Interview with Local Band Colt 45
Words by Stephen Murphy
Last year was a very busy year in West Cumbria for Music & Festival lovers, with the likes of Solfest, Cockrock, Maryport Blues Festival, Valentine Rock, Hensingham Rocks, Lakes Rocks, The Whitehaven Festival, Maryport's Fakefest and Beckfest, wow, I didn't realise there were so many.
Having attended most of the above I obviously saw quite a number of bands knocking out there own tunes and out of all the gigs-events and festivals one of the most memorable bands for me was, I am pleased to say, a local Workington band, Colt-45.
I caught the The Workington band when they played Valentine Rocks and they basically took the audience by the scruff of the neck and presented a masterclass in How to Own a Stage.
Don't get me wrong there was not one ounce of arrogance, cockiness or pretentiousness, they were simply brilliant. The audience were lapping up everything that was thrown at them and as the lads were clearly enjoying their set it made the gig even more enjoyable.
As a band Colt 45 are tight, tighter than Steve English and that's saying something.
The overall sound is so relevant, so now and so tomorrow. With catchy songs, precision timing and great musicianship all presented in an honest and modest fashion it is no wonder that the lads have built a great following in their short time as a band.
They describe themselves and the sound as ‘Snappy, addictive songs that kick you in the teeth one minute then have you embracing the chorus like a long lost friend the next. A dynamic, punk-laced & bittersweet shot in the arm' or Good.
I caught up with Neil for a quick chin-wag on what Colt 45 are up to over the coming months.
You have recently changed the line up, so new start then?
Yeah the line up for the band is Myself, Gareth and new drummer Adam Lewis, Adam also plays for Birds Vs Planes so he's a busy, busy lad at the minute.
You have been in the studios recently, what's the score there then?
Well we were down in Cardiff and the EP was produced by Romesh Dodangod at Longwave Studios, he's worked with Funeral for a Friend - Motorhead - Kids in Glass Houses, we all loved the whole experience. We've got five tracks on the EP, including a couple of new tracks. Ideally we would like to release the EP via a decent label and with Romesh on board we are pretty confident we'll get it sorted. What made the whole experience even more memorable was the fact the we were bumping into our favourite bands while we were there, Funeral For a Friend and Kids in Glass Houses, these were popping into the studio and we were knocking about with them, It opened our eyes to where we need to be; what we need to do.
What tracks are on the EP?
We have three brand new tracks and recordings people who watch us will recognise, such as These Unpsoken Arguments & Sh%t Happens. The new tracks are "Chasing Yesterday" - "In These Dreams I'll live and Die" and another is yet to be titled.
How long have Colt 45 been on the scene?
As Colt 45 we've been around for about two and half years although it seems like a lot longer.
You actually studied Music didn't you?
Well I done all my grades but I'm not the best guitarist, in a three piece you need to play a lot of chords to keep the sound big.
In the past couple of years which gig would you say is the most memorable?
Well to be honest Valentine Rocks was probably the most memorable, the sound was fantastic. And Scarborough when we played with the UK Subs that was spot on.
Have you any gigs planned for the year?
Well we are playing Solfest August 27, Brickyard, The Playground June 4, Whitehaven, and we have just confirmed a Headline slot at Birmingham Academy as part of a Kerrang Showcase Night which is spot on.
But basically we are at the planning stage with the EP and we are looking to shoot a video to accompany one of the tracks, and we are aiming to gig as much as we can and do as much promo work as we possibly can. It's going to be a really busy year.
Colt 45 who are they and what are they about?
We were all brought up on nineties music, we are an honest band, we sing about stuff that we know about, for me our songs are something that people can really relate to.
We have substance and a bit of a backbone compared to a lot of bands.
What is the ultimate goal for 2011?
The ultimate goal this year is we want to release the EP and build the profile to a point where we could tour full time.
Finally, who is the talent in the band?
Haha! I would say Adam is the talent, you see me and Gareth we have known each other since we where 8 or 9 years old, and me and Gareth understand, I think both of us think the same in musical terms and Adam just fits in absolutely perfectly, he gets our ideas straight away and knows how we think and he just fits in so well, already we have sorted a few new songs with Adam on board.
Regarding the West Cumbrian Music scene what are your thoughts?
I think its really healthy there are some good bands out there, Glassheart from Maryport are brilliant, we all love With Lights Out they are top lads and also there is a band called Vanya they are bang on, a really good band. They are definably worth watching out for this year.
With Maud and Size and Re-cession putting gigs on it all points to a good scene.
There are people who are willing to put bands on and there are bands willing to play but more importantly the good people of West Cumbria turn out and not only support the music scene they make it what it is.
To find out more about COLT 45 go to:
www.myspace.com/colt45theband
www.facebook.com/colt45theband
