| Rocky Road to Success
By Grainne McLoughlin
Second-generation Irish band Stoner are gearing up for their next
single release in February. Grainne McLoughlin talks with the band’s Desmond
Lambert and reveals what lies ahead as they look to make their mark on the
music industry.
Made up of second-generation Irish brothers Desmond and Gavin Lambert
with Rob Flanagan completing the line-up, Stoner are a soulful band braced
to take the world by storm.
After an accidental meeting between Rob — described as an opportunist
of no fixed ability — and Desmond — a prima donna of no fixed temperament
— talk turned to music which in turn moved to bands. Add Gavin to the mix
and so Stoner was born.
Having played over 100 shows in Britain since forming in September 2000
the band are excited about what the future has to offer.
Desmond says: “We’ve a single release scheduled for February 6, 2006
and we’re all really excited about where we could be by this time next year.
“We’re also really hoping to tour Ireland especially the west so we could
stay at our own house rather than hotels all the time.”
With influences ranging from The Police and U2 to Paul Simon and Stevie
Wonder Stoner offer a nice alternative to the indie music that seems to
be drowning the industry at the moment.
With an interesting blend of soulful rock and pop melodies they are certainly
one to watch.
Raised in Harrow Weald in an Anglo-Irish community Des says he’s extremely
proud of his Irish background.
“I remember spending every summer holiday in Westport which is my dad’s
hometown. It was actually only until I was 18 and went to Greece that I
realised it was possible to swim in the sea without becoming numb from the
cold after 15 minutes,” he laughs.
Stoner are set to play at London's Spice of Life on December 4. For further
information on gigs contact
www.stonertheband.com.
Stoner’s Desmond Lambert tells rí-rá about his favourite things —
ranging from his favourite TV and music to his most desirable date.
What was the last album you bought?
It was a vinyl re-issue of Aretha Franklin’s early recordings before
she signed to Atlantic. Her record company didn’t know what to do with her
so they just had her singing standards. She was about 19 and still sounded
amazing but the public weren’t interested.
What was the last film you watched?
I recently watched Dodgeball on DVD and subsequently we (the band) are
entering next year’s tournament in Las Vegas. Favourite film of the year
though was Million Dollar Baby.
What TV programme would you not miss?
I love Curb Your Enthusiasm by Larry David co-creator of Seinfeld.
Who would be the first person you would invite to your birthday party?
My girlfriend otherwise I’d be in trouble. Then Norman Mailer, I love
to hear him speak and I’m sure he’d wind up a few of my other guests
The key to making it as a musician?
Making your own luck. That means putting in the hours at whatever you
think is going to help most. For some it’s practice, for others it’s being
seen at the right places.
What do you love most about Ireland?
The humour and how cheap the adverts sound on Radio West.
Who would you most like to work with in the future and why?
My favourite is Paul Simon but I don’t think we’d be compatible in the
studio — both control freaks. I absolutely love Neneh Cherry’s voice so
I’d love to work with her.
Best personal experience to date?
Leaving work to play music full-time.
Best professional experience to date?
Signing our record deal and having expenses.
If you weren’t pursuing this career what other profession would you
have chosen?
A baker. I love the smell of bread. My gran used to make the best soda
bread in the range.
What’s your greatest ambition?
To make a classic album.
Favourite method of relaxation?
Sleeping.
The most important lesson life has taught you?
You’ve got to put in the hours. What else are you going to do?
Humanity’s most useful invention?
Language.
What’s your favourite tipple?
Vodka & tonic. I got into it in Bangkok where it really suits the heat.
What’s your greatest extravagance?
My greatest and only extravagance is my studio. I love it.
How would you like to be remembered?
Bloody hell... hopefully I’ve a while to go yet before I’ve to worry
about that.
Most desirable date?
Naomi Campbell if she was paying.
What is your favourite smell?
Cut grass in the spring — after being depressed all winter things finally
start to look up again.
Weirdest job you’ve ever had?
A music mentor for kids at a Toronto summer school.
First concert you ever went to?
My friend’s dad took us to Jean Michelle Jarre at the London Docklands
except we missed most of it as they changed the time at the last minute.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
There you go again...
Three songs you’d most like to have written?
Yesterday for its natural melody, I Heard It Through The Grapevine for
its arrangement and performance (Marvin Gaye’s version) and Anything by
Paul Simon for the lyrics.
Best career move?
I’ll let you know when I buy my mansion in the south of France.
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