Q & A 2009

[jthemod]

I had an idea of a Q & A session with the band. I have had this Ok'd by Darren, and hopefully the band will cooperate & be a nice touch for us fans.

So I guess I better kick things off!

When you are out on tour, do you get an allowance from record company for spending money ie beer, food, and any other entertainemnt? if so how much?

[Fergal]

In light of the Mozzer tour and your cover of There Is A Light, if the Big Man asked you to join him onstage and cover any three songs in his repotoire, which would you choose?

[courteenersjc]

Whats been the best moment in your life in the courteeners so far ?

[jthemod]

the t-shirt you wore at glastonbury & t in the park, with the women with & hat & shades on, where did you get it from?

[jthemod]

heres a copy of another q & a Liam did, to give you an idea.

How are you? Where does this Q&A find you?



Well Skavsta Airport near Stockholm on my way to the Hultsfred Festival.



Tell us about your B-Sides and the stories behind them - what prompted your decision?



1 well ultimately, all wells will dry up. It seems my talents have stretched no further than a handful of singles, leaving us in the predicament that is "no-songs". Sarcasm aside, The Mamas and Papas tune is one of my favourite songs ever, Laura Marling is a dangerous little talent, I felt the need to do the Velvet Underground one because I'm quite sure it was on a hurrendous advert a few years back and people don't know about the changes later on in the song - it's just immense. And James, well they're alright aren't they? the lyrics in this song are so emotive, Tim Booth is a fantastic lyricist



What goals did you set yourself before you started recording your album?



I didn't set any. I woke up every day in a hotel in London for six weeks, looked in the mirror and said to myself. "go and do what you do best" which is sing and play guitar. I think it turned pretty fucking well. I only listen to myself.



It kind of felt like you appeared from nowhere with your hit single, tell us about the band's history?



We have been playing pop concerts of various sizes since late 2006. Ask anybody north of Watford and all the cool kids knew who we were. Word of mouth played a big part in our loya, ever growing fan-base. The fact that the press didn't pick up on us, is probably why it seems like we came out of nowhere. We practiced very hard in our little room in Salford and just played lts of gigs. There's no secret or formula. Apart from the good looks and the songs, of course. They both help.



Tell us 3 of your favourite songs from your career and the inspiration behind them?



I'm particularly fond of "An Ex Is An Ex For A Reason". I wrote it on the back of a flyer for a club that I was in at the time. I was talking to a (female) friend of mine, and her Ex boyfriend was uneasy about it. Jealousy is natural and understandable, we all do it. But he was being a prick, so I politely told her to not bother with him because -an ex is an ex for a reason.



I also have a soft spot "For Kings of the New Road". It's about my best friend and when we were at University. "get to France" is something I'd say to him because I ddnt like saying "get to f*ck" when we disagreed. How very sensitive of me, hold on, I'm wiping a tear.



I only do things in two's, sorry.



What do you love and what do you hate about life on the road? Tell us your funniest tour experience yet?



I Love every single thing about this band. Being on tour with these boys is the best job in the world and I'm fucking loving it. Every day is a ball with this bunch, although mornings can be a tricky friend to deal with. Especially when certain people haven't felt the cotton of their pillows.



Who is currently moving you musically at the moment?



I don't really have time to listen to music these days, creating it and all. but I do think Elbow's new album is a masterpiece. Guy Garvey is a serious inspiration for anyone who wishes to write. He's a demon, right on the money.



What album changed your life and why?



Probably Morning Glory. I remember there being some shite 3/4 spanish guitar in our house. When I saw the video for Wonderwall, I thought "I'm having some of that". Me and me sister went halves on the music book for it and for about 6 months I sat there trying to play cast no shadow. I could only play E minor, but when that Eminor chord came around I was fucking nailing it. Everytime.



If you could erase one single/album from history (your own or someone else's) which would it be and why?



Who am to I delete someone else's "work".



How do you see yourself and the band’s sound in the future? Is there anything you wish to attempt that's inspiring you right now?



Good question, but I'm not sure. We haven't had the time to mess about with things yet. We've been on tour since last October. I'm sure vocals and some guitars will feature on the next record.



A rumour you'd like to start about yourself, or one you'd like stopped?



That Madonna played handclaps on No You Didn't, No You Don't. I'm not saying anything, but she was in the same studio in London, at the same time and she's got a fine pair of arms. I best stop, I'll get into trouble.



Best piece of advice you'd give to aspiring musicians, or the best piece of advice you were given when you started?



Listen to your friend and yourself above any wannabe puppeteer who thinks they know best.

[sirmavers]

If you were to rate a top 3 songwriters of all time, not including Lennon/ McCartney (just to make it interesting), who would they be?

[ELF!]

Will you marry me? All of you?
xx

[frankiewno1]

I know this is probably an impossible one to answer but seeing as us fans have all had our views on it.....

What has been your best gig so far and why?

[sirmavers]

What would you say has been the biggest influence on your musical career besides other musicians work, such as personal things that have happened through your days?

[canyouplayguitar]

where do you see the courteeners in five years time?

[jilliam]

Its a well known fact that you come from Manchester, do feel any pressure to live up to the ranks of all past Manchester greats(The Smiths, Roses, Oasis, New Order? What do you make of "Polytechnic"/"Driver Drive Faster"?

[joanna]

Will you ever buy my boyfriend a pint to replace the one he gave you?

[courteenersjc]

do you think in however many years time you will call it a day ?

(I hope not) !

[upton]

If you could have wrote one song what would it be?

[Deleted]

would you ever consider doing a free gig at HMV on market street gain? .....what a night.