What are your names?
Daz, Craig, Paul and H.
What is the bands name?
MASK
How did you come up with the bands name?
I came up with it in Budapest. I was on the phone complaining about how hard it was to find a band name and a street vendor held up a musical thing to my face. I messaged the lads and no-one complained. Job done!
What is your genre of music?
On this album I guess its Rock/Blues.
Give us a little bio about you as a band and individuals.
Daz and Craig grew up in the same street in Liverpool. Around 2004 I became friends with Daz. He introduced me to Craig and we started playing music together. I was at a gig in Glasgow around 2009 and thats when I first saw Paul on drums. We just kinda locked in on first rehearsal – I would have played a gig that night in fact.
What made you go in to music?
Regret. Mainly not having any. Some of the happiest days of my life were spent in a dingy cheap rehearsal room playing Beatles songs with Craig and Daz. As time went on and our lives evolved these rehearsal days got less and less. In 2016 we never met up the entire year and we were on our musical death bed! I started writing that year in an attempt to revive us and now the MASK heart beats stronger than ever.
Are you signed?
No. This article will surely change that!
You released your new album ‘ THE FAMOUS’ ,tell us more about
What was the writing process like?
From a writing perspective it’s actually a very personal album. Ranging from childhood memories to my views on the world. It’s called the famous because there are some links to the ‘Celebrity/Fame’ obsessed culture we seem to live in today.
What was the recording process like?
Actually really tough. We tried to self-produce like we did on our debut EP ‘The Truth’ and well, we failed. We were saved at the death (again) but this time, by a very talented producer called Michael Mormecha. His studio is an old farm house and we were able to just record live where possible and generate a really raw, retro rock sound. It was ultimately fun and we had a ball in the end!
How would you describe it to a new audience?
This was a recent album review that we believe hits the nail on the head on this question;
“This album had me imagining a cowboy, back flipping off a horse, kicking open the saloon doors, giving everybody inside the death stare, demanding a whiskey neat and explaining to every one inside that what they’ve understood to be, is not to be. It’s cheese-free, witty and clever, and while deconstructing perspectives, it’s addictive rock music worth listening to.”
Words by Captain Sound
Describe each track in two words.
You Know I Know – dramatic, sexual. Celebrity – Glam Rock!
So They Say – Loud, Powerful.
Rabid Dawg – Catchy, Fun. Hurricane – Guitar,Blues.
Let’s talk about me – Loud, Funny.
Round the World (For a short-cut) – Dynamic, Guitar outro (Went over my two but check out the outro solo!)
Greatest Lie – A Roller Coaster.
Forever Still – Fragile, Delicate.
Do you have gigs coming up or a tour in planning?
We are all parents and that means we can’t sadly just drop everything and go. There is talk going on at present on emails etc. but the offer needs to be right and suit all of us. We are planning a fund raiser for MacMillan Cancer Support hopefully around November time.
What else can we expect from you this year?
Promoting ‘The Famous’ until mid December, Xmas and New Year off before starting the next.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
Andrew McGibbon Jr. from ‘The Bonnevilles’ actually played slide guitar on the track ‘Hurricane’ on this album and for that we owe him a great deal of gratitude. They are one of my favourite acts and it was such an honour.
www.thebonnevilles.co.uk – check them out.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would
they have to contact?
Sure. info@masktheband.com we don’t have an ego and refuse to work with anyone who does…
Do you play any instruments?
Daz – Bass
Craig – Guitar/vox
Paul – Drums
(H) Myself – Guitar/vox
Who are your influences?
Bands from the 1960’s and 70’s mainly – Beatles, Stones, Kinks, T-Rex to modern day groups like the Black Keys and BRMC etc. I would say
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Anything and everything really. I have 13 in my head at present…
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Hopefully an album a year – thats my goal. When it stops being fun or we aren’t getting any better then it will be time to stop.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
We aren’t particularly cool and it’s mostly being parents. I’m reading books, writing music or in front of the TV, not exactly Rock N Roll on that front sadly haha…
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
Can’t remember it being one particular song really.
Probably Elvis as a kid before picking up a guitar and finding The Beatles.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Musically – Write about what really matters.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
I would say the advice above and surround yourself with people who enhance you.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“When you’re going through hell – keep going”
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
As a kid growing up in Northern Ireland it was pretty grime to be honest.
Everything was grey and sectarian violence was actually considered very normal.
Now, thankfully – Belfast is a thriving city and I like it here.
Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first?
Home.
2/ Who do you see first?
My son.
3What do you eat first?
Indian food probably.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Playing or attending??
You work with Quite Great PR,how did that come about?
We personally flew from Northern Ireland and visited each PR company because the decision was so important and something we underestimated on our EP last year. Quite Great met our expectations and they are truly a pleasure to work with.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Twitter;
Spotify
Apple Music/iTunes
