|
 Slim, pale and with a heap of ginger locks dangling freely from his head, Newton Faulkner is on the rise to stardom after successfully releasing his debut CD ‘Hand Built By Robots’ in May 2007. The album has proven to be the driven force between the British musicians constant success. I’d recommend to anyone to see him live which, I’m afraid, is more or a less an impossible task due to sold out shows and tickets selling like momma’s homemade rock cakes.
It’s been a few months since the release of ‘Hand Built By Robots’ (HBBR). How has life changed after its release?
Well, it’s gotten slightly more insane. The number of gigs I’ve had to play has risen dramatically. I think I was playing like 10, up to the release of the album and now I’m playing almost double of that amount. This was quite strange at first, as before the album everything was awfully quiet! I had no idea that the record would be this successful, I mean, you get a vague idea of where it’s going to land - I was thinking top twenty at first but then it went up to top fifteen, then top ten and finally top 5! It ended up at number 3 overall and I don’t think anyone was expecting it to reach that height.
What was the feedback like?
Amazing! Absolutely amazing! Fans were sending me messages via Myspace about how good my performance was, how they love the CD and how they want to see me perform. I wasn’t expecting such a positive reactions from fans. ‘HBBR’ also got some great reviews from the critics, which is always an added bonus!
What’s the next single?
I think it’s going to be “All I Got”. It’s track 4 on the album and was co-written with Christian Hunt. It’s basically about the end bit of an argument where you’re just waiting to forget about some of the hurtful things that were said. The verse is really old - I wrote it ages ago - but the chorus is new. It’s a good track - you’ll enjoy it.
Are you a social networking genius? Are you on Myspace, Bebo or Facebook much?
I’m mostly on Myspace; it’s pretty much a 24/7 job. I don’t really have the time to reply to everyone’s messages but I would if I could. I try to blog once or twice a week or as much as I can about what I’m doing and how I feel about something, etc. If I feel that a certain message is so unique that it can only be answered by me, then I’ll reply.
What is the weirdest message you’ve ever received on Myspace/Bebo?
I was performing one time and I have this thing about taking my shoes off on stage and put them back on once I’ve finished singing. I’ve done this loads of times but this one time, I noticed that they weren’t where I left them. This was in Manchester and the weather wasn’t exactly polite and I had to walk in bare feet. I checked my Myspace the next day and I received a message from a girl who, yeah you’ve guessed it, said she stole my shoes and was willing to give them back. I then had to meet up with her and get my shoes back!
Why do you take your shoes off during a performance?
Because it gives you that relaxed feeling a sense of freedom!
You performed at Glastonbury twice. Do you prefer performing at festivals or concerts?
I have no preference but they are totally different vibes. I mean, I’ve had concert experience, which have been mind blowing, but with festivals, you get a walk out factor, which is amazing – a totally different feeling. What I enjoy most about festivals is that you start playing, the reply is very loud and they’re pretty packed! At Glastonbury I saw a few overflowing tents and the people inside of them were really getting into my music – when I was playing. It’s a very different experience.
Did you get muddy or wet at this years festival?
Who didn’t? It’s only at times like the Glastonbury festival, that the yellow fisherman trousers are totally invaluable. I think my shoes got trashed though.
Christmas is coming up soon – what’s on your Christmas list?
No idea. I think just a small short holiday would be amazing. Amsterdam would be nice. It’s a small but densely packed area. It has everything you need - even a little china town. It also has the red light district, a temple and a bit where all the hippies hang out. I’d also like to get back into writing. I love writing.
Apart from the guitar, what other instruments do you play?
A mixture really: the drums and the washboard are two of many.
What attracted you to the guitar?
Well… I played a lot of stuff before and nothing really appealed to me as much as the guitar. It’s a feeling you get when you play something, it just takes you over I guess. I had keyboard lessons before at school: I also played based then moved to guitar at 13. With the guitar – I love when it’s close to your stomach and you can feel the notes you’re playing. It’s a good feeling.
Who influences your style?
Loads of people! Instrumentalists include Eric Roach and Thomas Leeds and on the writing side it’s Davy Mitchell.
You’re going on tour soon. Where are you most looking forward to perform?
Shepherd’s Bush Empire! I’ve seen all kinds of concerts there.
I love the dreads. How long will you keep them for?
No idea. I don’t see myself cutting them off in the near future
It must be a pain to wash right?
No way! They’re fairly low maintenance.
Do you name each dreadlock individually?
No I don’t. Only one has a name and it’s called Sarah.
Do you have a message for the fans?
Thanks for being so amazing!
Visit www.myspace.com/newtonfaulkner for more info.
Interview By: Bertan Budak
 |
