INTRODUCING MANCHESTER BASED 5 PIECE THE RAINBAND....
The Rainband formed in 2010 when lead singer Martin Finnigan commenced writing with long time friend & former Monaco (Peter Hook) guitarist Phil Rainey. The band were then joined by Steve Irlam (drums), Sam Wilson (bass) and now Joe Louis Wilson (Guitar) The band have fast tracked to prominence in the Manchester scene.
We caught up with the band and asked them a bunch of questions, here's how we got on....
Please introduce the band and your music in one sentence....
We are The Rainband from Manchester. A guitar based 5 piece. Melodies are important to us but so is a great groove. When the two collide the magic happens.
The Sirens e.p was recorded at Paul Weller's own Black Barn Studio, how was the experience?
We recorded Sirens at Parr Street Studios Liverpool but oversaw the mix at Black Barn.
Favorite venue to play at?
Glastonbury. Our debut there last year was one of many high points.
There are many good bands and musicians out there, who would you ask readers of musicmuso to look out for?
Cashier Number 9 from Ireland are one of our favourite bands and we think their 2nd album’s going to be immense.
How has social media benefited you?
It's a great tool for bands to use but if not managed correctly it can also be a bad thing. If you don’t engage with your audience on social media in your posts then you’re wasting yours and theirs time
What does music mean to you?
I think music means everything to everybody. Whether you make music or just enjoy listening to it. It's the soundtrack to your life.
Can a chicken ever cross the road without having its motives questioned?
I have never seen a chicken cross a road.
BBC 6 Music’s Chris Hawkins said: “Every now and again a band comes along that sounds like the start of something very special - and The Rainband are that band.” How did that make you feel?
We've been lucky enough to have some very positive things said about us over the years. It's always nice to get that kind of feedback whether from respected people in the industry or just a person on the street. It always means alot.
Who would you like to know has your music on their iPod/iPhone/Generic MP3 player?
We want the names of everyone! ;-)
You recently played at Manchester's Etihad Stadium at the Man City/Wigan Athletic game, how on earth did that come about?
Hard work. We've played at the ground 3 times now. The Wigan game co-incided with our release of new single Sirens so it was great to play there. The first time we played we had to drive off quickly to Lincoln during our support tour with Ocean Colour Scene so didn't see the game but this time we actually saw the match. Not the best result for the blues though!
You’ve toured with some experienced bands such as Ocean Colour Scene, The Kaiser Chiefs and Simple Minds, who did you learn most from?
It's always a learning curve no matter what stage you're at. I even learn from some of the younger bands that support us. You never stop learning.
Phil Rainey used to play with Peter Hook in Monaco, any interesting tales from his Joy Division/New Order days?
The story that sticks in my mind the most is his ex Caroline Ahern coming for him in the kitchen with some sharp utensils. That one was a good listen!
Would you rather live with a dog that sings lullabies or a gorilla that can do sign language?
Gorilla because the dog's lullabies would be painful after a while
First gig you ever went to?
Proud to say The Stone Roses at Spike Island. I was 14 at the time and lucky enough to have 3 older brothers who had great musical taste. I went along with my brother Stephen who was 18. Remember it being a long, long wait for them to come on but when the crashed into I Wanna Be Adored I can remember it now like yesterday. Everyone bouncing up and down and all the dust from the ground rising. I was a great moment and one that played a huge part in me getting into playing music and few months later.
I see the Derby venue that you played was underwater, have you managed to plan another date yet?
No there is talk of us playing on a nuclear submarine near Plymouth so this one comes close
Prior to they guys cracking open the beers, we jumped in with some quick fire questions....
Coffee or Tea? Tea
Coke or Pepsi? Coke
Drum machine or the real deal? Real deal
Mac or PC? Mac
Fry up or Sunday roast? Fry up in the morning. Roast in the afternoon
Cocktails or Tequila? Tequila
Lemmy (Motorhead) or Ozzy (Black Sabbath)? Ozzy
CD or Vinyl? mp3
Glastonbury or Reading (Festivals)? Glasto
Liverpool or Manchester? Manpool
Car or Motorbike? 3 wheeler
Acoustic or electric? Both
Angelina or Jennifer? Ang
Shower or Bath? Shower
Tattoos or Piercings? Neither!
Robert De Niro or Al Pacino? De Niro
God or Google? Goddle
You've read this much, please do stay with us and check out their social media channels, they're all listed for you below, all you have to do is click them and enjoy the content. If you get stuck, drop mea line and we'll send someone round to do the clicking for you and read the words to you if that'll help....
SOCIAL MEDIA
Musicmuso would like to thank the band for sparing their time to answer our questions, we wish them every success in the future, especially with their new release 'SIRENS' which is available NOW....
Interview by Steve Muscutt