Jen made a few Desert Island style compilation CDs the other day for some people she knows,
Its got me thinking. I made a list of songs, however compiling a Desert Island disk is a hell of a lot different from doing a comp cd for someone.
RULES
1. These have to be songs that you have always loved and will continue to love
2. These have to be songs that if someone said you could never hear these songs again you would be most upset
3. Ten Songs
I think I short-listed about 30 songs but finally got it down to ten
Some of my dilemmas are;
1. I would like either Atmosphere or Love Will Tear Us Apart By Joy Division, I would also like Crystal Or Blue Monday By New Order. I would also like Getting Away With It By Electronic.
Theres three bands that are all connected to New Order Joy Division and also feature Bernard Summer
2. I would like a Post Rock song on there since Post Rock has influenced me and been a big part of my life for years. As far as i'm concerned there are 2 Post Rock songs that are seminal
Mogwai - Fear Satan
Mono - The Kidnapper Bell
3. I WANT MORE SONGS
Annnnnnnyway
Here are the ten Desert Island Disks songs that I consider seminal in my life, These are songs I cant live without and will love forever!
The names are click able and will take you to the song should you want to hear them!
1. Grammatics - Relentless Fours
2. REM - Man On The Moon
3. Owl City - Fireflies
4. Fountains Of Wayne - Hey Julie
5. Spin Doctors - Two Princes
6. Take That - Never Forget
7. The National - Fake Empire
8. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Hysteric
8. New Order - Crystal
10. Mono - The Kidnapper Bell
Thursday 30 December 2010
Monday 20 December 2010
Mouthful of Pennies/Falling & Laughing single
Hello,
As most of you may know from being in a band, you seem to gather a fair few pictures, be they taken by a photographer (which wont be used as they caught your bad side or make you look 900 years old) or by yourselves to stave off boredom while playing shows etc.
The vast majority of them wont be used for anything other than clogging up my pc, so heres where I had the idea for the artwork for our new single.
The inlay (which is the paper case inside the more professional looking outer case) will feature a picture to do with the band, it doesn't even have to be of the band just sentimental things really
I myself still take pictures of posters we appear on whenever we play a show. Its almost as if i'm saying to myself "Oh effing christ, someone has cared enough to write our name on something"
Sad I know
Anyway to give you an idea of the inlays heres a mock-up ive done over the past day or so
I think we will have a pink and black theme running through the release much like one of my heroes
The Pink and Black attack Bret "Hitman" Hart
IT WILL NOT BE WRESTLING THEMED THOUGH so dont worry about that.
Annnnnnnnyyyyway
Each picture will have a reason written on the back of the story behind it.
I offer some examples below:
This picture is from the first time we played London, I think it was a place called The Dry Bar, after we played we thought we would go out onto the streets of London and take some "Promo Shots", as the picture evidence will confirm it didn't go according to plan as we clearly had no idea of how to stand.
This picture is taken from the stage at a Halloween gig at Katie Fitzgeralds in Stourbridge.Keith Decided to wander off into the crowd and I took a picture(although I probably should have been playing guitar).If you look closely you can see Jens mum after being whacked on the top of the head by a guilty looking guy with a camera.
This picture is of our "Choir" that we used to record Collapsible Friend.Some had stronger voices than others but the finished product came out fantastic
Picture from the Little Civic in Wolverhampton.Members of our fave bands (Library Of June and Bears In Caves) are in this picture.I think we were main support to Amusement Parks on Fire that night
Each one will be different ( I have loads of Pictures)
Should you have a favourite photo of us,about us that you would like to include please feel free to email them to kidnapperbell@hotmail.co.uk
The cd will also come with handwritten lyrics and a possibly a free download!
YAY
As most of you may know from being in a band, you seem to gather a fair few pictures, be they taken by a photographer (which wont be used as they caught your bad side or make you look 900 years old) or by yourselves to stave off boredom while playing shows etc.
The vast majority of them wont be used for anything other than clogging up my pc, so heres where I had the idea for the artwork for our new single.
The inlay (which is the paper case inside the more professional looking outer case) will feature a picture to do with the band, it doesn't even have to be of the band just sentimental things really
I myself still take pictures of posters we appear on whenever we play a show. Its almost as if i'm saying to myself "Oh effing christ, someone has cared enough to write our name on something"
Sad I know
Anyway to give you an idea of the inlays heres a mock-up ive done over the past day or so
I think we will have a pink and black theme running through the release much like one of my heroes
The Pink and Black attack Bret "Hitman" Hart
IT WILL NOT BE WRESTLING THEMED THOUGH so dont worry about that.
Annnnnnnnyyyyway
Each picture will have a reason written on the back of the story behind it.
I offer some examples below:
This picture is from the first time we played London, I think it was a place called The Dry Bar, after we played we thought we would go out onto the streets of London and take some "Promo Shots", as the picture evidence will confirm it didn't go according to plan as we clearly had no idea of how to stand.
This picture is taken from the stage at a Halloween gig at Katie Fitzgeralds in Stourbridge.Keith Decided to wander off into the crowd and I took a picture(although I probably should have been playing guitar).If you look closely you can see Jens mum after being whacked on the top of the head by a guilty looking guy with a camera.
This picture is of our "Choir" that we used to record Collapsible Friend.Some had stronger voices than others but the finished product came out fantastic
Picture from the Little Civic in Wolverhampton.Members of our fave bands (Library Of June and Bears In Caves) are in this picture.I think we were main support to Amusement Parks on Fire that night
Each one will be different ( I have loads of Pictures)
Should you have a favourite photo of us,about us that you would like to include please feel free to email them to kidnapperbell@hotmail.co.uk
The cd will also come with handwritten lyrics and a possibly a free download!
YAY
Monday 6 December 2010
GRACIAS
The reason for this blog is really to say thanks to Keith who seems to have taken over management of the band over the last few months.
Its been a tricky year this year. I think we have spent a lot of time honing our sound and attempted to write poppier songs, it seems to have worked as people seem to refer to us as a pop band rather than a hardcore band(I dont think we were ever Hardcore).
Plus as we haven't had anything released this year (mainly due to not really finding our sound recording wise) its been a pain as we have had nothing to promote which is especially frustrating for the likes of me a person who thrives on finding webzines/reviewer pages and then posting them promos.
Actually on the subject of promos someone told me there are a few of ours on Ebay
I saw one that sold a while ago of our first EP, the packaging of which was made out of wallpaper and wax sealed. I'm sure it said something along the lines of "sold out LTD edition Kidnapper Bell EP"
BOLLOCKS!!!!
While it is true that there are no more left I still have the wallpaper used to make the cases (its a lovely red/blue from Home-base. A bargain quite frankly) I can knock one up in 30 mins.
Anyway i'm drifting off topic again!
Next Feb will see the release of our single Mouthful Of Pennies/Falling & Laughing, with special packaging and goodies to go along with it as well as gigs aplenty.
Another thanks to Keith who has been sending out emails aplenty in my absence.
Next year will be the year we make the people who dont know about us care about us!
Yay
Its been a tricky year this year. I think we have spent a lot of time honing our sound and attempted to write poppier songs, it seems to have worked as people seem to refer to us as a pop band rather than a hardcore band(I dont think we were ever Hardcore).
Plus as we haven't had anything released this year (mainly due to not really finding our sound recording wise) its been a pain as we have had nothing to promote which is especially frustrating for the likes of me a person who thrives on finding webzines/reviewer pages and then posting them promos.
Actually on the subject of promos someone told me there are a few of ours on Ebay
I saw one that sold a while ago of our first EP, the packaging of which was made out of wallpaper and wax sealed. I'm sure it said something along the lines of "sold out LTD edition Kidnapper Bell EP"
BOLLOCKS!!!!
While it is true that there are no more left I still have the wallpaper used to make the cases (its a lovely red/blue from Home-base. A bargain quite frankly) I can knock one up in 30 mins.
Anyway i'm drifting off topic again!
Next Feb will see the release of our single Mouthful Of Pennies/Falling & Laughing, with special packaging and goodies to go along with it as well as gigs aplenty.
Another thanks to Keith who has been sending out emails aplenty in my absence.
Next year will be the year we make the people who dont know about us care about us!
Yay
Sunday 26 September 2010
Recording Diary (Falling & Laughing)
Yesterday we finished recording vocals for Falling And Laughing.
We made plans to be at the studio at 11am
Jen said that she would be ready to go at 10.30
10.45 - Jen has yet to emerge. I text her simply the word "Woman?"
10.47 - Jen phones me and does her oft thing of acting like shes been doing something super productive (not just talking to her cats which we all know is the truth)
For Jens Tardiness I force her to listen to the Egyptian Hip Hop EP all the way to Keiths house
11.00 - We get to Keiths house. He is running late due to the purchase of a shed and the king of the shed people not informing him that he needs a base for his shed before it is fitted to his garden
12.12 - After getting to the studio and setting up. Liam Begins recording essential guitar overdubs
12.15 - Liam finishes guitar overdubs
12.16 - FAG BREAK (delicious bastards)
12.45 - Construction of the vocal booth begins
12.46 - For Liam construction of the vocal booth ends after finding this guy
3.30 - vocals now in place. I dont know what its like for other bands but this is really one of the great parts of recording vocals when keith Jen and Elliott (not me cuz i'm tone-deaf) come up with harmonies for certain bits.
3.45 - FAG BREAK
4.00 - Armed with a selection of crisps we watch the end of the F1 qualifying. Keith makes joke about Fernando Alonso getting "The Pole"
4.08 - Keith asks which of the presenters is "Jeff Honeycomb" to which Jen replies "Thats JAKE HUMPHREY on the left there"
5.00 - We decide to put a spoke word monologue into the bridge of the song, after some time rummaging for vocal samples Elliott asks if Keith can do one then without any shred of irony he asks Keith if he can "do an American accent". Cue roars of laughter
5.38 - I count my Space Hopper injuries, it totals at three the worst one being when I fell backwards off him and into a gutitar stand when Elliott refused to break my fall. (GIT)
6.00 - We write and record Glockenspiel parts in an effort to make the song more twee.
6.51 - We all stand around and listen to the song whilst grinning at each other.If anyone has ever be to a studio with a band when they have all their tracks down there is this moment when they are listing to it and all looking at each other as if to say "Fuck Yeah". Its a great moment.
6.52 - Keith describes the song as "A love song on Crack"
6.54 - FAG BREAK
6.58 - Another song listen (cue more inane grinning)
7.00 - A wrap. All there is now s to get it mixed and then released as a double A-side single with Everything Ever
We made plans to be at the studio at 11am
Jen said that she would be ready to go at 10.30
10.45 - Jen has yet to emerge. I text her simply the word "Woman?"
10.47 - Jen phones me and does her oft thing of acting like shes been doing something super productive (not just talking to her cats which we all know is the truth)
For Jens Tardiness I force her to listen to the Egyptian Hip Hop EP all the way to Keiths house
11.00 - We get to Keiths house. He is running late due to the purchase of a shed and the king of the shed people not informing him that he needs a base for his shed before it is fitted to his garden
12.12 - After getting to the studio and setting up. Liam Begins recording essential guitar overdubs
12.15 - Liam finishes guitar overdubs
12.16 - FAG BREAK (delicious bastards)
12.45 - Construction of the vocal booth begins
12.46 - For Liam construction of the vocal booth ends after finding this guy
3.30 - vocals now in place. I dont know what its like for other bands but this is really one of the great parts of recording vocals when keith Jen and Elliott (not me cuz i'm tone-deaf) come up with harmonies for certain bits.
3.45 - FAG BREAK
4.00 - Armed with a selection of crisps we watch the end of the F1 qualifying. Keith makes joke about Fernando Alonso getting "The Pole"
4.08 - Keith asks which of the presenters is "Jeff Honeycomb" to which Jen replies "Thats JAKE HUMPHREY on the left there"
5.00 - We decide to put a spoke word monologue into the bridge of the song, after some time rummaging for vocal samples Elliott asks if Keith can do one then without any shred of irony he asks Keith if he can "do an American accent". Cue roars of laughter
5.38 - I count my Space Hopper injuries, it totals at three the worst one being when I fell backwards off him and into a gutitar stand when Elliott refused to break my fall. (GIT)
6.00 - We write and record Glockenspiel parts in an effort to make the song more twee.
6.51 - We all stand around and listen to the song whilst grinning at each other.If anyone has ever be to a studio with a band when they have all their tracks down there is this moment when they are listing to it and all looking at each other as if to say "Fuck Yeah". Its a great moment.
6.52 - Keith describes the song as "A love song on Crack"
6.54 - FAG BREAK
6.58 - Another song listen (cue more inane grinning)
7.00 - A wrap. All there is now s to get it mixed and then released as a double A-side single with Everything Ever
Friday 17 September 2010
Retaining dignity
After playing Artsfest the weekend ive come to study pics of people with bands and how to achieve the perfect balance
These guys all seem to have it down on how to pose for pics with people (even the guy from All Time Low with his Orange face and character from Garfield eyes)
They maintain a sense of dignity and respect that says "Yeah no big deal"
However Liam Cole from Kidnapper Bell falls short as not only does he look overjoyed that someone is actually talking to him he grasps the opportunity to get infront of the camera with both hands in the manner of a simpleton!!
These guys all seem to have it down on how to pose for pics with people (even the guy from All Time Low with his Orange face and character from Garfield eyes)
They maintain a sense of dignity and respect that says "Yeah no big deal"
However Liam Cole from Kidnapper Bell falls short as not only does he look overjoyed that someone is actually talking to him he grasps the opportunity to get infront of the camera with both hands in the manner of a simpleton!!
Wednesday 11 August 2010
Falling & Laughing......
....... are a band, and a top one at that. The reason for this writing is my copy of their "Bunnyhood" EP arrived today in the post!
It is wonderfully packaged
And apart from that it sounds effing amazing. Duncan (the guitar player/singer) plays some really intricate stuff
Plus we get thanked in the liner notes, as sad as this sounds it really warms my heart whenever this happens
Annnnnnyyywwaaay
If you want one, go here, it comes with a free fanzine and everything
http://oddboxrecords.com/shop/release_details.php?cat_no=ODD013
And if there's any more proof you need here is us singing and playing our song entitled "Falling and Laughing"
It is wonderfully packaged
And apart from that it sounds effing amazing. Duncan (the guitar player/singer) plays some really intricate stuff
Plus we get thanked in the liner notes, as sad as this sounds it really warms my heart whenever this happens
Annnnnnyyywwaaay
If you want one, go here, it comes with a free fanzine and everything
http://oddboxrecords.com/shop/release_details.php?cat_no=ODD013
And if there's any more proof you need here is us singing and playing our song entitled "Falling and Laughing"
Saturday 31 July 2010
Kidnapper Bell Interview Katie UNwin
As many of you may know Katie Unwin is the person that mans our rather humbling fansite over here
http://www.fansofkidnapperbell.webs.com/
And Here
http://fans-of-kidnapper-bell.tumblr.com/post/884165515/sims3-just-a-computer-game
We asked her some questions in an interview type stylee!
can you describe Sheffield in 5 words
I can and will!
Perfect. For. A. KB. Show.
Nuff said.
What is your favourite superhero and why
I always seemed to prefer the villains to be honest!
When I was little, I had an unhealthy Spiderman obsession, though. I met a guy dressed up as him in Universal Studios FL. when I was like 5 and almost crapped myself because I thought he was the real deal! [Marvel Super Hero Land owns!] Then I got all depressed when my spiderman hand shooty web thing came out like the rock hands every time I tried to do it. THEN I got all happy again because he gave me a free hat with him on it - WIN! So I guess he could have been one of my favourites. Other than that I guess Batfink, purely because of the catchphrase, "MY WINGS ARE A SHIELD OF STEEL!" I had kind of a Wolverine phase, too...but then again he's an X-Man so I don't know if he counts. Yes. I was a MASSIVE tomboy/big fat nerd as a kid - hence the length of this answer. If I had to pick one it'd have to be Spiderman just because we go way back!
What is the best "Best Of" album there is
Ever? In the world? EVER!? For me, it's going to have to be blink-182. I recommend it fo anyone who is trying to get in to them. I know it's kinda typical of me to say something like blink, but I always really enjoy that album, and always have. It has a really good range of their songs on it! Including, "What's My Age Again?" which I've always thought you guys should cover. That Christmas song, "I Won't Be Home For Chistmas" at the end is brilliant, and that whole album frequents my summer soundtracks/mix CDs! Having said that...NO...must not ramble. blink-182. Final answer. Yes. Moving on. Swiftly.
What is the music scene like in Sheffield? Is there an over abundance of one type of music or is it pretty diverse?
Sheffield has a great music scene. I guess you just have to dig for it. I mean, it's not like right there in your face, but it's not like we don't have one. Obviously there are bands like The Arctic Monkeys, Pulp, Reverend And The Makers, Little Man Tate and Def Leppard who are really big. Funny story about Def Leppard, actually! - My friend's Dad was in a punk band called, "The Sick" when he was at school and they did a battle of the bands at which Def Leppard [then only a splattered fly on the windshield of the music scene] offered to support. They were turned down by, "The Sick" - in their faces! ANYWAY! There are also some other great bands like;
Cats:For:Peru
All The Damn Kids
65daysofstatic
Cuckoo Clocks
Etc...
And they rock some socks.
Also for some reason we seem to have hella cover bands. Not sure why.
I think, as far as diversity [the old old wooden ship] goes, we do have a small urban scene with bands like, "The Red Eye Knights", but nowadays it's mostly indiepop. Take a walk up Division Street and it won't be long before you reach "Bungalows and Bears", Sheffield's inide/scene kid lurking hole. I avoid. I do. I did venture in there once on behalf of you good people, though.
We do, however, have a huge selection of other amazing venues that I more frequently frequent frequently like Plug, Leadmill, Corp, O2 Academy, Forum, The Bordwalk, Dove and Rainbow, West Street Live and many others! Jus' sayin'! Tramlines Festival every year kicks some ass! We also had one of the most well known nightclubs in Northern England called Gatecrasher until it had to close due to a fire in 2007 [I remember it shutting! It was on the news and everything. Bad year for us, was 2007. We were flooded out!]. Booo!
If you had to live on a desert Island for the rest of your life then what 5 albums would you take.
Only 5!? Yikes.
Wait a second...what would I play them on? I mean, it's not like there's a plug socket on the island?
*Suspended disbelief*
The Great Outdoors - Kidnapper Bell.
[Because I take that everywhere anyway and I couldn't imagine not having it on hand.]
Remains - Alkaline Trio [It has a DVD for extra entertainment!]
My Dinosaur Life - Motion City Soundtrack.
Greatest Hits - blink-182.
[There are a fair few tracks on these, so that would muder some time. I also love these bands.]
Astro Coast - Surfer Blood.
[I can see that making great island theme music! I could chill under a palm stree with a pet monkey, eating a coconut and getting a sun tan while listening to, "Take it Easy" - Yum!]
I guess if I could have a 6th, I'd take "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" by Arctic Monkeys to remind me of home.
Also I'd have to have your new EP airmaled to the island when it's done because it is sounding KILLER! :)
can you think of an image that is more joyous than a dog with his head out of a car window going at 40MPH (the most fun a dog can have)
Yes! That exact image, with this song playing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_8IifQjYuI
Reminds me of a movie I like called K-9. The dog in that movie was a German Shepherd and his name was Jerry-Lee! The ending scene is exactly like that, only it's a soft top car and he has a lovely girlfriend dog next to him. Good times in dog land.
That's the most fun a dog can have.
The most fun a Katie can have is when she's in front of her favourote band playing, "The Way It Goes" at 40MPH :)
Who would make the best Satnav voice(I personally would go for Christopher Lee)
Did you know there was a site where you can actually download those?
http://www.satnavvoices.com/
Who knew!
Hmm... I think Ozzy Osbourne would make a crap one! it'd be all, "Mumblemumble f*ck this mumblemumble...right...mumblemumble...left" by which point you'd be face deep in a river or something!
Mr. T would be hilarious. "TURN RIGHT 'FOO! AN' TREAT YO' MOTHER RIGHT!" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_rBidCkJxo
But the best SatNav voice for me would be Morgan Freeman. Aw, yeah. "Get busy turning left, or get busy turning right...then go straight on!" OR FREAKING ADAM WEST! OH MY GOD! ADAM WEST!
Who is taller (and better at everything) Liam Cole-guitarist with Kidnapper Bell or Sheffield person Sophie Wigfall
Liam, you're a meanie! That's a meanie question. Meanie! Today we were debating about this again at lunch, during which Sophie totally backlashed into my hard earned coffee. Not happy! So Liam at the moment. However, I have promised her a measuring at the next Kidnapper Bell show. You may be better at lighting candles than her though, Liam. She takes hours! Poor Keith. She reckons she's 5"10, and you reckon you're 5"10. So we'll have to see, won't we.
Would you rather live a lifetime as a worm or a day as a tiger
Tiger, please.
See what I did there!? You see!? SEE!? Medal for Katie.
Then again, if I lived as a worm, this could be my theme song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkVHdUkMJdk which could be really cool! I love that freaking song. Also there'd be no fur hunters chasing me down! Hmm...neither of these animals can operate a computer, so I couldn't FOKB which would make me a sad worm or tiger. If I had to pick, I'd go tiger as they're badass!
Favourites(and why)
Food
I love those Mexicans and their way of making food that's good for the whole family! Ever been to a Chili's? Phwor! I love me some...coffee...flavoured...anything. Also I'm famous for going shopping with my Mum just so I can secretly buy a coconut and then eat the whole thing to myself later. Yummy coconut! Piña Coladas are the best with coconut shavings on top!
Drink
CoffeeCoffeeCoffeeCoffee! Black, milky, iced, Starbucks, Costa, all kinds shapes and sizes. I have more coffee than blood on my body. As my friends say, "There's just too much blood in your coffee stream, Katie!" I think I might actually have a coffee problem. I drink waaaay to much! It's scary. Oh well. Sleep when I'm dead, I guess. The people at Starbucks know me by name and order. It's funny, I walk in the door, they see me coming, and my order is usually almost ready by the time I reach the counter!
Animal
Raymond because I've had him for three years and still don't know what he is exactly!
Sitcom
Scrubs, The Inbetweeners, The Office [both English and American versions, although I tend towards the American one], The Mighty Boosh, The IT Crowd, Gavin & Stacey and more that I can't think of at this time.
Sport
Snail racing. Haha no. Baseball! I love it! Every year I go to a game or two in the states. My team is the Tampa Bay Rays. I remember when they were called, "Tampa Bay Devil Rays", but not anymore! I also remember when Tropicana Field had a ray touch tank, again - no longer! [Come on you Rays! Freaking Yankees at the moment are beating us! Why can't why just get lost!? Grrr!]
Film
Anchorman - The Legend Of Ron Burgundy. I can speak that entire movie from start to finish, I've seen it so many times. I don't think there can ever be a movie to beat its one liners. My friends and I can go a whole day just talking in quotes from it. I won't even begin to list all the lines! I also like films like Juno and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. You know the kind I mean, those little homemade looking ones with awesome soundtracks. Ferris Bueller's Day Off will always be one of my favoruites too! Oh yeah, and every Nightmare On Elm Street film ever made [3's the best!].
Name
I once met a Mr. Wan-Kin. I had bite marks in my lip later that day from where I'd tried to keep from laughing as he introduced himself. So that's probably going to take the favourite name award.
Driving song (we realise that you cant drive)
Yeah!? Well I realise you can't...uhm...So's your face!
Gonna have to go with The Passenger by Iggy Pop. It's good because I am the pasenger. The Siouxsie And The Banshees cover is pretty bitchin' too!
Quick-Fire
Twilight or Star Wars
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCdkWmz3z38
There's a great video Natalie took of me pretending to play this at school on the keyboards back when we used to piss about in the music rooms after school in year 8. Those were good times. These are good movies. Twilight sucks. Ed-Weird! StarWars>Twlight! I read the books and thought, "okay fine whatever" then they got huge and I was like, "Ugh. Nein!"
Live Music or Youtube
Live music tastes a lot better. It's like a BBQ of flavour! Sorry. That food question made me hungry. I effing love BBQ's!
Myspace or Facebook
MySpace all the way! Facebook is waaay over rated. I had MySpace before, I shall have it after. MySpace is where some of the best bands lurk! Unfortunatey if you want to speak to anyone anymore, you're forced to use Facebook. I'd much rather be without it! Did you know that once you're on there, you can't delete it without taking it up with the staff - only deactive it. Sneaky buggers!
Meduhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifsa or Island Bar (moderate in-joke)
I love you guys so much! "(moderate in-joke)" what legends. Alright then. Let's just say that I've never ventured into the depths of Medusa, and so I shall say The Island. Just because I've seen you play there. Maybe you should play to all the lovely people in Medusa next, eh?
Arena gigs or smaller more intimate gigs
The smaller the better! Arena gigs are cool and all, and I've been to some...but smaller gigs will always be best. Especially sneaky over 18 rock nights with you guys! I'm a hardcore sneakfest on legs.
Tv or Books
Hmm...this is hard. I love reading, but TV, I mean...it's TV. I'm going to be awkward and say neither, it's radio all the way!
FROM OTHERS:
If KB got the chance to support any band in the world, and they wanted you to choose who they should support. Who would you say?
I'd have to be nice and say Grammatics while they're still going. Just because I know Liam would love that!
If KB got the chance to record songs for the entire soundtrack of a film, what sort of film should it be for?
A ferret zombie filled dance extravaganza with some light romance and maybe even a cameo appearance from Mr. James Bond. They're just too fantastic and their music is of too epic proportions to stick to one simple genre. On a side note, if they ever needed a director for said film...*raises hand*
If KB could collaborate with any band in the world (except from Grammatics) who should they collaborate with, and why?
Well, I wouldn't have said Grammatics again. Liam already had his moment back on the first question you asked. So let's see...hmm. Well personally, I'd really love to see them with someone I really love like Motion City Soundtrack or Alkaline Trio, but also I've always wanted them to cover a Dead Milkmen song, and Keith loves those, so two birds one stone. Dead Milkmen.
If you could promote from any other band (other than KB) who would you promote for?
Kidnapper Bell :) *Breaks the question rules NO CHAT BACK BLACK MAGIC IDDST!*
What would you rather have as a pet: Ninja Ferret or Psyhco Weasel?
Ninja Ferret for sure! I couldn't deal with the emotional strain attatched to looking after a psyhco weasel and end up killing it before it killed me! I'm a trained Ninja, though - and so would have no problem if the ferret turned nasty!
If KB could cover any 5 songs, what would they be, and why?
One Week - Barenaked Ladies. I want to see if Keith can keep up with the words. It's one of my favourite songs, too!
It's The End Of The World As We Know It [And I Feel Fine] - REM. Again, one of my favourites and I've just always thought they'd do that song well. Not sure why.
What's My Age Again - blink-182. Always wanted them to cover this. Who knows, maybe if they ever play a show on my birthday I could sneakily ask for that as a birthday present!
Skyway - Apples In Stereo. They'd do this well. I know they would. I waaant them to cover it now!
The Macarena - Los Del Rio. - Why not, I say!
http://www.fansofkidnapperbell.webs.com/
And Here
http://fans-of-kidnapper-bell.tumblr.com/post/884165515/sims3-just-a-computer-game
We asked her some questions in an interview type stylee!
can you describe Sheffield in 5 words
I can and will!
Perfect. For. A. KB. Show.
Nuff said.
What is your favourite superhero and why
I always seemed to prefer the villains to be honest!
When I was little, I had an unhealthy Spiderman obsession, though. I met a guy dressed up as him in Universal Studios FL. when I was like 5 and almost crapped myself because I thought he was the real deal! [Marvel Super Hero Land owns!] Then I got all depressed when my spiderman hand shooty web thing came out like the rock hands every time I tried to do it. THEN I got all happy again because he gave me a free hat with him on it - WIN! So I guess he could have been one of my favourites. Other than that I guess Batfink, purely because of the catchphrase, "MY WINGS ARE A SHIELD OF STEEL!" I had kind of a Wolverine phase, too...but then again he's an X-Man so I don't know if he counts. Yes. I was a MASSIVE tomboy/big fat nerd as a kid - hence the length of this answer. If I had to pick one it'd have to be Spiderman just because we go way back!
What is the best "Best Of" album there is
Ever? In the world? EVER!? For me, it's going to have to be blink-182. I recommend it fo anyone who is trying to get in to them. I know it's kinda typical of me to say something like blink, but I always really enjoy that album, and always have. It has a really good range of their songs on it! Including, "What's My Age Again?" which I've always thought you guys should cover. That Christmas song, "I Won't Be Home For Chistmas" at the end is brilliant, and that whole album frequents my summer soundtracks/mix CDs! Having said that...NO...must not ramble. blink-182. Final answer. Yes. Moving on. Swiftly.
What is the music scene like in Sheffield? Is there an over abundance of one type of music or is it pretty diverse?
Sheffield has a great music scene. I guess you just have to dig for it. I mean, it's not like right there in your face, but it's not like we don't have one. Obviously there are bands like The Arctic Monkeys, Pulp, Reverend And The Makers, Little Man Tate and Def Leppard who are really big. Funny story about Def Leppard, actually! - My friend's Dad was in a punk band called, "The Sick" when he was at school and they did a battle of the bands at which Def Leppard [then only a splattered fly on the windshield of the music scene] offered to support. They were turned down by, "The Sick" - in their faces! ANYWAY! There are also some other great bands like;
Cats:For:Peru
All The Damn Kids
65daysofstatic
Cuckoo Clocks
Etc...
And they rock some socks.
Also for some reason we seem to have hella cover bands. Not sure why.
I think, as far as diversity [the old old wooden ship] goes, we do have a small urban scene with bands like, "The Red Eye Knights", but nowadays it's mostly indiepop. Take a walk up Division Street and it won't be long before you reach "Bungalows and Bears", Sheffield's inide/scene kid lurking hole. I avoid. I do. I did venture in there once on behalf of you good people, though.
We do, however, have a huge selection of other amazing venues that I more frequently frequent frequently like Plug, Leadmill, Corp, O2 Academy, Forum, The Bordwalk, Dove and Rainbow, West Street Live and many others! Jus' sayin'! Tramlines Festival every year kicks some ass! We also had one of the most well known nightclubs in Northern England called Gatecrasher until it had to close due to a fire in 2007 [I remember it shutting! It was on the news and everything. Bad year for us, was 2007. We were flooded out!]. Booo!
If you had to live on a desert Island for the rest of your life then what 5 albums would you take.
Only 5!? Yikes.
Wait a second...what would I play them on? I mean, it's not like there's a plug socket on the island?
*Suspended disbelief*
The Great Outdoors - Kidnapper Bell.
[Because I take that everywhere anyway and I couldn't imagine not having it on hand.]
Remains - Alkaline Trio [It has a DVD for extra entertainment!]
My Dinosaur Life - Motion City Soundtrack.
Greatest Hits - blink-182.
[There are a fair few tracks on these, so that would muder some time. I also love these bands.]
Astro Coast - Surfer Blood.
[I can see that making great island theme music! I could chill under a palm stree with a pet monkey, eating a coconut and getting a sun tan while listening to, "Take it Easy" - Yum!]
I guess if I could have a 6th, I'd take "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" by Arctic Monkeys to remind me of home.
Also I'd have to have your new EP airmaled to the island when it's done because it is sounding KILLER! :)
can you think of an image that is more joyous than a dog with his head out of a car window going at 40MPH (the most fun a dog can have)
Yes! That exact image, with this song playing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_8IifQjYuI
Reminds me of a movie I like called K-9. The dog in that movie was a German Shepherd and his name was Jerry-Lee! The ending scene is exactly like that, only it's a soft top car and he has a lovely girlfriend dog next to him. Good times in dog land.
That's the most fun a dog can have.
The most fun a Katie can have is when she's in front of her favourote band playing, "The Way It Goes" at 40MPH :)
Who would make the best Satnav voice(I personally would go for Christopher Lee)
Did you know there was a site where you can actually download those?
http://www.satnavvoices.com/
Who knew!
Hmm... I think Ozzy Osbourne would make a crap one! it'd be all, "Mumblemumble f*ck this mumblemumble...right...mumblemumble...left" by which point you'd be face deep in a river or something!
Mr. T would be hilarious. "TURN RIGHT 'FOO! AN' TREAT YO' MOTHER RIGHT!" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_rBidCkJxo
But the best SatNav voice for me would be Morgan Freeman. Aw, yeah. "Get busy turning left, or get busy turning right...then go straight on!" OR FREAKING ADAM WEST! OH MY GOD! ADAM WEST!
Who is taller (and better at everything) Liam Cole-guitarist with Kidnapper Bell or Sheffield person Sophie Wigfall
Liam, you're a meanie! That's a meanie question. Meanie! Today we were debating about this again at lunch, during which Sophie totally backlashed into my hard earned coffee. Not happy! So Liam at the moment. However, I have promised her a measuring at the next Kidnapper Bell show. You may be better at lighting candles than her though, Liam. She takes hours! Poor Keith. She reckons she's 5"10, and you reckon you're 5"10. So we'll have to see, won't we.
Would you rather live a lifetime as a worm or a day as a tiger
Tiger, please.
See what I did there!? You see!? SEE!? Medal for Katie.
Then again, if I lived as a worm, this could be my theme song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkVHdUkMJdk which could be really cool! I love that freaking song. Also there'd be no fur hunters chasing me down! Hmm...neither of these animals can operate a computer, so I couldn't FOKB which would make me a sad worm or tiger. If I had to pick, I'd go tiger as they're badass!
Favourites(and why)
Food
I love those Mexicans and their way of making food that's good for the whole family! Ever been to a Chili's? Phwor! I love me some...coffee...flavoured...anything. Also I'm famous for going shopping with my Mum just so I can secretly buy a coconut and then eat the whole thing to myself later. Yummy coconut! Piña Coladas are the best with coconut shavings on top!
Drink
CoffeeCoffeeCoffeeCoffee! Black, milky, iced, Starbucks, Costa, all kinds shapes and sizes. I have more coffee than blood on my body. As my friends say, "There's just too much blood in your coffee stream, Katie!" I think I might actually have a coffee problem. I drink waaaay to much! It's scary. Oh well. Sleep when I'm dead, I guess. The people at Starbucks know me by name and order. It's funny, I walk in the door, they see me coming, and my order is usually almost ready by the time I reach the counter!
Animal
Raymond because I've had him for three years and still don't know what he is exactly!
Sitcom
Scrubs, The Inbetweeners, The Office [both English and American versions, although I tend towards the American one], The Mighty Boosh, The IT Crowd, Gavin & Stacey and more that I can't think of at this time.
Sport
Snail racing. Haha no. Baseball! I love it! Every year I go to a game or two in the states. My team is the Tampa Bay Rays. I remember when they were called, "Tampa Bay Devil Rays", but not anymore! I also remember when Tropicana Field had a ray touch tank, again - no longer! [Come on you Rays! Freaking Yankees at the moment are beating us! Why can't why just get lost!? Grrr!]
Film
Anchorman - The Legend Of Ron Burgundy. I can speak that entire movie from start to finish, I've seen it so many times. I don't think there can ever be a movie to beat its one liners. My friends and I can go a whole day just talking in quotes from it. I won't even begin to list all the lines! I also like films like Juno and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. You know the kind I mean, those little homemade looking ones with awesome soundtracks. Ferris Bueller's Day Off will always be one of my favoruites too! Oh yeah, and every Nightmare On Elm Street film ever made [3's the best!].
Name
I once met a Mr. Wan-Kin. I had bite marks in my lip later that day from where I'd tried to keep from laughing as he introduced himself. So that's probably going to take the favourite name award.
Driving song (we realise that you cant drive)
Yeah!? Well I realise you can't...uhm...So's your face!
Gonna have to go with The Passenger by Iggy Pop. It's good because I am the pasenger. The Siouxsie And The Banshees cover is pretty bitchin' too!
Quick-Fire
Twilight or Star Wars
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCdkWmz3z38
There's a great video Natalie took of me pretending to play this at school on the keyboards back when we used to piss about in the music rooms after school in year 8. Those were good times. These are good movies. Twilight sucks. Ed-Weird! StarWars>Twlight! I read the books and thought, "okay fine whatever" then they got huge and I was like, "Ugh. Nein!"
Live Music or Youtube
Live music tastes a lot better. It's like a BBQ of flavour! Sorry. That food question made me hungry. I effing love BBQ's!
Myspace or Facebook
MySpace all the way! Facebook is waaay over rated. I had MySpace before, I shall have it after. MySpace is where some of the best bands lurk! Unfortunatey if you want to speak to anyone anymore, you're forced to use Facebook. I'd much rather be without it! Did you know that once you're on there, you can't delete it without taking it up with the staff - only deactive it. Sneaky buggers!
Meduhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifsa or Island Bar (moderate in-joke)
I love you guys so much! "(moderate in-joke)" what legends. Alright then. Let's just say that I've never ventured into the depths of Medusa, and so I shall say The Island. Just because I've seen you play there. Maybe you should play to all the lovely people in Medusa next, eh?
Arena gigs or smaller more intimate gigs
The smaller the better! Arena gigs are cool and all, and I've been to some...but smaller gigs will always be best. Especially sneaky over 18 rock nights with you guys! I'm a hardcore sneakfest on legs.
Tv or Books
Hmm...this is hard. I love reading, but TV, I mean...it's TV. I'm going to be awkward and say neither, it's radio all the way!
FROM OTHERS:
If KB got the chance to support any band in the world, and they wanted you to choose who they should support. Who would you say?
I'd have to be nice and say Grammatics while they're still going. Just because I know Liam would love that!
If KB got the chance to record songs for the entire soundtrack of a film, what sort of film should it be for?
A ferret zombie filled dance extravaganza with some light romance and maybe even a cameo appearance from Mr. James Bond. They're just too fantastic and their music is of too epic proportions to stick to one simple genre. On a side note, if they ever needed a director for said film...*raises hand*
If KB could collaborate with any band in the world (except from Grammatics) who should they collaborate with, and why?
Well, I wouldn't have said Grammatics again. Liam already had his moment back on the first question you asked. So let's see...hmm. Well personally, I'd really love to see them with someone I really love like Motion City Soundtrack or Alkaline Trio, but also I've always wanted them to cover a Dead Milkmen song, and Keith loves those, so two birds one stone. Dead Milkmen.
If you could promote from any other band (other than KB) who would you promote for?
Kidnapper Bell :) *Breaks the question rules NO CHAT BACK BLACK MAGIC IDDST!*
What would you rather have as a pet: Ninja Ferret or Psyhco Weasel?
Ninja Ferret for sure! I couldn't deal with the emotional strain attatched to looking after a psyhco weasel and end up killing it before it killed me! I'm a trained Ninja, though - and so would have no problem if the ferret turned nasty!
If KB could cover any 5 songs, what would they be, and why?
One Week - Barenaked Ladies. I want to see if Keith can keep up with the words. It's one of my favourite songs, too!
It's The End Of The World As We Know It [And I Feel Fine] - REM. Again, one of my favourites and I've just always thought they'd do that song well. Not sure why.
What's My Age Again - blink-182. Always wanted them to cover this. Who knows, maybe if they ever play a show on my birthday I could sneakily ask for that as a birthday present!
Skyway - Apples In Stereo. They'd do this well. I know they would. I waaant them to cover it now!
The Macarena - Los Del Rio. - Why not, I say!
Thursday 29 July 2010
Artsfest 2010 We play (mmmmmmm)
We are playing the main stage at Artsfest in Birmingham on Sunday the 12th of September.
We went to Artsfest last year. Johnny Foreigner played
Heres a pic of them playing it
I dont mind saying I got hilariously drunk and attempted to outsmart a 14 year old. My Hyperbole and extreme wittiness all were shot down with the words "You look like the singer from Velvet Revolver"
Now you may see Scott Weiland (said singer) in this way
But really I see him in this way
Nobody needs to look like that!
I hope that kid is there again this year. It will give him another chance to outsmart me!
Oh heres a vid of how housed I was last year(I promise my voice does not always sound like that)
We went to Artsfest last year. Johnny Foreigner played
Heres a pic of them playing it
I dont mind saying I got hilariously drunk and attempted to outsmart a 14 year old. My Hyperbole and extreme wittiness all were shot down with the words "You look like the singer from Velvet Revolver"
Now you may see Scott Weiland (said singer) in this way
But really I see him in this way
Nobody needs to look like that!
I hope that kid is there again this year. It will give him another chance to outsmart me!
Oh heres a vid of how housed I was last year(I promise my voice does not always sound like that)
Wednesday 28 July 2010
Familiarity
Anyone familiar with my Twitterings will know that I had a day off on Mon and spent the best part of it (6 hours including the time I took to write the effing Blog about it) attempting to write a sample for our new song Mouthful of Pennies.
Sadly this was rendered null and void by the words "shall we just sack the start of the song off and start from where the drums come in"
anger swiftly turned to acceptance and actually the song sounds better for it to be honest!
In other news we have a new song produced by ultragent Steve Williams on our Myspace page.
Its called Cracking Skulls
www.myspace.com/kidnapperbell
Sadly this was rendered null and void by the words "shall we just sack the start of the song off and start from where the drums come in"
anger swiftly turned to acceptance and actually the song sounds better for it to be honest!
In other news we have a new song produced by ultragent Steve Williams on our Myspace page.
Its called Cracking Skulls
www.myspace.com/kidnapperbell
Monday 26 July 2010
Songwriting D.I.L.L.E.M.A
I'm in a tricky situation. Basically I wrote a guitar part for a song of ours and I feel I can do more with it. I'm sure people in bands will agree with me on that feeling you get when you are playing something but know you can make it better.
The way our songs usually work is Keith and Jen take the melody from what I play on the guitar and turn it into words, sometimes I have to change what i'm playing sometimes not.
Anyway ive wrote a guitar part for a new song entitled "Mouthul OF Pennies" and I dislike the beginning part(basically everything before the drums come in)
While I dont wish for the song (or vocals which are mint) to be changed I would like to write around the vocal melody and the guitar melody!
Just so you can get an idea of what i'm talking about heres a rough version of the song I recorded at rehersal.
So I have a day off today!
I am armed with the following things!
The way our songs usually work is Keith and Jen take the melody from what I play on the guitar and turn it into words, sometimes I have to change what i'm playing sometimes not.
Anyway ive wrote a guitar part for a new song entitled "Mouthul OF Pennies" and I dislike the beginning part(basically everything before the drums come in)
While I dont wish for the song (or vocals which are mint) to be changed I would like to write around the vocal melody and the guitar melody!
Just so you can get an idea of what i'm talking about heres a rough version of the song I recorded at rehersal.
So I have a day off today!
I am armed with the following things!
Thursday 22 July 2010
Wednesday 21 July 2010
Grammatics
When we play live people ask me if I listen to certain guitarists (as if attempting to understand my influences) in order to form the sound that I have. I would say i'm more interested in the way that songs are structured and arranged rather than what guitarist can pull off the best lick or riff.
Which leads me to my next point, Grammatics a band from Leeds and the band that has influenced me possibly the most over the last four years, are splitting up.
This year has been a shit one for me. First Youthmovies call it a day now Grammatics
When I think of all the retro pish that is out there now (usually being lapped up by popular indie magazine that I shant mention) it makes my blood boil that bands that craft their songs to sound original and forward thinking are calling it a day!
Heres their song Relentless Fours
Anyway. If you like them then please go here and see what they have on offer
http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/grammatics
Which leads me to my next point, Grammatics a band from Leeds and the band that has influenced me possibly the most over the last four years, are splitting up.
This year has been a shit one for me. First Youthmovies call it a day now Grammatics
When I think of all the retro pish that is out there now (usually being lapped up by popular indie magazine that I shant mention) it makes my blood boil that bands that craft their songs to sound original and forward thinking are calling it a day!
Heres their song Relentless Fours
Anyway. If you like them then please go here and see what they have on offer
http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/grammatics
Monday 19 July 2010
Hi I'm Liam............
......... and I like to take photos of random women that work in charity shops holding what may be a spectacular Ibanez guitar so that I may send the picture to my friend to see if its worth buying!
Last night we played Leeds at a venue called The Northern Monkey. The gig was organised by Kev Trotter of The Beat Surrender website
Now I dont know about anyone else but whenever we play a venue I am always looking around for a room either upstairs or downstairs where the bands are to play.
The bands that play at The Northern Monkey play to the right of the front door which is awesome as the gig was free!
First on were Jonny Go Get Em who are an acoustic trio. I always ave reservations about following an acoustic act as we typically open with our heaviest song (Daniel Treasure) which always leaves me with visions of people that have just enjoyed half an hour of gentle acoustic singer songwritery running for the door with their fingers in their ears!
Fortunately everyone was already congregated by the door while we were setting up which made me think "well they are already half the way out"
To my utter surprise as soon as we started playing the room filled up with people watching us,foot-tapping,head nodding and even dancing!
It was super-awesome!
We remembered to take our merch with us this time also
Now I dont know about anyone else but whenever we play a venue I am always looking around for a room either upstairs or downstairs where the bands are to play.
The bands that play at The Northern Monkey play to the right of the front door which is awesome as the gig was free!
First on were Jonny Go Get Em who are an acoustic trio. I always ave reservations about following an acoustic act as we typically open with our heaviest song (Daniel Treasure) which always leaves me with visions of people that have just enjoyed half an hour of gentle acoustic singer songwritery running for the door with their fingers in their ears!
Fortunately everyone was already congregated by the door while we were setting up which made me think "well they are already half the way out"
To my utter surprise as soon as we started playing the room filled up with people watching us,foot-tapping,head nodding and even dancing!
It was super-awesome!
We remembered to take our merch with us this time also
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