Record Breakers
Broken Records
There's reason to be cheerful when considering the health of Edinburgh's music scene. Several new venues have opened in the city in the past year, and there's an abundance of exciting, quality local bands playing them. Perhaps the most exciting of these are Broken Records, a seven piece ensemble whose use of traditional instruments, added to their own diverse influences, create a unique and invigorating sound.
The band have been working hard, making sure their music is heard the old fashioned way; by gigging relentlessly. They've played numerous support slots for bands like Idlewild, Sons & Daughters and The Twilight Sad. Their own shows in Edinburgh tend to sell out rather quickly. At their first gig in London, the queues to get in stretched around the block. In short, they are a band in demand. Relaxing in a cafe near the Bongo Club, where they will perform later to promote the launch of their new single 'If The News Makes You Sad, Don't Watch It', guitarist Ian Turnbull and drummer Andrew Keeney reflect on what has been a hectic year for them.
“The past few weeks have consisted of lots and lots of London, and seeing the service stations of Britain” says Ian. “And spending a lot of time in a van” adds Andrew, “Although I think we're beginning to get the hang of it, the hours just seem to flyby!” What makes Broken Records different from the dozens of other bands who are similarly slogging it up and down the M1? “Probably just being a little bit different to the standard sort of guitar, drums and bass lineup. We're more.... interesting”, says Ian. Andrew chuckles, “There's more instruments, so it's more interesting.”
Broken Records utilise a cellist, a fiddler who doubles up as an accordionist and a keys/trumpet player. Ian however plays down the idea that that they are heavily influenced by folk music. “I think its the choice of instruments we play always seem to be associated with folk. The idea was that we wanted to be able to play all our stuff unplugged as well, with acoustic guitars.” “And no microphones or power cables” adds Andrew. This gets Ian thinking. “Which is kinda folky in itself” he laughs. “It is kinda folky” agrees Andrew. “You know, just crowding into a bar and playing.”
Who does influence Broken Records then? Andrew ponders. “I think the main sort of collective influences, the sort of stuff everyone likes, is stuff like Nick Cave.” Ian nods sagely, “Pink Floyd, there's always classical, I like jazz.” “But there's a mix” Andrew notes, “everyone's influenced by someone else in their own style of playing.”
Its a reflection of the times that despite their success to date, Broken Records are still without a long term record deal. “We've had interest” says Andrew, “and spoken to a few people, but its difficult in this day and age, there's nobody waving cheque books any more. The record labels are..” He pauses for thought. “Cagey” Ian interjects. “Yeah, definitely. I read somewhere that so far only three bands have been signed to major record labels this year. But if that is true, its testament to the cageyness of the record companies at the moment. So we'll wait and see.”
Regardless of whether the cash strapped record industry decides to get involved or not, Broken Records are in it for the long haul. “We'll still be releasing records in five years anyway” Andrew states matter of factly. If they continue to maintain the quality of their early releases, there's little doubt of that. As well as their musical output, it appears their practical attitude will see them good. When asked what advice they have for other aspiring musicians in the city, Andrew takes on a serious look. “Don't be scared of playing a Monday night in front of four people, you've gotta do it. Be punctual! Be nice to your promoter. Be nice to your sound man. Don't smash up your hotel room.” He grins widely. “Always wash your mugs in the Travel Inn.”
'If The News Makes You Sad, Don't Watch It' is out now on Young Turks.
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