Snapped up by Fred Perry Subculture and playing with the likes of The Heartbreaks, The Marquettes are rapidly rising to the top, holding the ability to change from ballads to short snappy numbers in one track.
Now looked after by rising Manchester based label, Echolalia Records, their future is in very safe hands.
Previously being described as belonging to 'Soul n Roll', the foursome rework indie-pop to create a gritty alternative, with tracks such as Friend I Never Had almost mirroring work from Sheffield's Milburn.
With all this going on, The Music Manual grabbed a quick interview with front-man Conor Jude Dowling and lead guitarist, Connor Long to find out some more about North Western Soul...
How did you all get together to form The Marquettes?
CJD: Connor and I had been playing and writing together years before The Marquettes became a thing. We gained Josh, an old school chum, circa 2010 and slowly established ourselves in Heywood's 'The Wishing Well' as 'That young band who do The Beatles songs'. It soon came to light that we needed someone a little younger to play the drums for us as up until that point we were joined on stage by a 50 odd year old rocker who went by the name of 'Tank Top Tony'. I had known of a great drummer, Miles, during college and quickly snapped him up - The Marquettes were born!
Image, is it important?
CL: I have always thought that a good image is very important. The progressing relevance of social media as a promotional tool adds a whole new dimension to the image that artists try to portray, because for many people, an artists’ Facebook or Instagram account might be the introduction they have to artist. I don't think it should necessarily be that way, but realistically that’s the case. That being said, I still think that the artists’ style and on stage persona are the most important aspects of creating an image because it’s that kind visual representation that you either accept or reject straight up.
How has the response been for your EP?
CJD: The response has been much bigger than expected, up until signing with Echolalia Records we'd been a self promoted band and since its release last year, the EP has reached the playlists of several local radio stations - most notably BBC Manchester introducing and Amazing Radio. Besides that, all of our mums really really like it!
Has anything made you think twice about being a musician?
CL: I mean I think everyone has those moments when some scumbag promoter has just ripped you off after a gig where you’ve played to eight people on a Tuesday night and you’re kind of thinking “Am I any good?” but it never lasts. Ultimately, when you feel as passionate about music as an aspiring musician, there are few things that can dwindle your desire to share your music. I know that’s how we feel and the moment I stop feeling like that it’s probably time to pack it in.
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| Rhian Melvin |
CJD: We've had some really great surprises over the last couple of years; having the pleasure of being invited to support some of our favourite bands - namely The Heartbreaks and The Lottery Winners - whether this was on our own merit or tireless Twitter bombardment I am not sure! That great feature from Fred Perry Subculture was another such surprise. It was lovely to be included on such a short list of local high fliers - by such a prestigious source, though totally deserved too if I do say so myself.
The most Rock Star thing you've ever done?
CJD: I once saved Connor from drowning in a hot tub after he fell asleep in it following too much Amaretto and coke - Aldi's own. In hindsight I'm pretty impressed by the way Connor held the still half-full tumbler above the surface of the water as he went under as if to rescue his booze. Other than that I'm pretty sure our Miles has done some stuff but I don't think the details are fit for print.
When are we going to be hearing an album from you?
CL: That’s a bit of difficult question. When there is demand for an album we’ll certainly consider it, but as of this interview we are undergoing a slight upheaval in our musical direction, not to mention
still developing ourselves as a band. I have no idea what a Marquettes’ album would sound like right now, so I couldn’t tell you when it’s due.
What are we expecting from The Marquettes in the future?
CJD: Short term - expect a shedload of gigs, a single release sometime at the start of next year - with a launch night and music video to boot! and all of the social media pesting involved with those! Long term - 8/9 delicious albums, some grammies, a Brit, a horrible band split and a record breaking reunion tour in 2050.
Cheers for having us!
Words Lauren Jones
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