INTERVIEW: The Herron Brothers — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

The Herron Brothers

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I have been chatting with The Herron Brothers….

about their forthcoming album, The Last Ones Left, and what themes inspired the record. The guys talk about making music together and which artists they hold dear; whether they each have a favourite album – I ask if there are tour dates coming up.

Paul and Steven share their favourite memories from their careers so far; how they spend time away from music; which artist they’d support if they had the chance – they end the interview by each selecting a great tune.

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

Paul: Busy busy busy: there aren't enough hours in the day to be promoting an album AND trying to dispute parking fines!

Steven: I had the worst hangover I’ve had in many years on Saturday - which meant I was able to watch all three Back to the Future films.

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

Paul: We're the Herron Brothers; originally from North Northumberland but currently in Derby. We make mature(ish) Pop music!

The Last Ones Left is your forthcoming album. What sort of themes compelled the songwriting?

Paul: I had to look at the running order to answer this (smiles). A lot of it is about struggle; whether that's from a health point of view, or career or social justice etc.…just about fighting to get where you need to be. If I had to pin-point one central underlying theme it would be that. Unless you ask me tomorrow and it might be different.

Do you have favourite cuts from the record?

Paul: Michael Palin springs to mind.

Steven: Michael Palin and California are my faves. They bookend the album very nicely.

When did The Herron Brothers start life and begin playing together?

Paul: Our old band The Sons split about three years ago, so we just carried on after that but on and off, as we're brothers, we've been playing together since our gig at Alnwick Town Football Club back in the '90s!

Do you think there will be more material coming down the line?

Paul: We have plans for a Christmas single which we'll be working on/finishing off after the tour. It was one of the possible tracks for the album, which is going to make a lot more sense as a Chrimbo song! After that, we'd absolutely love to do another album that build upon this one. It really depends how successful this campaign has been as to the position that were in.

If I were to travel back to your childhoods; what sort of music would I find in your collections?

Paul: Paul Simon, The Beatles; Wet Wet Wet, Crowded House; De La Soul, Blur and Oasis.

Steven: The Bluetones, MC Hammer; Dire Straits and The Sultans of Ping FC.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

Paul: For, 100%, of our living to be from making our own music. Too much of our lives are being wasted on boring pay-the-bill-scrap and we're 'effin sick of it.

Steven: What he said - and to be able to play The Claw by Jerry Reed all the way through.

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

Paul: The Sons’ farewell gig is one. There was a lot of love in the room it was really emotional.

Steven: Supporting The Bluetones last year was very cool. The best bit wasn’t the gig itself though; it was watching them do Ain’t No Pleasing You by Chas & Dave in the soundcheck. Flippin’ brilliant!

Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)?

Paul: Graceland - Paul Simon

It's why I started doing this.

Steven: One album?! You kidding?! I can think of about nine that are hugely important: Automatic for the People by R.E.M.; Definitely Maybe by Oasis; Love Over Gold and Brothers in Arms by Dire Straits; Spartacus by The Farm; Out of Time by R.E.M….But, for today, I’m gonna go for All the Best by Paul McCartney. It’s a compilation album that’s never been beaten in my opinion. I used to listen to it on-repeat whilst building cars out of Meccano.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

Paul: Paul McCartney. Because the crowd would be huge. Rider-wise, I'm not bothered really. Just loads of access to nice warm water; maybe some nice fillets of fish - and a bottle of champagne and a decent medium rare steak burger for when we come off! (And some mouthwash...).

Steven: Wilco. Cos they’re awesome. The rider would consist of higher welfare meat, some nice bottles of IPA; Newcastle Brown Ale, champagne; oysters, Monster Munch; chilli pickled eggs (chickled eggs) and any local delicacies. In fact, pretty much anything that can be chucked at us. My favourite type of food is definitely free food.

Might we see some tour dates coming up? Where might we be able to catch you play?

Paul: Check it out…

Steven: Liverpool, Chesham; Tynemouth, Derby; London, Belper; Birmingham, Nottingham; Burton…everybody talk about, mmmmm, Pop music!

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Paul: Don't drink.

Steven: Drink lots of water, do vocal warm-ups; do them before every gig. If you want a long career, look after your voice.

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Paul: Can't think of any…

Steven: The latest Gorillaz album is amazing, as is Gruff Rhys' latest. Oh, and the latest Django Django one is good as well. Yes, I know they’re not ‘new’ artists but that’s the best you’re gonna get from us! (Smiles).

IN THIS IMAGE: Gorillaz

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

Paul: I love swimming, walking and films; IPA and physics. I PROMISE I'm not as dull as I sound...

Steven: Gaming. It’s the best value for money of any entertainment medium. Currently playing Far Cry 5 and getting excited for Fallout 76 and Red Dead Redemption 2.

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).

Paul: Freiheit - Keeping the Dream Alive