Friday Night in London and the weather is actually decent for a change! I wander around the streets of London trying to locate Fortress Studios, where local rockers Drugdealer Cheerleader has barricaded themselves the last couple of days recording new material.
Since I forgot my map and address of the studio it took me a little while to find since I never been to this part of London. However, I am stubborn and no matter what I will find the place on my own otherwise my pride is lost. Around nine o'clock I finally locate the studio and the friendly doorman welcomes me, while he is pointing to the nearest studio room where I hear familiar tones blasting out.
Lead singer Hilda, drummer Ringo and guitarist Neil is putting final touches on 3 songs. Almost immediately Hilda asks me if I know any good bass players, since Drugdealer Cheerleader recently parted ways with their bassist. I am also introduced to the latest addition to the Drugdealer Cheerleader family, Richie, who has joined the band on Rhythm guitar and backing vocals. Richie also fronts his own band
Kitty Hudson, who plays melodic power pop.
Since I am a little late the guys just need to make some final touches. New guy Richie lays down some backing vocals and later Hilda joins him for a wall of backing vocals. As the producer plays bits of the song, which Hilda and Richie sing backing on - I notice that the new material sounds a lot more polished and layered.
The band also re-recorded an old favorite
I Don't Wanna Go to School with a new arrangement that actually makes the song more up-front and in your face. At the same time the new version sounds more polished than the "original" recording. Hmmm - might sound confusing, but it works well for the boys. Especially Richie sets his mark on the new version with massive backing vocals.
The producer wanted to make a raw mix for us to hear and we went upstairs to the studio's bar, where we had a couple of beers and I was in great company with the lads, who are all stellar guys. Over a Guinness I grabbed the opportunity to ask Hilda about a few things.
Most importantly Hilda assured me that the departure of former bassist Marty wasn't a major setback. Even though Marty had a major say in writing the newer material, everyone in Drugdealer Cheerleader contribute to the songwriting by bringing ideas to the studio. Of course it was unfortunate that Marty left the band, but they left on good terms and the band is looking forward with Richie on-board as new guitarist.
The band's future plan is not to hunt the record companies, but rather let the companies come to Drugdealer Cheerleader. The band relies on their solid live show and they plan on embarking on a European tour and build a representation mainly as a live band. Hilda says that a Berlin date is in the works and good possibility of Sweden, so if there are any Danish promoters reading this and want to help set up a Danish Drugdealer Cheerleader gig (s) please
contact me.
After a good hour or so in the studio bar it was time to hear the 3 songs in a raw mix. First song
Try being me (Angry Young Man???) is a rocker, but very melodic in the power pop vein. Second song is permeated by Neil's brilliant melodic guitar playing and his thick les Paul sound. I look very much forward to the final mix and production - I'll await the final product and therefore I won't go into details with the songs in this report. RevelationZ Magazine will do a review and interview, when Drugdealer Cheerleader release their new demo CD. In you are in the UK please catch them live because not all their live power can be transferred to CD and I'll guarantee a kick ass Rock N Roll show.
A great night in company with a great band and top blokes.
Class dismissed!
