The Jane Bradfords
The time is nigh for Belfast-based electro-rockers The Jane Bradfords. The much-touted act has just released their self-titled debut album on Simple Tapestry Records. It’s a milestone moment for a band that has already garnered considerable critical kudos. So far, they’ve enjoyed the attentions of BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and played shows alongside CSS, Cold War Kids and LCD Soundsystem. The band’s commander-in-chief Deci Gallen talks apprehensions and ambitions with AU.
To the uninitiated, how would you describe the music of The Jane Bradfords?
I think you had better describe us because anytime I try it seems to be completely off the mark! In terms of my influences and the people I respect and admire, well, we just never end up sounding like them. The most common comparisons are LCD Soundsystem, The National, New Order / Joy Division. Magnetic Fields and even Echo & The Bunnymen. I think the most basic thing that people seem to hear is an Eighties sound, which is strange because I was aiming for mid-Nineties indie. Seemed to have missed by about a decade.
Given that this is your debut album, do you feel at all apprehensive regarding its release?
It’s really weird. I spent so much time with the record, but actually finished writing about six months ago. So, from my perspective, I’ve already started moved on and have been writing new stuff. But, everyone else will be hearing most of this material for the first time and I’m certainly nervous about that. You do wonder what people will think and say.
What sort of responses have you been receiving so far?
They’ve been really positive. The bloggers are liking it and picking up on different tracks, plus they’re saying that it flows like an album. That was my first and foremost intention. It was created to sound like a cohesive album rather than a set of songs written over one or two years. Every song has its place.”
The early reaction to the record does seem to be almost uniformly positive, but, inevitably, there will be negative reviews. Is that something you’re prepared for?
I’m sure there will be negative reaction. So long as it’s reasoned and based on the music rather than people simply being bitchy, then I’m open to that.
In your lyrics, do you tend to go for autobiographical reflections, or do you prefer to relate what you observe happening around you?
It’s a mix, some songs are autobiographical others are observational, I’ll not tell you which are which! With the new stuff I’m writing it seems to be a lot more observational. I do hope that people like the lyrics; I think that the lyrics, the subject matter and the emotion are just as important as the hooks.
You’ve got a very distinctive vocal technique. It has the potential to alienate as many people as it charms; does that concern you?
There’s that counterpoint between the dark, deep vocal and the more upbeat and poppy backing. I wanted the vocals to be interesting, the reaction that we’ve got so far suggests that people either love or hate it and that pleases me. I deliberately pitched myself low to get that more baritone, Jim Morrison style, almost lazy vocal. It works for some people and not for others, I’m sticking with it.
You say that you don’t mind whether people love or loathe your vocal, just so long as they have some reaction. Extending that to the band as a whole, is indifference the fate you fear most for The Jane Bradfords?
The amount of music being produced, the amount of music that is so easily accessible, you need something to make you stand out. I’d rather people didn’t dislike us, but at least if they did they’d be paying attention. There are so many bands coming out now and it’s so difficult to tell them apart on the radio. All my favourite acts are very distinctive, especially when you look at their vocals and lyrics.
How much of a commitment does it take to try and make a success of the band and how do you intend to progress things?
I think just gig loads more and try and raise our profile that way. What more can you do when you’re an unsigned band on your own? People outside of the group mightn’t realise just how hard it is, but this is a fulltime job. I’m basically working from 10am to 6 or 7pm.
Earlier, you said that you’ve already begun work on the new record, what direction might it take?
I’m definitely thinking we could use a lot more instruments and fewer synths. I want to branch out.
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