six10repeater (Interview)

by Michael Smith on 18.08.09

“Made to fill vast stadiums”, this is what’s on the lips of those in the industry that have had the chance to hear six10repeator play. 4Q are intrigued when they meet up with the lads, just how did this all start…?

The Dictionary defines equilibrium as balance: equality of distribution, a stable situation in which forces cancel one another. Equilibrium is often a concern when creating a new musical act. Problems can stretch from musical influences, egos and the bands direction; sometimes acts don’t strike a good common creative ground. Balance, experience and time is an important part of developing a bands sound. Many new artists we come across are a product of long-term friendships, groups of people who have grown up together. They’re already in their comfort zone, they have a good grasp of one another’s musical tastes, and they know when they have over stepped the mark. Conflicts have been weaned out long ago; everyone is on the same page.

With this in mind I ask the question: “Can a good act be created from the amalgamation of random people, pulled together by the power of advertising?

six10repeater formed a little over two years ago, Stuart Armstrong (guitar and vocals) moved over from Leeds to attend a music tech course at Manchester Midi School. Stuart: “I just put loads of adverts up, internet, music shops, you know the usual places. I wasn’t looking for long, tried two drummers, got it spot on and then I found Dan (Bass)”. Dan: we’re a product of advertising, and I’m happy to say it works!” Chris (Drums): “We had good chemistry straight away, it all just clicked. Within two months we had hammered out six really strong tracks”. Stuart: “We did originally have a line up which included another guitarist, he got frightened though, or something, anyways he went off to work in an office!”

It’s easy to see that each member of six10repeater complements one another. They prove that having a small line up doesn’t limit the volume and dynamics of the music. They combine intense guitars and catchy melodies, with thick rocking deep bass lines and hard hitting drums, to produce a sound that you won’t forget. Having developed a good array of tracks, six10repeater then set out to play as many live performances as possible. Performing with acts such as the Nine Black Alps and Babyshambles, they have gathered a good live reputation.

This was duly noted when they picked up XFM’s best unsigned band in March ‘08. They had worldwide exposure on PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 09, with a compilation album released in Japan, and the featured songs “TODAY SOMEHOW” and “HEARTS AND NAILS” are available to download on ITUNES.

So what’s next for six10repeater? They have plans to release their first single, independently, in summer ’09. Chris: “We love being out there right now. It’s great to perform to a live audience and see the reaction of the crowd. We set out with the intension to play music that would fill stadiums, epic and long lasting. I’d like to think we’re making great steps to achieving this goal”. Stuart: We are trying to be progressive with our sound; good melody is the key to get the crowd going. We just want to create a great live atmosphere that is well received”.

Popular seems to be six10repeaters fate, and such an insatiable creative appetite guarantees this is only the beginning. They understand the importance of getting the songs right and the production is solid. They have been quick out of the gates, but have still managed to keep the standard high. I’m sure you’ll hear a lot more from these guys in the future. Focused, creative and ambitious is a cocktail hard to ignore.