The Blizzards
Like Weezer on steroids, The Blizzards are brilliantly conceived. Brought up surrounded by records that documented the soul of the Sixties and the neon-pop of the Eighties, we caught up with the band to delve into their musical closet.
Hello there pretties, how are things going in your lovely world?
That’s the nicest intro question we have ever got. We don't feel very pretty presently as we’re stuck in our tour bus in 30-degree heat on a four-hour drive to Southampton with a rum and coke hangover, but your pleasantly-put intro made us feel a bit perkier.
Well, we aim to please! So we are proper 100% loving your super hot new single… tell us a bit about the inspiration behind it…
Another nice question. We love the UK journalists, they are much lovelier than our Irish ones. The song “Buy It Sell It” is basically written about how in the entertainment industry be it music, film, media etc... very few people around you are real and in general don’t particularly care about you, so it’s very important to have people in your life that don’t treat you like a commodity, that love you truly and only want what’s best for you. Fundamentally, love is something you can’t buy or sell and when you have someone that loves you, you must cherish and protect it
To anyone who hasn’t heard of you yet, how would you describe your sound?
The best way to describe what we do is this... we don't do self indulgent, life’s a bastard, I have no money, my dog died, Dawsons Creek, I’m overweight and insecure music. We want to make people happy. We write pop music about simple everyday things. We are not trying to reinvent the wheel here, come to one of our shows and you'll get the message. Think Abba mixed with Weezer and you’re getting there
If you were going to give us just one song of yours to listen to so that you would become our new favourite artist, what would it be?
If you’re looking for an out and out hook track that makes you want to smile and sticks in your head like glue listen to "Trust Me, I'm a Doctor"... if you want a track that makes you want to go home and hug the person you love the most in your life listen to "Postcards" and if you want to do a bit of angry/happy dancing listen to "The Reason"
If you could cover another band’s song, what would it be?
"I'm Coming Out" by Diana Ross… the drums alone make me want to dance and I'm a terrible, terrible dancer. God has not blessed me with co-ordination
And can you sum up your good selves in just five words?
Very, very, very bad dancers
What makes you stand out from the crowd?
Literally everyone in the band are over 6 foot and I myself am 6'6, so that helps. But musically we pride ourselves on our live show. Cause of your nice questions we will sort ye out with guest list next time we are playing near your offices
Aww thanks, you’re my new favourites! So, you know we’re having a bit of an economic crisis here at the moment, if people wanted to spend their last penny on music this weekend, why should they buy yours?
Because it’s anti recession music and relatively cheap (like ourselves)
What three bands would you have to headline your dream festival?
The Clash, ELO and Abba and Queen if budget allows
Ooh, good choice, now, what has been your favourite musical memory to date?
Learning that we are going to be supporting our childhood heroes Oasis in one of the best music venues in the world Slane Castle. I love them not just 'cause of their music but because Liam and Noel are the last of the great frontmen and have influenced us more than they will ever know both musically and personally. They generated a sub-culture, not many bands can play that card
If all of the band’s equipment was on fire, what one piece would you save and why?
My 1966 Vintage Fender Telecaster, selfish I know but this is an honest interview.
We like your honesty, it makes us love you a little bit more and more! But, who do you think is the greatest artist around at the moment?
I'm more into good tunes than any particular artists. Electro pop is big at the moment. Not its biggest fan but some great artists coming out of the genre like La Roux. I heard Florence and The Machine’s album in our label’s office and it blew me away.
Musically it seems streets ahead of a lot of the other female artists. Also the Virgins’ new album rocks. Funky pop music with a bit of attitude. I don’t get caught up in the buzz band vibes or the tip for 2010 or whatever, show me a good band with kick ass tunes and a live show to match and I’m happy.
If you could only listen to one CD for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Abba Gold
Okay… interesting, now we want to ask you some random questions; Tell me about the most terrifying experience of your life…
Seeing Kerry Katona in the flesh. I was hoping she was not real
Haha, what a legend, and what’s the most stupid purchase you’ve ever made?
I bought 300 golf balls on eBay once... I don’t play golf. No one was bidding on them so I felt a bit sorry for the dude and bought them
Aww, you’re so sweet, I think I love you, but can you tell me why people go to the top of a tall building, only to put money in binoculars and look at things on the ground?
'Cause its better than jumping off
Haha, great answer, and on that note, best of luck with everything - except jumping off buildings…
FemaleFirst - Ruth harrison