I caught up with bassist Ian Halliwell from Dirty Circus to find out about music in the northwest and how they got on the line-up for Mad Ferret's Narnia Festival
1. How long have been together and how did you form?
We have been together around 3 or 4 years, we had a couple of line up changes early on before settling on this one.
2. Do you tour the region a lot? How many gigs do you play a month?
Recently we have been doing quite a lot of gigs all over the region but earlier this year we were finishing our album so the live stuff had to take a back seat for a while.
3. What kind of relationship do you have with each other? Do arguments result in a bit of a set-to?
We usually have a good releationship with each other, with there being 6 of us and us all being so opinionated then there's obviously going to be tensions but we usually settle things a bit more amicably!
4. How would you rate the music scene in Preston compared with other areas of the Northwest? Manchester, Wigan, Liverpool etc.
I think it's good, we have only played Preston a couple of times and the response we have had has been really good. In some other towns, apart from Wigan where we have our biggest following, the crowds are sometimes a little too reserved for our liking! We like it when everyone is going crazy!
5. How did you hear about the Narnia event at the Mad Ferret?
We played a gig at Mad Ferret a couple of months ago and straight away afterwards the promoter and manager wanted us to come back so we jumped at the chance to come back because the crowd were really good to us last time.
6. What are your hopes for the future? Is it harder to make a career out of being in a band being so far away from London? Would you consider moving to London?
Were hoping to have a single and our album out early next year and keep gigging all around the country. We have just done a gig at the Levis shop in Manchester so hopefully we will be able to get some links them. I dont think it matters that we're not in London, there's so many great bands outside of London, although it probably does make it easier for bands who live in the south as the majority of the industry is based there. I dont think the whole band would be up for moving to London. I personally would as i think it would help things move a lot quicker for us but I think most of the band are settled in the north.
Drummer Andy Lyth from Preston band Jelly's Last Jam gave his thoughts on the Narnia Festival and the Preston scene
1. Did you enjoy the Narnia festival?
I really enjoyed the Narnia festival. The Mad Ferret and Fraser Boon (the pub's landlord) excel when these kinds of events are put on; from this Summers Glasto-Ferret to last years One Big Fringe, Fraser goes all-out to ensure a great, fun and different event for all! Narnia indeed, I'm just looking forward to finding out what plans he has for 2009!
2. Was it difficult being the opening band?
Being the opening band is not without it's challenges, and I wouldn't say it was difficult as such, but maybe just a little different as we're used to playing later in the evening. Personally, being on first did not mean I enjoyed it any less!
3. How long have you been together?
The band's been together 3 and a half years.
4. What are your plans for 2009?
In 2009 we plan to release our debut single, Alibi. The date is set as March 2nd, and we'll be supporting the release with a few gigs; also we'll be developing our Manchester club night at Moho Live.
5. How would you describe the music scene in Preston? I would describe the music scene in Preston as being very lively and supportive. Also diverse, with a very wide variety of musicians and club nights. Having venues like 53 Degrees helps as it draws bigger names to the local scene, which does put Preston on the UKs musical map a little clearer. And the Mad Ferret is one of the best music venues you're ever likely to come across!
Click here for a video diary of Jelly's Last Jam
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