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 Bristol's
Big Joan have some unique advantages - a human drum machine called
Keith who can belt out 160bpm drum 'n' bass rhythms without breaking
sweat; a guitarist called Adam who throws beer cans, pieces of metal
and anything else he can find at his instrument; a bassist called
Simon who chucks out some of the filthiest bass sounds this side of
the dancehall massive; and a German vocalist called Annette who's
half enchanting siren, half terrifying harpy on stage. All of which
combines to make their Gang-of-Four-meets-the-Slits-at-a-DJ Hype-gig
one of the most intense and refreshing sounds smashing its way out
of the West Country at the moment.
Members: Location: Bristol, UK
What do you think you sound like, and how different is that from what other people have said or written about you? We all share a love of music that's extreme, especially energetic, noisy and emotionally intense music, and that's where our sound comes from. We like heavy, warped basslines, dirty guitars, hectic beats. We've been compared to everyone from The Pop Group to Neu! so make of that what you will!
There are loads of great bands and artists in Bristol. That's one
reason we moved there. Ivory Springer, Chikinki, Mooz (recently
RIP) and Gravenhurst are all fantastic, and there's a really healthy
electronica scene as well. Geisha are our favourite new band in
Bristol. They're the dirtiest little f*ckers around. There's also
a really great scene of 'filthy' rock noise in Manchester, with
amazing bands like Tsuji Giri and The
We feel a kinship with anyone who plays music for the hell of it, does it with passion and looks like they're enjoying themselves doing it! Also, anyone who works hard to promote themselves or to help other bands out. There are too many lazy people around so when you meet people who have some motivation its refreshing!
Big Joan is what Billy Idol has written on the back of his jacket in the film Re-Possessed. It's a shit name. We'd change it but we've kind of got used to it now!
Generally whichever one is the newest in the set. When they're new the songs are still developing and have a real life of their own.
Music is about having fun and letting off steam, not about sacrifice. We'd willingly sacrifice our day jobs though if we really had to...
Do bands' families usually like their music? Our families have been really supportive and one or two people are fans. In general they probably tolerate it and are glad we're not robbing houses or making porno films.
We always disagree about what covers to do. Would have to be something German, maybe an Einstürzende Neubauten or Kraftwerk song, or 'Wind of Change' by The Scorpions. Classic German rock, that.
Our favourite bit of kit is our drummer, Keith. If you could buy us something for Christmas it would be a spare Keith for when ours wears out.
Adult - Anxiety Always and Black Eyes - Black Eyes. Dark-edged Detroit electropop and Ian MacKaye-produc ed DC post-hardcore respectively. Both very good indeed. Oh, and the latest Venetian Snares, which rules!
(a) Indie label or major label deal? Whatever gets our music to people who want to hear it without us having to do anything we don't feel comfortable with. Probably indie! (b) CD or vinyl? Vinyl in an ideal world, but as loads of people don't have record players and vinyl is expensive, we generally make CDs! (c) Records or live music? Both. A great live performance is what it's all about but getting it right in the studio is very difficult and to be respected.
'Das macht die Berliner Luft Luft Luft So mit ihrem holden Duft Duft Duft Wo nur selten was verpufft pufftpufft In dem Duft Duft Duft Berlin! Hör' ich den Namen bloß da muß vergnügt ich lachen! Ich frug ein Kind mit jelbe Schuh: Der richtige Berliner gibt sich gastfrei und bescheiden. Wenn's dem Berliner nicht behagt er sanft: "Mir könn'se
alle." It's a traditional German song about how polluted and stinky the
air is. Website: www.bigjoan.com Records we can buy:
Interview by Stuart Fowkes |
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