he three malnourished lads from Leeds, England in Black Wire have already found success across the pond with their self-titled debut album and legendary live show
(fellow Leeds export Kaiser Chiefs wrote"I Predict A Riot" about one of their gigs) but have yet to break into the American pop conscience. That will likely change this Valentine's Day when their new album, Where the Fuck Are Black Wire, a bass-heavy, post-punk spasm, is released stateside. Front man Dan Wilson took 15 minutes out of his busy day to talk about the utility of the drum machine and what America means for the band's future.
Q: You're doing a lot of press at the moment. Do you dislike that aspect of releasing an album?
A: No, not at all. It's still a new thing for me, so I think it's cool. Every journalist I talk to has a different opinion about our album; it's nice to hear what people think about it.
Q: You're doing a short tour of the States soon. Have you been to America before?
A: I was in New York City for three days not too long ago with Tom, our bass player. I loved it completely.
Q1: I know you've had a lot of success in the U.K., so what are your thoughts on coming to America?
A: I'd love to get over in America and it will be
interesting to see if that happens.I want to get through to as many people as I can; it doesn't matter where they live as long as they like the music.
Q: The band has an odd set-up for a three-piece: two guitars, a bass and a drum machine. Why don't you guys have a drummer?
A:That stems from the time when we were just starting the band. We didn't know anyone who could play the drums and we just happened to have a drum machine, and we've stuck with it since.
Q: How do people react to it? So few bands permanently employ a drum machine. A: Early on, most people at our shows were a bit taken aback by it.I think it kind of confused them that we had a drum machine but weren't playing electroclash. But it's not that big of a deal anymore.
Q: I heard that the Kaiser Chiefs were so inspired by one of your live shows they wrote a song about it ("I Predict A Riot"). Are you friends with those guys?
A: Well, they're from Leeds as well, so we know them. We try to see them when we're both in town. Leeds is a small place with a lot of bands, so you're always running into other musicians.
We definitely identify with that community - no two bands from there sound alike.
Dave Ruigh
JAYPLAY SAYS
party foul
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"Lazy Sunday"
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Lindsey Ramsey
JAYPLAY 01.26.2006