Blog entries tagged Drumtalk

November 2008

Administrator — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Please submit any questions for drum talk to drumtalk@shorthouserecords.com

I recently got my copy of the very fine "You've Got To Laugh" album and notice that you had Nick Beggs doing his thing with the Chapman Stick on some of the songs. Do you play 'The Stick'?

Nik: Only in the privacy of my own home. Beggs doesn't seem to care where he whips his out. (Actually, no I don't. There are far too many strings and the whole playing concept is alien to me. I'd fRead More...

December 2007

Administrator — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Please submit any questions for drum talk to drumtalk@shorthouserecords.com

Is it possible to release a Remix-CD with all the vinyl-extended-versions? What do you think about these remixes and the whole extended-mix-thing in the 80's?

Nik: It's possible, but I can't say I'd be enthusiastic about it. You write a song that's three and a half minutes long and that's how long it is... three and a half minutes. Then someone turns up and asks for a seven minute veRead More...

July 2007

Administrator — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 23:00:00 +0100

Please submit any questions for drum talk to drumtalk@shorthouserecords.com

I've listened to your Human Racing album many times, and often I get a strong feeling of Stevie Wonder's influence, even in the way you sing. Is this true? A good example is the title song - it makes me think of the song 'Village Ghettoland'. Also (somewhat related), I maybe reading into them too much, but I also get the feeling of spiritual themes from some of your songs. If you were to describe your spiritual paRead More...

April 2007

Administrator — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 23:00:00 +0100

Please submit any questions for drum talk to drumtalk@shorthouserecords.com

I wondered if there was any truth in the ironic rumour that Nik had used some of his royalty money, from the recent well-known sofa manufacturer's advert, to purchase a sofa from said vendor. If so, did he take up their offer of 5 years interest free credit, with nothing to pay for the first year?

Nik: No truth, I'm afraid

At some of yourRead More...

January 2007

Administrator — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Please submit any questions for drum talk to drumtalk@shorthouserecords.com

What is your advice to budding songwriters like myself for getting involved in the music business? I don't know where to begin, and Chrysalis rejected my demo!

Nik: Ignore the rejection slip but keep it for framing at a later date (I've still got all mine). You have to believe that you have what it takes and keep plugging away regardless. Play your songs to everybody, no matter how mRead More...

August 2006

Administrator — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 23:00:00 +0100

Please submit any questions for drum talk to drumtalk@shorthouserecords.com

Is there any particular method as to how you arrange the order of the track listing on your albums?

Nik: There's no particular science to putting together a running order. It's a bit like constructing a setlist. You look at the pace and energy of the tracks and try to vary that a bit. Separate tracks with similar keys, guitar solos etc. Alternatively, you can stick them all in a hat Read More...