Once described by a very drunk John Peel as 'Cumbernauld's top death metal band' (wrong in both counts, as it happens), Glasgow-based trio Aereogramme have fashioned a very fine debut album in 'A Story In White'. Equal parts gentle and serene and angular and heavy, it's a promising way to open your account, and there are clear signs of a band who are prepared to stretch themselves. TINTV asked some questions of their vocalist/guitarist Craig B.
TINTV: Can you explain a bit of background to Aereogramme?
Craig: It all started with Campbell and myself. We were working in the same record shop and both had ideas for a new band so we started with the view to recording some acoustic songs but it soon changed course. We got Martin to play drums then started writing with Iain and it all came together quite quickly. Our love for heavier music really influenced where Aereogramme are today, along with the desire to include many other different styles of music. Except for styles like Hip Hop or funk because we are four hairy, white, Scottish guys and they never mix well with these types of musical genres.
TINTV: Your early releases were on Babi Yaga Records, was that your own label? What has happened to that now you've signed to Chemikal Underground?
Craig: Babi Yaga stopped releasing records because we ran out of money. We had a plan to release three other Glasgow bands but couldn't afford it. I would love to start it up again when I'm not putting every last penny into paying my rent. There is a great feeling in finding a band that are not well known so you can help in spreading the word a wee bit.
TINTV: You released two excellent EPs before 'A Story In White' and only one song from these made it onto the album, when some bands might have chucked three or four on...
Craig: Yeah, I like people to get their moneys worth when it comes to singles. It's also a good reason to put on acoustic songs because we have a lot of them and they are easier to record quickly. This can confuse a lot of people because we don't usually get the chance to play these songs live but hopefully in the future there will be a greater chance to play them. They are as much a part of who Aereogramme are as the heavier songs or the more electronic songs are.
TINTV: Unlike some bands (dare I say it, some London-based NME fondled groups, but not exclusively) the three of you seem genuinely into music...
Craig: I guess we are. Campbell is one of the most passionate individuals I have ever met in regards to music and when we first started the band it consisted of 20% working on music and 80% talking about it. We are certainly not driven by style (that's obvious by just looking at us) or by the need to feel popular (we really have no mates) so it all comes down to the music that we create and so far I have felt extremely fulfilled. My only goal is to hopefully move people like I was moved when I listened so intensely to all the albums that shaped my life while growing up. I was genuinely grateful that certain people had written these songs because they made me feel better. I only hope we can do the same.
TINTV: How much do you dislike the phrase 'quiet bit-loud bit'?
Craig: I don't mind it that much really. We do it a hell of a lot because it works! Nirvana wouldn't have been anything without that formula. At the risk of sounding like a dick, we do try and change that formula. We invented the "loud bit-Quiet bit", you know!
TINTV: What's the best thing about being in Aereogramme?
Craig: Getting to see different parts of the world that I never thought I would get to see and playing in front of some really decent people. Oh yeah, and the drugs, booze, chicks, dwarves. That kind of thing.
TINTV: What's the worst thing about being in Aereogramme?
Craig: Probably having to put up with me. Apart from that, at the moment it's a monthly pain in the arse to pay the rent and maybe not going on holiday for a decade. Not much to moan about though.
Interview courtesy of This Is Not TV (http://www.tintv.f9.co.uk