GuilFest 2006. The 3 Day Guildford Music Festival on 14th, 15th and 16th July 2006

Interview:

Artist: The Subways
Genre: Timeless
Performing: Saturday 16th July, Guilfest Main Stage 4.45pm
Website Address: [www.thesubways.net ]
Read their Biography: [The Subway ]
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I have just had an extraordinary weekend. Not only did I lose my festival V-Plates at this year's sun-soaked GuilFest, but I also got an exclusive with the Trio of the moment (before they were due to rock the festival goers)- The Subways. The Subways are Billy (Guitar and Vocals), Charlotte (Bass and Vocals) and Josh (Drums). Their sound? Well, it’s a crime to restrict them to a genre, but they explore the Rock scene from many different angles.

After meeting their super-cool manager, Ben, he promised me 10 minutes with the band, which I was more than grateful for. I was even more thankful when we got lost in conversation and talk drifted into an hour! Anyway, here is what I learned from a witty and bloody charming couple, Billy and Charlotte…
First things first, off stage, and I mean this with the utmost respect, I couldn’t imagine that the people speaking to me were rock stars. Only last night the band had wowed the crowds in Belgium, and here they were having the courtesy to accommodate a student music journo like me. They were calm, relaxed and we enjoyed a few laughs, swapped favoured beverages and reading tips.

The band began with a tale of true romance; Billy had to pluck the courage up for months before he asked Charlotte out- a decision he tells me he’s oh so glad about as he ‘knew from the first moment they met he was in love’. Now there’s an example of love at work in the world! Influence wise, the couple agreed that they can’t point to a single group or genre- simply that music is their drive. Like myself, they have an extensive library ranging from Smokey Robinson to Beach Boys to most of the 80’s music and then some! Their philosophy of absorbing culture plays a prominent part in their life, and is expressed on stage. This began at the age of 6 for lifetime pals Josh and Billy- travelling the globe from this early age. Charlotte cited the almost superhero-esque ability of living a dual life as an example of her learning experience; school by day, working part time in a supermarket by night; gigging and practising when and where somehow in between.

The best place in the UK? For The Subways, it has to be Liverpool. They recorded the latest album there and with the guidance of producer Ian Broudie (The Zutons & The Coral) they found solace and excitement in the heart of the UK’s music culture- local band Little Flames were given a glowing reference. Billy then started to comment on how Josh was the trouble maker of the band; a shrewd comment to make seeing as Josh wasn’t there to argue this point, I reckoned in that Josh would make a similar suggestion of Billy- Charlotte laughed agreeing. Constant craves was a topic then brought up by Billy, he’s had a bit of a fad for foods and has already munched through 6 weeks of snickers, followed by lasagne and now it’s salad cream that’s taken his fancy. Nice!

To bring things to a close, as we’d gone slightly over schedule, I asked what was in the CD player at the moment. Charlotte recommended Royksopp’s latest album, Billy opting for the Gorillaz offering. A quick reminiscing over Glockenspiels in school music lessons ended the chat with laughter- a sure sign of a positive encounter. Charlotte is mostly looking up to Gwen Stefani and Billy is enjoying the Challenge of a Short Story. Or maybe 21?!

In brief- an astonishing example of youthful musicians with level heads, an honest approach and the ability to belt out a tune as the following set proved. Charlotte and Josh with amazing energy and Billy’s gruff vocals really got the crowd on their feet. Oh Yeah and Rock & Roll Queen were personally poignant. A BIG thank you to Billy, Charlotte, Josh, Ben and Jo for making it happen. Have a white Russian on me!

The Subways latest album- Young For Eternity, is out now. www.thesubways.net