Wrapping up the Norwich Feature with Fever Fever Interview

I hope you all have enjoyed this feature on Norwich. It's been interesting learning about this city from so far away. I haven't gotten a lot of feedback lately...So, did you people enjoy it?  Someday I hope to visit and catch up with the folks I've corresponded with and written about.  But for now I'm going to wrap up this feature with an interview with Ellie from the fabulous band Fever Fever.  And I'm also going to leave you with a link to the Norwich Music Wiki so you can learn more about some of the bands I've written about if you wanna.

Rosie, Ellie and Smit formed Fever Fever in 2007.  They released their debut single, Keys In The Bowl/Stage Shoes, on Cherryade Records. In 2008 they had a song on the We’re From Norwich 4 compilation on Mummy Where’s The Milkman/Howlback Hum.  To get in the holiday spirit they've also released songs on Cherryade’s annual seasonal compilation, A Very Cherry Christmas Volumes 4 and 5.  And they also have a song on the Screaming Ground Vol. 2 compilation, which you can download for free here!

How did Fever Fever begin?

Fever Fever started about 2 years ago. Rosie (the singer) and Smit (drums) were in a band called The Aprons -- who you should DEFINITELY check out. The Aprons were one of my favourite Norwich bands and probably one of my earliest inspirations within the scene. They disbanded and about a year later wanted to start something new. I had been in a band previously with Smit, so when they were looking for a guitarist they gave me a call, I jumped at it and that was that! Lots and lots of noise followed and we love it.

 

In your opinion, what's the Norwich scene like and specifically, what is it like for females?  

There is something about Norwich that breeds creativity.  Maybe its because here we are so cut off from everything else - it can be like living in a bubble - that people crave an outlet and a sense of excitement that otherwise might not exist in this part of the country.  As a result the music scene here is immense!  And it seems to have really exploded in the last 4 or 5 years.  Norwich music can be quite diverse and in a sense there's something for everyone. I think that's pretty important, especially if you want something healthy. I'd say because of this its relatively easy for females in bands in Norwich. There doesn't seem to be a divide between male and female musicians like there is in other parts of the country. Everyone just wants to make and hear great music, irrespective of gender. I guess we're pretty lucky.

In your opinion, how was this girl-friendly music culture created and nurtured?

I think the main reason more and more female musicians are coming to the forefront and being recognized within the Norwich scene is largely down to a few bands from late 90's/early part of this century with girls in who made and still make truly amazing music. Hearing bands like Kaito and Bearsuit a few years back really did it for me. It was some of the best stuff coming out of this city and anywhere.  And when you see female musicians up there making this music, you just want to get up and do it yourself. I think in that sense it's become almost like a catalyst. Everyone here seems to be so inspired by everyone else, and there is a lot of respect going round, it just encourages more and more female artists to pick up a guitar, or whatever, and get involved, which is only a good thing.

What role does feminism have in this scene?

For me, feminism as its commonly thought of doesn't really play a huge role in the music we play. Although I guess it varies from band to band. Within the scene as a whole there is definitely a sense of equality that females in bands work hard to achieve. I think it's paying off as well.  Norwich is a pretty gender balanced place when it comes to music... So I suppose that could be considered a product of feminism... Hmmm! you've got me thinking now! I'm sensing an essay needs to be written.

What is your relationship like with these other bands?

Norwich bands all love each other and touch each other. I'd say all of our relationships have a good bill of health. There's a lot of support and respect to be had. Even if the music another band is playing isn't your cup of tea, people generally just seem happy to get out there and show their face and clap their hands like seals. Any element of competition between bands just drives people forward and betters the scene as a whole. Plus there are a lot of hotties in Norwich music!

What advice do you have for girls who want to start bands?

I'd say just get out there and do it. Fuck what people think. If it's what you love doing, regardless of your ability, stand up and play. Push past any prejudice you come across because pretty soon people realize that girls can do it just as well (if not better) than boys. Work hard, cause trouble and PLAY PLAY PLAY.

          

Lusting after Norwich with Vital Disorders

Vital Disorders are a legendary Norwich punk band who started in 1980 and were together for five years, with many different members.  According to their myspace, you can still get copies of their three 7"s from Kingsley at East Anglian Music Archive/NRONE Records through e-bay. And I really wanna get 'em!  Poking around on-line, I couldn't find a ton of info on this band, which is a shame cos from what I know already, they're awesome... Whadda you know about 'em?

        
          

Lusting after Norwich with the Cruiser Chimps

Howlback Hum Records put out the Cruiser Chimps song Aha Now I Understand on the We're From Norwich #2 compilation which consists of a CD and LP -- apparently they couldn't fit all the bands on the vinyl!

They also have a song called The Worm on Oddnotch Beswtick 1, which is a 7" featuring three other bands (Charlotte Morris, Mochikolinski and Galliard.) 

And this is from their myspace

"We spend more time on dance routines than the songs. we don't sound like the white stripes ok? toko thought of the name so now we probably owe her some money or something. we were a 2-peice, now mikey joined, so we rock.  iain and lisa are in another band too, but it's less violent (bearsuit myspace and www.bearsuit.co.uk) mikey plays in giant robot and the city of tokyo also.  thanks to mr owen turner for recording the songs at the sickroom of course...."

Apparently Mikey moved to the States (Boston... how weird!?) and Lisa is now playing guitar and Iain's on drums. They are hoping Rosie will be joining them soon on bass.


           

Lusting After Norwich with The Brownies

The Brownies are BFF's that started a band in high school and have been together for five years. Their guitarist Nathan Pounds recently left the band.  The lineup is currently Soaphie, Stevie, Michael J. Sheils and Maxie. Their debut album, Ourknife Yourback, came out on my birthday (June 22!) and is available on Amazon, Play.com and Itunes.  They released 250 copies of the Means to an End blue 7" on NRONE Records and it sold out (so did the CD single!) You can get the Cougar 7" or CD single through NRONE Records.

Maxie does a really great zine called Gravy about Norwich bands. I like it because she tries to be positive and celebratory (that is kinda my philosphy on Grrrl Sounds too.)  I got a lot of great info on the scene there through her zine. If you want to get a hold of the zine yourself, contact the Gravy Myspace.  Every issue talks about local bands and has a theme running through with some short stories and art. The first issue theme is loss, second issue's focus is mixtapes, third issue is focused on heavy music and Norwich grrrl bands, and the fourth issue is about tweeOff!

             

Lusting After Norwich with Girl In A Thunderbolt

Maria started out with the punk band The Incidentals in 2005 and as they disbanded in 2007 she went onto her solo project Girl in a Thunderbolt.

She released her first EP The Tweaks in 2008.  You can get her second EP, Songs for Modern Lovers on her official website.  She is recording a four song EP this month and is planning to record a full-length album with producer HP Gundersen.  You can get a free version of the song Volatile here.

Check out The Incidentals

And here is a video for the song Nitroglycerine from Girl in a Thunderbolt.

      

Lusting after Norwich with Bambi Get Over It

I'm winding down on my Norwich feature, but I have a few more important bands to write about.  I heard from someone that Bambi Get Over It may have recently split up, but I'm not positive, so don't quote me on that, okay? This Norwich 5 piece formed in October 2007 and work together to make "rockabilly infused indie."  Check it out:

        

     

Lusting after Norwich with The Kabeedies

The Kabeedies are Evan, Fab, Katie and Roary.

Their debut album, Rumpus, was released in September, and it is currently No.9 on Artrocker's Top 20 Albums of the Year.  You can buy it from iTunes or from NRONE Records.  I'm sorry to tell you but the Treasure Hunting 7" and the Ten Animals I Slam in a Net 7" are both sold out.  But you can still get the Lovers Ought To 7", the Petits Filous single and the Little Brains single through NRONE Records or through this site.

    

Lusting after Norwich with the Middle Ones

The Middle Ones are more low-key than the previous Norwich bands I've featured.  The band started off with just Anna, but then became Anna and Grace. But to mix things up a bit, they also have The Sunday Best Ensemble, a.k.a. Stu, Mat and John, who sometimes play with them.  Anna and Grace made a four track CD which you can buy from them through their myspace.  The songs included are Fall In, Goodnight Song, Count Down and Oh Bob!  They are currently working on a record which will be released by WIAIWYA in the near future. I must warn you that this video is quite possibly one of the cutest things I've ever featured on Grrrl Sounds.

And here is one with the Sunday Best Ensemble:

    

        

Lusting after Norwich with The Neutrinos

The Neutrinos are vocalist Karen, guitarist Mark Travis Howe, bassist Jon Banknote and drummer Simon Bob Morrison.

They have put out several  singles including Build Him Til He Breaks and Mother's Mother Tongue single, as well as the Girlfriend's Got a Gun and Donkey Work single, both of which you can buy on itunes, or email them to get the real thing.  One Way Kiss is their full length album, which was released in 2007.  You can also get the Blood Red Lips vinyl, which is available through their website.  You can also download free songs to remix on their official site.

   

Lusting after Norwich with 2 Hot 2 Sweat

2 Hot 2 Sweat is Matt Leuw and Mia Lane plus some guitars, keyboards and drum machines. They formed in early 2007 and have released three singles on NROne Records.  Your Space Or Mine was released in March 2008 followed by Half Assed Rom Com, which was released in October 2008.  And in 2009 they released Karmarama.  They are setting up to release a mini-album in early 2010 called rarararararaRA!  They kinda remind me of a Norwich version of Stereo Total.  Which is a totally good thing.

    

Lusting after Norwich with Chickedy and McGuffin

Chickedy and McGuffin are, ironically enough, Chickedy (drums and vocals) and McGuffin (guitar and vocals.) My favorite tracks so far are Klan and America.  I wish I could see the lyrics so I could scream along.

     

Lusting after Norwich with the UH OHs

The UH OHs are Naomi (vocals and bass), Paul (guitar and vocals) and Lee (drums.)  They formed in late 2007 and released their first single Cheat Cheater on NR One Records.  They released their second single, I Can’t Wait, on Little Power. And they released their third single, Cash Rich Imagination Poor, on October 16th on Cherryade Records.  But on October 20th, they announced their break up! 
 

You can also download the Screaming Ground Compilation Volume II, which they are featured on (along with Fever Fever) for free here!

      

Lusting after Norwich with Glory Glory

Glory Glory is a Norwich duo who can pull it off.  I asked Shannon a few questions about the band and she was kind enough to share these two tracks, Love for Love and Meg Griffin with you!







If you had to describe Glory Glory's sound in three words, what would they be?

Loud! Fun! Angst!

Tell me about the history of Glory Glory. 

Panos and myself (Shannon) both went to a music college (Access to Music) in Norwich around a year ago. After discovering we had matching music tastes, we decided we would shut ourselves away in a practice room for a little bit and come up with a bunch of songs that we liked.  We started doing some college shows and then The Brownies asked us to play their album launch, of course we said yes.  After that we decided we would keep playing as often as we can!

Were you in previous bands?

Before Glory Glory I played drums in a band called Comic Book Heroes and we were an all female powerpop/alt band.  We parted ways because of location and what not, but they now have a new drummer Jason, a good friend of mine and are called Camarilla.  Panos was in a punk rock band doing vocals but not playing guitar and they were called The Nazarines.

Where did the name Glory Glory come from?

The band name came from a tattoo Panos has on his arm that says 'All Glory' and it's part of a bigger piece which I liked.  We just grew to really like the idea of having 'Glory' somewhere in the name,  so Panos decided on the double 'Glory' eventually and I let him have his way for once :)

How would you describe the scene in Norwich?

It's a very alive one! there is loads of musical talent in and around Norwich and most people seem to be really supportive of each other.  There is a great supply of angry loud but fun music which we both love immensely! There's always gigs on, fanzines dotted around the city, plenty of venues, many promoters so there's always plenty going on!

Who have you really enjoyed playing with so far? Who would you absolutely love to play with?

We loved playing with Cage The Elephant, - we got the chance to support them at the local university not long after we first got together, so that's something we'll always remember.  We both love The Brownies so playing with them is always a pleasure.  We played with Fever Fever once in my hometown of Bury St Edmunds, and we both love what they do.  I just really enjoy playing with bands that are excited and enthusiatic about their music to be honest, we love watching bands that are full of energy and angst!

To have played a Bikini Kill or Nirvana show would have both completed our lives! Sleater Kinney, Be Your Own Pet, Yeah Yeah Yeah's, Sonic Youth, X-ray Spex, The Stooges. Panos is really into The Raveonettes right now, The Buff Medways...lots!

Are you big Family Guy fans (I can't quite make out the lyrics to "Meg Griffin")

Panos LOVES Family Guy, I'm not obsessed to be honest but I watch it sometimes.  The lyrics aren't totally about Family Guy but it was an inspiration of Panos' at the time.

What are your future plans for recording and releasing your music?

Well we are unsigned and I'm a full time student, Panos works when he can, so money is an issue with not allowing us to do a lot of the stuff we'd love to.  But we are trying to sort out plans to record an EP.  We didn't really want to stop recording when we were last in the studio and are dying to get back in there!  So when that's done we'll ask friends to help us out with artwork and getting the CD's around and that.  At the moment we're selling a 2 track CD at gigs for a couple of quid and are getting merch sorted.

What are your favorite grrrl bands?

Mika Miko, Bikini Kill, Bratmobile, Sleater Kinney, Le Tigre, The Frumpies, The Gits...


     

Lusting after Norwich with Le Tetsuo

Le Tetsuo is Jack Underwood, Sam Riviere and Charly Morris

Check out the Sometimes... 10". It is limited edition (only 250!) and was put out on Parlour Records, featuring the songs Sometimes I'm walking around I feel like I'm going to open up and crack and Queare.  It was just released on November 23rd. You can also get this on itunes, but why get the mp3, when you could have the real thing?

And to celebrate the release of the new 7" single, they are giving away the track Way Before You Die, which was recorded in the Fortress Studio sessions. Download for free now in exchange for your email address to keep up to date with Le Tetsuo news!

You can also buy the Your Elbow EP, featuring 6 songs on Itunes. And check out their myspace page, it features some wonderful live versions of songs..

   

Lusting after Norwich: Interview with The Brownies and Bearsuit

I've been fantasizing for some time now about running away to Norwich. I've even done a little research into visas and if I would be considered a "highly skilled migrant." I wonder if there is a need for expressive arts therapists in Norwich? You are probably wondering why I have such a fascination with a place I've never been to, so many thousands of miles away from Boston, right? Well, because they have an amazing girl-friendly music scene happening right now, and it's really exciting to me. The funny thing is, most of the people I've talked to in Norwich seem to consider it a total norm to have so many girls in bands, so they've never even spent much time thinking about it.

I wish that were the case in Boston. Here, it is a common occurrence if you are in one of the rare girl bands to be forced to play first at shows (even if you've been around for several years are are tight/really good) and the all-boy punk band who has been around for 2 months gets to play later, when more people show up to the gig. Ugh.

I'm really interested in how this Norwich scene was created and nurtured, so I asked Maxie from The Brownies and Lisa from Bearsuit to answer some questions for me. And I'm going to spend some time in the upcoming weeks to explore some of the other awesome Norwich bands with you.

The Brownies

I'm looking at this from an outside perspective, but I'm curious what do you think the scene is like in Norwich?

Maxie Brownie: It's brilliant. We are so lucky to have so many good bands to go and see and play with every week. We thought it was normal, and all scenes were like it, but when we got out of Norwich and started touring, we realised how rare it is. Most of us are friends too, so it's nice to just be involved and be part of something that really excites us all.

Lisa Bearsuit: I think we do have a strong scene here and have had for a number of years. The thing with Norwich is that it’s quite small and insular, and surrounded by just miles and miles of farmland, which I think breeds a lot of creativity because there‘s not a whole lot else to do. You just get more and more people starting up bands, and the more bands there are, the more gigs and promoters and rehearsal studios and zines there are, and all of that going on inspires more people to jump onboard and start making music themselves. It’s a sort of snowball effect. We all know each other and in general everybody is supportive of each other’s bands.

And specifically, what is the scene in Norwich like for females?

Maxie Brownie: It's easy really. People don't even think twice about it. Most of the best Norwich bands have females in them - but it's not a novelty or a gimmick, they're just brilliant bands playing gggreat music. It's easier for girls (and guys) to develop their style in a scene where you don't feel like your gender will hold you back. I took this for granted until we went up North.

Lisa Bearsuit: I don’t tend to think about how the scene is different for females really, except that perhaps there are so many girls in bands here that that in itself will encourage more girls to learn to play guitar or drums or whatever. The entire scene is supportive and encouraging, whether you're male or female.

Bearsuit

In your opinion, how was this culture created (and nurtured) -- to have so many great bands, with so many female musicians?

Maxie Brownie: I think it started with bands like Kaito, Bearsuit, and probably even with bands in the 80's like Vital Disorders. Girls have always played an important role in the Norwich scene. When you have those kind of role models, for us it was Le Tetsuo, Pistolas, and Bearsuit, you have something to aspire to. Although there are female bands in the mainstream, there's usually a gimmick with them, or some kind of selling point that makes them so removed from what we're doing. When you're going out every week watching your favourite bands playing amazing shows in local venues, you just want to be a part of it. The other bands embrace you, which I think is important. Especially for us, because we formed in high school, which was dominated by male wankery bands who just laughed at us, it was so important to come out of that and be accepted into a scene that encouraged female activity.

Lisa Bearsuit: I would definitely cite Kaito as a massive inspiration. I remember going to see them, probably in the late 1990s and being completely blown away, but also thinking that I could probably do that if I put my mind to it. I think there are actually a lot of women in bands in every city, but perhaps the difference in Norwich is that the scene is so healthy and inventive in general that the bar is already set very high, making our ladies really stand out right now. Also we put a lot of work and effort in and try really hard. It’s easy for a girl band to play the same kind of boring, poorly written, and dismally performed songs as your average all-male pub band but somehow get more of an audience and a presence just because they’re women. Like, swap the line up for men, and would you really be so interested? Would they really stand out? I think we’re all trying to aim a bit higher than that.

What role does feminism have in this scene?

Maxie Brownie:: I can only really speak on behalf of my band here, because everyone has different views on it. But I think that feminism plays a big part in the scene. A lot of our lyrics have feminist subjects. I think the category of "feminism" scares people these days. But I don't think we're scared of it in Norwich, because we've got the backdrop of this supportive scene that gives girls the platform and opportunity to say what they really think. Because of this, anything less will not do.

Lisa Bearsuit:: I’m not sure it’s particularly feminist, or at least not in the traditional sense. We’re not all burning our bras or anything, but on the whole there’s a lot of good solid female friendships which is really important. Also with most bands there’s no bitching and we’re all really supportive of each other so there’s a definite riot grrrl attitude! I guess we’re making headway in an industry that’s traditionally male oriented so big thumbs up there too! Booooom!

How did your band start/evolve?

Maxie Brownie: We (The Brownies) started in GCSE music in high school. Then we just progressed from there really. We got new members to get better as a band, and have just been working hard for about 4 years now. We're all close friends, and I think that's important in the successful evolution of a band.

Lisa Bearsuit: Me and Iain Ross met at school and were childhood sweethearts. We met Jan at university, all bought electric guitars and decided to start a band (Bearsuit) after seeing Kaito play at the Arts Centre. We recruited further band mates Matt, Richard and Cerian, who have since left and been replaced by Joe and Charlene who we’ve been friends with for a long while.

What is your relationship like with these other bands?

Maxie Brownie: Grreat! We love most of the bands in Norwich on a personal level. I live and sleep with Ellie from Fever Fever, and Sophie, our singer, gets all satisfied with Lee from Uh Ohs (RIP). We speak to and drink with lots of bands - most of our friends are in bands. Other than that, we like to help anyone out that we can, as others have done for us. I make a zine all about Norwich music called Gravy, which documents all the exciting things happening in Norwich, so all round, we heart Norwich.

Lisa Bearsuit: Really good. I forgot to mention the scene here is really incestuous so everyone’s in other bands, and going out with each other, and all that stuff. So yeah, we’re like one big weird sexy family.

What advice do you have for people in other cities/towns who would like to create a similar girl-friendly (or just gender balanced for that matter!) music scene?

Maxie Brownie: Just keep going, and don't get put off by other people's opinions. As long as it feels good, then it's right. To create this type of scene, you just need to get the ball rolling, and people will follow.

Lisa Bearsuit: Well, anyone can be in a band, it doesn't even matter if you can’t play too good. Just go for it, and be strict, and practice, and be confident, and inventive, and really push yourself to be as good as you can be. That kinda goes for boys and girls.