Interview With The Tricks

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21 January 2012 by Sophie Eggleton

Will this quartet be part of 2012′s Rock Revolution?

It has almost become trendy for journalists to discuss the demise of Rock, and even dare to utter the abominable statement ‘Rock is Dead’. I have been enjoying the work of many UK guitar-based bands over the last few years, so I can’t help but feel offended on their behalf with the frequency of such statements. That said, I agree that rock hasn’t quite been at full strength. This has nothing to do with the quality of their output though, but more down to the fact that awareness and recognition of these bands isn’t quite where it needs to be – this is compounded by the reality that many acts with gazillion pound/dollar marketing machines are monopolizing the charts. Whether it’s merely a feeling resonating in my musical bones, or because there are a lot of highly anticipated releases and tours this year, I really feel 2012 might be the year where we see rock and guitar bands thrust forward.

One band in the mix is The Tricks, a relatively newly formed London based four-piece consisting of brothers Joel (Vocals and Bass) and Ash (Drums), life- long friend John ( Guitar) and fellow musical comrade El (Guitar). Despite their fairly recent decision to make a proper stab at things with this collection of talents, it feels like this was always going to be the eventual path for them. Growing up with parents who sought to instill a love of music in their offspring, introducing their children to everything from Motown to Bruce Springsteen, there was never any shame in wanting to pursue a career of this nature. All four had stints performing in various acts, so it was only a matter of time before they found that winning formula. It was not long before they were able to charm an influential industry body, one with the ability to transform lives, in this case an A and R from the Unison Music Group. Before they knew it they were flown out to LA to record demos with Producers Bruce Witkin and Ryan Dorn, the founders of Unison. Testament to their good nature, the following is not a part of the band history that they are looking to ride on, despite it obvious press building potential. But I can’t really omit it from my introduction. Akin to Dorn, Witkin has an extremely colourful music history behind him including playing bass for Adam Ant, and as a member of The Kidz alongside Johnny Depp. The friendship, which still exists today, has lead to The Tricks having an ardent fan and occasional jam partner in the form of the chamelion-esque A-list actor Depp.

Having a team who have already helped to catapult the likes of Jessie J and Lana Del Ray behind their launch is sure to stand them in good stead. Combine this with their affable nature, good looks, and obvious happiness at being able to play catchy music for a living, they have a superb chance at breaking through in this ultra competitive industry.

During our chat they implied that witnessing them live would be the most effective and fun way to get a feel for what they are about. As luck would have it from January 26th you will have ample opportunities to do so when they kick off their UK tour as The Globe, Cardiff. If you want to give your ears a sonic treat prior to these dates then check out their Double A Side single Remember Me/ For The Summer, out February 6th.

So press the play button to view my chat with the chaps. We discuss working in LA, the merits of working with great producers, the prospect of tour life together, as well as some more random topics: ghosts, jamming with Johnny Depp, and being Tom Petty’s doppelganger……

P.S I had the awkward interviewing position of being sandwiched in the middle of the guys – so I apologies to John and Ash for the whole lot of back action… Next time I Interview you I promise for a bit more face time.. that’s if you are not too massive to speak to the likes of me by then!!

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About the author

Sophie Eggleton
After finishing her Fine Art degree Sophie went on to gain experience within the fashion teams of UK magazines Eve, Glamour, Elle, First and Vogue . She then spent time as a stylist assistant for publications including NME and Easy Living, then combined her art background with fashion at Alexander McQueen, as an artwork assistant. She currently freelances as a Music/fashion journalist writing for online and print publications including The Guardian, Disappear Here, Bring The Noise, FASHIONMUSICSTYLE, Stylebible, Guestlist as well as LDNfashion twitter. North, South, East or West? South High Class or Common or Garden? In the middle of Common and High Class Clothes or Culture? Both of course! Visiting a gallery in your finest outfit for instance! My best night out ever made me feel... Like I was lucky to be alive...but that cocktails aren't always my friend

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