The Baker's Dozen #5 Eamon Nancarrow (No Hot Ashes).
For the fifth instalment of The Baker's Dozen, we thought we'd see what a rock act might have to say for themselves so RGM caught up with Eamon Nancarrow vocalist for Irish rockers No Hot Ashes. Perseverance is always to be applauded and on March 23rd, 2018 NHA will release their debut album, 34 years after they first formed, via the Frontiers label.
1. What is your earliest musical memory?
My dad was in an Irish folk group that used to rehearse in our house. I can remember, as a child, the music floating upstairs while I was tucked up in bed. Wonderful.
2. Do you remember the name of your first band?
Guilt Edge
3. Which current artist do you hear and just go Wow?
FM (Merv Goldsworthy and Pete Jupp of FM produced the No Hot Ashes album).
4. Do you sit down to write songs or do you wait until your mojo comes to get you?
I have to wait until I'm inspired. This is difficult if you have a deadline
5. Big venue or small venue - what's your favourite to play?
Cop out alert! I love both but I suppose if you want to reach as many people with your music as possible then the bigger the better.
6. Who is the one artist you wish you could share a stage with (past or present)?
Steve Perry (Journey).
7. Bowie, Prince, Sinatra, Elvis which departed great means the most to you?
Elvis. Hero from my youth.
8. Is a saxophone solo ever ok?
Yes, Listen to Baker Street (Gerry Rafferty)
9. Should music be free?
No, should plumbing be free?
10. Can you remember the first record you bought and what have you bought recently?
Yes. It was ‘Silver Lady’ by David Soul. I still think it's a cracker tune. The last album I bought was ‘Firepower’ by Judas Priest.
11. What was the last song that made you cry actual tears?
My mum suffered a stroke a few years ago. My dad refused to put her in a nursing home. I wrote a song about their struggles, to keep her at home, called ‘Boulders,’ The first time I heard it in its finished state it brought me to tears.
12. Do you binge watch Netflix / Amazon / DVD box sets (any recommendations)? Do you have a guilty pleasure in Film or TV you’ll admit to watching and loving?
I rarely watch TV. I love the film ‘Minder on the Orient Express.’ You can’t beat a bit of Arthur Daley.
13. What is the most important thing to you that you can see from where you are right now?
The photo on my desk of my three kids.
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Johnny Drille is best known for his single ‘Wait For Me’ which was nominated for Best Alternative Song at the 2016 Headies Awards. The Nigerian singer first sang in the church of his clergyman father before he came to the attention of the Mavin record label. Johnny’s folky/acoustic sound is firmly rooted in his Nigerian heritage but he’s looking outside of his native borders for additional inspiration, which should bring the singer widespread international recognition. We caught up with Johnny to find out a little more about his influences and his love of classic US TV shows.