This Morning Call - an interview
- Author
- keepoffthegrass
- Published on
- Monday, 26 Oct 2009
This Morning Call, the brain child of Ben Heyworth has been described as "Portishead on anti-depressants" and "LCD Soundsystem with a hangover".
He has also been described as "one of the most wonderful acts we have heard this year" by Channel 4 and is set to release his debut album "All Quiet at 4AM" in January 2010.
We caught up with Ben to have a chat about his future and music in Manchester.
Hello Ben, how are you? Introduce yourself to us.
Hi. I’m Ben Heyworth, better known as singer/songwriter/producer “This Morning Call”
(Obvious question number 1) How did the band get together?
Well, its just me actually, when I set about working on the album it became pretty clear that it was going to be more of a solo work with collaborators rather than working with a full band. When I play live, it’s a full band, but the line-up can change. So I am “This morning Call”
(Obvious question number 2) Where did the band name come from? Why This Morning Call?
Well, there was this newspaper in America called The Morning Call who printed a controversial photograph from 9/11 of a chap falling to his death. It was an incredible photo, very beautiful in terms of composition and colour, but also very shocking because it was literally a man caught in the process of jumping or falling. A lot of people felt it should never have been printed, it upset them, and caused major controversy. I thought that was a brilliant juxtaposition and wouldn’t it be great to make music that was both beautiful and structured, but also packed a similar emotional punch if you peel back the layers and investigated the story behind it, just like that photo.
(Obvious question number 3) Your sound is pretty eclectic, who are your influences?
There’s a variety of stuff really – quality European pop and dance music, electronic music of all descriptions, classic songwriters – that sort of thing mostly. I guess there are particular tracks or albums that have been very influential – I’d cite “homogenic” by Bjork, or “hunting high and low” by A-ha as examples. Also, I’m never far from the influence of Britpop in my music because that’s when I first got into music – my favourite album is “modern life is rubbish” by Blur!
The band has been receiving some encouraging reviews with Channel 4 calling you "one of the most wonderful acts we have heard this year". Has that opened any doors for you?
A great review is always welcome. I was “band of the week” on Channel 4 online and I’m still getting milage out of that review. They do a lot to help new acts.
Your debut album is called "All Quiet at 4AM" . How did you record it and who did you work with?
The album is out on 11th Jan 2010. I recorded it at home by myself on a laptop. You can do that sort of thing these days, the technology is there. Various others contributed bass, guitar, cello, drums and even bassoon – these are the people who also come and play live with me. It was a great way to work and cost nothing. Rob Cross (Orphan Boy) is on one of the tracks playing guitar, Dave Lilley (Diesler, Double Yellow) plays bass on most of the album.
Tides will be first single released off the Album. Was it an obvious choice for you? Its out on 23rd Nov so I’ve no idea what the response will be yet! Hopefully good. You’ll download it, I hope!? The label (Substream) wanted it to be the first single and I thought “why not”! People seem to like it.
How did you attract the attention of your labels Substream (SE) and Pearl Diver (DE)?
Well, through MySpace really. Pearl Diver are a German dance music label and they wanted to do a 12” remix EP – and they have sometimes worked with Substream so there was a connection there. Substream are based in Sweden and work across pop and dance music styles and were up for doing the album with me.
How are they helping you?
Substream are well placed to market the release in Europe and they specialise in working with international DJ’s so that’s what they will be concentrating on.
You stated in your blog that you think that the process of buying music on the high street is dead. Whats the future?
I just can’t see any reason why you would want to shop in HMV anymore! I prefer to buy online these days. One click and you’ve got the track straight away. Brilliant. There’s no question that is how most people will buy their music in the future.
Do bands need the music industry? Has the internet opened opportunities for DIY bands, or is it as hard to break through as it always has been?
Well, undoubtably you can be a DIY band with a quality tune and the internet will help you get it out there and more people will hear it. On the other hand, we are now so saturated with stuff that it is just as hard to “break through” as it has ever been! Although you don’t necessarily need a major label anymore, you still need perseverance and some good marketing ideas to make it work.
What local bands have you played great gigs with? Apart from This Morning Call, who should we be looking out for?
There’s loads of great acts in Manchester really – too many for me to name here! My advice would be to get out there and go to some gigs! A good place to start would be the BBC Introducing nights – they always have good people on. Another favourite are the Green Bohemia events at the Green Room run by Stuart Avery.
What’s the best Manchester venue you’ve ever played?
I really enjoyed playing on one of the stages at Manchester PRIDE, but that was a temporary erection, if you’ll excuse the pun, so if I was to pick a regular venue I’d say I enjoyed our recent show at the Green Room the most and therefore that’s my favourite venue right now.
Most bands experience the shit gig? Usually in Macclesfield, or a pub just outside Bolton. Where was yours, and why was it bad?
The worst gig I ever did was at the Head of Steam pub in Newcastle. The sound was awful, we’d had a big argument the night before so no one was in a good mood, and I played badly. Fortunately that was a few years ago and it was a different band! But it does stick in the mind somewhat!
What one thing should happen to make gigging in Manchester better?
Bands should stop playing shit gigs and think more carefully about how and when to present themselves.
Rockrobotrock described you as "one of the most remarkable singers to emerge from the indie deadzone of Manchester in recent history".
Manchester has recently being getting a hard time with the NME claiming we’ve lost direction and spirit. Why do you think Manchester is getting so much flack at the moment?
I don’t agree that we have lost direction and spirit – there has never been such a fantastic and diverse collection of artists in this city. NME talks shite most of the time these days anyway. Although I do think people need to stop going on about Manchester’s musical legacy all the time. It was great back in the day but can we move on?? The Stone Roses, The Smiths, The Hacienda, New Order, Oasis – enough already!
Daddy or chips?
I have no idea what you are on about so I’ll say chips because I do like a nice chippy tea.
Thanks Ben
Have a listen to some of This Morning Calls music here http://www.listentomanchester.co.uk/thismorningcall/music
