JIM CARROLLon music
You may think that nothing beats life in a rock’n’roll band, but those at the coalface would beg to differ. Where outsiders see an escape from the usual routine, insiders will talk about pressure, hassle and stress – and it’s not just bands on the first rung of the ladder either.
This week saw the Kings of Leon cancel an entire US tour after an onstage meltdown. Meanwhile, Australian band The Middle East called it a day, saying they didn’t feel like playing any more. It was, it seemed, better to split up rather than carry on and pretend things were OK.
It’s a surprise that more bands don’t call it quits. Life in a touring band is far from glamorous. Your day is spent soundchecking, doing promotion (even journalists know that most bands hate doing interviews) and hanging around waiting for stuff to happen.
While you might think that the constant travel is a bonus, you usually get to see little more than the venue or hotel, if you’re lucky enough to get off the tour-bus for a night. You’re also spending all your time with your bandmates and cracks quickly appear in those relationships. Band pyschology is a fascinating subject, especially with those who’ve managed to spend decades working together. But even in the most well-adjusted group, there must be times when the drummer has to be prevented from punching the singer.
Of course, the pay-off can be superb. You get to play your music to adoring, enthusiastic fans every night and get well paid for your troubles (the holidays and pension plans are pretty good too). And you get to hang out with roadies and tour managers.
Yet there are still many acts prepared to give all that up. They’re the ones who believe it’s better to put on the brakes than merely burn out.
New music
KIDS THESE DAYS
Eight Chicago youths rocking the house with bouncing hip-hop, reggae and soul. Their debut EP Hard Times is a fantastic calling card, especially the swinging Summerscent. Watch out for the incoming Trap House Rock mix-tape. Facebook.com/ kidsthesedaysband
LOVE INKS
Blackeyeis the tune which made us go wow about this Austin, Texas three-piece. You'll find more of their warm-hearted, late-night mimimalism on the E.S.P. mini-album (home-recorded on a reel-to-reel tape-machine), with Sherry LeBlanc's sweet voice leading the way.
Loveinks.com
JANICE GRAHAM BAND
It's yonks since the Acid Jazz label has featured in any new music despatches, but upcoming single
Murderfrom the Manchester band with the crap name may change that. The Janice Graham Band make a winning mix of garage-rock energy and intoxicating post-funk- punk. janicegrahamband.com
Now playing
Bjork Crystalline (Omar Souleyman remix)(One Little Indian) Our favourite Syrian wedding singer puts the brand new Bjork tune into a hypnotic, mesmerising spin.
I Break Horses Hearts (Bella Union)Lush, grand, elegant, melancholic tunes from Swedish duo Maria Linden and Fredrik Balck.
Various Heavy Sugar (Fantastic Voyage)Majestic three-CD set of top-ranking, heavyweight New Orleans r'n'b. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
My Tiger, My Timing Endless Summer (Snakes Ladders)Second tune with that title to feature here in recent weeks (the Jezabels were also pining for such a season). This one is a lovely rub of tropical pop with sweet, leftfield pop guitars.
Aloe Blacc Billie Jean (White)Beautiful, spine-tingling version of the Thriller classic as Aloe Blacc brings in some strings and hits some new soul highs.
