Weekly > Interviews
Sergeant
Last year I went to see Supergrass on their tour to suppoort the new album out at the time, the gig was in Leeds and for once I actually got there in plenty of time. The result of that was that I got to watch the support bands that were on that night.
One of those support bands that showed promise were Sergeant. The Scottish outfit had all the boxes ticked to become a popular ‘lads’ band and that seems to be coming true now, having been chosen to support Oasis in Scotland.
Up to now the band have released a couple of low-key singles, they have now started to raise their profile with the release of a new single in March called Swiftly Does It. With an album to follow this year, things are really starting to hot up for the band, so it seemed the perfect time to put some questions to them and find out about the album, the recent tour and how they got on with the Gallagher brothers!
What do you consider the reason you started making music?
Boredom and the relisation that I wasn’t going to make it as a footballer. I was always into football first and music came second. They are the two best jobs in the world so I gave them a go. When you’re growing up and there is nothing to do, you end up kicking a ball around or playing a guitar.
Can you describe your sound and influences.
There are many aspects to being influenced: lyrics, structure and a feel of a song can come from so many different things. Scotts guitar playing gets compared to Johnny Marr a lot yet he has never listened to The Smiths much. Mike Skinner is probably one of the biggest influences on me, which people always find strange and unexplainable.
What is it that makes you stand out?
Our music stands out because its fresh and to the point. Music is an art form that is always going to be influenced from what’s been before, that’s a fact. You just have to acknowledge what’s been before and take it your own way. The important thing to remember is that youth never disappears and that’s why every generation needs its own outlet and lease of life. That’s what its about.
How do you experience being part of todays British music scene?
I don’t really pay attention to what any other bands are doing. I don’t see much that gives us hope to be honest. There’s been a lot of fakeness and music that doesn’t connect with people like it should which is dissapointing. It needs a kick up the arse and a change.
You guys are releasing your new single ‘Swiftly Does It’ on 30th March. What’s the song about?
The song is about that friendship and unity you hold with a group of people you spend your time with. They will be there forever no matter what. Its a good feeling having that so it was just a bit of celebration of that I suppose. Me being grateful.
Any funny experiences or outstanding moments from your recent tour of the UK?
Breaking down a couple of times stands out although not for good reasons. Getting to play new songs for the first time was good.
Weblinks
Add to favouritesYou recently supported Oasis, how did that come about and how was the experience of playing to bigger crowds?
Noel had heard of us and liked it that much he asked us on tour. It gave us a hint of where we want to be and you also get a chance to turn on thousands of people to your music. In the case of Oasis, people say you should never meet your heroes, but we couldn’t have expected anything more. They understood we are the same as what they were, just four lads making music about finding better things whilst having the time of your life doing it. Playing in front of big crowds is never daunting, playing in front of a handfull is, so we rose to the occasion and thrived on it.
How does it feel to have supporters like Oasis and Alan Mcgee who has described you as “saviours of Scottish music”?
I always get humbled by what people say about us and our music. That includes the kids that come to see us. So when someone like Oasis or Alan say something, you know your doing something right. We take it all with a pinch of salt.
Your album is coming out later this year. Tell us more about it and what to expect?
It sounds fresh and nothing like anything for a long time. Twelve quick songs with alot to say. Everyone and their grannies should be able to connect with it. It’s all positive, it’s alot harder to make people smile and give them hope through music I believe. Anyone can write depressing songs and there’s always to much of that.
How was it working with John Leckie a producer who comes with a massive reputation (Stone Roses, Radiohead, The Verve)?
John was a true gent. You expect some big-named producers to be well aware of how good they are and what they have achieved, but John just wasn’t like that. His feet are well on the ground which made him a normal lad so it was easy for us to get on with him. If someone is on your level like that you can work with them easily.
Have your say...
Comment Guidlines
You must be logged in to post a comment. Go Login or Register first.
We waffle on enough without letting you lot do it too. Comments are limited to 300 characters.
Try and keep on topic if you can and no insulting the contributors. All hate mail can be addressed to Kev.