There are many artists out there vying for your time, but a quick glance at Puppet Rebellion's already impressive list of achievements prove to show that this fiercely independent band is the real deal. Having formed in January 2013, the band have already amassed a huge following on social media, helped in no small part by their close ties with both Manchester football clubs, having been selected by Manchester City FC for their 'Goal of the Month' feature and being played half-time at Old Trafford during a Manchester United Champions League game.

Musicmuso caught up with James (Bass player) from the band and asked him some deep, meaningful questions about recording, EP's and just about everything in-between, here's how we got on....

 

 

Please introduce the band and your music in one sentence....

We are Puppet Rebellion and once we have your attention, we will draw you in with our uncompromisingly heartfelt lyrics and edgy, in your face contemporary musical arrangements which are meticulously designed to move your body and mind

 

You’re called Puppet Rebellion how did you come about choosing this name?

When we first got together, we each suggested a few different ideas for our band name and decided between us which one we wanted to go with. Puppet Rebellion was our frontman, Simon’s idea and is in reference to his feelings of being controlled in his previous band

 

Being an unsigned band how hard is it to get noticed and how has social media aided you?

Very hard! Social media is a massive help, as it allows us to connect with and gain new fans all over the world

 

Where did you record your EPs ‘Chemical Friends’ and ‘No Means Yes’ and what made you choose that studio?

We recorded Chemical Friends partly at the producer’s house and also at the studio where we rehearse. We had more money for No Means Yes and did it at a studio called 80hz in Manchester

 

Your track ‘Loner in Disguise’, are you able to tell us the story and inspiration behind this wonderful track?

The lyrics for Loner in Disguise are written by our singer and the song is about mob mentality – specifically the recent riots in Manchester

 

Sadly, Chris your drummer has left the band, If you already have a new drummer what made you choose this person?

We played with a few different people at our rehearsal space in Manchester and we have been lucky enough to have found another great drummer to replace Chris. His name is Danny and he has bright orange hair, but he is still cool

 

How and when did you decide that you wanted to be in a band/performer?

I started playing guitar when I was in my mid teens. I loved it and wanted to make a living from it, so I locked myself in my bedroom for a couple of years and when I thought I was good enough I joined a band…

 

What is the best advice you ever received and who was it from?  

Somebody asked Jimmy Page for a guitar tip once and he said ‘use lighter gauge strings’. That’s stuck with me and is good advice

 

In your opinion, what is the BEST album/record ever released?

My favourite album is III Sides to Every Story by Extreme. I spent about 5 years listening to it every night when I went to bed. Great stuff

 

How do you feel the music scene in Manchester has changed over the years?

There’s a lot more skinny jeans and shitflickers knocking about these days…

 

Tell me a fascinating fact about you or one of your band members?

Our guitarist Paul has gigantic feet

 

What classic song would you have liked to have recorded and why?  

Stairway to Heaven – I just read that it’s made $562m since it was released. And it’s awesome

 

First gig you ever went to?

A local band called Mad Racket on a pub car park where I used to live, They played from an open trailer and I caught a drumstick. They were shit. Happy days

 

First song you all played together?

All us together including Danny – Cupboards Painted Red off our last EP

 

Favourite joke?

Man goes to doctor. Says he's depressed. Says life is harsh and cruel. Says he feels all alone in a threatening world. Doctor says, "Treatment is simple. The great clown Pagliacci is in town tonight. Go see him. That should pick you up." Man bursts into tears. Says, "But doctor... I am Pagliacci." Good joke. Everybody laugh

 

There are many good bands and musicians out there, who would you ask the readers of musicmuso to look out for?

Yeah, give Karma Suite, Moscow, No Hot Ashes and Ruby Tuesday a try. All great bands that we have previously played with

 

Do you think we can ever live in a world where a chicken can cross the road without having its motives questioned?

I hope not

 

What are your plans for the remainder of 2014?

World domination, naturally

 

 

 

 

Coffee or Tea?  Coffee – Latte with 2 sugars

 

Coke or Pepsi?  Coke – full fat

 

Drum machine or the real deal?  Real deal, definitely

 

Mac or PC?  Mac

 

Fry up or Sunday roast?  Fry up

 

Lemmy (Motorhead) or Ozzy (Black Sabbath)?  Both – but Ozzy if I have to choose

 

CD or Vinyl?  CD

 

Oasis or Stone Roses?  Oasis

 

Car or Motorbike?  Car – you can’t carry your gear on a bike 

 

United or City?  Both!

 

Acoustic or electric?  Electric

 

Shower or Bath?  Shower

 

Tattoos or Piercings?  Tattoos

 

Robert De Niro or Al Pacino?  Bobby D

 

God or Google?  Google

 

 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook

Twitter

For all forthcoming shows, please click HERE

 

We'd like to thank James for taking time out to answer our questions, we wish the band every success in the future and look forward to seeing them in the Southwest when they take over the world and tour down these 'ere parts....(which should be happening soon). 

 

Interview by Mark Wincott