INTERVIEW: Jim Noir
- Posted on April 8, 2008 4:21 PM
- 0 comments
Interview by Katie Spain
On the day I picked up the 'dog and bone' for a chat with Manchester artist Jim Noir, it was the release date of his new single 'What You Gonna Do'. Just 500 limited vinyl copies wound their way into music collections near and far. Not that Jim seemed affected... oh, the life of a popular artist hey? I expected a lively conversation with Mr Noir; just listen to his lively Pop tracks and you'll know why. In person however, he was thoughtful, almost permanently nonchalant and confused (or stoned). We won't jump to conclusions, after all it was only 11am in the morning and that's early by anyone's standards.
Jim was however, happy to swagger down verbal memory lane - and although the road was long and winding, we got there in the end. His music is some of the most uplifting and exciting I've heard in awhile, and after our chat, I scheduled his upcoming live dates firmly in my diary. Get your pen out and do the same... this hat wearing gem is a bedraggled, brightly clad diamond in the rough. Let's hope Jim Noir hits the 2008 festival circuit; this is 'music to behave badly to' and you can never have too much of that.
What is your first musical memory?
Probably sitting in front of my ma and pa’s TV with a little Casio keyboard writing little ditties. I remember writing a song about a war. I was a very political kid. It had no words though.
When did you first realize that you wanted to make music for a living?
I suppose in my early teens. I formed a band with my friends. We thought we could take on the world with our slightly rubbish Punk music. But it did take a bit longer than that.
Your real name is Alan Roberts. Do your parents approve of the new name that you have taken on? What is your mum’s take on it?
Well, she calls me Jim so she must be alright with it.
I collect hats and I know you are well-known for your bowlers. Do you have a particular favourite?
I thought you said cats.
I don’t like cats.
Oh right. Sorry, what was the question?
You’re well known for your hats – do you have a favourite?
A favourite hat? Well, I have just come back from America. I brought a very nice sailor’s hat there that I quite like. I’m a captain - I’m not just any old sailor.
You will have to whip that one out at Koko. Is your look part of the stage persona or have you always dressed quite creatively?
Um, I’m afraid it is only part of the stage. I am actually quite a scruffy devil.
Are you going to be hitting the festival circuits this year?
Oh God, I hope so. That’s up to the Gods I think. I missed them all out last year so I was crying for the whole summer. This year, I hope I get a couple.
Your music is very well suited to that kind of atmosphere. In your opinion, what is the best festival out there?
I would say it is Bestival. I think that is my favourite anyway.
Do you have any good festival memories you would like to share?
Yeah, I …oh, I don’t think I should say that one.
Go on.
There was one where I had fallen over - and by accident - taken an illicit substance before I played at Bestival last time. It was quite scary. I certainly didn’t want to be on stage. I was wondering why everybody was looking at me.
Your sound is likened to The Beach Boys. Are you seeing them during their tour?
I’m not going to watch them no. I saw them the last time they came round. I would quite like to see Brian Wilson though.
You could give them some fashion tips.
I think they need them. I like what they have on the posters – cool dads.
Your self-titled album is out soon. Was it a long time in the making?
It has been a long time getting it released but it only took me about six months to make. People were phoning me up about the album and I had forgotten to make it. I had to quickly get it together. That’s the fruit of my hard labour. I was enjoying my holiday.
From what I have heard of the album, I love it. There is a lot of bounce in there... do you practice the singing a lot or is it something you save for the shower?
Hahaha. I don’t sing in the shower. I don’t really sing – I would be afraid of people hearing me. If I’m not on stage, I don’t sing. I wouldn’t sing if somebody told me to. I wouldn’t even play guitar. I’m quite shy like that. As far as practicing goes, I sing along to my favourite bands on CDs and that.
That surprises me. Your music is so bouncy and gets you in a good mood. You would instantly imagine that you would be quite a vivacious and outgoing person.
Well, it’s quite far from the truth.
What is your favourite sound in the world?
Oh, that’s a good question. I like the sound of rain hitting ones window in the middle of the night.
Based on music, what era would you have most like to have been alive for?
I don’t know actually; maybe the 50s or 60s.
The Truth is my favourite Jim Noir song at the moment. There is a particular reference to spiders being more scared of you than you are of them. Is this from a particular experience?
It’s what my mum used to tell me all the time.
There is another reference in there about drinking as much water as we are told to. Do you practise what you preach?
I have started drinking a lot of water actually but only because my skin has decided to turn bad in the last six months. I don’t know why – I think I am going through puberty.
My colleague and I have decided to take part in a marathon. Which Jim Noir song is the best one to run a marathon to?
It depends how fast you want to run or whether you want to pace yourself. Hmn, maybe Happy Day Today. You could run to that. I don’t know though actually, maybe it is kind of a fast walk.
Maybe they should just play the whole album?
Yeah and then have a rest at the end to the slow one.
You’re from Manchester. I have been there but not for any length of time. If I was to head there for a weekend, to experience Manchester in the life of Jim Noir, what would I do?
Oh God. I have to make things up now because I am such a dull person. Well, I suppose we could go to the local offy and then drive to the chip shop.
What is the most memorable concert that you have been to as an audience member?
That’s a good one. What is it? Oh, I can’t think. I would say it is probably Orbital at Glastonbury. It’s one of those life changing moments.
Any advice for Glastonbury goers?
Just go and enjoy it. It is probably the – although I am not sure if it is anymore –nicest atmospheres. And it’s enormous.
Jim made us laugh; We liked him - a lot. Check out his new album 'Jim Noir' out April 14th.
Related links:
Jim Noir concert tickets.
Jim Noir supporting The Breeders tickets.
Bestival tickets.
Jim Noir official site.
Post a comment
TrackBack
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.seatwaveblogs.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/2839
