Published: May 17, 2009 1:17 AM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight May 2009 Edition
Froud
Froud
Our next spotlight comes from the Ireland band known as Froud. With a killer sound, electrifying guitars, and soulful rock vocals, each member of Froud nicely blends together to make solid entertaining music. Lead man Martin O'Neill, Vocals/Guitar, recently spoke with our Webzine about the band and what fans can expect from them in the coming years. Enjoy!
Isaac: What was the best part of 2008 for you musically?
Martin: I suppose the best part of 2008 for me was finally getting Froud to a touring level. We'd spent quite a few months in the studio in '08 and had struggled with some line-up changes after we had finished recording. This upset the balance a lot for the live shows but we've finally got to a position where we're comfortable and confident with our live routine! How much better does it get than getting your music heard and seeing the reaction first hand!
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?
Martin: Well, it was a combination of 08 and the beginning of 09 really. We got our debut single 'Nostalgia' finally released. As independent artist, this was a big deal and for it to get to No. 1 on the Independent Artist Irish Chart was phenomenal. It made industry types sit up and take notice which is always nice! We also had our single included in a compilation which over 20,000 copies of which was distributed throughout Italy last October. Plus, the video turned out great.
Isaac: Describe the music scene in Ireland.
Martin: It's thriving! There are so many bands coming up through my region, and most of them are top notch. With everything form straight ahead rock to indie shoegaze, metal to folk and all in-between! It's about time some of these acts got recognition for they're work! The likes of SJ McArdle, The Flaws and Sanzkrit are paving the way and it means a lot to the rest of the local musicians to see what can be achieved! Plus there's a great community spirit building between all the bands!
Isaac: What has been the best venue to perform at and why?
Martin: There are quite a few. I suppose I prefer some of the more intimate gigs. We've played some of the larger venues as well but everything seems tighter and solid in the smaller rooms. But that's just the musician in me; the rest of me want the big gigs and festivals!
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
Martin: Always a tricky question. There are so many. I mean I'm into so many styles never mind artists. If I had to narrow it down to a few, I'd say Incubus, Dave Matthews, The Police, Thin Lizzy, The Beatles, John Mayer, Ray Charles..... ah the list goes on! I think it's the melodies and the stories that get me. When an artist can get that story across to you, as if it was your story - that the type of songwriter I'd like to develop into! Plus, all those catchy tunes are hard to turn off! But I'm flighty another day I'd have a whole other list!
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Martin: I'm hoping that Froud can bring something a little different from the norm. We are developing our sound all the time but I'd like to think that we can be the sort of Act that can't be pigeon-holed, but in a good way! I mean put shuffle on your iPod and look at the first ten songs - all great songs to you but I'm sure some are rock; some are ballads, some acoustic! I hope that we can be eclectic and yet not so sporadic that it throws people off! All rounders I suppose.
Plus, I'd like to bring more musicianship to the fore again. I feel that in a lot of the alt/indie acts out there, the individuals get lost in the "getting-onto-radio" syndrome and a lot of things are dictated by what's popular this month and some fantastic musicians are being "over-tamed" for want of a better expression by trying to carve out a living rather than being given a bit of artistic freedom. Look at some of the outstanding 60's and 70's music that got to the masses that wouldn't make it in today's music business......shame!
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
Martin: Incubus. I can't think of anything I don't like about them!
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Maritn: Tricky again. It's been described as mainstream rock and radio friendly rock but I think there's a bit more to it than that! I cringe when we're described as that but maybe that's me putting a stereotype on it! I'd like to think it's a bit deeper in places. But it does sit in the pop/rock genre the best!
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from fans about your music?
Martin: It all has been great so far. We're getting new fans everyday and at every gig so its a building process but people are spreading the word and supporting us and that the biggest compliment we could get!
Isaac: Where can fans locate you at online?
Martin: Ah were all over the place.haha! The main page would be www.myspace.com/froudmusic but were also on Bebo and Facebook and videos on YouTube! And of course to buy the single 'Nostalgia' go to iTunes or downloadmusic.ie! We will have our second single "Over Again' out at the end of July all going well!
Isaac: What can fans expect from you in the next five years?
Martin: Well we have a few more singles to come out before we get the Album "My Claimz" released. It's penciled in for the late 09 or possibly early 2010! But there will be plenty more form us in the coming years. We are currently writing away for album no. 2 so good times ahead we hope!
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…
Martin: Everyone who gives us a listen spread the word and helped us along the road so far. They know who they are!
