DeadJournalist.com Exclusive Interviews
Havana Guns
EXCLUSIVE Interview: Havana Guns
Chuck Norton, DeadJournalist.com
02.15.07
mp3 - Havana Guns - She Always Goes Down
mp3 - Havana Guns - NYCS
In late 2005, I downloaded the song, "She Always Goes Down" by Havana Guns and liked it immediately. Then toward the end of the year, I heard another track and a few weeks ago I heard the band's new single "NYCS". Much like the Raveonettes and Jesus and Mary Chain, the band had that rock 'n roll Easy Rider with a female lead cool-factor.
The band's line-up, which features Zoe (vocals), Philippe (Guitar), Linda (Organ), Greg (Bass) and Nenad Coke (Drums), has what they fittingly call a "motocycle pop" sound.
Havana Guns will be performing in London throughout the Spring. Maybe, with some luck, the band will make it State-side soon.
For more information on Havana Guns, visit their Web site at www.havanaguns.com or their MySpace.com page at www.myspace.com/havanaguns.
DeadJournalist.com brings you this exclusive interview with Havana Guns' Philippe DiNero.
How long has Havana Guns been performing together? How did the band form?
PM: The band was formed in late 2004 [while I] was trying out an illegally downloaded copy of Cubase at home on his computer. Around the initial demos that came out of this session, the a band was later formed. The current line-up came together in the summer of 2006 over quest to get a decent lunch in East London for less than £5.
Did your sound evolve or did you set out to create a "motorcycle pop" band?
PM: This term comes from a review of our first single “She Always Goes Down”. None of us know what it means but we thought it sounded good. I owned a Vespa once, but no-one else in the band has any motorcycle experience. The sound hasn't evolved much since the first demos. The initial demos already set the tone for the whole band.
The band will release a new 7" single for "NYCS" on February 19 - is a full length soon to follow?
PM: We talked about only releasing 7” singles with two songs each every couple of months, and never do an album. A bit like it used to be in the '50's, or early The Smiths. Our minds could only be changed by big-record-company dollars.
If someone comes to check out Havana Guns live show for the first time, what should they expect?
PM: Do you know Sigrid And Roy? Our shows are bit like their's. Only a bit more up-market and more white tigers. And yes, more sexual tension. Louder than war.
Do you have any plans to tour in North America in 2007?
PM: We might do just a few show in New York this summer. Any offers out there to play LA? We need to get a tan.
The most bizarre thing that has happened to the band while on tour is ... ?
PM: For one early gig, not a single person turned up.
What were you listening to in 1997?
PM: Half of the band probably wasn't born yet, the other half was probably listening to Placebo while experimenting with Mascara and black-hair dye.
One Drink, One Movie, One Album:
Zoe: Brandy, Goodfellas, PJ Harvey Dry
Philippe: Coca-Cola, Manhattan, Nick Drake Bryter Layter
Linda: Vodka, Virgin Suicides, The Knife Knife
Greg: Leffe Blonde, Dig!, Smashing Pumpkins Siamese Dream