Ash
e-mail interview with Rick, March 2010, by Rosey R*E*P*E*A*T

In 1996 Ash released their breakthrough album 1977. They also talked to R*E*P*E*A*T for the first time. Who'd have thought that 14 years later, they'd still be producing rip roaring rock records, and that we'd still be enthusing about them?


Lucy: Your band have been quite quiet for the last few months. Are you looking forward to playing gigs again?
Katie Jane Garside: I think I give very obtuse ans
* Where are you now and what is the vibe like?

i'm in nottingham today and the vibe is cold. just like my answers. i used to love winter but this one has outstayed its welcome.

* The A-Z series was an interesting idea, how did it come about and how has it been received?

A-Z came about due to our frustration with our previous record label and our experience of releasing our last album TOTI on a major. after all the months of writing and recording, it was heart breaking to see it shelved when radio didn't playlist a single. we felt it was time for us to take the bull by the horns and find a new way of writing and releasing music. if we didn't do it the record companies certainly we're going to. the majors seem happy to throw loads of cash at huge artists, in a mass sacrifice of creativity. we were thankfully in a position to self fund our releases, which were initially met with some scepticism by our fans but now they've got their heads around it seem to be loving the anticipation of a single every two weeks.

* You have the 'honour' of being the most interviewed band in the history of our humble fanzine.
- What do you know now about the music biz that you wish you'd known
that first time we met you on the 1977 tour when you played Cambridge with Bis (whose drum machine was hit by a stray shoe, if you remember!)and Sixty Foot Dolls?

back then i guess i thought i was in an industry of outsiders, of independent thinkers. what a naive child i was.

- Has the experience of being in a top rock band lived up to what you expected when Trailer came out? What have been the highs - and the lows?

i think the highs we have experienced are pretty obvious; number one albums and big appearances at the major festivals. when you've experienced this you tend to think you can do whatever you want. at least we did. it turned out not to be true as we found out. we've had more ups and downs than a beer swilling viagra addict. but the lows just make you more determined to get it right the next time.

- What are your favourite / least favourite fanzine questions?

this one has given me the most difficulty so far...

* What do you listen to when hoovering?

generally all i can hear is the sound of my hoover. i need a bigger stereo. or i could put my ipod on. i can't believe i've never thought of that before. thanks, repeat. thanks.

* I spend a lot of time teaching and recording young bands and guitarists. What advise would you have for them about guitar playing, recording, the biz or anything else?

guitarists; get the drummer to do the interview. you need more time to practice being weird.

* Do you think it's important that radio stations like BBC 6Music are saved?

absolutely! especially with the current state of mainstream radio. its appalling! 6music is on as i type and i know that every song ain't going to be played anywhere else today. if 6 goes music should be banned and we should all just have to listen to the sound of simon cowell rolling around in cash whilst fingering louis walsh. that would be marginally more interesting than the top 40.

* Does buying records still excite you? Do you find buying in a store more fulfilling than buying online?

i don't care how its bought as long as its bought. the excitement comes from listening, not the consumption. otherwise i'd just wank off to receipts.

* (Don't blush) You have been a constant source of pleasure, excitement and happy listening for many of us here at R*E*P*E*A*T over the past 20 years (thanks for that).
- What bands have given you a similar sustained joy?

so many; today it's mainly been nick cave.


-What do you think makes some bands continue to be interesting, innovative and cool, whereas the longevity of others is just a drag and an embarrassment?

it's not really something i can really put my finger on to be honest; it's art not science. and on cue the cure are on the radio. now thats longevity!

* You seem willing to put your demos, live recordings and rarities online at the http://www.ashfiles.com. Why are you happy to do this while other bands would jealously protect such recordings?

generosity, stupidity, demand, supply? take your pick.


* What can we expect from Ash in 2010 and beyond?

lots more.


* What is your favourite 'Z' track?

zombie zoo by tom petty was the first and so far only z to spring to mind.

* What's best, chips or cream buns?! (your answer here will be cross referenced and compared with the answers you gave at your past 5 R*E*P*E*A*T interviews...)

depends on the quality of the fat used. i go to the gym so i can have both. pretty sure i've never said that before...

love rick.

Words - Rosey R*E*P*E*A*T, 7.3.10
Pix - Steve Bateman 2006 & 2008 - more here

Thanks to Rick for his time and Nola at Momentum PR for setting things up

http://www.ash-official.com/

http://www.myspace.com/ash



wers to questions...It's never about looking forward to it. Actually maybe I should change the
script, maybe we are looeir musicm the 3rd album?