93millionmilesfromthesun - 93millionmilesfromthesun (parallax sounds)
Is Shoegaze finally getting the recognition it deserves, or are people still scared of what once was seen as some kind of musical plague? Well, it seems the former is true. From the days of people cussing the said genre in vehement anger, to Drowned in Sound having a “Shoegaze” Week last month, it seems something has changed and 93mmfts are at the front of the new Shoegaze vanguard.
93millionmilesfromthesun were featured in the “Shoegaze week” as prime movers and shakers on a revitalised scene that once spawned ground breaking records from the likes of My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive and The Kitchens of Distinction whose influence still resonates today in the bands ranging from 93mmfts to Mogwai.
Now it seems that certain more astute bands have delved into a catalogue of records and effect trickery and have created what critics now call “Nu Gaze.” This new or “Nu” moniker is proudly worn by people who garner the acceptance and adoration that so eluded the earlier players on the Shoegaze scene. At last, it’s acceptable to blow people away with great sheets of thunderous waves of effect laden Indie rock. Where once Gazers were knocked for dull live performances, hence the name coming from staring at your shoes and not moving, now bands like 93mmfts and Air Formation put Shoegaze centre stage on the live circuit and on wax, with more energy than a whirling dervish on 50 cans of Red Bull.
To celebrate the release of their critically acclaimed self-titled debut album, we caught up with
Nick,from 93mmfts.
What a decent bunch they are too! Ah, ok - Shoegaze makes us all dewy eyed and smiley.
So, for the uninitiated, tell us a bit more about the band?
"Well, we formed in late 2007 in Doncaster, Yorkshire. We are currently a three-piece band, Nick (Vox & Guitar), Rob (Bass) and Jack (Drums). Started playing as a two piece with backing track after one of our songs from our MySpace page appeared on a compilation CD, The Secret Garden, on the Invada label. We got asked to play the launch night, along with Ulrich Schnauss, Damon & Naomi, Kyte, Soundpool and many other bands, so myself and Rob got a short set together and went and played in Bristol.
We then recorded a demo CD and started getting a lot of interest. We've now played many gigs up and down the country and supported such great people as Longview, Exit Calm, Mourning Becomes Electra, Secret Shine and Sennen. We've just released a full-length album through the Parallax Sounds website."
How would you describe your sound?
"We are quite obviously influenced by our love of a certain type of music – late 80's/early 90's shoegazing, if you like. It was the music that we loved when we first started getting into music and it's been a constant type of music that we've always enjoyed. Our sound is probably laying more towards the heavier, noisier side of the genre, though, as we try and create a loud droning wall of noise – especially when we play live."
Who are you biggest influences?
I'd probably say that my biggest single influence is 'Ichabod & i' by The Boo Radleys, as when i first heard that album it blew me away. They've done better albums than that but i just loved the noise and the melodies of it. Also seeing them live around that time in venues like 'The Duchess of York' in Leeds and 'The Adelphi' in Hull. Incredible noise. I've also got to say stuff like Spacemen 3, The Telescopes, My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, Curve, Ride, Sonic Youth, Galaxie 500; but also stuff like Loop, Skullflower & Terminal Cheesecake. All these bands were making incredible music and playing amazing live gigs.
Do you think Shoegaze as a genre is a getting proper recognition these days?
"The influence is there to see in many bands in the mainstream and there seems to be a shift at the moment in people taking notice of it as music. Also recognition for the many new bands that maybe fit into the scene appears to be growing, which can only be a good thing. Time will tell... "
What is forthcoming from the band?
"As I mentioned earlier, we have just released our debut full-length album through www.parallaxsounds.com. Also, we are currently recording new material with our drummer Jack. We also have some remixes being done at the moment for future releases. Michael Savage from Bristol band 'The Fauns' has just remixed our track 'The Times We Have Are Now' and it sounds great. Were looking at releasing a limited 7" single sometime this year and play many more gigs..."
Are you gigging in 2009?
"We've been a bit quiet of late but we've got some gigs upcoming. Our first will be in London on the 26th of May. We are playing CLUB AC30 supporting 'The Telescopes', plus we are also going to be backing Stephen Lawrie at the same gig as we play some classic Telescopes tunes. Then we're playing Birmingham, supporting 'Exit Calm' & 'Insect Guide'. Also hopefully a gig in Bristol soon for a 'Parallax Sounds' night and some gigs with SPC ECO, who are amazing."
Which current bands would you like to support?
"Were really happy to be playing for CLUB AC30 again. Also, any of the following: Ulrich Schnauss, Maps, My Bloody Valentine, Daniel Land and the Modern Painters, Exit Calm, Darker My Love, Spectrum, The Fauns, The Pains of being Pure At Heart or just any bands that kind of fit the musical bill. If anyone of the above is reading this, then get in touch! There are so many good bands around at the moment who we'd love to support... "
Anything else you would like to add?
"Just to say thanks to everyone who's shown interest in us and also to all the great artists and bands out there, keep making a beautiful noise and keep gazing at your shoes!!! Cheers NIck..."
Intro and interview by Nicky, Special thanks to Tim.