Last Action Hero
Interview
Wednesday 11th of June 2008
By Haydon SSo, you're Last Action Hero huh? What does that entail?
Well, at the moment, it's just me... making music that I love to listen to... and trying to get it out there for other people to hear it too. Maybe one day it will get to involve a full orchestra and an array of other musicians, but for now, It's just me and my cobbled together selection of synths and samplers with a few other bits too.
Your new album, Glitter Hotel, is out now for free download from www.glitterhotel.com - what led to you deciding to put it out for free?
I played with loads of ideas when deciding how to release the album, but in the end I went with the free MP3 option. It felt like the most natural.
There seems to be a lot of pressure these days for bands to have their music on iTunes, or to have CD's and T-shirts and Shoe Laces and piles of other crap to sell after gigs. And it all comes down to trying to make money - but since when was it all about making money?!
I guess I'm trying to approach it from the other angle. I love the music I'm making and I want it to be heard by as many people as possible. So if that means giving it away free, then I will. You sure as hell won't catch me seeing t-shirts after a gig either. Giving away stickers, sure! but selling self-branded crap?! no way. Having said that... if you see me after a gig and feel compelled to buy something, make mine a Sailor Jerry's and cola - that'll do nicely.
How would you describe your music?
It's pop music. I simply love pop music and I'm so glad that we're living in times where pop is no longer a dirty word. There's a lot of brilliant artists out there making some really amazing pop music again and it's exciting. When it comes to what I'm making, there's plenty of electro in the mix too.
What sort of artists and bands have influenced what you're doing?
Loads. If you're talking about my early music life, I remember becoming obsessed with wanting to hear 'Don't You Want Me Baby?' by the Human League on the radio all the time. I remember I'd heard it once, and it was all I wanted them to play. Then the first album I brought was Different Class by Pulp on tape from Woolworths. The first single I brought was 'Love Me For A Reason' by Boyzone. Quite how I arrived at that combination, I've no idea!
My parents were big John Denver, Simon and Garfunkel and Black Sabbath fans - a slightly odd mix!
I was introduced to Ryan Adams a few years ago and have been obsessed ever since. I was listening to Joni Mitchell and Janis Joplin quite a bit when I wrote parts of the album too. There are some pretty obvious influences in what Ed Banger Records are putting out at the moment as well. Plus some less obvious influences too... the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Bloc Party, The Subways... I listen to so much music and all of it informs what I do in different ways.
Highlights so far?
There have been some pretty hectic gigs, they certainly top the list of my favourite experiences. I've just found out I'm going to be played on BBC 6 Music sometime soon too, that's pretty cool.
Your live show is creating a bit of a buzz. Describe the LAH live experience for us.
For me, a live show is about creating something exciting, not just with music, but in the whole aesthetic and the performance too. I like to make a bit of effort with the staging and costumes. For my first few shows I had a sequined High School Musical Top that I'd brought from the Disney Store (largest girls size they sold) and had cut the sleeves off just to get in to it.
Generally, it tends to get a bit messy on stage. I have a bit of a habit for breaking things and sending stuff flying across the stage. For some reason, last Saturday night, I decided it was a great idea to have candles on stage.
Apparently, watching a guy nearly set fire to himself repeatedly is quite engrossing.
What's with this 'Sex Me Here' malarkey then?
Yeah, that! I've got in to a bit of trouble with that. Basically, the song and the stickers came about at the same time and it was just a way to promote myself. But it got a bit out of hand when my friend came back from a trip abroad with pictures of stickers on a variety of foreign police cars, airports and religious sanctuaries. I think my next stickers will say "Don't be a twat" on them - then if people put them in stupid places I can't get in trouble over it... 'cause the sticker told them not to.
Any new bands or artists our readers should check out?
YES! Loads. where do I start?! I saw Crystal Castles live the other week, and together with their album, they are just phenomenal. Johnny Foreigner are pretty trendy to be bumming at the moment too, but they're actually pretty marvellous also. They supported The Subways when I saw them last and it was very good. Late of the Pier are making some immense noise at the moment too. Tokyo Police Club are awesome. I don't know if she really count as a new artist anymore, but Laura Marling's album is immense, and if people don't have it... Well... there really is no excuse! and Noah and the Whale. and the Presets. and Frankmusik. and Midnight Juggernauts. and Pin Me Down.
I cold go on... but I won't...
Any last thoughts?
If you want it, just get it. If you don't like it, just put it back. It's a motto for life.
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