Ones To Watch: Interview with Bullets With Blue Eyes

Indie-Mod trio, Bullets With Blue Eyes, are currently being hailed as “The next band for the people, with future anthems…” And it’s easy to see why. With their unique and eclectic sound, soulful dedication and with some help from Brian Cannon (responsible for the album artwork of Oasis, Suede and The Verve, to name a few…), Dave Purnell, Paul Griffin and Dave Smythe look set for big things. Our Ella caught up with the band to discuss inspirations, hopes and… Gary Glitter:

1. First off,  ‘Bullets with Blue Eyes’ is a rather imaginative band name, where  did you get the inspiration to perform under it?

We wouldn’t say we perform under it, we perform with it. When you hear the name and the music, it is us and what we’re all about. The idea came from a meeting with producer Nick Tauber, who produced a lot of the Thin Lizzy stuff.

2. I understand you’ve been branded as ‘the next band for the people, with future anthems’ – how do you plan to live up to this prestigious claim?

To just keep doing what we do, it’s what sets us apart from the rest. The average person can relate to us and what we sing about.

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3. Your songs ‘This Is Our Love Song’ and ‘Brick By Brick’, which were posted on your Soundcloud page about a year ago, have racked up almost 900 listens each. How have you been promoting yourself and improving the band’s reputation?

We have been promoting ourselves via shows, social media, radio and – more recently – videos. We have spent a lot of time in the studio and will be getting a couple more fresh tracks up on our Facebook, Twitter and Soundcloud pages soon. Brian (Cannon) has done a lot for us also through photographs and getting the name of the group out there. If you look at what he has achieved in the industry, working with the likes of Oasis and The Verve, he is a perfect fit for us.

4.  A popular post on your Soundcloud is ‘Baby Pick Me’, a potential game-changer that may catapult you into the mainstream.  What thoughts were running through the band when this song was recorded?

Smythe was thinking “whose turn is it to make the brews?”, Griffin was thinking “I’m sure it’s Smythe’s turn to make the brews” and Purnell was thinking “I hope the producer doesn’t think he’s getting paid for this.” The song is about when you’re chasing that girl you really want – something I think every man can relate to. UB40’s version of ‘Cherry Oh Baby’ had a big influence on us whilst recording ‘Baby Pick Me.’

5. If you had to persuade somebody, who had never heard of you, to give ‘Bad Reputation’ a listen, what would you say to them?

There must of been a time when you’ve given Gary Glitter a go on the jukebox, so why not us?

6. If you could sit down and have a quick beer with three artists (alive or dead) who’ve influenced your music the most, who would they be and why?

Smythe – Ian Brown, Bob Marley and Noel Gallagher. They epitomise everything I’m about.

Griffin – Freddie Mercury, Mick Jagger and Prince. Absolute legends. Great characters – would be absolutely fascinating to meet and chat to them, and take them round Wigan for a pint.

Purnell – Cyndi Lauper, Phil Spector and Fred West. I love Cyndi Lauper’s voice. Phil Spector is a legend for his song writing and producing, and Fred West for managing to put a miserable town like Gloucester on the map.

 7.  Describe Bullets with Blue Eyes’ sound:

Strummer, Weller, Gallagher, a bit of the Pistols in there somewhere: an absolutely fantastic mess.

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8.  Since starting your career in the music industry, what have been your personal highlights of being in the band?

Smythe : For all of us, playing the songs. It’s a pleasure for me and Griffin to be playing the songs that Dave (Purnell) writes, we’re very lucky. The chemistry we have and how we complement each other is perfect for me, I couldn’t imagine playing in another band.

 Griffin:  I completely agree with what Smythe said. I wouldn’t want to be in any other band. From meeting the people we have through music, I’ve also had the opportunity to play with Bonehead which was a great experience. But playing with the lads and what we do gives me the greatest pleasure. When we rehearse, play and record, nothing gives me a better sense of achievement.

Purnell: For all of us meeting Brian (Cannon) was a big highlight – the guy has worked with some of our idols and designed some of the most well known single and album covers of all time. Being with the band in the studio and on stage is what I am most proud of.

9.       Where do you anticipate the band will be in five years’ time?

Exactly where we intend to be: making music and being successful at what we do for all the right reasons.

Thanks for your time, good luck with it all! 

Photo Credit to Brian Cannon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Cannon

 

Ella Scott.

Ella Scott

Ella Scott

Gigslutz Editor, token Geordie and Blur fangirl. Naturally, achieving Vicky Pattinson's VIP edge is what drives me to get up in the morning.