Success is intriguing and makes you all the more fascinated by the musicians behind it and the journey that brought them to where they are, the people that inspired and encouraged them and the impact that their musical journey had on shaping their personal evolution. This is even more true with a band, as the interaction between the members, in spite of their differences, becomes additional pieces to that puzzle. Joe Symes and the Loving Kind are a perfect example of this, especially when you know that this Liverpool acoustic rock band has played at Noel Gallagher and The High Flying Birds’ Official After Show Party, supported Steve Cradock (Paul Weller & Ocean Colour Scene) at Liverpool’s 02 Academy, supported The Blockheads at the iconic Liverpool venue Eric’s, shared the stage with Bloc Party, Alt J and XFM at London’s The Scala, been booked onto legendary record label owner and musician Alan McGee’s 359 Records event at District-Liverpool and count as fans no less than US film stars Robin Weigert and Matthew Modine. We caught up with Chris, Colin, Paul and Joe for a sneak peak at their music journey and a share of their musicians’ perspectives.
When did you know you were going to make music professionally?
Chris….I don’t think it was a conscious choice, or there was a specific moment when I thought “I’m gonna do that”, I just knew I always wanted to make music and if I could take it as far as I could then I would
Joe….I think myself from an early age, I always knew that i would do music in some form or other because of the music i was brought up on.
Colin….I think it was around the age of 15 when I realized I was able to play alongside other musicians.
Paul….It just happened, I always played and intend to keep on playing.
The best thing (in music) since the singing slice bread is…
Joe….For me it’s The Beatles, they are the whole reason for me wanting to do music the whole gamut.
Paul….Ken Smith
Chris….definitely the great sounding butter!
Colin….I don’t think I can name one thing alone.
What do you like most about making music…
Paul….It’s a complete release from those boring day to day activities like paying the gas bill.
Chris….It’s rock and roll isn’t it, there’s no better feeling than getting up there on stage and opening up, and swing people enjoy what you’re doing
Colin….I like the fact that you can create songs that people enjoy.
Joe….It means a lot to me, I like the whole interaction between the band and how we complete songs, then i like playing the songs to an audience and watching their reaction and hearing feedback.
‘Music school’ trained or ‘auto-didact’ and which one is best?
Joe….I’ve no idea to be honest as i’m self taught in every instrument i play.
Colin….I’ve learned a lot myself, but I’ve also had lessons from a few different people over the years, which helped give me a little push when needed. To answer the first part, I think any great musician has the talent within themselves, but there’s nothing wrong with someone showing you things.
Paul…. Whatever feels right for the individual.
Chris…. I taught myself everything I know about music from an early age, so I don’t know if best or even right, but it works for me so it can’t be too bad.
What is different about you, your Unique Selling Point (USP)?
Colin….
Paul…. That we don’t sound like anyone else.
Chris…. I think a unique selling point is important as it makes you stand out from the crowd, many different band have different ideas on what that is but I suppose that’s why it’s called unique. I like to think we are passionate about what we play and that comes to people, I don’t like to conform with what everyone thinks is right, but you have to be careful as not to come across as arrogant.
Joe….I think you really have to market yourself well, hit all the right people, i think our USP is the music itself as the feedback from around the globe is really positive.
A unique name for your music would be (if you can make up a name please)
Joe….Very honest, all autobiographical and personal
Paul…. Eclectic
Chris….Erm, I don’t like to be pigeon-holed, so with that in mind and I had to make up a style it would be “anti post-indie rock-blues fusion”
Colin….Consistently versatile.
How does it feel when people get excited over my music
Paul…. It’s great feedback to know we’re doing something right.
Colin….It’s very overwhelming.
Joe….I’m happy that people on a really large scale are praising the band and the songs, exciting times for us at the moment.
What type of music do you listen to?
Joe….I’ve been listening to The Pretenders recently and a lot of The Beatles White Album and Marvin Gaye’s Whats Going on.
Other than that I have a large musical taste to mention a few other’s…The Smiths, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Icicle Works, Neil Young…
Colin….I listen to all styles of music, with the exception of rap (nothing against the artists, it just does nothing for me). At the moment I’ve been listening to a lot of rockabilly and R&B. Also Hugh Laurie’s albums, which I seriously recommend.
Chris….I listen to loads of music from across the decades going back to early Floyd right up to present day. I really love going out and catching some live local bands, some really good stuff coming out across the north west at the minute. Although if I had to name a band in really in warpaint at the minute
Paul…. Most recently ‘The Cat Empire’ but typically numerous Blues artists.
Listening to music: Do you pay attention to the lyrics or the music or both
Joe….Both, the layout of the songs, arrangements, Lyrics are very important in songs as i think we all know from music that we all grew up, music can and has changed lives.
Chris….Definitely both, personally the beat catches me first then I really listen to see what’s being said
Paul…. The guitars stand out for me the most but I tend to watch the drummer mostly when watching other bands.
Colin….Both of course. They go hand in hand. Well, unless you’re listening to something that’s instrumental.
Who, to you, is the most undervalued music artist?
Paul….Ken Smith
Chris….Anyone who dares to get up and play one of their own songs in front of an audience, whether that be in front of 30,000 people or one man and his dog in a pub beer garden somewhere
Colin….Too many to name sadly.
Joe….I can’t answer that one, I would not know where to start ?
Tell us about how you prepare for your performances…
Joe….Well i go over the songs all the time when I’m not writing new ones, but we rehearse long hours before gigs.
Colin….We just go over songs in rehearsal really, and make sure everyone know where they’re going. We’re pretty good at remembering. Ha! Ha!
Paul…. I wish I could play daily but a good rehearsal routine like ours is essential.
Chris….It’s important to practice as much as possible to make sure you know the songs inside out
What/who most helped you in your career
Colin….My determination and self-belief have helped me a lot. The main people who helped me were my family (parents, brother).
Paul…. Buying a guitar and learning plenty of Stevie Ray Vaughan
Chris….I think my Dad had the biggest influence, from buying me my first guitar and opening me up to some really good music
Joe….My mother, my family, our manager and everyone that continues to support us.
How does it feel having the great accolades you have been having?
Joe….Yeah it’s been great. We always look forward to any introducing slot even radio and interviews with the media.
Paul….
Colin….
Chris….feels good
What ignites your (song) writing flow?
Joe….Everyday events, meeting people, having conversations with friends, people by speaking and not texting.
Chris….Whatever feels right at the time
Colin….
Paul….
Why did you choose to do song writing and performing and if you didn’t do that, what would you have done?
Colin….I can safely say there’s nothing else I’d rather do.
Paul….Simply always wanted to, If I wasn’t I’d be designing something or other.
Chris….I think songwriting comes from having something to say and using music as the vessel to say it, that sounded really pretentious sorry ha! If I hadn’t been playing music then I would still be out listening to it
Joe….I think I’d be doing music no matter what to be honest, I chose to write songs to express myself and hopefully people would relate to what I’m writing about.
What other creative things do you do?
Joe….I like to draw and do paintings, i can also play drums, bass guitar, harmonica, keyboards, i like to read a lot also
[.. and] Relax :)
Chris…. I drink beer really creatively
I’m currently trying to drink a beer from every country in the world!
Colin….
Paul…. I refurbish houses in my downtime.
Success to you is…
Colin….
Chris…. Being happy
Paul…. Being satisfied that you’ve done all you can to fulfil your goals.
Joe….Being able to live comfortably and not have to worry about things.
What do you wish you have been told when you started out and that you think would help anyone who starts out?
Joe….Beware of people trying to make money out of you for themselves, be positive about yourself and your music and believe in what you are doing.
Paul…. This one goes up to 11.
Colin….
Chris….Never give up on your dream, and beware of people out to screw your over
Thank you guys, for doing this interview and for the music! Best wishes with the debut album!
Joe…it’s been a pleasure, thank you :)
Colin….Fab
Chris…. Yeah there lots coming up with gigs and releases so stay tuned
Paul….Splendid