They have just released a great album; they put on an amazing show but who is Slashed Seat Affair? We caught up with vocalist Ellie to find out more.
R13:Lets go back right to the start, how did the band form
Ellie:I met Darren at a Christmas party and we exchanged telephone numbers. Apparently, he didn't think much of me at the time. Feeling was mutual. But, nevertheless, our friendship and writing partnership blossomed into Slashed Seat Affair. Now we're family. Noel, Rob and Darren are school chums and they're all my big brothers. Lovely. I love them.
R13:Where did the name ‘Slashed Seat Affair’ come from?
Ellie:I got knocked off my bike and I remember coming round to the song 'That's Entertainment' - and specifically the line '... reading the graffiti about Slashed Seat Affairs...' probably because I was listening to my ipod at the time! Concussion - that's where the name came from! I've never been the same since.
R13:Who are your musical influences?
Ellie:Queen, Freddie Mercury, The Smiths, Morrissey, The Bangles, Dixie Chicks, Hootie and The Blowfish... to name but a few.
R13:For someone who hasn’t heard your music, how would you describe it?
Ellie:Dirty rock / pop. Best listen to it - I love pigeons but I hate pigeonholes.
R13:How does it feel to be releasing you debut album ‘Noises’?
Ellie:It's the start of a long journey, we're really proud of 'Noises' and we hope people enjoy it as much as we have enjoyed writing and recording it. Our favourite part of course, is to play - so try and come down and see us!
R13:Where did the inspiration for the songs on ‘Noises’ come from?
Ellie:That was me again - all these loud gigs and nobody every warned me to wear ear plugs. I had no idea of the damage I was doing to my ears until one day I realised I had tinnitus. 'Noises' is a song written about tinnitus, personifying the condition, which at first drove me absolutely insane: 'Wake up, get up, it's 4 o'clock, a heart beat that never stops' - the song is full of references to the never ending ringing in my head! But, I've befriended it now. It's all cool. The song isn't on the album, we've done a kind of Queen 'Sheer Heart Attack' - where the album is entitled by a song that will be on our next album! Get it?!
R13:What is the process when writing a song?
Ellie:Darren and I write in different ways, we both get bored a lot. We're both terminally ill from boredom! Haha. Sometimes we'll sit down with the guitar, or the piano and write from scratch, other times we'll have an idea before hand and add the lyrics in...we mix it up!
R13:Has there ever been any disagreement over lyrics or songs, if so how were they sorted?
Ellie:Not really - they all realise I'm right in the end. Hehe.
R13:My favourite song from the album has to be ‘No More Lies’, what’s yours and why?
Ellie:Different days I'll love different tracks, but I agree, 'No More Lies' is one of my favourites too. 'Forgiven' and 'Connected' - but then again 'All Fall Down'... THERE ARE NO FILLERS ON THIS ALBUM!
R13:What has been the most memorable experience in your music career so far?
Ellie:Darren and I snuck onto Saturday Kitchen - the TV show on BBC1 as guests, just so we could name-drop the band. I think we infuriated some hard-core Saturday Kitchen fans, not to mention breaching the BBC code of conduct. But the free booze in the green room after went down a treat. Shame about the stale pastries.
R13:Who was the last band/artist you saw in concert?
Ellie:Morrissey.... And isn't he amazing - 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOZ' for the end of this week! 'Don't forget the songs that made you cry, and the songs that saved your life'....
R13:You recently played the Cross Kings in London, what was that like?
Ellie:We love the Cross Kings - we always have fun, we have quite a good fan base in London now, so the gigs are always all the fun at the fair.
R13:If you could play any music venue where would it be and why?
Ellie:I would have liked to have played Wembley Stadium as it was...
R13:Are you playing any more shows over the next few months?
Ellie:Loads and loads - check out our gig listings at www.slashedseataffair.com
R13:When you play live, it is remarkable how much energy you have. Where does all this energy come from?
Ellie:Wine! No - just belief in the music and a chemistry between the four of us that you can't manufacture. People can see that. I personally use the stage to let off a bit of steam. Ahhh!
R13:Ellie, you give quite performance when on stage. Is this something you feel is important to the show?
Ellie:Definitely, my idol Freddie Mercury was the most amazing performer. You can learn a lot from watching your idols... It's all about giving people a good time. No point standing up there looking like you've had a stroke.
R13:When I saw you at the Cross Kings, you performed some songs that were not on the album. Are these going to be on the follow up of ‘Noises’?
Ellie:I think they should be - don't you!? I hope so!
R13:Definitely should be. If you could duet with any other artist or band, who would it be and why would you choose them?
Ellie:I don't know about duet - but if they kicked Paul Rodgers out of Queen I think I would be the natural replacement! Ha!
R13:What would you say to persuade someone to give the album a listen?
Ellie:Would a tenner do it?
R13:Lastly, what does the future hold for Slashed Seat Affair?
Ellie:More gigs, more fun, next album - hopefully collect some more fans along the way! We love you! We salute you!
The bands debut album ‘Noises’ is out now and they are playing shows all over the UK.