Interview: Brown Fang

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

JT A friend at school asked me to be in a band, so that was that.

Scenic artist, which I did do for a brief period.

H My dad’s piano playing

Probably looking after monkeys in a zoo

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

JT Mountain biking, probably the only thing that clears my mind of clutter and gives it the space for the creative things.

H I spend it listening to music, in the last couple of years I’ve made a great effort to actively listen to stuff less immediate and palatable in the hope of finding inspiration.

How long has your band been around?

JT A lifetime, but it only really became productive when Henry joined, which was about 4 years ago.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

JT Nottingham, all the musicians here have definitely shaped the sound of the Fang.

H Sneinton, Nottingham. A small island of original and interesting characters that have an interdependent effect on each other.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

JT It came about after a joking conversation with a friend pretending we’d seen the most obscure bands at their first ever show…. Brown Fang was one of the names he said and I just held onto it.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

JT We’ve only done 4.

H The fourth one

What is your favourite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

JT I’ve played many a good venue in the past but I still enjoy playing locally. Fuji rock is on the list for the dream gig.

H. I’d love to play at the Paradiso, Amsterdam

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

JT Tortoise, The Blue Nile, David Sylvian, Cocteau Twins, Fripp/Eno, Talking Heads…..I’ll let Henry give you a list of current artists.

H Kate Bush, The Band and Black Dice

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

JT Keep going. Get a job.

H Never cater for an audience at the expense of your integrity

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

JT Buy a Roland CR78 and a space echo before they become unaffordable.

H don’t bleach your hair as much as you did and look after your teeth better

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

JT They are all perfect little children.

Which songs are your favourite to play and which get requested the most?

JT HDMI love you seems to be popular, Tracing Paper is fun to play.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

JT General noodling of gadgets seems to be a good starting point for the base, then Henry will add the magic topping.

H Happy accidents and following an idea to it’s vital and tasteful conclusion

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

JT Not sure there’s any message, as such, just a warm feeling.

H Save the whales

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

JT Any disagreements are resolved in the car park.

H Biscuit peace offerings

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

JT We are currently mixing the next album, which at the moment is going to be a double album, gatefold sleeve, clear vinyl, trip to Sherwood pines etc.