Hello Piers from The Boxer Rebellion. Where are you currently?I am at home sitting at my rubbish old computer on a drum stool as the cat has taken the computer chair.
How's 2009 going thus far?
2009 has probably been our best year so far for me. We've finally got ourselves in a position of getting an album we are proud of out there, and without the crappy pressures of a major label. We played quite a few shows, some in new places, and I've definitely come across some new fans. Always the best part. I want every year to feel as good as 2009 really.
Are you pleased with 'Union'?
As it is, I'm not sure I could be more pleased. It's different to most albums. It literally took years to make, through times of some hardship too, and to get it out and to see the reaction it has got - at whatever level - is testament to the time and effort we put into it. It's probably the proudest I have been of anything I have done. And I was Jack in Jack And The Beanstalk once, so that is saying something.
Are you releasing any singles from the album?
We released one this week, and after the album, yes we will look at releasing a single. Singles exist in a weird world nowadays. They are almost dead objects for bands, except for them giving you something to promote to radio stations that won't play anything longer than 3 minutes 40 seconds, which sucks in the first instance. It's no wonder that people like Pixie Lott can fart and get to number 1 these days. No-one buys singles. It's sad.
I love the artwork for the album. How did that come about?
You want to be asking Todd that one. He was heavily involved in the artwork, which I think is fantastic. I honestly can't remember where it came from. Sorry, I am the drummer after all.
What's your favourite track from 'Union'?
Given I don't listen to it, this is always a tricky one, but Flashing Red Light Means Go is always one that can give me goose bumps when playing at least. When everything crashes back in after the bridge - that's my favourite moment on the record, and live.
If people don't know what you and your music are about, how would you describe yourself?
We make soundscapes. Epic soundscapes. We are the film that makes you leave a cinema and forget you were in a cinema. The kind of film that makes you take a step back and question one or two things. Not political, just thought provoking.
How did you first come to music?
My parents really. They were, are, both music teachers so music was always in the house. I used to bash about on pots and pans with them ... in time apparently ... so they got me drum lessons, and piano lessons and violin lessons and guitar lessons when I was old enough. Drums was the only thing that stuck.
Who would you love to perform with, past or present?
Individually, I'd love to have been Phil Selway, who guested recently [for the second time] with Neil Finn, of Crowded House, in a super group. I believe they have an album of it too. That would have been quite a dream of mine. In terms of the band... I'd love to tour with Elbow and get to watch them every night, or better still The Who, around the time when Keith Moon didn't know his own name. I think we might have had some tour stories from that one.
What are you currently listening to on your MP3 player?
A band called Airship from Manchester who I saw not long back. The new Wilco record, though that has been mentioned a lot lately - sorry but it's gooooood! I was also listening to Jeff Buckley - My Sweetheart, The Drunk on the train this morning.
Best venue you've played?
It is fair to say we have played some right dives in our time, so when we play a decent venue we know about it. I'm going to go with Brixton Academy though. Kind of a lifelong ambition to play there so to do it, albeit not our show, was something pretty special.
Looking forward to playing The Fav in Leeds in October?
Yeah... I love the touring in general and getting out to some old places again. We played there in March and it was a pretty good craic. We went bowling before too, which I kind of enjoyed, probably because I won I reckon. I challenge anyone before The Fav gig to a bowl-off...
Where does the band find influences?
You don't find your influences. They find you.
What do you miss the most when you're on the road touring?
I miss the family and the lady the most for sure. On top of that, I miss being on my own, which you don't get to do much when you're off with the boys. I also miss regular football watching and the late night Sky flicking.
Some quick fire questions. Tea or coffee?
Tea, without doubt.
Summer or winter?
Winter.
Eat in or take out?
Take Out.
Daddy or chips?
Chips.
Mitchell or Webb?
Mitchell.
Marvel or DC?
Marvel.
Mac or PC?
Mac, even though I haven't got one.
Possibly the most important question now, Reading or Leeds?
Reading is a dump so by process of elimination, Leeds!
And finally, what's next on the agenda for The Boxer Rebellion?
Tomorrow Dublin, next month UK tour, end of the year European and American tour... January Australia... and fitting in writing album 3 in between somewhere!
Cheers Piers. Enjoy the tour!
The Boxer Rebellion play at the Faversham, Leeds on Monday 5th October.
