MM -
Introduce the band to us
Blackcandy are Joe Hill vocals, Luke Rickett guitar, Richard Purves
guitar, Brad Stroud bass and Nick Bird drums.
MM -
When was the band formed and how did you all meet?
The band was formed in 97 as an amalgamation of several other Oxford
bands, we gigged for a while as a four piece and after about a year got a
second guitar player so Joe could concentrate on singing.
MM - As one of the hottest bands to come explode on to the scene in a
long time, how would you best describe your music?
The music of Blackcandy is and has been described as having the venom of
punk the groove of stoner and the feel of grunge and metal.
MM - The year 2000 has really seen the band come out from the shadows
and into the spotlight, tell us about some of the highlights.
The highlights of the year have to be so far the battle of the bands final
in which we came second playing at the Wolverhampton civic hall in front
of 1400 people. Playing with bands like 'A', Earthtone9, Vacant stare,
Napalm death, Raging speedhorn, to name just a few. Also being played on
Radio 1 by dj's Mary Anne Hobbs and Steve Lamacq.
MM - Your song 'Downfall' is to be featured on the cover CD in the Xmas
edition of Metal Hammer. That must be really exciting for you all.
It's definitely exciting it has a great distribution and will get our
music out to people everywhere! We are all fans of the magazine too so its
kind of cool!
MM - Not being a band to rest on your laurels, do you have any plans for
a full UK tour next year?
We are currently looking to organise and plan an extensive tour next year
but nothing is finalised yet, the band would love to do it though!
MM - Is the band signed/unsigned at present?
Presently the band is unsigned, but not without interest
MM - Radio One have finally caved in to the huge demand by your fans to
have them play your music, how has the music media in general taken to
the band?
In general there has been a great response, we received great reviews from
NME and Kerrang!, and air play is always a good sign right? Most fanzines
and reviewers have been very kind to us and they always enjoy our shows.
MM - Which band/artist has influenced you the most over the years?
I think the band has such a diverse influence that it would be unfair to
say their is one in particular but these few have all helped!
Nirvana, Incubus, Metallica, Rage against the machine and Faith No More.
MM - If you could create a super group containing any 5 musicians, alive
or dead, who would you pick?
Ermmm.. we could argue over this but will say ... Zack De La Rocha on vocals
with Chris Cornell too! Flea on bass, Kirk Hammet and Tom Morello on
guitars and Mike Borodin on drums!! Oh and Brandon Boyd on Djembies!!
Possibly Miles Davis doing a trumpet solo with guest guitar solos by
Hendrix....
MM - What was the first rock concert you went to see?
The first proper rock concert was probably Radiohead in 1990. They were
cool!!!!
MM - What age group do you think your music would appeal to the most?
Probably anywhere between 12-30 I guess???
MM - How will you be celebrating the New Year?
In a drunken state of disillusionment as always! Hick!!!
MM - What are your hopes for the year ahead?
We all hope that we will get a record deal, record some new material and
tour so we can get our music out to our fans.
MM - Lastly, what short phrase would
best describe the band?
We mean it.
