Published: December 27, 2009 4:29 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight January 2010 Edition
The Cellophane Flowers
Psychedelic Artist/Band of the Week December 27, 2009 - January 02, 2010
The Cellophane Flowers
The Cellophane Flowers are a creative unique bunch of artists who have created wonderful music that is not easily categorized into one specific genre. If you are looking for music that is truly original, then check out the astounding sounds of The Cellophane Flowers. Here is what the members of the band had to say about their music.
Isaac: What's the name of your band? What's the origin of that name? Have you changed the band's name before?
Ian: The Cellophane Flowers. We didn't steal it from the Beatles, we stole it from the Secret Machines who stole it from the Beatles. We only realized later. We liked the imagery - trying to find elegance in a plastic, manufactured world. And the fact that everyone goes "The Cellophane what?"
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
Nick: Well this quote by our friend who runs a regular club night in London best describes it…
Quote: "Trying to define the ever-evolving sound of The Cellophane Flowers is difficult. Even when on stage at Club Ugly one is never sure whether these guys sound more like the Cocteau Twins, Fleetwood Mac or something very post-grunge. Eventually it is better to stop worrying and just let the swirling noise surround you".
Luca: Our influences are varied; we all bring something different music-wise to the table. For instance, Francesca is a big fan of The Smiths and Mazzy Star, where Nick loves The Cure and The Jesus and Mary Chain. Ian lives and breathes The Stone Roses as well as Animal Collective; but strangely enough, I'm the youngest and love the older stuff, Jimi Hendrix and Parliament is where it is at for me…
Isaac: How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
Nick: We have been together as a band for 3 years, although Ian and I have known each from previous bands. We found Francesca in a second hand clothes shop and Luca was recommended by an acquaintance of ours, Nero Meyer Egglesbrucker III.
Isaac: When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
Francesca: We formed in 2006, the only reason being that we all love music.
Isaac: Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
Francesca: We are currently unsigned and completely independent, musically and spiritually.
Isaac: What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever's available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Was it cost or was it a style/model/brand/color preference?
Francesca: We just play whatever we have. For example, I am playing Luca's guitar.
Ian: Vintage Gibson semi-acoustic. I love running around on stage with a semi.
Nick: My vintage Ludwig snare and old Zildjian cymbals shape the sound.
Luca: I'm torn between many brands, considering I have to play so many instruments! I play a Fender Precision bass mainly, but occasionally I'm allowed to touch the old Casio keyboard.
Isaac: Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
Nick: We have played many central London venues from the trendy to the sublime, like Camden's coolest Proud Galleries and Barfly to some of Brixton's dirtiest, a la the Jamm and Windmill. Our next gig is our very own Cellophonic Club in north London at a venue called the Wilmington Arms.
Isaac: Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
Ian: We've got too many tracks to play any too frequently. We'll play new ones for a while, get bored then do some newer ones and resurrect some older tracks. We always start and end with an epic with plenty of loud and quiet building bits, we make sure we get plenty of poppy tracks in there and then try and squeeze in as many quirky ones as possible.
Nick: No covers, the industry doesn't like it.
Isaac: Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
Francesca: Ian and I bring in ideas and melodies to the rehearsal room, and then we jam as a band to see what works and what doesn't. Our themes include alienation and not belonging.
Isaac: Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
Nick: Pick up instrument. Have fun. Keep the good bits. Drink beer - not strictly in this order.
Isaac: What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
Luca: We generally play with the lights off; it makes it easier to concentrate. We practice regularly.
Isaac: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
Ian: Well, Luca now knows how to play his instrument/s, but even the instrumentation that we now use has evolved, everyone taking a turn at playing with a new toy.
Isaac: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Nick: I think it would be bringing together all our different influences to create a coherent song that we all love. We all manage to see the great parts of a melody or rhythm that works, yet depending on who had the idea, can depend on the direction.
Francesca: We have definitely come to appreciate our different tastes over time and use these to our advantage in the songwriting process.
Isaac: What's your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
Nick: Musical success and an honest living…
Francesca: Fame fame fatal fame!
Luca: It would be nice to tell our bosses to fuck off so we could quit our day jobs.
Isaac: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Ian: Best advice is not to listen to our advice - do your own thing!
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Nick: The single was released in October and has been distributed through the usual suspects like iTunes, Amazon, Napster, Play.com, Spotify etc. But of course you can find past and present tunes on our myspace page http://www.myspace.com/thecellophaneflowers. Also, our release date for our EP will be in April/May. Plus, we have our video for single "If I Was A Girl" now available on our MySpace and on Youtube.
Isaac: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Luca: Yeah the usual, friends, family, pets, that's all we've got for now!
Isaac: Any last words?
Francesca: We are The Cellophane Flowers, love us!
