Straightlaces (Interview)

Having got the crowd ecstatic at 4Q Magazines Fresh Meat Live Gig @ Night and Day Café in December, which happily coincided with their album launch night, we caught up with Straightlaces over a beer or two to let them tell you a little about themselves and their music.

Manchester band Straightlaces formed at the start of 2009, and just three months later they were in the studio recording their first album, ‘Transition’. “It was a proper cocky thing to do” admits Steven Ashdown (Keys) “We just went in there and we just really pushed ourselves”

Steve had been playing music along with Tim Nike, (Vocals/Guitar), since 2003, along with the occasional collaboration from Roy Cummings (Drums) and Paul Barrington (Bass) whenever they could be rustled away from other projects. So when they finally got together to form Straightlaces just over a year ago, it was perhaps due to their collective experience that they were able to hit the ground running.

Recording an 8-track album so early into the band’s life might seem like a bold move but as Roy explains, “These are the songs that we’re playing at the minute – let’s go and record them.” Straightlaces wanted to document the progress of their sound “You can really see the genesis of the band.” says Steve. “That’s why we called it Transition,” adds Tim. The album was put out in a limited run which, according to Roy, only adds to its value, “One day I see these CDs as a rarity; a first glimpse of something.”
Straightlaces have no intention of resting on their laurels, as they explain their fast production rate with splendid enthusiasm
Tim: “Our creativity and sound is developing at such a quick rate that we’re finding it very hard to document that sound.”
Roy: “We’re hungry. It’s always about the new stuff, the next song that’s exciting and fresh. We’re always keen to come out with new tracks.”
Tim: “We’re very much on the edge of our creativity”

“The fundamental thing about our band” continues Tim, “is that me and Ste have always felt that a band is only as good as its rhythm section” And the joining of Paul and Roy provide this beautifully. “Steve writes the songs that sit on top of that glorious foundation”.
It is the tight underpinning of this rhythm section that gives their music an excellent dancy-feel as they aim to “Get your heart thumping with that tight-kick-drum beat.” “It’s a bit of a retro sound that we’re selling.” explains Tim. Retro as in Jane Wiedlin, perhaps? She of 80’s pop ditty, ‘Rush Hour’ which was, according to Roy,“One of the songs we’ve really buzzed off and we used it to write the last song in the set., What a song!” he enthuses then quickly adds in way of an explanation -“she was in The GoGos and she wrote a lot of great songs for other artists.”

Tim has fond memories of watching Elbow back in the days when they were freshly signed unknowns. It was their original and polished sound that stirred him as he remembers fondly, “The organ, the keys, the complexity and the beauty of their sound, I was really blown away with it and inspired”
Yet, Straightlaces have no desire to imitate anyone else’s particular sound. Tim laughs at the idea and replies: “We’re trying to replicate originality”
“We don’t listen to that much music to be honest. Because the more music you listen to, the more indoctrinated with other peoples sounds you get. Its good to have influences, don’t get me wrong, but the more you listen to Radio One, the harder it is to be original.”
“We’re trying to get a sound that breathes and allows people to get involved.”

“I just want to see a revival of that Manchester music scene. Manchester was famous for its music scene, it still is, but it’s riding on the glory of previous achievements.”

These lads clearly have a solid working relationship together. They are grounded, and possess a focus and determination which comes from their maturity as musicians along with an awareness of their development as a group. “We know where we’re at” they each echo.

The richness of Straightlaces music is from the authentic sound they so meticulously aim for. Their sound is not heavily produced or altered to sound synthetic because, as Tim explains, “We want our live performance to outclass what you hear on a recording.” “You put a lot of work into your live performance. People coming down to see you, you want them to have the best experience. That’s what it’s all about.” says Steve.

“We want people to see us live. That’s where you see the cutting edge of what we’re about.”

When they’re not frolicking in the snow or taking the piss out of their bass player, Paul, Straightlaces can be found throwing shapes at a venue near you!

Go see them and give them an enthusiastic handshake; they’ll appreciate it.

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