The Castellers

NORTH-WEST UK, what do you think of, football? Oasis? The Beatles? Try The Castellers. They are refreshing, almost unheard and absolutely widening a listeners gaze, as they experience something oh so delectable. Their music is mixed with legendary movements and incredible indications towards eras gone by, you would be mad to dislike them.

I gave a listen to their track 'To The Gallows', which has recently been aired on BBC Introducing, Sheffield. The introduction sparks a fantastic basis for the anthem, we hear new-era rock'n'roll emanating from the background beat, continuously blooming into a psychedelic, kaftan-wearing array of paisley sunshine. The beat that drummer, Paul Paterson provides is of powerful and perhaps venomous quality, shaking an audience, rocking each individual to their core, bewitching the listeners backed up with a caressing hypnosis of the guitars tone. This overwhelming authority The Castellers possess over their creation is extraordinary, this authority being increasingly visible within 'To The Gallows'.

Five Days Time was the next track that caught my attention. It's slow, lullaby-esque sound rolls off lead-vocalist Ryan Healey's tongue, flowing lazily to an ever waving ocean of that familiar hypnotising sound we heard in the track previous. The allurement of this track takes on it's own persona almost indefinitely accomplishing what I believe it was created to do... Coercing the listeners to feel unsure and uncertain as to what to expect yet it is this enduring factor that makes The Castellers experience one of which is all the more exciting.

The Castellers are definitely a fantastic rock'n'roll quartet who are going to make their mark this year whether it be through new material or playing great live shows, they're also looking for some management and a label, I mean a lot of artists want these things, of course they do! Yet I can't help but feel these guys deserve it more. Give them a listen, see what you think, no doubt we'll be on the same wave length... Read on to get more of an insight into The Castellers world of music...

How did The Castellers come about?

The band was put together Russell, he, Paul (drums) and Ali (bass) had already played together in a group. After a bit of a break we wanted get back into it, few phone calls and it was sorted. Ryan (vocals) got involved after he was harassed by Russell to come down to a rehearsal and give it a go being the frontman. Worked out well because he brought a certain lyrical prowess to a band that already had the best drummer and bass player in our home town. 

What do you guys do before a gig to get you psyched up?

Listen to Cigarettes & Alcohol by Oasis, have a few straighteners and then check the other bands on the bill, tell ourselves that they're shit and we'll blast everyone away...settles any nerves that may rear their ugly head.

Where has had the best audience when playing live?

Liverpool. Remember playing a gig at the Carling Academy supporting The Complete Stone Roses. The drummer we had to use for that gig had stepped in last minute. He totally messed up the first track, we had to abandon it half way through. Someone explained over the mic that he'd come in as a favour and didn't know the songs, so the crowed started chanting his by way of support. You wouldn't get that everywhere you play! 

What influences you when creating music?

Other artists like The Doors, The 13th Floor Elevators, The Kinks, The Byrds... could go on but a lot of 60s garage and psyche music. But sometimes a concept for a song will come first, Russell wrote 'Jackson In The Barrel' after learning that gunslingers in the old Wild West days would put a $20 bill in one of the barrels in their revolver, and that would pay for their funeral if they were killed (and its president Jackson on the $20 note). So the music had to be Morricone-esque to fit in with the theme of the lyrics. 

How did you find getting air-play on BBC Introducing?

Was good. Suppose it's a bit of validation and approval, every band needs that. Most pretend that they just do it for themselves & that's all that matters but when you gain fans and people support you it helps reinforce the belief and confidence in what your doing. All that means a lot to us. But I suppose if someone slates your tracks then you have to take that on the chin too... or just wrap a guitar around their head. 

Where would you like your music to go, what directions would you like it to take?

Far more psychedelic, lashings and lashings of psychedelia! Haha. After recording our first five demos (only three out at the moment) we've learnt a lot about where we want to take it. 

Are there any artists around now that have caught your eye?

Yeah a band called Temples, they've got a couple of tracks out at the moment. Really looking forward to their album. As far as we're concerned they've set the bar. 

What's your favourite track to play live?

Five days time probably. Its a waltzy track, got a cool swing to to it. You can't really go mental jumping around to it but people usually mention that one after a gig. 

Are festivals something that appeals to you all?

Yeah we've played one up in the North East, it's good because everyone's there for the weekend so you can do your gig and get smashed with other bands & that afterwards.

What's on the cards for The Castellers this year?

Gigs, playing Sheffield Thursday 18th April at The Lava Lounge. There'll be another one in Sheffield supporting a big Argentinian band called The Otherness and then hopefully Liverpool, Manchester and London but we're waiting on confirmation. We're hoping to get back in the studio but finances are tight. We're basically in need of management and a label so that the aim for this year. 


I'd like to thank The Castellers for this great interview, check em' out, go on!

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