Interviews 2010

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Interviews with artists, singers, band members and stars on the Leicester arts scene

The Eaves

We meet The Eaves, a well established local band with a reputation for solid musicianship. Nick Thornton is the band's lead vocalist and also a solo singer.

Artsin: So, the Eaves have been around for a while then, Nick? How long?

Nick: It's 5 years now, seems a lot longer sometimes though!

Artsin: Can you remember the first gig you played with the Eaves? How did it go?

Nick: Clearly. It was at The Shed, i remember it well as it was my first gig as a singer, to say we were all nervous would be putting it mildly.

Artsin: There have been a few changes to the lineup over the years. Who is in the band now?

Nick: Well i'm the only original member left due to a few, well, we'll just say fine tunings! Midge plays drums, he doesn't just play drums, he plays drums better than most. He's even better than himself! Jim is on Bass and they both chip in with harmonies, as well, so we get a big sound for just a three-piece.

Artsin: You write your own songs as well as playing a few covers. Which song of yours do you think has been the most successful?

Nick: It used to be Greater Good, but these days it's Something to Shout About that gets the attention. It's been on local radio, we HAD to record a version cos people were literally moaning at me for a copy of it. One drunk guy one night told me it was better than Guns n' Roses 'November Rain' !

Artsin: Who in the band writes the songs?

Nick: Me mostly. Midge has written three, Jim has one and a co-writing credit on one but 99% of them are mine. I always challenge the other two to write and come to me with complete songs, cos it keeps me keen as well if i have competition.

Artsin: Does the band have "influences", as in, other bands you might model your sound on?

Nick: Well i'm a massive Weller fan, the other two are quite prog-rock in their influences, Wishbone Ash, Pink Floyd etc. I've always loved Oasis, Stereophonics and Ocean Colour Scene.

Artsin: So how many songs do you think the band can play? It must be a lot considering the marathon sessions you guys have performed?

Nick: At the last count I think we had about 40 of our own plus a few covers. Now I don't see that as a lot, but we've spoken to other bands who have been on the circuit for years and they've barely got 10 songs.

Artsin: What's the longest the band has ever played?

Nick: The band have done a three hour set before, I personally have done 5 hours with no break. To tell you the truth, it was four hours of pleasure but the last hour was bloody painful!

Artsin: Has The Eaves done a support slot with a well known band?

Nick: We played with The Sums who supported Oasis. I Am Giant who are massive in Australia, Miles Hunt from The Wonder Stuff, Proud Mary, The Conspirators, and we're supporting Jack Penate and Tinchy Stryder, of all people, this summer.

Artsin: What plans does the band have for the year ahead?

Nick: I've a lot of solo gigs booked, we've got a few gigs booked but we'll do the festivals, then take a few months off, then go play other cities, play to new crowds and stuff. Then we'll write more tunes and do some more recording i think.

Artsin: What do you think of the many, many other bands in Leicester/shire? Do you think there are some good ones out there?

Nick: To be honest there's not many I can say I like. The Manhattan Project are ace, so are The Fazed. I loved Quaternary Limit. Steve Faulkner is a good lad. I don't know ... nobody's writing anthems at the minute, it's a bit worrying that the kids don't seem to have the knack, with the exception of maybe M48.

Artsin: Which of the many venues you have played in, in Leicester, do you think is the best?

Nick: I love Walkabout, i really like Firebug too, the soundman there is top notch, he cares about how it sounds, so you're halfway to a good gig already when you've got someone like that doing the sound for you. Paul at The Looking Glass cares a lot too, he gives bands free-reign to do as they please.

Artsin: You have done quite a few solo gigs; which do you like doing most: solo or playing with the band?

Nick: You know what, I'd never choose one or the other. As much as it satisfies me to stand alone with my guitar and do a solo gig, I get a massive buzz from playing with Midge and Jim, cos we're great mates who love playing music. I could play to two people or to 2,000 and play the same way, as long as I'm playing in some capacity, even when I'm 60 and the voice has gone, i'll still love it.

Artsin: Someone told me you like a sporting game called, I think, "football"? Do you think there is something going on between rock musicians and football?

Nick: Yeah definitely, Football and Rock and Roll are similar aren't they. They're both for those who like atmospheres, a united passion so to speak, there's something strikingly similar between a rock and roll gig and a football match. Funnily enough though i'm the only member of The Eaves who likes football.

Artsin: What's the worse gig you have ever done?

Nick: Well, we played a gig at the old Original Four, now Superfly. It was a Friday night, it was rammed. Loads of local musicians came to see us, friends and family. However, some bright spark gave our then-bassist, Ben, a crate of free lager at 7 pm. Now, we weren't due on till midnight, so the boy had 5 hours of free drinking. Nobody monitored him, so by the time we went on he was that shit-faced he couldn't turn his amp on or remember the tunes, and he played in the wrong key. Awful gig. I just looked at the drummer and mouthed "lets do 5 songs and get the fuck out of here". I could've killed him that night. There is still a drinking ban before sets to this day on our band.

Artsin: Lastly, what do think of Kasabian?

Nick: Superb. Doesn't matter that they're from Leicester. They could be from anywhere but the fact they're local boys makes it better. Seen them live, they play big tunes and in Tom have one of the best frontmen since Liam Gallagher. 'Where Did All The Love Go?" and "Underdog" are immense songs. They've made being edgy and a bit confrontational kind of cool again. I think all kids in bands should wanna be like them. They're the next great hope for me.

The Eaves on Myspace.

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