Naledi’s Festive Dream, the V&A’s ... Santa visits the Mother City to see what Joy from Africa’s all about
Merseystate on their album, 'The Lucky Ones'
We got Merseystate to tell us all about the making of their album, 'The Lucky Ones'
From playlisting on popular radio and enthusiastic support on air, Merseystate have set a standard of accessible melodic pop rock with substance even though we rarely see them live. We got them to tell us all about their album, “The Lucky Ones” in their own words
Can we tell you a secret? While recording the single “Say,Say,Say” our Record company A&R guy came into the studio to hear what we had done, and we only had a verse and chorus, so we just busked our way through the whole song and that’s the way we left it, it sounded finished, and went straight onto the record! After that we tried it with a few more songs on the record and it seemed to be the winning formula, as the music was able to be organic and not too contrived.
The album would best be played before a night out, while you’re getting ready to go party, at the party, and after the party when you’re recovering from the party. Because there is a variation of songs, and moods on the album, a little for every situation and occasion.
People say it sounds a bit like The Police of 2010, a little bit of John Mayer with the drummer from the Foo Fighters! But we really don’t care who we sound like, because people will always compare, as long as we’re never compared to the Spice Girls!
It's true that Merseystate have had the longest running single with “New Jersey Girl” on South African Radio ever, but have only ever played 2 live shows, as they are more of a “Studio” band.
We’ll be happy if everyone who buys/listens to this album will buy/listen to the next one.
Our favourite track(s) on the album are ‘The Pledge’ and ‘The Final Hour’ because those songs in particular are sonic journeys if you listen with headphones, and creating them was intense late night sessions in the studio, where after about 3am things start to just click into place; quite surreal.
We called the album 'The Lucky Ones' because our record company told us to, and when they pay, we don’t say, “Ney!”
When we listen to our previous material, this album kicks ASS.
We really found recording whilst having an ear infection in both ears and contestant irritable bowel syndrome a challenge, but we got around it by eating Rice Krispies squares.
We couldn't have cut this record without scissors.
If we could write a dedication on the album sleeve we’d write please buy this record, because the outlay costs were high, and we need to recoup some monies at least just to break even!
Would we do it again? Yes. Because we’re stupid, and love making music, the same reason applies to every musician.
If you enjoyed this you may enjoy the next album coming out in July 2010 titled “SEVEN”.
You can get “The Lucky Ones” by Merseystate at iTunes stores worldwide, Musica, Look&Listen, All quality CD outlets, online www.merseystate.com, Amazon, basically everywhere nice and quality, where they sell good stuff.
Isochronous also did a Q&A on their new acoustic album, IMAGO. Listen to what’s on our jukebox. Merseystate waste no time. In 2010 they released the album "Unity In The Service Of All". Read about it from their perspective here.
