What are your names?
Nick Jackson, Andy Rowberry, James Hawkins, Will Chism and Ryan McCaffrey.
What is the bands name?
IT (pronounced ‘it’).
What is your genre of music? Progressive Rock
Give us a little bio about you as a band and individuals.
We’re a 5 piece band, based in North West London. We’ve just completed our 5th album.
Nick Jackson (vocals, guitar, keys)
Andy Rowberry ( Lead guitar)
James Hawkins (bass)
Will Chism (drums)
Ryan McCaffrey (Keyboards, sax)
Are you a signed?
Yes, we just signed with Progressive Gears Records earlier in the year!
You have a new single coming out ‘Revolution’, tell us more about it.
Yes, it’s just been released as a free download for people pre-ordering our new. Revolution is our debut single and is also the last track on our new album ‘We’re All In This Together’. It’s the end result in everything, so makes for a great ending to the concept of the album. Which is all about austerity, big business and a not so Hollywood ending.
What was the recording process like?
With Revolution it was very straight forward really. It’s a bit of a ‘classic rock’ tune, so came about with four of us in the band bashing around some riffs one day. The actually structure and arrangements were further developed by Andy and myself as we replaced original demo parts. Which brought the production to it’s finished version. But the original song and melody pretty much rolled out from the start.
You have a new album coming out February 2017, ‘ We’re All In This Together;’ tell us more about it.
It’s quite a dark album really. Hence all the black and white artwork. It was inspired by the London Riots of 2012. I felt a direct coalition between the average and poor people looting, to what the banks had just done and more recently the politicians and the expenses scandals. Leaders leading!
Describe each track in two words.
Power – Banks collapsing
Born into Debt – impoverished begging
The Working Man – capitalist waste
Last Chance – privatised NHS
Gamble the Dream – Young rebellion
Voices – war criminals
The Path of Least Resistance – New hope
House – reflection / past
Down The Hatch – last call
Revolution – our future
You have five packages with the release coming out; tell us more about them and how to get them.
We do! Well, firstly there is the
Ultimate package. It includes a listening session in the studio where we made the album, with drinks and snacks. One month before the album release. You also get a signed full poster of the album cover and the Deluxe 1 package, which includes the hardback double disc set of the album, plus T-Shirt and postcards.
Package 1 – Which is the hardback deluxe version of the album (CD + DVD) 28 page hardback book. T-Shirt and postcards.
Package 2 – The Deluxe edition and postcards
Package 3 – Is the single disc edition of the album ( so no bonus DVD or 28 page book) but it comes with a T_shirt and postcard set.
Package 4 – The single edition album and postcards.
What made you do the packages?
We wanted to find a way to produce the album, with full package quality but without having to borrow money from the label or a bank, and we also wanted to find a way of bringing our fans in on the project. In the end, they are the guys that buy the product, but we also wanted to find a way of rewarding the people who support us in what we do. It also allows us to have a little fun with it, and directly engage with the fans, whilst still providing a quality product.
Will you be heading out on a tour or have gigs planned for the release?
Eventually, but we are very busy finishing up the album, so nothing in the pipeline just yet! We will get to it soon though!
If so to which cities will you be going?
As many as will have us!
What made you go in to music?
The Beatles.
Do you play any instruments?
Nick – Vocals, guitar, bass and keyboards. A little bit of percussion
Andy – Guitars
James – Bass, guitar
Will – Drums
Ryan – Piano/Keys, Sax
Who are your influences?
Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree, Devin Townsend, Marillion, The Doors;
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Musically we jam. Lyrically and vocally it’s something that’s personally. Current events resonating in ones life.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Hopefully continuing to make music!
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
Well, we all work full and part time. So there’ s always work to do. But when we can we enjoy all the usuals people do. Socialising, catching up, watching films and sports. Taking in gigs. But most of us are pretty tied up in music, so it usually revolves around that.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
For me, (Nick that is) I’d have to say the recent Marillion album FEAR has been a great validation of ‘protest’ music. It’s ok to talk about the elephant in room!
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Never compromise!
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Never compromise.
Do exactly what you want to do and don’t compromise. Have a plan and be prepared for as much as you can. You are in control at the end of the day.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
I don’t really have one.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
For me, water as I’m a singer. A setlist. Usually a towel to dry my hand periodically. Specially when I’m playing guitar. Strings and spare batteries!
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yes we’re available across all the networks.
www.itband.tv
www.itofficial.bandcamp.com
www.twitter.com/it_official
www.youtube.com/user/itofficialband
