For those who haven’t heard of you… please introduce yourselves:
We’re Bad Sign. Joe Appleford – Vox/Bass, Jon Harris – Guitars, Smithy – Drums
What’s the origin of that band name?
Jon thought of the band name in our school playground when me and Jon first started the band when we were and it’s just stuck.
What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
Hard Rock/Alternative/Groove Laden. Major influences: Rage Against The Machine, Led Zeppelin, The Music, Stevie Wonder, All Motown/Soul etc, Cancer Bats, Muse anything we like we incorporate.
How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
I (Joe) Have know Smithy for about 4-5 Years we met at a pub called The Harp in West Croydon and Jon about 8-9 Years we met at school and them two met in 2006.
When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
Myself and Jon formed the original band in summer 2003 at school but the proper line up as it is now has been together since early summer 2006. Us three simply just gelled from day 1 and enjoy playing together and we’re just trying to make real music that we enjoy and hopefully people dig it as well we’re not interested in being in a scene and i’d say the most important thing is that were mates first and foremost and stick by each other through thick and thin.
Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
Nope but we fucking want one!! : )
What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever’s available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Was it cost or was it a style/model/brand/color preference?
We choose the instruments that we feel comfortable with and make a cracking sound. I like Fender Jazz Basses and use Ashdown Amplification with Zvex effects. Jon uses Gibson, Epiphone Guitars with Marshall Amplification with Various effects including Delay, Whammy, Wah etc. Smithy uses Yamaha Drums, Sabian Cymbals, mostly Vic Firth sticks and DW Hardware plus more I can’t remember.
Where have you performed? What are your favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
I think it’s more like where haven’t we performed overall but our favorite venues – The Joiners, Southampton and The Water Rats, London. Next Gigs Friday 29th May – The Ship, Croydon & then Saturday 6th June – The Joiners, Southampton.
Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
Most frequent probably songs like Call My Name, This Town Ain’t Big Enough, Break Me Down etc. We’re still trying to decide on covers it’s tough for us to decide.No set play list we usually decide in the rehearsal before the gig or on the night to be honest.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
We all write the music as a unit by jamming people bringing different ideas and then expanding on them. Various subjects come into my lyric writing Escapism from my current situation, Social commentary and personal life experiences. I think as we grow older and our lives change and the world changes around us I think the lyrics will definitely change and hopefully develop with people.
Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
Bring in ideas and then we jam pretty simple – we jam and create what you hear.
What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
A good laugh but we like to make sure were tight and that were going to put on a good show It’s important for us to be good live – we are a live band first and foremost. At the moment we are practicing every couple of weeks because Jon has been finishing uni but from now onwards were going to crack on and practice twice a week 4 hours a session.
How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
Definitely. Were all becoming better musicians as time goes on were all maturing in different ways experiencing more of life. We constantly look to write better songs and just generally evolve as a band more and more.
What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Our Main obstacle is that we don’t fit in to any scene therefore it has taken some people longer to get what were doing but now more and more people are catching on which is quality.
What’s your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
In all honesty we want to go as far as possible. There’s no limits to what we can do as a band. Were very confident and just want to play live more and more, were not afraid to play with any band unsigned or signed and were looking forward to the future.
What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Do it it’s good fun and can develop into a real passion. Just make sure you do music YOU want to not what the “scene” around you demands.
How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
You can go check us out at www.myspace.com/badsignband and on facebook search facebook and we have a group and fan page all of which we regularly update if you want a CD please just drop us a mail at badsignmusic@hotmail.co.uk or come to a gig see the goods live and then grab a CD off us : )
Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or other support?
Our Families are very, very important and have kept us going over the years. Our friends for there continuing support over the years coming to the gigs. Bands that we appreciate and give alot of love to and that you must check out: 23 Enigma, Bundle of Id and Surrounded By Disgust and you Rankin not just because this is your interview but your a quality artist/photographer and at the moment official Bad Sign artwork man!!
Any last words?
Check Us Out and Join The Movement!
www.myspace.com/badsignband
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=22643096721&ref=ts
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bad-Sign/8296549699?ref=ts
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