The Fleas- New things happening...

I've been away but Im bringing new things so please be patient! One new thing that the AlternativeInformant is doing is working with a new Indie/Folk band called The Fleas.
Been working on promoting them, organising gigs and basically trying to show people that REAL music is still here and all my readers know that the very best of REAL Alternative music is alive here!

So, I want you all to check out three very special and important links:

myspace.com/thefleasplease - The band's myspace page!

thefleasband.blogspot.com - The band's blog (which is in the process of being updated!)

memusic.metro.co.uk - Check out their music here and search for The Fleas and also look out for new tracks!

Finally, There will be more Interviews on here soon!

AlternativeInformant- For your Alternative music fix!

There's rock and then there's Modern Legion.

There's rock and then there's Modern Legion: the new, young Australian rock band set to take the world by storm.

Formed in the summer of 2007 from the ashes of some notable local bands, the band - Steph Collis (vocals), Matt Wilkinson (guitar), Adrian Santospirito (guitar), Baz Brauer (bass, Dave Szental (drums) - have just come back from the States where they recorded their highly-anticipated debut album. The flagship release for the brand-new ManaSonic Music label, it was produced by Grammy-winning producer Scott Mathews (David Bowie, Beach Boys, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger) and features special guests ranging from Huey Lewis of '& the news' fame, Van Dyke Parks (Brian Wilson, Bruce Springsteen, Byrds, Silverchair & Randy Newman) to a California beauty queen.

Though none of Modern Legion is older than 23, all are veterans on the Australian rock circuit. Steph and Barry's Geelong band The Whiteroom, signed to Roadrunner at age 16, had a hit with the song "Enemies Closer" in 2006 and toured arenas with Nickelback; Matt Wilkinson and Adrian Santospirito's Geelong band The Jades made the acclaimed EP "New Wave Chocolate" that garnered extensive radio play in the UK aand Australia. Dave Szental drummed with a number of Melbourne bands including Big Fat Kill. Between them they've toured with some of Australia's biggest names.

AlternativeInformant: How long have you been involved in the music industry?

The Modern Legion: We've all been in bands since we were around 13 years old, so around ten years, and the last 6 or so being semi professional... not just kids jamming in a garage :) Steph (vox) and Baz (bass) we're in an Australian band called the Whiteroom signed to roadrunner records & toured Australia extensively with the likes of Nickelback in oz's biggest venues & arenas.... and Adrian (keys) & myself (guitar/vox) were in 'The Jades' with a successful single/ep release here in oz & a tour of the UK under the belt. So there's a fair bit of experience in the group.

AlternativeInformant: How would you describe the sound of the group and the genre of music you produce?

The Modern Legion: Well... if I had to try and describe it, I’d say... imagine you were listening to Fleetwood Mac’s 'rumours' then you were kicked in the ear by an Atari & pummelled by his orchestra pals! But its indie rock with some kick 70's overtones, some great softer tunes with a nice mix of good old face melting rock n roll tracks.

AlternativeInformant: What differentiates you from other groups that produce the same or similar sounding music?

The Modern Legion: The male/female voice combo. I do a lot of singing with steph on nearly every tune, and the harmony work is very prominent. So straight away that gives us an edge. There aren’t a lot of bands out there with a female vocalist pulling the kind of sound we have. Plus we built our keyboard player out of matchsticks.... so that differentiates us a tad!

AlternativeInformant: Does your music have a message?

The Modern Legion: It’s not really preachy music or anything like that, it’s more personal. We write about ourselves and our experiences in life in a way that allows the listener to take from it whatever he or she wants to. We love wordplay, so we don’t have a lot of 'you' 'me' 'he' 'she' one dimensional lyrics... they are more objective allowing anybody reading them or listening to them to apply them to their own situation. Whatever it may be.

If you play the record in reverse it has a hidden message for building a keyboard player... but that's about it.

AlternativeInformant: What are the most enjoyable things about performing?

Matt: That minute or so just before you hit the stage & you can feel the rush hit you like a bus. Nothing beats belting out your tunes live and seeing how they effect the people right in front of you. Recording is great fun & and you can achieve so much... but being able to pull it off live & entertaining... that's where it's at.

Steph: It’s the atmosphere. The adrenaline you get on stage, the people you meet at the shows, the bands you become friends with on the road, the feeling you get when you see a member of the crowd reacting to your music. The best part is though, when you finish the last song and you get an overwhelming sense of satisfaction. It’s a totally different world from writing and recording your songs, it’s a chance to give life to them.

Baz: Seeing all the hard work pay off, you practice your ass off and live very poor (financially) for a long time, just great to see the smiles on people’s faces when it all comes together.

Dave: I get to hit drums while drinking beer and looking at pretty girls. That's a combination of the 3 greatest things in the world. Plus from the drums I get to look at Matt's ass.

Adrian: The excitement and buzz you get from playing a killer show in front an audience that appreciates it. The energy that you and the crowd both create together is a feeling that only a musician will ever understand. It certainly is a priceless moment.

AlternativeInformant: How did the name Rebel come about and how did it change to The Modern Legion?

The Modern Legion: Rebel was the name we started out with, we took it from the Bowie tune rebel rebel, but as it turned out there was not a lot of people putting two & two together and getting the reference. There is also a large chain of sports stores called 'rebel' so to avoid any future troubles we decided to change the name. The Modern Legion came about after I was watching a doco' on the French foreign legion... I was really digging it & just remember thinking that a word play on that would be kind of cool. And so I came up with 'The Modern Legion' it also opens itself up to a lot more artistically & everyone seemed to love it, so it stuck.

AlternativeInformant: Are there any artists or groups that influence your music?


The Modern Legion: So many. We are all big Beatle fans & have been, as most people' since we were all kids. I think this is where our strong use of harmony was derived from. Also bands like Muse, Fleetwood Mac, Nick Drake, The Durocs, Sleepy Jackson, Van Halen, George Harrison & Huey Lewis & the news.... which was crazy because we actually were lucky enough to have Huey Lewis come in to the studio while we were recording the album in San Francisco & do a little bit of vocal work for our record. Being a big fan it was great to meet him, he was terrific guy & funny as hell! Other bands like Silverchair here in Australia were a band we always admired & influenced us greatly. So the range is vast, but all contributed greatly to Steph & my writing.

AlternativeInformant: What have been your favourite tracks to make and why?

Matt: My favourite tracks to work on were tunes called 'In Fashion' & 'Into the Sun'. In Fashion because it was the first time I’d been able to use/hear live strings & brass in the studio... and arranging string lines with our producer Scott Mathews was an amazing experience & the end result speaks for itself. 'Into the Sun' was also mind blowing in that we got to work with none other than Mr Van Dyke Parks. (beach boys, the byrds, silverchair) He arranged an amazing accordion part over this, one of our softer songs & was amazing to work with... his parts along with a guest appearance on the Uke by renound rock journalist Sylvie Simmons (mojo, rolling stone fame) helped to make the song sound as beautiful as it does.

Steph: Their weren’t any specific tracks that were more enjoyable to record, but there were parts that we all had fun doing. Like the tracks when we were all in the room clapping, or yelling, or hitting biscuit tins. I’m sure if you soloed these tracks and turned them up you could hear us laughing.

Baz: I had a great time recording 'into the sun', my first time playing an upright double bass, and all the songs on the album that I used a 1963 hoffner bass on. Also 'its now' was a great experience because of the pace and intensity of the song. Had to have our weeties that morning!!

Dave: Fading Away. This song has great groove and a soulful vibe.

Adrian: My favourite track to work on would defiantly have to be December Morning as I got the chance to play a Steinway grand piano which made me warm and fuzzy inside.

AlternativeInformant: Finally, what does the future hold for The Modern Legion?

The Modern Legion: 2008 holds our debut album release and extensive touring of the US, UK & of course Australia. So keep an eye on our myspace for tour dates. (www.myspace.com/themodernlegion ) We are all so excited about the record & can't wait to start showcasing it around the globe.

Agillaz Lurk: Producing Irie beats!

Agillaz has been putting it down for a while. He started getting into music in the middle of the 90`s but 2001-2002 building his own studio to make music and have since then developed his mastering skills in beats.
His music is known for always touching the listeners with feelin, different sounds and special vibe. Born and raised in a small town called Uddevalla (Db),but moved to Gothenburg in September 2003. His parents are from Sweden & Spain which has become a great inspiration for his development in music. He is very versatile when it comes to composing music. After meeting a lot of artists and producers he has come a long way with his music. Selling beats over the internet to artists across the world,one beat ending up on Divine Allah´s Album Ghetto Rhymin (Embracing Eternity.)

In June 2007 he signed to Asphalt Records a one year deal. Hard work make his production sound special & unique.

AlternativeInformant: How long have you been involved in the music industry?

Agillaz: I’ve been signed to my label for like 9 months now.

AlternativeInformant: What genre would you describe your music as?

Agillaz: I don’t like to put my music in a category, but it sounds like hip hop reggae.

AlternativeInformant: Are there any artists or producers that influence your music?

Agillaz: Tupac Shakur, Bob Marley are more than influences to me. I love J Dilla, Dr.Dre, but I get influences from people like Malcolm X, Martin Luther king and of course Jah!

AlternativeInformant: Are there any artists or producers that you would like to work with in the future?

Agillaz: I would love to work with the Marley Brothers, Dead Prez, Outlawz revolutionary people.

AlternativeInformant: What artists have you worked with so far?

Agillaz: I’ve worked with : Divine Allah, RAW, African Souljah, Keiran Anthony, Napz Meka, Yani**a, Jah Defender, to name a few but I got some big names comin’ this year, so just wait and you will see jah knows.

AlternativeInformant: How did you start creating beats?


Agillaz: I was just playing around & I used to rap back then so I needed beats and to get 'em was to create 'em myself..and one that way it is.

AlternativeInformant: How do you get inspiration for making and producing beats?

Agillaz: It’s Jah work, I love doin’ music so it’s all come natural. Give Thanks.

AlternativeInformant: Do you think producing beats has becoming easier in recent years and if so why?

Agillaz: Hmm, not easier but people can just do a beat in their computer today, but it’s all about what’s from your heart & soul so it takes a lot more than that to come up with some real good music.

AlternativeInformant: The beats you produce are quite complex on average how long does it take for you to make a beat?

Agillaz: It’s different all times, I can get an idea in 10 minutes but the beat ain’t done until it’s mixed arranged etc so a couple of more hours.

AlternativeInformant: What has been your favourite beat to produce?


Agillaz: Hard to say, but I got my favorites "The March The Welcome" "Im Not A Slave" & "Get That Guap."

AlternativeInformant: How did your name come about?

Agillaz: I got it from my real name Adam Gil Lazaro, I wanted a name that’s was just me.

AlternativeInformant: What does the future hold for Agillaz Lurk?

Agillaz: The future is lookin’ good, I’m workin’ on an album where I will produce all songs & I got some great artists so it’s something to look forward to. Jah Guide!

Give Thanks for the interview,

Jah Love!

http://www.myspace.com/agillaz

http://www.bohussound.com

Thirsty music fans Listen Up!

LISTEN UP MUSIC LOVERS! THE THIRST ARE RUNNING A COMPETITION! there are 5 tickets up for grabs for the Rock Against Racism event being held on the 8th of February 2008 at the Brixton Jamm! All you have to do for a chance to win a ticket is answer this simple question-

Q: What Record label are The Thirst signed to?

Send answers to info@thethirst.co.uk

To be in with a chance of winning post your answer as a comment or email your answer to info@thethirst.co.uk. Entrants MUST be able to attend the event on the 8th Feb at 8pm 2008.

THIS COMPETITON IS NOW CLOSED!

The Thirst are an electrifying indie/rock band from Brixton who are emerging as one of the premiere live acts in the UK. Consisting of brothers Mensah (lead guitar) and Kwame (bass), alongside school friends Mark (rhythm guitarist) and Marcus (drummer), The Thirst blend together a vibrant sound and offer a refreshing and uplifting alternative to present youth culture. Inspired and influenced by old punk records, Hendrix, drum n’ bass and hip-hop, the result is uniquely their own.

From the first band rehearsals at Mensah and Kwame’s house to playing at local venues, The Thirst built up their strong fan-base the traditional way, gigging across London up to six times a week. Word soon spread of their talent and it wasn’t long before Ronnie Wood heard of The Thirst making waves in London.

The Rolling Stone immediately sent his talent scouts down to one of their gigs. The Thirst blew the crowd away and as soon as Ronnie returned from tour, he along with his family went to see the band at their gig at The Half Moon in Putney. The Thirst was signed on the spot, making them the first band to be signed to Wooden Records.

“These guys clearly belong on stage; they have a serious sound, raw talent and don’t disregard the power of lyrics like so many bands do these days.”(Ronnie Wood).

“I started playing now and again and got these three round just smoking and trying to stay off the road. My mum allowed us all to come round her house, have a jam, socialise and chill out. She’d rather that than us hanging on the corner smoking weed." (Mensah)

Since being signed, The Thirst released a limited copy of a 4 track EP which sold out within two weeks of release. The lead single, ‘My Everything’, was championed by Zane Lowe on his Radio 1 show and the video for ‘My Everything’ can also be seen on MTV2 Indie Mixtape. The Thirst followed up the success of their debut EP by releasing a vibrant club single entitled Ready 2 Move; this download release received rave reviews from specialist press. The video for Ready 2 Move really captured the bands exhilarating live performances and can be seen in full rotation on Q Channel, Sub TV, MTV2 Indie-Mixtape and many more.

The summer of 2007 witnessed The Thirst gracing the main stage at a number of prestigious UK festivals; their debut appearance being none other than the infamous Isle of Wight Festival, which was filmed and televised by Channel 4. The Thirst also played Hyde Park Calling, Electric Gardens, and Glastonbury (Left-field) in addition to an unforgetable support show for the Rolling Stones in front of 40,000 people in Budva, Croatia.

The Thirst toured the UK and Europe as main support for Canadian band Hot Hot Heat and New Zealand rockers, The Checks. The Thirst also performed at two Sex Pistols support slots where they truly held their own up against a very intimidating crowd at a sold out Manchester Arena!

The Thirst have been creating a real “scene buzz” and regularly hold their own "Thirsty" parties in and around London including a recent launch party at The Brixton Fridge, where they played a sold out show with support from Indie favourites Good-Books. The show was attended by one of their biggest inspirations Pete Doherty, which has led to recent studio sessions and secret jams at his house. It has now been confirmed The Thirst will feature on Pete's solo album due out later this year.
Now, The Thirst is gearing up to record their eagerly anticipated Album at London’s Olympic studios with an excellent set of producers including... Jake Fior (Babyshambles, The Libertines). Jim Abbiss (Kasabian, Arctic Monkeys) James Lewis (Cajun Dance Party) “Expect Fireworks and bangers on this hugely anticipated album "Jake Fior".

"There is no love greater than music; it's the soundtrack to our lives."

AlternativeInformant: How long have you been involved in the music industry?


The Thirst: We have been a band for almost 3 years now, gigging for 2 years and industry (signed to an independent label) for a year!
AlternativeInformant: What would you describe your genre of music as?

The Thirst: BOX LESS (YOU TICK THE BOXES WE DON'T)

AlternativeInformant: When and how did you all meet and form the phenomenon that is The Thirst?

The Thirst: Cheers Phenomenon, reminds me of that Philadelphia cheese advert - lol, Well we met at home (brothers Kwame & Mensah)Mark & Marcus attended same primary school and secondary school, but it wasn't until leaving school we all met up in Mordon quite randomly doing graffiti!!. Mensah was playing guitar and persuaded the others to invest in a piece of equipment.. we all went cash converters...then had a jamm.. a jamm turned into renting a rehearsal space (via our Manager and brother from another mother..Kingsley) which followed 6 months of intense rehearsals .. which lead to shows.. which lead to this interview.. where we are again-lol.


AlternativeInformant: Are there any artists that influence your music?


The Thirst: There are a wide range of artists with all have a very diverse taste in music including speed bhangra! influences ranging from Hendrix Experience to Snoop Dogg... doggy style album.We listen to everything.... right now we are in the 80's listening to C.R.E.A.M, tomorrow we could be in the 90's with BLUR, THEN FIRDAY WE COULD BE IN 2010 WITH FUTURE SAILOR.


AlternativeInformant: Is there a message to your music? If so what’s the message?

The Thirst: Read between the lines.

AlternativeInformant: What do you find the most enjoyable thing about performing or recording your music?

The Thirst: That someone will listen to it- This is a passion for us we have not started a band as its cool or mummy and daddy brought us a drum-kit and guitars , we love music and we love performing live its our drug, there is no bigger buzz so when we see someone has attended a gig to see us that's satisfaction , in its purest!

AlternativeInformant: What is your current view of new indie acts out there at the moment?

The Thirst: Its comme ci comme ca, Those that are new and trying something new we respect, those that are new and are ripping off yesterday's new we don't.. we are listening and you know who you are!

AlternativeInformant: Why do you think that people are hooked on your sound?

The Thirst: Cheers..But are they?? Sign us up for rehab then!

AlternativeInformant: What do you think about Myspace where artists like yourself can promote your music easily and gain an audience?

The Thirst: WE LOVE MYSPACE, Its great bring on myspace records... where do we sign lol, Nah its a fantastic tool if used right, stop spamming and stop cheating your plays. Well done Tom, We wont forget you if we make it.

AlternativeInformant: What’s the best thing about being in the group?

The Thirst: Kwame-Deciding what T-shirt to wear.

Mark- the adrenalin on stage

Marcus- playing my part as fire, in the 4 elements fire, water, earth and wind! Go Go Captain Planet!

Mensah- Being in the group.

AlternativeInformant: What does the future hold for The Thirst?

The Thirst: Our debut album, and tour we cant wait to come to a city near you! we hope to shake up the music industry and release an album every 6 months.. we hope to throw some wild parties and let everyone in for free.. would like to know what mystic meg reckons??


http://www.myspace.com/thethirstrockband

thethirst.co.uk