Flowerblog: Interview with Telegrams
This is all my fault. This interview was meant to be a lovely little introduction to one of my personal favourite bands who has played on our stage in recent month, Telegrams, but instead I spent the weekend throwing incalcuable quantities of horrible booze down my kneck and spoiling my chances of future happiness, whilst this delightful reparte was left languishing in my inbox. What an A grade chopper I really am. It could kinda work though, as for all you people in the know, the guys played a great set in front of the FP massive on Friday and this could now be kinda a get-to-know-your-new-heroes-better sort of a session. So, for anyone that bothers to pay attention to the drivel I write of our friendly blog, read on to find out what Julian from the band had to say to some poorly worded, pedigree tripe that I left for him to get back to me about. Seems like a good old boy…be a fan on Facebook?
How did Telegrams form?
Alex (keyboards) and I were at school together and we found Ben (drums) on the internet. Turns out we all went to the same uni. Adam (bass) joined us a bit later but, as it happens, he’s Alex’s older brother, which was also convenient.
What influences do you all think were the most important when writing your songs?
A lot of the songs have been knocking around for quite some time and I actually wrote them ages ago when I was travelling in Latin America, swanning about with a guitar on my back. But getting the arrangements how we wanted them happened slowly over time. I can’t really say for the others, but I tend to sway between dark american indie-folk like Sufjan Stevens, Bonny ‘Prince’ Billy or Bowerbirds, and old british electronica a la Aphex Twin. I know Alex likes Decemberists and The National though.
What is your favourite thing about playing live music?
When a show goes badly, often you feel like you want to kill yourself afterwards… but when it goes well or we get a really good audience it can keep a big grin on my face for days, or until people tell me to stop grinning. It creeps them out apparently.
What song would you say you all love more than any other?
Which song of ours? I think we have different favourites, but these days we usually end our set with a song called Make It All Stand Still, which is a kind of conga-driven folk/synth rocker. I get to make some nasty noises with my guitar near the end, so it’s particularly fun for me.
What do you think of British independent music right now?
Alive and well! We’ve been lucky that in the year and a half we’ve spent gigging around london, we’ve played with some excellent bands, like Wave Machines and Stornoway.
Have you ever sent a telegram?
No but it’s about time for a revival. What could be better than sending a telegram? Apart from an email? Or a text? Or calling on the phone?
No! Who would you send a telegram too then?!
Right now probably Santa, as royal mail’s a bit stuffed and I desperately need some new glasses.
For those of you who like added media functions, then you can also catch up with more stuff from the band at the following stations:
