Who are you, and what do you do?
Greg: Bass, keyboards and possessor of the mighty power
croon, employed for Eighties party hits.
Simon: Drums, keyboards, illustrations.
Nick / Sam: Singing and guitar.
Lazily, compare yourselves to at least three well-ish-known bands in a semi-comical way.
The Supremes. Wu-Tang. The Three Tenors. Place said bands in cauldron, melt down and inject result into your brain.
What's the best thing about being in a band so far?
Getting more myspace hits than a band you hate will certainly put a spring in your step. Supporting bands we genuinely like is also v. badass. I'm pretty sure getting a rider will never lose its novelty value
...and what's the worst?
Still having jobs.
Why do you think 2008 is going to be a great year for Married To The Sea?
Because being in a band is a fine thing whatever the year.
Are you making any new years' resolutions?
Try harder. Learn to play instruments really freakin' well. Dress better.
If people were to listen to just one of your songs, which one would you hope it was and why?
'The Diplomatic Megamix'. Or if you can't find that, 'Before the Gloriette' because it's a belter.
Where do you hope to be in twelve months' time?
Making a living from playing music. In all seriousness, that is all we've ever wished for. That and a plane made out of cocaine.
What's the worst piece of advice anyone's ever given you?
I don't recall ever getting any bad advice. I think the best musical advice I've ever heard was from Kevin Rowland. He said in an interview that all bands need to concentrate on is writing, playing and performing. Harassing and begging people for gigs, interviews, record contracts and whatnot, all of that will take care of itself if what you're creating is worthy. Essentially, people will come to you if you're good.
If Married To The Sea were to have a motto, what would it be?
In any given situation, the best course of action is that which provides your friends with the best story. One of our late and very dear friends said that and I think we all stand by it.
What would be your reaction if someone were to cover one of your songs on X Factor?
Initially, flattered and giddy. And then embarrassed and worried about our credibility. And then briefly pleased again when I realized that for once I would have something to talk about with the ladies in work. Ooh Did you see X Factor on Saturday? Actually, yes I did.
Do you have an album in the pipeline?
No but we have plenty of new songs. I think as you get older you're more considerate of what it is that makes an album an album as opposed to just a collection of ten or so songs. When we do make an album though, its sure to end with an absolute tearjerker.
Who'd be your dream producer to work with?
Steve Albini perhaps? Or Phil Spector? Someone with strong opinions. Maybe Bruckheimer.
Remixes are, it would seem, 'all the rage'. Who would you just love to remix one of your tracks?
Air or someone who'd make the song into an irresistible and obnoxious dance floor banger. Freddie le Grand [sic]?
What does it take to be a fan of Married To The Sea?
Its like in WW2. You need to earn points through combat experience, and then you can come to a show.
What's the weirdest thing anyone's done at one of your gigs?
We played an animal themed fancy dress party at our flat and Greg scared the piss out of everyone by dressing up in this ungodly bird outfit that is impossible to describe but causes those who were present to shudder at the memory.
Tell us something random yet interesting about you.
Band of Brothers is amazing.
You're part of the DIY Class of 2008 - what was your favourite subject at school?
Art. Although the best lessons were always those times in any subject when the teacher would sack off the curriculum and tell you stories.
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Married to the Sea are not really married to the sea. They're just four lads from Liverpool going about their daily lives while creating some cracking tunes. They should be making waves in the music world but I want them to remain buried treasure. I do not want to share them with anybody...ok, if you insist...
SoundsXP: Married to the sea - do you have a love affair with the waves? Where did the name spring from? Comics? Ports?
MTTS: We do all love the sea but we took the name from a line in the film Rushmore. We discovered the comic after we chose the name. It's a really good comic so it's kind of a nice association.
SoundsXP: I couldn't help but notice that Abba are mentioned first on your list of influences - 4 of you - 4 of them - some had beards too (the men tried to grow them) - what's your favourite Abba song and how much of an influence are they? Please don't tell me that you put Abba in as a joke as i'm trying to get the swedish four some street cred. They're shamefully ignored.
MTTS: It's absolutely not a joke. Abba are one of the greatest bands ever. The idea of music as a guilty pleasure is pretty ridiculous. If music has merit then that's the end of it. Shame needn't be involved.
Our favourite Abba songs are:
Nick: Does your mother know?/Knowing me knowing you
Simon: Knowing me knowing you
Sam: SOS
Greg: Undecided but definitely not Dancing Queen.
SoundsXP: I love 'Great i'm in love now'. Have any of you ever been in love? Are any of you in love right now? Love is good, right? Or not?
MTTS: Love is good for songwriting. For evidence, see Abba.
SoundsXP: Tell us about your music. Pretend that there is such a thing as a band dictionary. What would Married to the Sea's entry say?
MTTS: Hopefully something enigmatic, or completely flattering or perhaps outrageous.
SoundsXP: You come across as funny and sunny to me yet you say that you're fabulous but evil? Where is this evil coming from then and who is the most evil out of you lot? I can't imagine you lot doing anything evil....
MTTS: You should ask our groupies about that. Just kidding, they know full well not to say anything.
SoundsXP: What's great about Liverpool? What bands do you like who are emerging out of Liverpool at the moment, apart from yourselves?
MTTS: The liverpool music scene is relatively unpretentious and from our experience friendlier and less cliquey than a lot of other cities. Great bands -
The Sporting Life, Arms At Last, Puzzle, Voo, Elle S'Appelle, Dude Music, Hot Club, loads....
SoundsXP: You're taking part in Liverpool music week. You may have already taken part by the time this reaches you! Talk to me about it. What's it all about? Are you looking forward to it?
MTTS: It's kind of like a week long festival spread out over lots of different venues. It's really exciting, or it was last year because a lot of people came out to the nights, most of which are free. Or I might have made that up...
SoundsXP: You've been in bands before. How does the experience compare with being in MTTS?
MTTS: Less uptight but more serious and more successful.
SoundsXP: The John Craven's newsround thing isn't true is it? That's pretty special if it is. He's an institution he is, or should be in one, depending on how you view him.
MTTS: It's kind of true. We were briefly on Newsround because we supported the 'Tiny masters of today' and Presspack were doing a feature on them.
SoundsXP: Any insomniacs in MTTS? Any tips on how to cope with it? I feel like there are night owls among you.
MTTS: Simon suffers from occassional bouts of insomnia. Then when he finally does get to sleep he'll usually have an upsetting dream. If someone's around, a cuddle will usually sort him out otherwise he might go to 24hr Asda and look at dvds and electrical goods.
SoundsXP: Christmas is coming. What carol would you cover and why?
MTTS: 'In the Bleak Midwinter' because it's sad and pretty or Greg said 'Little donkey'. I don't know if that's a joke.
SoundsXP: I love Crash Hams but I don't know what Crash Hams means? What is crash hams?
MTTS: I read an interview with the comedian, David Cross, and they asked him to come up with an imaginary 'Guided by voices' song title and he said crash hams. I thought it was really funny and because I really like GBV. A nice homage also. Generally though I don't approve of those kind of free association song titles or lyrics or pretentious answers to questions.
SoundsXP: Where are MTTS swimming to next? Where is the tide taking you? Where will you be washed up? (ok, enough of the sea comparisons)
MTTS: We will be playing Lancaster with 'Uncle Jeff' on Monday10th, and 'Le Bateau' in Liverpool on the 12th with Dude Music and Puzzle.
SoundsXP: Finally, what is your favourite fish and why? (I had to ask that really didn't I?)
MTTS: Simon says he saw an Alfred Hitchcock film where a guy was using a swordfish as a weapon....so a swordfish or a dolphin if we're allowed to choose a fishy mammal. You can have whatever you like, boys. Christmas is around the corner. Why not go on a voyage of musical discovery today and sail to MTTS's website? Drop anchor in their ocean and throw your sadness overboard...(ok, no more sea puns) *Waves* goodbye...
SoundsXP: Married to the sea - do you have a love affair with the waves? Where did the name spring from? Comics? Ports?
MTTS: We do all love the sea but we took the name from a line in the film Rushmore. We discovered the comic after we chose the name. It's a really good comic so it's kind of a nice association.
SoundsXP: I couldn't help but notice that Abba are mentioned first on your list of influences - 4 of you - 4 of them - some had beards too (the men tried to grow them) - what's your favourite Abba song and how much of an influence are they? Please don't tell me that you put Abba in as a joke as i'm trying to get the swedish four some street cred. They're shamefully ignored.
MTTS: It's absolutely not a joke. Abba are one of the greatest bands ever. The idea of music as a guilty pleasure is pretty ridiculous. If music has merit then that's the end of it. Shame needn't be involved.
Our favourite Abba songs are:
Nick: Does your mother know?/Knowing me knowing you
Simon: Knowing me knowing you
Sam: SOS
Greg: Undecided but definitely not Dancing Queen.
SoundsXP: I love 'Great i'm in love now'. Have any of you ever been in love? Are any of you in love right now? Love is good, right? Or not?
MTTS: Love is good for songwriting. For evidence, see Abba.
SoundsXP: Tell us about your music. Pretend that there is such a thing as a band dictionary. What would Married to the Sea's entry say?
MTTS: Hopefully something enigmatic, or completely flattering or perhaps outrageous.
SoundsXP: You come across as funny and sunny to me yet you say that you're fabulous but evil? Where is this evil coming from then and who is the most evil out of you lot? I can't imagine you lot doing anything evil....
MTTS: You should ask our groupies about that. Just kidding, they know full well not to say anything.
SoundsXP: What's great about Liverpool? What bands do you like who are emerging out of Liverpool at the moment, apart from yourselves?
MTTS: The liverpool music scene is relatively unpretentious and from our experience friendlier and less cliquey than a lot of other cities. Great bands -
The Sporting Life, Arms At Last, Puzzle, Voo, Elle S'Appelle, Dude Music, Hot Club, loads....
SoundsXP: You're taking part in Liverpool music week. You may have already taken part by the time this reaches you! Talk to me about it. What's it all about? Are you looking forward to it?
MTTS: It's kind of like a week long festival spread out over lots of different venues. It's really exciting, or it was last year because a lot of people came out to the nights, most of which are free. Or I might have made that up...
SoundsXP: You've been in bands before. How does the experience compare with being in MTTS?
MTTS: Less uptight but more serious and more successful.
SoundsXP: The John Craven's newsround thing isn't true is it? That's pretty special if it is. He's an institution he is, or should be in one, depending on how you view him.
MTTS: It's kind of true. We were briefly on Newsround because we supported the 'Tiny masters of today' and Presspack were doing a feature on them.
SoundsXP: Any insomniacs in MTTS? Any tips on how to cope with it? I feel like there are night owls among you.
MTTS: Simon suffers from occassional bouts of insomnia. Then when he finally does get to sleep he'll usually have an upsetting dream. If someone's around, a cuddle will usually sort him out otherwise he might go to 24hr Asda and look at dvds and electrical goods.
SoundsXP: Christmas is coming. What carol would you cover and why?
MTTS: 'In the Bleak Midwinter' because it's sad and pretty or Greg said 'Little donkey'. I don't know if that's a joke.
SoundsXP: I love Crash Hams but I don't know what Crash Hams means? What is crash hams?
MTTS: I read an interview with the comedian, David Cross, and they asked him to come up with an imaginary 'Guided by voices' song title and he said crash hams. I thought it was really funny and because I really like GBV. A nice homage also. Generally though I don't approve of those kind of free association song titles or lyrics or pretentious answers to questions.
SoundsXP: Where are MTTS swimming to next? Where is the tide taking you? Where will you be washed up? (ok, enough of the sea comparisons)
MTTS: We will be playing Lancaster with 'Uncle Jeff' on Monday10th, and 'Le Bateau' in Liverpool on the 12th with Dude Music and Puzzle.
SoundsXP: Finally, what is your favourite fish and why? (I had to ask that really didn't I?)
MTTS: Simon says he saw an Alfred Hitchcock film where a guy was using a swordfish as a weapon....so a swordfish or a dolphin if we're allowed to choose a fishy mammal. You can have whatever you like, boys. Christmas is around the corner. Why not go on a voyage of musical discovery today and sail to MTTS's website? Drop anchor in their ocean and throw your sadness overboard...(ok, no more sea puns) *Waves* goodbye...