INTERVIEW: The 27 — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

The 27

_______

THERE are not many bands…

who can say they have been approved by Beyoncé! The 27 can claim that so, with that in mind; I was eager to learn more about them. Their new single, Tell Me, is out in April and I ask what the story behind it is – and whether they can reveal the famous face who will appear in the video.

They discuss their tastes and whether there is a special story behind their name; what tour dates are in the pipeline; if there is any advice they would offer new artists – if they all get time to detach away from music.

______

Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

Hello, nice to meet you. This week has been good, thanks – or, at least for Henry, as he’s been in L.A. avoiding this weather.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?

Well. We’re The 27. Our names are Henry Parker (Guitar and Vocals), David Page (Bass Guitar and Vocals) and Tom Michell (Guitar and Vocals). We also have a drummer, sometimes.

What can you reveal about the new song, Tell Me? How did that come together?

Well. It’s a song about bafflement and confusion of seeing someone be in love with someone who treats them badly and is in general completely wrong for them; yet, they seem to like them all the same. It was originally all recorded in Barnet at the Next Room - and then an alternative mix was done out in L.A.

I know the video will feature a famous face. Can you reveal who the ‘national treasure’ is?! How much fun was the video itself?

I’d be very happy to spill the beans but I don’t know if I’m allowed to yet. ‘National treasure’ is an interesting description, though. I can and will rule out Judi Dench, Nicholas Parsons and Michael Gambon, though.

Previous visuals have included appearances by the likes of Rhian Sugden – you have filmed at Amy Winehouse’s old house in Camden. How crucial are videos and getting them right?

Well. I think they are very important now; so much so that they are all part and parcel with being a recording artist now. In the past, we’ve always let other people come up with the video concepts...and we've just done what we’re told – whereas, with this latest video, we were much more involved with the creative side.

Is there going to be more music from you guys? What are you working on?

Well. We’re working on more singles and an E.P. which might all get bumped into an album - depending on how well this next release goes.

Your band-name is ‘The 27’. Is that an allusion to ‘The 27 Club’? What does it refer to?

Not really…maybe a little bit.

We were looking for a name and we went through loads of terrible ideas: we decided we wanted something short and simple. Then, we had the idea that it should be a number - as there aren’t so many band-names that are numbers. Then, a friend - who was twenty-seven at the time – said: “How about The 27?”.

It’s a cool number and, obviously, we realised there was ‘The 27 Club’ - which is pretty relevant in music. Also; it was the only name the one or all of us didn’t hate…

Which musician did you all grow up on? Can you each remember the first album you ever bought?

I think we all grew up with Rock ‘n’ Roll to some degree. Also, Oasis and Blur were both in the charts back then - which kind of tied in with that a little. By the time I was at the age where music really mattered in one’s life, downloads had taken over. The first album I was given though was a Monkees greatest hits tape when I was about five or six.

It seems you have a fondness for 1960s artists like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Is this period of music inspirational to you?

We’re kinda inspired by all eras of music - which will probably be more prevalent in our latest batch of records. That being said, we are a guitar-based band with three vocalists - and that era is pretty well-drenched in vocal harmony and guitars so, definitely, ‘yes’.

Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up?

Well. I’m not quite sure yet. I think they’re all being confirmed in the next two weeks but, yes; we will be out playing very soon.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

Money, success - and finally re-watching all the series of Midsomer Murders.

Have you each got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

Well. The musician’s life is so well-populated with amazing and crazy memories: some horrifying and some fantastic. Then, to multiply that by three people; it’s really hard to pick one…

I think, for the sake of this article; the first time the three of us sang together has to be up there though.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Well. I’m not sure we’ve really broken through yet: so I don’t think we should go dispensing advice to others just yet. I guess one thing I’ve noticed is that nowadays; everyone who ‘makes it’ seems to have a completely different story and journey…therefore their experiences aren’t going to be relevant to one’s self. Lastly, history seldom repeats itself in the music industry; therefore, it’s always good to take any ‘career’ advice with a pinch of salt.

Do you all get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

Music is our life and we love playing it.

Therefore, we never really need to ‘get away’ from it. Normally, it’s nice to actually sit back and listen to music - as opposed to playing it. Occasionally, though, it’s good to break open a box-set from a 1980s or 1990s British T.V. series.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Henry: Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl) by Looking Glass