INTERVIEW: Delays
- Posted on March 3, 2008 5:20 PM
- 0 comments
Interview by Katie Spain
It's been a long time since a band has genuinely evoked excitement. You know what I mean; the type that results in rage when you miss out on intimate gig tickets because damn it, other people have clocked on to their talent too. Delays are by no means fresh British blood; this English foursome released their first album in 2004. Their fans are a solid and passionate bunch, confused about why their heroes haven't hit headlines. The big time, it seems - is deservedly just around the corner. Their new single ‘Hooray’ is out on April 21st followed by the album ‘Everything’s The Rush’ on April 28th. It's as addictive as Amy Winehouse's chosen 'food group' and a sure fire hit machine.
Intimate Delays gigs may soon be a thing of the past but their sold out Barfly gig will be a corker. Perhaps it's time to flutter some eyelids in the bouncers' direction after all. Meanwhile, we caught up with bass player Colin Fox for a chat about football, inferior bands, romance and Craig David. Colin was as good-a-sport as they come; a character trait we've found the Delays seem to have mastered.
Are you a typical kind of quiet bassist?
That’s a good one; I’ve never been asked that before! I certainly don’t think that I’m as hyperactive as Aaron. Aaron is the most extroverts of us. I wouldn’t class myself as a typical bass player. I haven’t always been a bassist; I started with guitar before I came to this band. I have become a bass player by way of being in the Delays. I think I still harbour some of the egoism of a guitarist.
When did you first get into music?
I got into it relatively late; I was probably in my early teens. Up until then, I was quite into writing and wanted to be a journalist. When I got to twelve or thirteen, I realized I was gravitating towards music more. I got a guitar for Christmas – a classic story really – and it built up from there. I was listening to The Stone Roses and then Oasis came along.
Do you still have your first guitar?
Yeah, I do! It’s a little classical/acoustic, beaten-up, old thing; I’ll probably always have it.
If I was to send you into a music store with an unlimited budget, what do you think you would come out with?
There are the obvious ones; I’ve always wanted a Rickenbacker twelve-string. If I could have any guitar, it would be an acoustic/bass, one which Rickenbacker only made a few of. I remember seeing The Stone Roses with one – it’s a massive guitar. . It just looks really unusual but has a bit more personality.
We last chatted to Greg, the night after your Halloween gig. What’s been happening in Delay’s world since then?
Well, we’ve all been gearing towards releasing the album and getting the artwork done for it. For the last couple of weeks, we have been rehearsing everyday. We have only just started touring. It’s all just been putting the pieces together before that!
Did ever of you guys do anything romantic for Valentine's Day this year?
We were all in Wolverhampton for the tour so I had to do my romanticising pre-Valentine's Day. Unfortunately for me, my girlfriend’s birthday is Valentine's Day as well, so it’s a pretty important day – one that I wasn’t present for. When I’m successful, I will make it up to her.
You were invited to play at most summer festivals. Have you got a big festival schedule coming up this year?
Yes. We have just confirmed for the Isle of Wight festival and the Wireless in London. As far as I’m aware, we are doing the V festivals and T in the Park, hopefully Glastonbury as well.
In your opinion, what’s the best festival out there?
From a band’s point of view, it has got to be Glastonbury because of the prestige of it. It is always seen as the high point of the festival season – even thought the weather is always awful. Headlining Glastonbury is one of the things you want to do in your career.
Craig David has been quoted slagging the BRITS off. What are your thoughts? Was there anyone that you were particularly rooting for?
I know Jamie from Klaxons; they deserve the success that they have had and they have certainly been one of the hardest working bands in show business. They make some really interesting and fresh music.
And now for some questions from the fans...
You might be too polite to answer this one but do you guys get angry when vastly inferior bands like the Pigeon Detectives, Babyshambles and the bloody Fratellis, play bigger venues and sell more records?
Um, well, initially, yeah, especially when you believe that you are the best band out there - which we do - you have to have belief in yourself. When you sit back and take it all in, it is kind of pointless feeling shitty about what someone else has done. You have to concentrate on what you’re doing. Time will tell; I think people will look back at our stuff very favourably.
Do you mind that a lot of your fans are mature listeners and that your music appeals to an older crowd?
I think there is a reason for that. When the first record came out, we’ve never really had the whole Radio 1 thing which gets you in front of a lot of younger people. I think the fan base that we created was slightly older. When we do gigs, I see a complete mixture. The problem is that a lot of younger people don’t even know about us yet, when they do, they will love us and come to the gigs.
I hear that Aaron and Greg are massive Saints fans. Are you a Southampton football fan?
Oh yeah, when I was younger, I would go to the stadium with my friends. We never got up to anything untoward, but I was quite an avid follower. I do tend to keep tabs on them!
Do you remember your first game?
I think it was an FA cup game and we managed to get tickets. I just remember that the atmosphere of the stadium was really good. That is what made me want to come back for more.
Another fan wants to know what you think of the new stadium. They have called the old one a ‘gleaming yet soul-less soccer shed.’
I’ve been there a few times; it is obviously bigger so it needs more people to give it atmosphere. I have been there when it has been packed and that was amazing. The fact that the old one was so close to the pitch was amazing though. It kind of creates an atmosphere which is harder to recreate in a bigger place.
What was your first ever gig?
I didn’t get to gig much as kid. The guitar playing was just bedroom antics. The first gig we played was in a small place near Portsmouth where we knew not many people would be. We choose it deliberately so that if it all went wrong, it wouldn’t be too embarrassing. We purposefully didn’t invite any of our friends. Afterwards, everyone was running around; it was such a strange and intoxicating feeling when you first do it. It didn’t matter that there was no-one there and that there was a dart board behind the drum kit. It was an incredible feeling.
Which bass player (dead or alive) inspires you?
There is an obvious one – and he is possible the greatest – and that is McCartney. He is somebody that I do think I have been influenced using the bass in a melodic aspect. There is also a guy called Larry Graham from the Sly and the Family Stone. He basically invented a style of playing. If you listen to their records, he is incredible. He has such an amazing feel.
You’re in the thick of a tour at the moment. Do you have a tour van or bus, kitted out Delays style?
We are off to Newcastle tonight, so we are going to pick up some stuff and see the bus. We will see what its like then. Sometimes they are great and sometimes they are not. It is certainly an interesting way of travelling.
Do you get on well when on tour?
Yes, 80% of the time. It is just that 20% that you have got to watch out for. I think when you live under each others feet there are always times when you are going to be pissed off – especially when there are two brothers in the band.
How do your mums cope with you gallivanting all over the country? Do you get reminders to eat well?
I think I get off quite lightly in that sense. The relationship with my parents has always been a relaxed one. I would certainly say that I am not someone who is overprotected. They want me to enjoy myself and don’t really get worried about me as they know I am going to have a good time.
Will fans get a mix of new and old in the upcoming gigs?
Yeah, we have been trying to work that out. I think it is an even spread.
What else are you listening to at the moment?
The last three or four records that I have recently bought have all been movie soundtracks. I recently bought the soundtrack to The Fountain and the Assassination of Jesse James.
Have you seen any good movies recently that you could recommend?
I saw Cloverfield last week and No Country for Old Men, and last night, I saw There Will Be Blood, which I thought was incredible. It really is as good as people say. I have always been into films; if the music hadn’t worked out, I would certainly be worming my way into the film industry.
What is the best thing about Southampton?
It’s quite strange as a city due to its geographical positioning. It has elements of the West and London and the East. You get a lot of accents down there. My brother talks almost with a London accent where as I sound more West Country. It has a good atmosphere. Everything is always coming and going because it has a port. It’s a good place to write music as it makes you aspire to travel.
What is the most memorable gig that you have been to as an audience member?
I’m a big REM fan; they are a band that really got me into music when I was still a misunderstood college student. I saw them play in Cardiff and that was amazing. It was the first time I had been to a big gig. It was amazing to see a band play on a stage of that size but still being able to communicate with 80,000 people. They are a big influence on me; the way they write songs and the way they have always conducted themselves.
Related links:
Delays concert listings and tickets.
R.E.M concert listings and tickets.
March gig dates:
02.3.08 Northampton Soundhaus
04.3.08 Nottingham Bodega
09.3.08 Dublin Sugar Club
11.3.08 Oxford Academy
12.3.08 Barfly, London
13.3.08 Stoke Sugar Mill
14.3.08 Leeds Cockpit
16.3.08 Gloucester Guildhall
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