music snobbery and tjs

You know when you think you're doing well at something, like a painting or something, then you look over at the person next to you's painting and you realise yours is actually a bit of paper with a happy face drawn on it?

Yeah, I get that exact same feeling when I'm looking at Music Snobbery, the fast-paced, well known, informative blog with God-Knows-How-Many readers. So it's through this lovely blog I discover Liam Finn has an album. From being the Anti's one-to-watch a couple of months ago, Liam has gone far, and taking a look at this album, it's clear to see his interesting mix of his fast-paced and mellodic music is a treat to hear. Go download/buy the album, 'I'll Be Lightning', it's different and will have you wishing you could play guitar. And sing well.



Logging on to THE ANTI's myspace the other day, there's the usual collection of friend invitations of crap electro bands with 'Listen to our music and tell us what you think!' written undernieth, or club event myspaces which post annoying bullitens all the time. But amoungst these today was Thomas J Speight. I usually listen to everyone who adds THE ANTI myspace, even if I don't blog about them. Anyway, Tom stuck out in todays bunch, and after listening to only one track, I knew we needed him to debut THE ANTI's first interview.

Tom is also the frontman of the Beehives, an alternative indie-pop band who's not passed THE ANTI's radar quite yet. He's been gigging for a while and has upcoming gigs everywhere from Winchester to Putney. On our debut Myspace interview with the man himself, he answers us questions about inspirations, onstage preferances and of course his cute-as-a-button sweet music.



Q-Which do you prefer- band stuff or solo stuff?

A-It really depends on the songs, certain songs require me to play with a band and others just sound better me and a acoustic.

Q-Which do you prefer to perform live? and why?

A-I have found touring on my own, quite lonely so it will be sweet to start playing with my solo band in the November tour.

Q-You describe your music as 'minimalist' on LastFm. How else would you sum up your music?A-My songs are just simple pop songs I wouldn't say they were indie, folk or country but maybe a mixture of the three.

Q-What do you write about?

A-On my album there is a lot of autobiographical songs and then a few of them are about my friends, people I have met and places i have been. I am in no rush to write a political song.

Q-What's been the highlight of 2008 for you, musically?

A-I am not sure if I have had my musical highlight yet for 2008...I am sure it will happen soon.

Q-Who do you find most musically inspirational to you?

A-It changes on a regular basis at the moment it is Neil Young and Paul Simon.

Q-Do you have anyone you suggest the ANTI take a look at who's currently on the London music scene?

A-London has so much to offer at the moment with singer songwriters. I think my old uni friend Eugene McGuinness will be one to watch for next year. There is also a great indie band called The Branco Heist they are certainly ones to watch.

Q-Obviously, you're very physically attractive. Do you get any 'groupie' interest at shows?

A- A friend wouldn’t ask and a gentleman wouldn’t tell…

Q-What can we expect from you in later 2008 and 2009?

A-My album “Pictures For Houses” should be out by December or new year. I should be playing a lot around the UK with my solo band. I am really excited for the next couple of months…I can’t wait to get in the studio and have some fun with my friends.

Alive with the glory of emo/TRANSGRESSIVE YAY

Ok, I have an embarrassing secret to reveal. Instead of listening to indie and new music podcasts, reading other music blogs and checking around myspace, like I usually do, I've been listening to old skool emo. My Itunes Say Anything collection has grown from 4 songs to 51, and I've started to listen to Yellowcard and Taking Back Sunday, again. Christ, I had this phase! What is happening?

For all you sane music freaks, I suggest you check out the Transgressive (the label Foals, Young Knives ect are signed to) new signings. Guaranteed big hit for any of the bands in the next six months. I'd especially recommend looking at Jhonny Flynn, who is getting indie feet tapping everywhere. Everyone seems to have praise for this guy. Bringing folky-tunes back in skinny jeans, just the way we like it. Another amongst the new signings is Esser, which is actually blessed music. 'I Love You' was featured on the latest Filthy Few Podcast, and its sounding pretty good, reminds me of a mix between Dan Le Sac and Dizzee Rascal's one where he nicked that bit in the chorus. Sounds too vague? Listen to the song and perhaps it will ring a bell. While you're on Transgessive, have a look at Liam Finn, I'm loving his track called 'Lead Balloon'. As I said before, have a look at all the new signings because they will be hot shit by the end of the summer. That's it for now, sorry guys... Sing it with me now! 'Alive! Alive! Alive with the glory of love...'