| Sometimes the first thing you read about a band is the first thing that really sticks, and here I was swapping this handsomely bound pack press-release for a quick shufty at what was being said online: ‘Experimental folk band from United Kingdom often noted for their use of strange instruments including sea-shells’. And truth be told, this was as much as I needed to know really. It was much same as being introduced to a man called Crispin at a party, asking further questions only confirmed what you already suspected and was considerably less productive than just walking off and finding yourself another beer.
And so it is with Tunng. Quirky, unkempt junkshop folktronica with an unaccountably European bent. You might be forgiven for thinking they were Swedish or else Icelandic. But they’re not. They formed in London in 2003 when producer / guitarist Mike met singer-songwriter Sam on the circuit, and they soon began making Tunng’s debut album in a Soho basement above a lingerie shop and before long they were supporting the likes of Doves to producing leftwing weirdos like Serafina Steer and Cibelle.
But that’s where they come from. What’s occurring now? Sam Genders is here to tell us. And what’s more, he’s not even going to mention the giggly, shuffling elegance of new single ‘Bricks’ nor smash the bottle against the hull of fancy new ship (and album) Good Arrows due for release later in the month. And for this we thank him.
Where are you now and what can you see?
In the front room at home surrounded by wall hangings. My flat mate Marion McLaren is an artist and she makes these amazing modern quilts covered in all kinds of strange stuff. Through the door the garden outside looks like a Rousseau jungle...it's gone a bit mad since the rain recently. We have broad beans the size of cucumbers.
What was the last thing you ate?
Sweet potato soup and cheese on toast. What was the last thing you loved really quite passionately?
Well that cheese on toast was pretty good. Also I've been reading alot of Richard Dawkins recently. The way he describes rational science and it's consequences is awe inspiring. What's the next piece of music you intend to buy?
I'm trying to blag as many free Cd's as possible at the moment as paying my rent is a bit of an issue! However Serafina Steer made me a copy of her album and I'm going to buy a proper one because it's beautiful and has a brilliant video on there that her brother made. It accompanies a song about a tiger that runs away from the circus and it's so good it brings a tear to my eye. What was the last film you saw?
Transformers! I put my back out pretty badly this week and the combination of giant robots and high strength pain killers is one I'll long cherish. Ever had a recurring dream?
I've had a few. As a kid I had one involving a grassy cliff edge and an infinite sea of red tiled bungaloes. I'd always wake up just as I fell off the cliff. What is the most important thing you've ever done?
Why? A few years ago I went back to college and did some A Levels. It made me realise it's possible to make big changes in your life and it got me back into songwriting because my english teacher really encouraged me in my writing. Where in the world do you still want to go?
Lots of places. I'd love to hitch to Antarctica on an Ice Breaker and play to some scientists in a hut. Maybe I could earn my keep by helping out with experiments. Where or how do you feel most comfortable?
With people I love. Drinking tea and putting the world to rights. Any plans for tomorrow?
Yes! We're all meeting with our van and tour manager Marc on Old St at 7.30am and we're going to drive to Germany to do a gig. The day after it's Belgium and then the day after that is Wales. All in one road trip. I think the van has a DVD player so I'm taking the Star Wars trilogy and Grizzly Man to watch. So far we've done Faulty Towers, Family Guy, The Office and The A Team box set. If any one's got any good DVD's they can lend us...please get in touch. Tunng release new single ‘Bricks’ on the 13th August and new album ‘Good Arrows’ on the 20th August, both through Full Time Hobby Relevant
Sites:
www.tunng.co.uk
www.myspace.com/thisistunng
A. Sargeant for Crud Magazine 2007©
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