| Portsmouth is not a very rock and roll place, but like many not very rock and roll places there is almost an inevitability that something rock and roll has to take place to redress the balance. You can set sail from Portsmouth though, that much is true, and if anything were a worthy figurative illustration of The Strange Death Of Liberal England’s prowess then that is probably it. They’re a little like The Mystery Jets on the high seas aboard a magnificent galleon, rather than a quaint pedalo. With British Sea Power manning the canons, Britain’s post-rock guard (iLiKETRAiNS, Redjetson, Amusement Parks On Fire) in stocks below deck and The Arcade Fire screeching something motivational from the crow’s nest. There’s a barrel load of hope aboard this ship anyway, and a clear view of the stars. Their debut single ‘A Day Another Day’ is that ship in a bottle. Album to pop the cork out this summer. We asked frontman Alan Woolway to plot his coordinates…
Where are you now? What can you see?
Right now I am sitting in front of a computer. I am surrounded by dirty cups and plates which I have been too lazy to wash and when I look out of the window i can see a wild garden which I have been too lazy to care for. If anyone asks I will say that both of these are for environmental reasons. I am trying to save water and encourage wildlife and in the process save (my) energy.
What was the last thing you ate?
This morning I ate a bowl of cereal and some toast for breakfast. Its the most important meal of the day, you know. If everybody ate breakfast the world would be a better place. Perhaps.
What was the next album you intend to buy?
I am currently listening a lot to The Low-Lows and am realising that I need to buy their album. They are an amazing American band we were lucky enough to play with in Hull last week and their beautiful harmonies are on a par with the Lion King movie for reducing me to tears. File between My Morning Jacket and M.Ward for beautiful Americana, or place them just before if you arrange your music collection alphabetically.
What was the last movie you saw?
Trying to escape the post-apocalyptic new construction of a certain northern town, last week on tour we all escaped into a cinema to watch Factory Girl. Opinions were split but I enjoyed it. On the one hand it is really fascinating to get an insight into such an influential era, movement and artist. On the other this is a story played by actors and not a documentary, so i don’t think you should look too far into the details to determine the characteristics of those involved.
What are you most looking forward to?
In April we are going to be playing in support of Silver Mt Zion in Brussels and Rotterdam. They are the band that provided the soundtrack to my wondering days of youth so to be given the opportunity to share a stage with them is going to be incredible. That is what I am most looking forward to.
What do you hate right now?
The cold. I thought spring was here and was preparing to spend my days skipping amongst daisies in fields but it appears not. Well, i hate that and the phrase ‘war against terror’ which is the most over-used and inaccurate phrase of our time used to vilify and create an ill-founded illusion of association between anyone who dare think in a non-American way. I’m not saying that all of America’s and Britain’s actions have been wrong but promoting such a phrase is dangerous and misleading.
What was the last thing you liked that you saw on TV?
I really can’t remember the last time I watched TV. Its not that I don’t like to every now and then, but i just keep forgetting to. Whenever I’m bored I normally sit down with a guitar and a four-track and make a lot of noise until the neighbours bang on the wall. They then get their revenge by shouting very loudly on Monday mornings for some reason. Sleep deprivation works on a system of karma.
Where or how do you feel most comfortable?
Being stimulated creatively or intellectually and being around my friends or my girlfriend is the most comfortable feeling. So reading books, playing music or watching films are great ways to spend time and, hopefully, make for an interesting person.
What is the best thing that happened to you yesterday?
Yesterday we returned from tour and i got to eat a decent meal, sleep in my own bed and wear clean clothes. I felt human again. That isn’t always a good thing but yesterday it was.
What are your plans for tonight?
Tonight we are taking out our tour manager, Phil Vincent. For two weeks he has had stay stone cold sober and put up with five highly-strung individuals and their drunken arguments. We thought it was about time the tables were turned.
‘A Day Another Day’ is out now through Fantastic Plastic
Relevant
Sites:
www.tsdole.co.uk
www.myspace.com/tsdole
A. Sargeant for Crud Magazine 2007©
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