Where are you from?
Hull
Members and their instruments?
Mark Slade AKA Mr G
What does your band name mean?
In the late 90’s I played Bass in a covers band, whilst waiting on the singer to turn up (standard) I was waiting out side kicking stones and stuff around on the floor, one of the bits I was kicking around was pastry cutter in the shape of Mr Grumpy, and I always thought that if I played as solo artist I would be Mr Grumpy. I shortened it to Mr G. I am not grumpy really…….
What genre do you consider yourself? Why?
Acoustic, Indie.
How long have you been together?
I’ve been with myself for 40 years 7 months.
What drew you to music?
The escape. Being able to immerse yourself and be in another place.
What are some of your most influential bands? Why?
Oasis, absolute phenomenon. No words needed, I was 18 in 1996, awesome.
Paul Weller/The Jam, legend, cool as fuck and consistent output for 40+ years.
Ocean Colour Scene, brilliant songs, imminence b-sides. The band I cover the most.
The Bluetones, so underrated.
What is your song writing process?
Sometimes a word of phrase i’ve heard, mixed with a melody or progression I have had for a while. I have 100’s of snippets on my phone’s voice memo app!
What songs do you perform the most often?
Moving Away, Doing Fine, Alarms
Do you play any covers?
If needed, usually Ocean Colour Scene and The Jam
Do you have a set play list?
I try to stick to a pre-determinant set list, but this can change dependent on crowd.
Is there a secret meaning in any of your music?
No, a spade is a spade when I write. I mean what I say.
What is your favorite part of working in music?
The people and the escapism
What is your least favorite part of working in music?
Getting time to practice and write new songs!
Have you ever dealt with performance anxiety? If so how?
No
How old were you when you started playing your instrument?
25
How do you describe your music to people?
Melodic, simple indie? I don’t know to be fair!
What image do you hope your music conveys?
Life, Love and Luck.
Where have you performed?
Service Station, Jaz, Boathouse, in Hull. I also played to Beverley Carnival back in summer.
Do you have any up coming shows?
I have just supported to brilliant Twist Helix and have some dates lined up for November/December, Check my Twitter for details!
What is your greatest achievement to date?
Just getting out there and playing my songs, my way.
What is the ultimate direction for your band?
To play larger venues, supporting established acts.
How do you feel about the internet and the music business?
The internet is good to promote, but can sometime generate a false sense of perspective.
What is your favorite concert you’ve attended?
Blur at Glastonbury 2009, the reunion. Or Oasis @ Earls Court.
What do you do besides music?
Work, Work , Work.
What is something you would like to tell your younger self?
Don’t worry.
What is your favorite song? (not by your band)
I’ve not got one, an impossible question for someone who listens to music everyday.
What do you wish you spent more time doing 5 years ago?
Writing.
What advice do you have others wanting to start their own bands?
Do it.
Any last words?
Zylophones
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