"Beautifully crafted Pop-Folk songs that capture a tremendous sense of effortless energy and emotion showing a song writing ability well beyond their years and far above that of you're average band. Undoubtedly they have potential to go far..." ~BBC West Midlands
Already championed by the likes of Tom Robinson on BBC 6 Music, the Midlands-based four piece The Musgraves are set for big things this year with their roots-infused pop.
Kicking off with the 'So Sofia', The Musgraves EP is filled with that twist of early soul and late 50s/early 60s pop/soul, influenced by the likes of The Ronettes, The Crystals and The Shirelles and a layer of folk.
It's music that makes you smile and will have you dancing around...listening over and over again.
I first discovered this band on Twitter (how much do I love the power of Twitter? A lot.) and I had a chance to connect from across the pond. We talked about growing up in the UK, Kanye West and The Beatles.
There is a definite vibe of music from a different era when listening to your music...50-60s roots/pop/soul vibe...what is it about that style of music that drew you in?
The brilliance of the songwriting, the greatness of the singers and above all the amazing feel of the recordings. Most recorded in one room - you can feel the soul of it.
How did the four of you come together to form the band?
I walked (Matthew Bennett), Lesley-Marie drove, Matt got the bus and we found Tom on www.ineedmates.com But seriously, I (Matthew) met Matt and Coventry University, he knew a drummer (Tom) and we auditioned for Lesley-Marie
Was there a moment - a concert you attended, a song you heard, a movie you saw that was your 'A-HA!' moment that made you realize that making music was what you wanted to do for a living...
Watching the Beatles on a repeat of an old TV programme when I was 12. They performed Penny Lane I think. From then on I never looked back. Matthew.
The name 'The Musgraves' - where did it come from?
It came from a traditional English folk tale from the 17th Century that has also been turned into a song called Little Musgrave, which we all love. There is a video on YouTube of us performing it. It’s based on the arrangement by Christie Moore and Planxty.
You been getting quite a bit of press for your upbeat, unique sound...the word 'happy' comes up a lot when people describe your music...how would you describe it?
It’s music that makes you move, music you can feel tugging at your bones saying go on life's too short not to enjoy yourself. Lyrically, most of the songs are far from 'happy' and look at the turmoil of relationships. That's a big goal for us - to try and merge great 'feel' songs with intimate, intricate lyrics.
Growing up in the UK what music did you listen to that would have influenced your style?
Oasis and Blur mainly. The one major thing we learnt from them was song writing - they both had great songs. But there was also an undercurrent of other stuff, the music our parents and grandparents listened to. The Beatles, classic soul and blues, rock n roll.
What is the first thing you think of when you see these names?
The Pogues: No teeth!
The Beatles: The best of the best!
Phil Spector: Put the gun down! Amazing innovative but crazy producer!
The Chrystals: ‘He's a Rebel’.
The Ronettes: ‘Be My Baby’ (maybe best song ever)
The Shirelles: ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow’ and amazing production!
In the Stations Sessions video, Leslie said "Everyone can appreciate music...there isn't anyone in the world who doesn't have a favourite song..." So if the band collectively had to come up with one all time favourite song...what would it be?
Has to be 'Be My Baby' by the Ronettes - it has everything! Two great songwriters Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich wrote it. Has great production from Phil Spector and amazing vocals by Ronnie Bennett (before she became ‘Spector’). Who could ask for more?
When not doing the 'The Musgraves' music thing...what artists are you currently listening to? 'The Musgraves' Top 5 Playlist...
Raphael Saadiq’s ‘Stone Rolling’ Album
Elbow
The Agitator
Best Coast
CW Stoneking
Is there anyone on the music scene right now that you'd love to work/collaborate with?
Kayne West would be an interesting collaboration
How has social media - MySpace, Facebook, Twitter...helped indie bands, like yourselves, get your music out without the major label PR machine?
The one major thing social networking has allowed is direct contact with potential fans. Whereas before you had to have a big record label behind you to get your music to the world, now you can post something on YouTube and have the whole world watch it. With Twitter and Facebook you can have a more personal relationship with fans which makes everyone feel more connected with each other.
'Fortune Teller Down The Stairs'
'So Sofia'
Musgraves cover of Lady Gaga's 'Edge of Glory'
Musgraves cover of Toploader 'Dancing In The Mooonlight'
Follow The Musgraves on Twitter , Facebook , YouTube
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