INTERVIEW: John McCullagh & The Escorts

John Lennon McCullagh was spotted when he was just 15 by Alan McGee, who made him the first act to be signed to his 369 Music record label. Kate Crudgington caught up with John ahead of his band’s appearance at this month’s ‘Gigslutz Presents…’ night on Friday 11th September at the Amersham Arms, London to discuss his recent album, supporting Mick Head and being feted by Courtney Love…

Hello John. How are you?
Hi! I’m good thank you, it’s been a good week. Played Party in the Pines a few weeks ago, which was fantastic, so it’s been cool.

The band’s been busy lately; you’ve performed at Blackthorn Festival, Kendal Calling, various London venues, and Party In The Pines. Do you cherish the full schedule or is it starting to take its toll?
I love it, to be honest. I would play every night if I could. I do like relaxing and chilling out, but I’m happiest when I’m on stage. It can be tiring with all the travelling, but that’s your job like everyone has. It’s a pretty good job, so I’m loving it.

You were already carving out your own success as a solo artist in 2013 before you found The Escorts. What made you switch from soloist to band frontman?
When it came to writing my second record, the songs I’d written were more band oriented. I’d always planned to get a band – I just didn’t know when – so that seemed a good moment to do it, or the songs wouldn’t have had any justice. I actually enjoy playing with the band much more than I did as a solo artist. Don’t get me wrong – I loved it and will look back on it fondly – but it’s nice to play more music, expand, and not have that added pressure of it being just you on stage.

You managed to squeeze in a solo spot supporting Mick Head at the Old Church in Stoke Newington a few weeks ago. How did that go?
It was really good, thanks. I’ve supported Mick a few times now and that was the best time. It’s a gorgeous venue; the sound in there is amazing, and I had a few new songs to play so it was great to debut them there – it really was magical. Mick was on fire that night, too.

The new album New Born Cry was released in May earlier this year. What reactions have you had to it so far?
It’s got some pretty good reviews from what I’ve seen. You’re always gonna get people who like what you do, and people who don’t – that’s just life and people dig what they dig – but it’s had a great response. If I had to pick a favourite I’d probably say ‘New York City’. We always finish our sets with it and it just feels like a really different song compared to anything I’ve heard that’s out at the minute. Plus, the time changes are great.

You’ve been on the receiving end of some stellar live reviews recently. Have you ever been affected by a bad review?
When you put effort into any project, whether it be a painting, a song, or anything – it can irritate you – but at the end of the day you can’t please everyone, and everyone has a different opinion. Which is the great thing about music. I don’t let it bother me, certainly not now.

Speaking of stellar reviews, Courtney Love referred to you as “this kid doing Dylan better than Dylan” – how did you feel about that?
Well I was about 15 when she said that, so I think only now I realise the importance of a quote like that. Well, not importance as such, but it means a lot for someone like her to say it.

Are there any particular venues you or the band hold in high esteem and would like to play at?
There’s some really good venues all over the country. We loved Electric Brixton, that’s a great venue. King Tuts Wah Wah Hut is always great to do because of the history and the crowds you get there.

If you could only see one live band this year, who would it be?
Probably Arctic Monkeys or Tame Impala. Their shows look different.

Finally, what’s the shared musical philosophy of John McCullagh & The Escorts?
We just try to be as original as we can and get deeply involved in everything from the sound, to the lyrics, to the chords. Each song is a project that should stand the test of time, so we just try and be true to ourselves and what we’re into before anything else.

John McCullagh & The Escorts play the Amersham Arms, London on Friday 11th September with Superhand and Cellars. Tickets are £5 / £3 NUS on the door. More info here.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate Crudgington

Kate Crudgington

Assistant Editor for Gigslutz (2015-2017) Now Co-Founder, Co-Host & Features Editor for @getinherears