Originally from Leeds, the band have been together for around two years now. A lot of the bands adolescent years, however, were spent writing, practicing and trying to stay out of trouble with the law.

“We used to practice all the time, originally in hired out rooms, then in the bottom of Sams house, sorry I mean scwot. Police kept on coming around and sending letters saying we were having illegal gigs. All this before we even had any proper gigs”

Now in Manchester Idola say they owe a lot to Cognitive Records and the way the music scene is here.

“Our first gig in Manchester was at the former venue ‘the castle’ in the northern quarter. It was in April 08 after signing with Gaz (Cognitive Records). We loved it! Before then we had played a lot of shit gigs in Leeds and Huddersfield. In Manchester the crowd seem to appreciate the music and you feel more accepted.”
Indeed, Idola big up the residents of Manchester even more describing the gig goers as ‘listeners’ of music rather than just ‘hearers’ of music.

“People either listen to music or hear music and if you listen you can actually appreciate bands much more. This could explain why Manchester has such a diverse selection of live acts on offer.”

Cognitive Records has without doubt given Idola the push they needed. Moving away from the hardcore scenes of Leeds has also been a good move for these four young lads. They will always be more interested in practicing and they believe themselves, the key to success is the ability to write beginning and ending tunes and playing these throughout a set rather than just actually at the beginning and end.

This has encouraged Idola to be more creative, using a lot of effects, delays and keyboard sounds to come out with a progressive sound, a type of experimental rock if you will. It may take a bit more time to get write but it’s worth it, being able to use different influences and experiment with different sounds.

Idola seem to love what they do and just want people to listen to their music and enjoy it. And remember kids, the key to success is lots and lots of practice.