Billy Vincent have been making big waves on the live circuit with their unique brand of music. A successful residency at London’s 12 Bar Club draws to a close this Tuesday (Feb 23rd) and it’s sure to be an epic night. The band also release their latest EP The Morden Shake that evening so it’s one show you won’t want to miss.
With a successful single in the folk charts, and a self-recorded album & EP already under their belt, things are shaping up nicely for Billy Vincent. The passion, wit and panache with which they deliver their catchy-as-hell songs ensure they stand out as one of the most compelling acts around.
EF caught up with the band (Billy Barratt, David Vincent and Joe Kinsey) as they reflect on their musical influences, their aspirations for 2010 and what we can expect from one of their gigs.
Tell us how Billy Vincent came to be?
Joe: Bill & Dave have been writing and playing music together since they were kids, since they first picked up a guitar really, and I’ve known them for about 10 years or so, always sharing a mutual appreciation. When it came to forming a band around them for Billy Vincent, I was more than keen to chuck my name in the hat and the strap on the bass guitar.
David: It’s never easy finding other band members in London, but we must have been lucky….what with our brilliant drummer Jack, and a fiddling force to be reckoned with in Matt – it all came together nicely!
What’s Dirty Folk?
David: Dirty Folk is the sound Billy Vincent make. It’s something we wanted to do since we started the band, to clearly define our sound in two words, we struggled with the predefined genres so settled on Dirty Folk, for now...
Billy: It's the sum of our influences really, traditional song writing with a rough edge.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how has that helped to shape the sound of Billy Vincent?
Joe: Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Nirvana, The Clash, The Beatles, Tracy Chapman, Conor Oberst, Ryan Adams, we could go on. Influences can sometimes come through the subconscious too - there's always something new to turn your ear to, be it an older record or artist or a newcomer, it's only when you listen back to something that you realise where you've got that sound or idea from.
Billy: Essentially, we'll always look to ourselves and rely on our instinct to guide us, and if listening to Raindogs or Bleach helps us along the way then so be it.
How hard is it for an unsigned act to make a name for themselves today?
Joe: The same old phrases will often come up - right place, right time, who you know, etc. - but then there's an element that if you're good enough, you'll meet the right people and find yourselves in the right place & time. It's hard not to talk in clichés on such subjects, but it depends on what level you're looking to operate, everyone has their own definition of success.
David: With a clear set of goals and the right guidance we think, and certainly believe, that you have every chance of meeting your aim. We've seen a few little chinks of light but we've still got some way to go before we meet our target.
Which artists really inspire you?
Joe: Tom Waits springs immediately to mind, redefining himself with almost every move. Neil Young similarly, and doing so without fear of repercussion. Both still throwing themselves enthusiastically into their next projects and remaining a must-see live act. Springsteen too, if we're doing 3 hour live sets across the globe in our 60s, we'll be well chuffed!
David: We also hold a great deal of respect for a lot of newer bands, from the completely new - Benjamin Folke Thomas, and those clearing the path up ahead, like Conor Oberst and Ben Kweller - all have a place on the tour van stereo at the moment.
You’ve debuted a new collection of songs on your bands website, “Stay On Course, No Remorse”. Can you tell us a bit about that?
Billy: It was an idea that had been floating around for a while. There were a few songs in the set that wanted recording, and a whole bunch of other songs that were equally deserving of an airing.
David: Likewise, we'd developed a good following from the live shows and our first single that deserved to have their hands on something more substantial. So, we sat down one Friday with a list of songs and rehearsed as many as we could before honing it down to 10 and getting to work on the Saturday & Sunday. We wanted to make it as cheap & easily accessible as possible as well, so we decided to dish it out for free as part of the website launch, and have offered signed hard copies alongside it for a fiver.
What’s forthcoming for the band in 2010? Any live dates planned?
Joe: First up is The Morden Shake EP, a selection of 5 songs based in the narrative and a more full band orientated project than Stay On Course, No Remorse. We're hosting a 3-week residency at the 12 Bar Club (Denmark Street, London) in coordination with this too, with some great bands helping us make sure it's one to remember - Rob Skipper, Spindle & Wit, Benjamin Folke Thomas & Swing Youth amongst others.
David: Following that there's a wee trip to Scotland in March, with Summer festivals and other dates firmly in the pipeline to keep us on our toes. It's safe to say you'll be seeing a lot of Billy Vincent in 2010. Longer term, we're looking to get the debut album underway and there's a lot of songs that warrant our attention with that in mind.
What can fans expect from a Billy Vincent gig?
Billy: Stomping of feet, howling at the sky...
David: Singing in chorus, hearts on sleeves…
Joe: New friends, tall tales and empty glasses.
If you want to find out more about Billy Vincent check out their website www.billyvincent.co.uk and you can also hear more music from the lads at their MySpace page www.myspace.com/billyvincent
ShareThis