| The Perfect Wish By Grainne
McLoughlin
Wishbox have been described as one of the most original rock acts
the southeast of Ireland has ever seen. Having already supported Hothouse
flowers, the Carlow band has garnered huge attention from various industry
leaders. Braced to make inroads into the British market, Grainne McLoughlin
chats to them about what they’ve been up to.
Hailing from Carlow, Wishbox has enjoyed great success in a relatively
short period of time together. Already playing to sell-out audiences throughout
the south of Ireland, they’ve more recently been sought out by several Irish
radio stations who’ve shown an interest in playing tracks from their latest
EP, ...For My Smile.
But after exhausting various avenues in Ireland, the band — which is
made up of band originals Anthon and Paul and Aidan and Dave who joined
later — has taken to the streets of London in a bid to create a few ripples
in preparation for the Wishbox wave.
Anthon says: “We’ve done a lot of work in Ireland and it’s been fantastic.
But we now feel that it’s a good time to introduce ourselves to Britain.”
Wishbox recently played a very successful debut at London’s Borderline
and followed that by an appearance at Camden’s Dublin Castle, where they’re
said to have “gone down a storm”.
The group was formed originally as a two-piece acoustic band with Anthon
— singer and guitarist — and lead guitarist Paul, five years ago.
But after producing their first demo they realised they’d have more potential
with a bass player and drummer. And so came Dave and Aidan.
“On a musical level, we’ve come on leaps and bounds since we expanded
the band. Together we create a bigger and more entertaining sound,” says
Anthon.
“The band is hugely progressive and even though everyone has different
influences and tastes, when we bang ideas off each other, something always
comes up that we just know will work.”
One of the highlights of their career has no doubt been supporting the
Hothouse Flowers in Ireland and playing to new audiences in London.
Next month will see the quartet perform alongside celebrated Irish singer/songwriter
Paddy Casey.
“We’ve a few things lined up that the band is really excited about, not
least playing with The Frames later this year. I know I for one am really
looking forward to that,” reveals Anthon.
Wishbox hope to follow up the release of their EP — which boasts five
well-received tracks — with an Irish tour.
“We’re hoping to release a single very soon, with an album to follow
early next year.”
The lads from Wishbox chat to rí-rá about what it was like performing
in London, who they’d most like to work with in the future and the key to
making it as a musician.
What was the last album you bought?
Audio Slaves’ — Out Of Exile. (Anthon)
What was the last film you watched?
Chopper. (Aidan)
What TV programme would you not miss?
The Simpsons. (Dave)
Who would be the first person you would invite to your birthday party?
Hugh Hefner And Friends (Anthon)
The key to making it as a musician?
Hard work and tons of self belief. (Paul)
What do you love most about Ireland?
The Booze and the craic! (Aidan)
Who would you most like to work with in the future and why?
Pink Floyd. Why, because they’re legends. (Dave)
Best professional experience to date?
Performing in London. (All)
If you weren’t pursuing this career what other profession would you
have chosen?
I’d probably be a male model. (Paul)
What’s your greatest ambition?
To play music forever. Make a living from it. (All)
Favourite method of relaxation?
Definitely has to be sleep. (Dave)
The most important lesson life has taught you?
Just never to give up (Anthon)
Humanity’s most useful invention?
Electricity... where would our amps be without them. (Paul)
What’s your favourite tipple?
Guinness. (All)
What’s your greatest extravagance?
PRS Guitar. (Paul)
How would you like to be remembered?
With a smile on my face and a guitar in my hand. (Anthon)
Most desirable date?
Darcy, Bass player in Smashing pumpkins.
First concert you ever went to?
Smashing Pumpkins in Dublin. (Anthon)
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
Yellow Leadbetter by Pearljam. (Anthon)
Three songs you’d most like to have written?
Audio Slaves’ Cochise, Pink’s Wish You Were Here and Pearl Jam’s Alive.
(All)
Best career move?
Has to be joining Wishbox. (All)
|
