Tell us about yourselves and what you do?
Hello there, we are Scoundrels a four piece rock ‘n' roll and cruddy soul band. Please to meet your acquaintance.
How did you get together/start out?
Josh, Billy and I all met at school and went to music college with one another after finishing. Our old guitarist left the band and we were recommended George through mutual musician friends of ours. We got him in to audition and that was that, two years ago!
What is your current release?
Our album is currently out, it's self-titled and was the culmination of our time spent living out on the swamps of South Louisiana and working with Steve Albini in Chicago. It's rootsy with a modern edge. We've released two singles from the album, ‘Gulf Of Mexico’ and ‘Loud ‘n' Proud’.
What is the best part of being in a band/singer/song writer?
The moment when you know you've got a great tune or riff on your hands is always extremely exciting. Sometimes it happens whilst we're jamming in our rehearsal studio after which we'll repeat it for hours, non-stop or it can happen whilst at home. If it happens at home sometimes I'll drive over to see the other lads to show them, a good riff can't wait.
What is your most significant moment yet?
I think two moments for us stand out. Firstly our time spent out in south Louisiana and Chicago. That time influenced us immeasurably and infused us with inspiration, I don't think we'd ever have got that staying in London. The other best moment was when we were signed by Richard Gottherer and Seymour Stein to Blue Horizon. To be signed to a label by two legends of the industry that discovered Madonna, Talking Heads and The Ramones amongst others was one of the greatest endorsements and compliments we could have as musicians and secondly to be given the mantle of maintaining a label like Blue Horizon's legacy is totally inspirational. Peter Green is one of George and I's greatest heroes so to be on a label with Fleetwood Mac, not to mention Champion Jack Dupree and Chicken Shack is still quite unbelievable.
What are your biggest musical influences?
One of the things we pride ourselves on is our eclectic taste in music. We all love music from Louisiana. Zydeco, Country, Blues, Doo Wop and Rock n roll, you name it they've got it there and play it amazingly. At present we're all listening to loads of Lil Bob & The Lollipops, Huey ‘Piano’ Smith and the ever amazing Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson. Anything with a great groove and interesting melody is all fine by us.
What venue/gig do you most want to play?
I desperately want to play on Jools Holland's ‘Later with...’ show. I've always loved that show, they get such great bands on and there's always an interesting mix, something for everybody. We've got the same management as Jools so maybe we could work something out! I'd also love to play at Brighton & Hove Albion's new stadium, the amazing Amex. I'm a season ticket holder as I grew up near there and it would be a true honour.
What is your best/favourite song you have written?
I think the stuff we've got under our belts, hidden from public view apart from the odd live airing is the best stuff we've done to date. ‘Beijing Honey’, ‘Sexy Weekend’, ‘Brothers’ and ‘At Night’ are a few of the titles and are mildly corking to say the least.
What’s your favourite album of this year?
Our good pals from Lafayette, Louisiana Givers released their debut album ‘In Light’ this year amidst fevered anticipation. It's brilliant and if you haven't seen them live you have to catch them when you can as you won't regret it!
What does the next six months have in store for you?
We're supporting The Kooks on their UK tour in two weeks time which should be amazing. Then we're off back to the states, this time hitting the east coast. Playing CMJ Festival, doing a live CBS Radio session then back for more touring. Then next year we plan to release album 2 in the midst of more touring here, on the continent and back across the pond. An extremely busy time but then that's the way we like it!
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Good question. I'd like us to be performing sell out tours worldwide, writing better and better material, reaching different audiences with each and every performance. I'd also love to be a part time football commentator for the Seaguls or perhaps join Henry Blofelt and Jonathan Agnew on the commentary team for Test Match Special.
What do you like most about Americana-UK?
They've always been there for me in times of need. Be it the first time my toaster broke, the time I grazed my shin or that time I lost my shoe in Utoxeter. Thank you Americana-UK.
