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Read the rest ยป► Zimmermans Interview
Zimmermans
Retro's UWIC Band of the Month for November, Zimmermans, talks to Music Editor, Jake May, about stuff and that.
First and foremost, we at Retro assume that you weren’t born with the name ‘Zimmermans’. How did the name come about?
The bands name is mostly down to Bob Dylans real name, Robert Zimmerman. But to be honest I just thought it sounded good as a band name.
On your MySpace, you cite Supper Furry Animals, Blur, and The Beatles (twice in fact!) as influences. Was this stuff you were brought up with as a kid, or is it stuff you’ve gone onto enjoy? What sort of stuff are your parents into?
Interesting how you have put SFA first instead of the ones at the top of list, is this just because I am a band from Wales? This is what frustrates me. Any band that comes out of Wales always has to be compared with another welsh band. You’re either the next Manics or the next SFA, why not the next Pet Shop Boys or Beatles? Why do you have to be the next something? I wasn't brought up on music; I was just brought up in the 90s. I listened to music the same as any kid would do, but it wasn't forced on me in any way, it's just something I like to do.
You recently downgraded (number-wise, that is) to a one-man band. How did things work beforehand, and what was the reason for the loss of others?
I lost band members due to disagreements about a year ago. I don't always play on my own, I sometimes play with other musicians; it just depends. I think that’s a great thing, so far as live playing goes, because you will always see/hear something new however many times you see/hear me play.
When making your music, what comes first? Do you start with lyrics, and create a song around it? Does it start with a beat and grow from there? Explain to us the process.
It depends, sometimes I come up with the lyrics first and work the music around that. I get asked this question a lot and I can never give a straight answer. I think sometimes people look for a magic spell that will tell them how to write their own music, stop looking and just do it! A lot of the time I will start off with a beat, but that’s not to say I do it every-time, you just do whatever you want to do.
You, like the band of the month before you (Strange News from Another Star), have been booked to play Swn Festival. How did this come about?
Huw saw me play at the Eisteddfod in the summer and really liked the set, so I think he booked us off the back of that. I had also been on Bethan’s (Elfyn, off BBC Introducing) Radio 1 shows, so I think she was eager for me to play too. When I look at the line up for the Radio 1 introducing gig that I’m playing (at Swn Festival), I can't believe that I am actually playing with these bands. I mean, I have half of their records!
You have a few demos and odd recordings on your MySpace. Are there any official releases planned in the next few months?
Debut single is planned for release in January on the ciwdod label, but I will be recording it later this month with Kris Jenkins at signal box studios.
A few things about Tom and his life at UWIC;
What course is it you study, and what year are you on?
I am a first year Fine art student
You play instruments. Instruments are loud. Where do you practice and how do you manage not to annoy your housemates?
I don't practise when I am away from home, but I only live down the road so I take regular trips home to play and practice.
Do you have any advice for other students looking to get their music heard by the right people?
Umm I don't think you can. You just have to play the game, you will get heard if you’re good enough. Word gets 'round and big ears don't miss anything.
Interview questions by Jake May, with thanks to Tomos Winfield, and Ian Cottrell helping to sort things out.
