| 2 Cents Worth By Grainne McLoughlin
Every once in a while a new band comes along that makes you stand
up and take notice. 2 Cents Plain are one such band. Grainne McLoughlin
catches up with band member Paul Armstrong to find out about their new CD.
2 Cents Plain is a four-piece band that restores your faith in the music
industry. Northern Irishman Paul Armstrong, who plays guitar and lead vocals,
is joined with Mike (guitar and vocals), Lee (drums and guitar) and Foxy
(Bass and Vocals) to make up one of the more exciting bands of this age.
And here we are to introduce them.
Although Mike Baines and Armstrong have been playing venues around London
as a duo since 1998 it wasn’t until Mike rekindled an old friendship with
Lee over three years ago, that the band became a three-piece — what Paul
describes as a menage a trois.
“It was great when that happened to be honest because with Lee on drums,
we started playing bigger venues and got regular spots at various reputable
establishments throughout London,” says Paul.
They soon got tired of singing other people songs and so Paul decided
he’d pen a few numbers himself. When they met their fourth and final band
member in the form of Foxy — at a lap-dancing club in Amsterdam no less
— they really began to take things seriously.
And not without results, as 2 Cents Plain have recently recorded a five-track
promotional CD which has received rave reviews right across the national
press.
“We believe in our music and I think that comes across to our audiences,”
reveals the Belfast man.
But where is it that he gets his inspiration from?
“There are so many great singer/songwriters about at the moment that
I suppose I’m subconsciously influenced by many of them.
“People like Paul Brady and Thom Yorke inspire me. And I only write about
what I know, in that, my lyrics are largely about my own experiences,” says
Paul candidly.
Down to earth and ambitious, 2 Cents Plain is on its way to making a
fantastic new album. Look out for the track, I Fell In Love Today.
2 Cents Plain will be playing the Half Moon in Putney on Thursday, August
25.
Lead vocalist Paul Armstrong gets up close and personal with rí-rá.
What was the last album you bought?
James Blunt —Back to Bedlam.
What was the last film you watched?
Who’s Harry Crumb?
What TV programme would you not miss?
None really, I’d rather listen to music or play my guitar than watch
TV. Alright then, Corrie.
Who would be the first person you would invite to your birthday party?
My bank manager.
The key to making it as a musician?
Resilience, be prepared for rejection and keep perfecting your art.
What is your favourite smell?
Freshly cut grass.
What do you love most about Ireland?
Belfast, it’s a great place to misbehave.
Who would you most like to work with in the future and why?
Thom Yorke, he is a genius.
Best professional experience to date?
The positive response we’ve had for our debut EP.
If you weren’t pursuing this career what other profession would you
have chosen?
Badger breeding. They’re lovely wee things and you don’t see enough of
them about.
What’s your greatest ambition?
To be successful in this industry without compromising our musical integrity.
Favourite method of relaxation?
Lying on the bed and sleeping.
The most important lesson life has taught you?
It’s nice to be nice.
Humanity’s most useful invention?
Microwave oven.
What’s your favourite tipple?
Pint of the black stuff for me, Mick is having a rum and coke, Lee wants
a JD and Coke, and Foxy has gone to the toilet, as it’s his round.
Best personal experience to date?
The births of my children, Rudi and Freya.
How would you like to be remembered?
For being in the best rock group in the world. Yeah baby.
What’s your greatest extravagance?
Ferrero Rocher.
And your favourite word/phrase?
“Are those baps fresh missus?”
Weirdest job you’ve ever had?
Shepherd in Leicester Square.
First concert you ever went to?
Thin Lizzy, Ulster Hall, Belfast, Live and Dangerous Tour.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
Who Wants To Live Forever by Queen.
Three songs you’d most like to have written?
Street Spirit, Radiohead, One by U2, and Grace by Jeff Buckley.
Best career move?
Leaving my job in Leicester Square.
|
