Michael Bugeja speaks to Ritzy from Sidecar Kisses
The list of favourite bands on their MySpace website reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of indie pop and alt-rock, including a few they’ve been influenced by and even compared to. They have just released a new single, Something About You (Hurt), which bears a fleeting nod to Britpop’s melodic urgency but owes much more to its American counterpart with the distortion pedal switched firmly in the ‘ON’ position! They were one of the most eminent bands at last year’s Manchester In The City Festival and have been described as ‘a silver bullet from a glittery revolver’ and ‘loud, sharp and sexy’ by the NME! ‘They’ are Sidecar Kisses and you’ll be able to hear and see just how loud and sexy they can be when they perform, thanks to Alternative Malta, at Poxx Bar on Saturday 12 May.
Fronted by the conspicuous Ritzy, Sidecar Kisses come from Wales - or at least half of them do! Following in the footsteps of stars like The Alarm, The Manics, Super Furry Animals, The Automatic, Catatonia, The Pooh Sticks (yes!), Shirley Bassey and the inimitable Tom Jones, Sidecar Kisses are likely candidates to keep the steady stream of Welsh success on the international scene going further. While the current single reveals a more mainstream edge, songs like Wirestripper and Gunslinger are more redolent of deeper-rooted new wave influences stretching back to the 90s American indie scene and beyond. Think Pixies then; think Breeders, maybe even Sonic Youth, but in the end the best option is to experience it firsthand – so make sure you don’t miss this. Support from the very, very impressive local indie boys Retrophytes.
Q. Sidecar Kisses have been compared to so many bands by the critics. What’s your take on the comparisons?
It tends to be the first thing that critics do, is find a point of comparison. I’m just relieved that they’ve been linking us to bands that have stood the test of time... I’d hate to be the next Razorlight or Franz Ferdinand. Nothing against those bands, quite the opposite, they’ve made a contemporary name for themselves, and that’s what we want to do. We don’t just want to be another scenester band, riding on the back of others. It’s very flattering for people to bring up The Pixies or Sonic Youth. It sets us apart at a time when a lot of stuff seems mass produced.
Q. There’s a distinctly stronger American feel to your music rather than British. What was it that instigated the shift?
Do you think? Well, that’s quite interesting. I spent 2 years in the States, I’m not gonna tell you what I was doing (hey, I didn’t ask - MB!)! So maybe that has subconsciously influenced us. I love a lot of stuff that’s come out of America though, bands like The Flaming Lips, Wilco, Mercury Rev. One thing that sets them apart, I think, is that look of having fun, even when it’s quite serious. Maybe I haven’t explained that very well, but there’s an element of that in us. We can be plaintive or angry, and still keep a wry smile.
Q. Has being recommended for greater things by the great Steve Lamacq and Claire Grogan put you under any pressure to deliver?
No, we’re thrilled that they’ve championed us, it’s very flattering - but we put ourselves under enough pressure as it. Its hard working in a band of perfectionists! We’ve got a good balance, we know when and how to let our hair down, but we also know when things have to be tightened up. I think we’re quite disciplined, but it’s the only way to keep unity. Its a funny industry and if you’re not a team, then its gonna’ be a hard road.
Q. You’ve attracted a fair amount of attention on the strength of a couple of promo singles. Have you been wined and dined by any prospective labels?
We’ve decided to keep it in-house at the minute, so the last two releases were self-produced and self- released. We’re looking at putting something out later this year on Longest Mile Records (Ross from The Futureheads label), and after that who knows. We’re keeping our options open, but a few free dinners wouldn’t go amiss!
Q. Your greatest moment to date has been….
Hard one, there’s been a lot, hopefully more to come. I really enjoyed meeting Claire Grogan, I was quite a fan of Altered Images, so I have to say I was a bit star struck! I think this trip to Malta will probably go down in the book of greatest moments too. It’s the first time we’ve been abroad together, we’re going to enjoy it, I’m excited, I’m going to lap it up.
Q. What is the weirdest request you’ve had from a fan?
Let me think, its not very weird, a bit surreal maybe, we met some builders at a gig in London, and they wanted me to tell them a joke. I’m hopeless at remembering punch lines and stuff, I’m the sort of joke-teller that starts the wrong way round and gives the ending away! Anyway, I told them one, (I’m not repeating it!) and asked for one in return. One of the guys had a mouthful of feathers that he spit out, something about a swan, too rude to repeat, but it was very funny. They’d obviously been waiting to try it out on somebody! You needed to be there!
Q. Who in your opinion is the greatest artist/band to ever come from Wales?
Tricky! I think there have been some terrific Welsh bands. For me, it’d have to be a toss up between Super Furry Animals and Catatonia. I just love Cerys Matthews voice; it’s so raw and soulful. I miss that in a lot of contemporary female vocals, it’s either too twee, or too tried. SFA are an amazing live band, they were my first crowd surfing experience - I lost a shoe and gained a black eye!
Q. Ritz, what’s it like being the only girl in the band?
It’s fine, I think I actually like it! Always been quite a tomboy, so I’m very used to hanging out with guys. I’ve got Janey (SCK’s manager) for female company, and the two of us are like sisters, so it’s a healthy balance.
Q. What’s planned for your Malta gig?
We’re going to thoroughly enjoy the gig, hopefully meet some great people and do some exploring. I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to travelling abroad, I want to see everything, go everywhere... I got 3 travel books, and a full itinerary worked out! I’m going to hire a car and take to the back roads, like something out of Thelma and Louise! See you there guys.
Tickets are Lm4 and are available from Anthiny D’Amato (Valletta), Exit (Valletta & Paola), Miss Sixty (Sliema) and Print Xpress (near University, Msida). AM Promotions would like to thank the sponsors Brand Malta, Cisk Export, Radio 101 and Print Xpress. DJ on the night will be Zickler.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/sidecarkisses or www.alternativemalta.com