As a duo, Gary Stringer and Jack Bessant’s acoustic delights treated fans to a fusion of styles on show on the gorgeous and diverse debut ‘Yard’, which combined uplifting bold sonnets like “Give Me The Keys” with the emotional outpourings of “The Calling” and beautifully delicate numbers like my favourite, “Self Is Here”. Of course, the follow up, ‘The SB Band’, which has now entered the world for your audible pleasure, saw the local favourites unite with Dominic Greensmith once more and Amy Newton to further enhance the StringerBessant sound. They’ve succeeded.
Ahead of their gig at Bristol’s Thekla, we spoke to Gary and Jack about the date, new material, The Godney Gathering and the local music scene.
WIN TICKETS TO STRINGERBESSANT’S MAY 10TH GIG AT THEKLA, BRISTOL – CLICK HERE
The new album ‘The SB Band’ is now out on iTunes with hard copies released in May, finally ending the wait for the highly anticipated follow up to ‘YARD’. What can fans expect from the new album? How would you say it differs from your previous work, if at all?
G: There’s more of a band vibe, hence the name. We enjoyed making ‘Yard’ and performing it but we also realised the limitations that came along with an acoustic duo, especially when it came to playing live. I certainly heard these songs with a band and it feels like a natural progression. Like getting to 2nd gear…
J: The new album is a definite progression on from ‘Yard’. We played the ‘Yard’ album a lot out and about so we became better at performing this style of music and this really helped when we started the second album. These new songs we played a lot live before recording them and at a few festivals last year we would play seven or so of these new songs in front of big crowds and when it came to record them this was a great help. With more drums throughout and electric guitar there is more information but we still have a pretty stripped back feel/sound.
To me, the new album has a more diverse sound with a clash of styles and emotions adding real variation to the music. Would you say this is a fair assessment?
G: I’m glad you think it’s diverse and I’m sure the band thing helps with variation – There are songs here that could have worked on ‘Yard’ but others that just wouldn’t fit. “Malefic Lullaby” is dark and “Daybreak Tomorrow” is carefree and fun.
J: Sounds fair. Variation is cool. Naturally into this.
In 2012 you were joined by Amy Newton and Dominic Greensmith who came in to further enhance the StringerBessant sound. What have they brought to your music? I have to say I think your harmonic duets with Amy are particularly delightful, gents.
G: If you’re forming a band you need two things – people who you can hang out with and talented players with who you can be creative. We obviously knew just how good Dom was at playing drums [they play together in Reef], so he seemed a natural ask. It was Dom who suggested bringing Amy in; after the first jam we were convinced she was the 4th member of the band. She has a beautiful, effortless voice and plays great on the guitar. She gets a fantastic sound. I am so happy to be in a band with these three people.
J: It’s been fantastic hooking up with Dom and Amy. We recorded seven songs initially at Metropolis in London and just hanging out with Amy was great ’cause we would be jamming the other songs to come whilst just relaxing. Dom creates a lovely effortless drum sound with interesting parts and we’ve always connected well whilst playing right from the early Reef days
You used Pledge Music to fund the production of the album after the success story behind using the same outlet to fund your ‘Wild Day’ EP. What are the benefits of using this method from the band’s point of view?
G: Well, this really is a case of music lovers helping to create music. Fans pledge ahead of the album’s manufacture and are basically saying “we want you to make this record” AND they don’t put any restraint on you – it’s a win win!
J: It makes it easier to have a project base, so when making our new album pledge was good for us again this time with all the information in one place.
You’ve kindly chosen to donate a percentage of the amount raised to the Teenage Cancer Trust. What made you choose this charity in particular?
G: Jack suggested this charity after his Dad passed away as a result of cancer last year. We did a live to vinyl session at metropolis studios two Christmases ago, which was in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust too.
You’re playing a handful of gigs across the south of England this summer including a date at Bristol’s Thekla on Friday 10th May. It’s a great venue for what is essentially your homecoming gig of this mini tour – what influenced the decision to play there over other venues?
G: We got offered the gig! We’ve played the thunderbolt a couple of times as a duo and as a band, so this seemed the next step up. It’s an early show, doors are 7pm, and we’ll be celebrating the new album at the The Old Duke (King Street, Bristol) afterwards too…
Rumour has it that you’ve arranged for a bus to go up for your fans based in your neck of the woods of mid-Somerset. Is this true and if so, how do they get involved?
G: Yes! It’s like being back at strode college! The promoter suggested laying on a bus for folks from home. The bus runs from Glastonbury through Wells & Cheddar and onto Bristol. (Ticket details below)
While we’re on the subject of the local area, are there any artists on the local music scene that have impressed you in recent times?
G: Matthew & Me
J: Lazybird.
And of course, the Glastonbury Festival line-up has recently been announced. Who are you looking forward to seeing? Any industry insider tips on a hidden gem or two?
G: Nick Cave, Ben Howard, Rufus Wainwright, Billy Bragg, Alabama Shakes, Dinosaur Jr, Local Natives, Steve Winwood, Martha Wainwright…
Glastonbury 2013 will be followed by The Godney Gathering in July. Last summer you put in a beautiful performance there. What are your memories of the event?
G: It was really hectic! Because of all that rain, the gig was forced inside, but Mike and co did a grand job to organise the change of venue in such a short time. The response from the crowd was astonishing and you’re right -it was beautiful. Get well soon, Mike.
You’ve played in the last two ‘Gatherings’, will you be there as a punter this year?
G: If I’m not gigging elsewhere, I’ll be there.
You can buy tickets for StringerBessant’s gig at Thekla through links at the band’s official website: www.stringerbessant.com
If you like the idea of a good old fashioned bus trip up to the venue from Somerset then tickets can be purchased from Tor Records in Glastonbury, Chop in Wells or online at www.facebook.com/stringerbessant – alternatively email leandermorales@yahoo.com
Interview conducted by Arran Dutton
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