Interview with Mrs Beckett

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

JIM ..My Brother Mick loved music, so him, and my Friend Billy Morrissey,   and finding out i could sing, and i'd be an actor or  an entomologist. 

DAVE :My Ears.

I think I'd have invested my time in sperm banking

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

JIM : I watch movies,  insects and the world and obsess about things. And the music is a result of those obsessions

DAVE :I like to wash my hands between gigs. 

How long has your band been around?

JIM :About 3 years

DAVE: I don't let them in the house. 

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

JIM: Straight outta Consett and like a lot of the north east its grimy and dirty and loud, so that's how....

DAVE :Jim's shed. It gives us an Oaky sound. 

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

DAVE :Ask Jim

JIM:  I tried writing a musical about a band  called Mrs Beckett and the bass player transitioning,  i got bored and decided to form a band instead. The name came from an argument about what the bass player's new name should be....

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

JIM :the old Fox in Felling last year where a packed pub stood and listened to one and a half hours of original stuff and cheered more and more. Humbling. 

DAVE: Every show is memorable at the moment, as you get to see lots of open mouthed, chin on the floor punters. 

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

JIM : loved the Schooner in Gateshead last month the Doll at the Black Bull, the Old Fox, never played would would love to Trillians in Newcastle but we are September 14th to launch the album. 

DAVE : Our spiritual home is a in Gateshead, The Fox and The Schooner. 

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

JIM: Jimmy Eat World, Thin Lizzy, David Bowie,  and The Pixies. And us. And Teenage Fanclub. And Tom Waits headlining. It would be a long show. 

PETE : Bruce Springsteen

DAVE : PJ Harvey 

Danko Jones

LivLars

Imogen

Naima Joris

The Shouting Matches

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?

JIM : No one knows anything, so do what you want. Do not believe the industry.  Have a sense of humour. Nothing sounds as good as hot valves. 

DAVE: Enjoy everything and don't rely on money. 

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

JIM : Dont worry. Have more sex. 

DAVE : Brush your teeth more. 

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

JIM A song not on any album called Calming me Down about my Dad, and Fucking Love because it was the first Mrs Beckett  song. And Lucky Day.

DAVE The one I'm playing.

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

JIM :Less, Care, Fucking Love and Roots..

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

JIM I write and demo songs, the band jams about and rearranges ... terrible music and work buy consume die culture makes me want to create something to drown it out

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

JIM Everyone is in pain. You are not alone. 

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

JIM Yes, sulking, tantrums, throwing things and brooding, all the usual healthy choices.

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

JIM  Not dying if i can manage it and the launch of our Album Unattractively Needy on Sept 23rd and out Single Lucky Day on July 22nd