It’s time to get to know – Brad, the Editor of AltCorner! We set Brad 10 questions about their musical likes, their guilty pleasures and what music means to them…
1 – How would you describe your taste in music?
My music taste is varied and in a word, ‘opinionated’ would sum it up as I always have an opinion on an artist, be it Snoop Dogg or Slipknot. Being a real rock fan first and foremost, I have had various affairs with genres ranging from rap, hardcore (the dance genre…don’t ask!) and even some Norwegian pop. I do love the whole setting of guitars, drums and bass but I am often swayed with well executed synth, bands that spring to mind are The 1975, Editors and Bloc Party. Despite all of this, Watch The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West), Pure Heroine (Lorde) and Leisure Seizure (Tom Vek) are some of my favourite albums so, make your own mind up what my music taste would be deemed to be as I have no idea! Other, perhaps?
2 – Who do you consider to be your favourite band and why?
As there are about 50+ I could include within this section I am going to make it slightly easier and split it into a current band and one that is no longer together.
Current Band:
Editors
The past two years have been pretty challenging to me mentally and an album that helped me make sense of it all was ‘An End Has A Start’ by the Editors. The realistic (often cynical) view upon life that album possesses is one that, when you’re feeling low can be entirely reliable. Not to mention, the instrumentals are incredible. From my love of that album, I have then binged their discography which is extremely varied – showcasing their diversity and range of talents.
No longer together:
Nirvana
Nirvana’s self-titled greatest hits was the first album I brought with my own money (well, Birthday money!) at about aged 9 or 10. Of course, I had heard ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ and loved it and wanted more. The whole landscape of my views to music changed with that album as I found some of the tracks completely crazy and others, extremely jarring. It was a rough listen at first; after all, I was listening to Busted and Spice Girls prior to that! I always purchase that album if ever I see it because it is always a great occasion to go back to the start of my musical journey. Since then, Nirvana have always been my favourite band. I own various Nirvana memorabilia and have collected about every B side available…even about 5 versions of ‘Beans’ so I must be a dedicated fan!
3 – Who is the best live band you’ve ever seen?
Quite possibly the hardest question to date…
I have seen so many absolutely spectacular shows such as Fall Out Boy, Linkin Park, Counting Crows, R.E.M, Title Fight, Feeder and We Are The Ocean (who are always incredible, what an underrated band!).
But, If I had to pick one I would say The 1975. I have seen them twice now and both times they have been just flawless. I have followed this band since they released ‘IV’ so to see them become this immensely popular group now is surreal but really, really cool. They are the best UK band right now in my opinion and I love them.
4 – What is the one song that you could listen to forever?
‘Superman’s Dead’ by Our Lady Peace – Best sing-a-long track in my music library as it always gets me belting out the words! Failing that, any song from ‘My Love Is Cool’ by Wolf Alice.
5 – What album, if any, was a turning point in your ‘musical life’ and why?
Easy! Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park. Although, ‘Nirvana’ was the first album I purchased, the first album that really swooped me in was Linkin Park’s debut. It was just so brutally angry and its Nu-Metal textures were like a mix of what I had been brought up on – guitar-driven music and Rap. This album spurred on my first ‘fan boy’ episode where I had the T-shirt, multiple posters and if ever I was going out, I would demand my parents put it on in the car! That album did not leave my Walkman for ages…well, until I got ‘Linkin Park: Live In Texas’ and then that took over but, yeah… That album was MASSIVE for me and seeing it being played live in full at Download Festival for my 18th Birthday was like coming full circle!
6 – In 3 words, what makes a good album or song?
Emotion, Emphatic, Goosebumps
7 – A festival or a gig? Why?
I think I would have to say a gig. Reason being is that if everything goes right…the setting of an arena or a sweaty basement can be so much more fitting to the artist you are seeing. I have seen some great performances at festivals don’t get me wrong but I do like the guaranteed warmth and dryness of a proper venue!
8 – Who would be your 3 dream festival headliners?
1975, Editors, Smashing Pumpkins
9 – Who are the best new band you’ve discovered lately that everyone should know about?
Black Foxxes! Their debut album is absolutely enthralling and is just a masterpiece. Live, they are amazing too…true emotion!
10 – What band or artist is your secret, or not so secret, guilty pleasure?
Creed – Although, I have loved Creed for YEARS and YEARS! Everyone I ever speak to seems to not be so much of a fan and I really do not understand the hate they get. I love them and if ever I am feeling down and want a good sing…out comes ‘Weathered’. Great band!
Oh and, The Calling are one of the best bands…ever.