Photo credit: Sally-Anne low photography
Describing themselves as ‘loud and fun’, The Gallerys are a three-piece Mod/Britpop band from Kent who formed in the early part of 2015. The band, consisting of James Wood (vocals and guitar), Dan Maggs (drums) and Craig Lee Barden (bass), reveal to us how the band got together, the inspiration and recording process behind their debut EP ‘Paisley’…
- Can you introduce yourselves for our Platform readers?
The Gallerys are a three-piece alternative/ indie rock band from Kent, South East England. We play original music which combines influences of all styles, to create a new sound for modern day.
- How did the band get together?
James and Dan met in college, originally playing with another bass player. After playing a few gigs, the bass player went to university leaving James and Dan to find another bass player. Through one of Dan’s mutual friends, Craig was asked to audition playing a quick song by The Jam in the rehearsal room. Afterwards, Craig was invited to join and the final line up was complete.
- You released your debut EP ‘Paisley’ earlier this year, can you tell us what the recording process was like? Who wrote the songs? Where was it recorded?
Craig wrote You Don’t Really Love Her, James Wrote Paisley, with the two collaborating to write Imperfect Perception together. The EP was recorded at Brighton Electric by an experienced studio engineer, Ally. The recording sessions were relaxed, yet we still had a lot of focus; our tracks typically involve three-piece harmonies which have to be spot on. Brighton Electric was cool; there’s an in-house bar which serves everything from guitar strings, pizza and tuners. You could even have a beer if you fancied one!
- What band/artist/musician made you all want to be in a band?
Craig’s main inspiration would definitely be The Beatles, James main inspiration would be The Verve and Dan’s main inspiration would be the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. We have lots of different inspirations which is good for making a brand new sound.
- You recently played at Macmillan Mayhem 2017, can you tell us a little more about the gig and the charity?
We were invited to play the gig by our good friend Keith Moss who puts the show on every year. As soon as we were asked we jumped at the chance to play and help raise money for the charity. Macmillan support people diagnosed with cancer through any struggles from money worries, discussing their condition. They even offer support if people just need someone to talk to. We were thrilled to get involved with such a top night. Thanks to Keith’s efforts, £5000 was raised for Macmillan. We were well happy with this figure.
- Would you say your sound has changed since your first gig?
Definitely. Our sound has evolved lots; we now play on stage as a tight three-piece who are fully aware of what each other is doing. We regularly all sing together on stage throughout most of the set, so this requires a degree of focus and awareness of each other’s style. We’ve rehearsed lots and played lots and lots of gigs so we’ve definitely developed our sound.
- What bands and artists have the band been loving recently that you would recommend to our Platform readers?
We like lots of modern bands from The Strypes, Arctic Monkeys, Miles Kane, Tame Impala, The Moons and Temples.
- What’s next for The Gallerys?
We have 20 shows lined up from now till the end of the year which include supporting Madness twice, playing at the o2 Academy Islington, playing music festivals alongside The Fratellis and Selecter, playing around Kent and the rest of the UK. We definitely plan to release some more original material by the end of the year. Our main focus is doing what we love; entertaining people through our music.
Now, for a few quick-fire questions to get to know The Gallerys better;
1.Favourite venue played?
Tunbridge Wells Forum.
2. Describe The Gallery in five words
Loud. Tight. Harmonies. Style. Fun.
3.Dead or alive, who would you all most want to collaborate on a record with?
The Who.
4. Dream festival to play at?
Reading festival.
5. Favourite album of all time?
Craig: I could never pick a favourite of all time. Definitely be something by The Beatles though.
6. The best gig you’ve each been to?
Craig: Saw Madness at Quex Park a few years ago. A quality night.
You can follow The Gallerys on Facebook, Soundcloud , YouTube, Twitter.
By Malvika Padin