INTERVIEW: David Sinclair Four — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

David Sinclair Four

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THE band has had a slight rejig...

since I posed questions to them. Regardless of a drumming tweak; I have been speaking with the David Sinclair Four about their upcoming album, Sweet Georgina, and the themes that inspired it. They talk to me about their musical pasts and the new artists they are reacting to - sharing some fond memories they have experienced during their time in music.

I discover what gigs they have booked and how they get such a tight and confident sound; if they get chance to unwind away from music; what advice they would offer new songwriters coming through - the guys each end the interview with a song choice.

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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your weeks been?

David Sinclair (Vocals/Guitar): Busy...

Geoff Peel (Guitar/Vocals): It's been a good week. Spring has finally sprung, we've been rehearsing our live show; the band is sounding great and I got a new fuzz-box with some delightfully insane sounds.

Jos Mendoza (Bass/Vocals): I am great. My week has been intense with work, but I have the David Sinclair Four rehearsals to keep me going and the album launch to keep looking forward to.

Rory Mendoza (Drums): It's been good. I've been rehearsing with the band and running through songs for DS4, having only joined the band recently.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?

DS: I started the band in Shepherds Bush in 2005. It was originally a trio. We became the DS4 when Geoff joined as lead guitarist in 2013, which was also when Jos became our bass player. My son, Jack Sinclair, used to be the drummer. He is now touring the world as a poker star and we have got Jos’ brother Rory in to play the drums...

We like to keep it in the family.

Sweet Georgina is your upcoming album. Can you articulate the themes and influences that go into the record? What are the key emotions you explore throughout?

Geoff and I have written all the songs on the new album. Georgina is our muse. She’s our patron saint – in fact, she’s the patron saint of all bands and songwriters. The key emotions are love, humour; joy and sadness.

It’s about living the life, which we’ve been lucky enough to do for quite a while. I remember an old rockabilly singer from Nashville, Tennessee called Cowboy Jack Clement who said that as musicians: “We’re all in the business of fun; and if we ain’t having fun, then we’re not doing our job”. Amen.

How do you think your latest record differs from everything else the David Sinclair Four has put out?

It doesn’t differ that much. It’s got ten cool songs that each tell a story with my voice and a bunch of Rock & Roll guitars. There’s maybe more emphasis on great tunes this time around - and we’ve got our Scottish Soul sister Becci Wallace involved on the vocals which adds a new harmonic dimension to the classic DS4 sound.

Will there be singles coming from the album?

We’ve already put out Sweet Georgina - the title-track - as a single and the follow-up, Little Rock & Roll. The third single from the album, The Rolling People, is released 4th May.

The band is very tight and together. Did that chemistry come naturally? How did you all meet one another?

Thanks. Geoff and I go back to the 1980s when we were hanging out together in some dark dives in Hammersmith and Jos has known Rory from the day he was born. So; it’s more about biology than chemistry in their case…

What is the best part of being in the David Sinclair Four? Is it the touring or recording you all gravitate towards?

Geoff: Well; touring and recording are two sides of the same coin. Actually, it's a three-sided coin because the other aspect is writing the songs, which is both hard and richly rewarding. Recording is amazing because that's when the songs come to life and then playing live we get to see how they are received while strutting our funky stuff. Actually, the best part of being in the DS4 is being able to bring all our influences together - Americana, Anglicana; Rock, Psychedelia; Blues, Country; Folk, whatever - mixing them up and seeing what comes out.

Jos: For me, I have always loved playing live music, and for me, getting up on that stage and playing is what makes it for me. I also play for a Blues/Rock covers band, and it is refreshing to play some original songs I have only re-joined the band after having a few years to focus on teaching, so the recording has not been part of my agenda. Nonetheless, I would love the opportunity to get in the studio again - and I am hoping that there will be more songs to put on an album in the years to come.

Rory: For me, the best part is playing with a bunch of musicians who are talented and know their stuff. It's good fun playing with these guys; I like the music (which is always a plus) and I'm looking forward to playing some gigs.

Which artists have been influential in terms of your own sound and passion?

Geoff: Hearing Eric Clapton when I was fifteen started me on this whole business but, the older I get, the more I like Stones-era Mick Taylor. Such elegant phrasing and fabulous tone. I love slide playing too and listen to Derek Trucks a lot. In the Country vein, Chris Stapleton has to get a mention, not only for his guitar playing but also for his songwriting and incredible singing.

Jos: Red Hot Chili Peppers (their stuff up from the early days up to By the Way), Jimi Hendrix and Guns N’ Roses are my top-three (right now, anyway; ask me again in a month!) All three had great sound, relentless energy onstage and have the perfect blend of proficiency and feeling the music which, for me, is what makes playing so enjoyable.

Rory: The bands that got me into music were Red Hot Chili Peppers and Dire Straits. I love a variety of music but my preference lies with the heavier side of music, such as Iron Maiden, Aerosmith; Metallica, Rage Against the Machine; Porcupine Tree, Alice in Chains; Queens of the Stone Age...well, you get the idea.

DS: The Stones and Hendrix are the untouchables. Ray Davies and Paul Weller are two of my favourite songwriters.

Do you have any gigs lined up? Where are you heading?

It all kicks off with our album launch show at The Social, Little Portland Street (W1) on 14th May. We’ve got some special guests (singers and harmonica) and we’ll be doing it in style. Then, we’re moving on to: Notting Hill Arts Club (10th Jun); Albury Festival, Guildford (22nd July); Half Moon, Putney (9th Sep); Crawdaddy, Richmond (26th Oct); Polyfest, Camden (3rd/4th Nov); Dublin Castle, Camden (30th Nov).

There are dates being added all the time, so check our website.

If you each had to select the one album that means the most you; which would they be and why?

Geoff: There are loads of albums I could choose from, classic and modern, but one which kind of sums up the alt-rock vibe for me is Cracker's Kerosene Hat from 1993: great album, great songs and a great guitarist in the shape of Johnny Hickman.

Jos: I think I would have to go with Jeff Buckley's Grace. Along with having one of the truly great covers in Hallelujah, which is hard to do, it has some great songs that I think will stand the tests of time - and Jeff Buckley is one of those artists who pours all his emotion into his music. This is really felt in the album.

I still remember the day clearly when I first heard Dream Brother and any song that does that must be special. It is musically complete, heartfelt and has remained so over the years. Jeff Buckley is also one of my big influences and I have learnt many songs from the album.

DS: Are You Experienced by The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Everyone can play his guitar parts nowadays. But, people forget what a great singer and songwriter Hendrix was.

What do you all hope to achieve in 2018?

Geoff: Loads of gigs, new songs and recording - in that order. In my spare time, I'm going to get the acoustic out and crack the Bluegrass code.

Jos: I want to pick up where I left off with my music and start focussing on writing more songs; gain more valuable experience from others and keep going with DS4.

Rory: I'm hoping to play a tonne of gigs with the DS4 and, maybe, help come up with some new material.

DS: Fame and riches beyond belief.

Have you each got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

Playing snooker with Ronnie Wood backstage at a stadium in Chicago has got to be up there.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Don’t stop.

IN THIS PHOTO: Molly Tuttle/PHOTO CREDIT: Anthony Scarlati Photography

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Molly Tuttle; amazing Californian Bluegrass-picker, singing Townes Van Zandt’s White Freightliner Blues.

Nakhane; South African singer-songwriter. Very stylish. Lovely, high, soulful voice (like David McAlmont); wicked attitude. His band has got Charlotte Hatherley (ex-Ash) on keys and guitar and Keir Adamson on drums (who played on the new DS4 album).

IN THIS PHOTO: Nakhane/PHOTO CREDIT: Tarryn Hatchett Photography

Maaike Siegerist; ‘Dark Folk’ singer-songwriter from the Netherlands. She will be playing a support set at our launch gig at The Social on 14th May. Lovely voice – operatic range.

IN THIS PHOTO: Maaike Siegerist/PHOTO CREDIT: Catherine Rudie

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

David: Down by the canal.

Geoff: I have a sculling boat I keep near Chiswick Bridge. When I want to unwind, there’s nothing better than a long paddle up to Richmond Lock and back.

Jos: Playing is unwinding. It is what I care about and what makes me happy.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Geoff: If you can find it, I’d love it if you could play Every River by Kim Richey. It’s a great song. I never found out who played the lead guitar, and it rocks

David: Jenny Don’t Be Hasty by Paolo Nutini. We used to do a cover of this and it’s still one of my favourite songs. The coolest riff, great melody and neat solo