 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
Futuretown
We first encountered Futuretown at a private party last year and were really impressed by the quality of their songs and the passion with which they approached their performance. You may recall their track ‘Shine On’ was one of our Top 50 tracks of 2008. Now that the band has signed a major publishing deal we thought it was time to bring you a feature on this exciting new band.
Futuretown came together in 2007 after Mark Heenan stepped from behind the drum-kit to pick up his guitar and take to the mic. He joined forces with manager Alan Golding and they began auditions. Experienced bass player Danny Kilbride was the first to hear the potential in the songwriting and was joined soon after by Glyn Bateman on drums.
The final piece of the Futuretown sound needed a defining lead guitar. Topher Reed joined Futuretown after hearing an early demo. Rhythm guitarist Luke Thomas was added to the line-up and they went straight into Cardiff’s Long Wave Studios with producer Romesh Dodangoda (Funeral For A Friend, Kids In Glass Houses).
Futuretown have built up a strong local following and are currently looking to broaden their fan-base with shows outside Cardiff. To date they have played selected dates around south Wales and supported Sandi Thom and Mark Morriss of the Bluetones.
With the influences and inspiration of Radiohead, Blur, The Stereophonics, Manics, Oasis, Coldplay, Paul Weller, The Verve, Pink Floyd, Muse, The Feeling, U2 and Led Zep, Futuretown’s indie-rock songs are catchy, bright, melodic and uplifting.
You have signed a major publishing deal. How did that come about and what do you hope/expect to come from it?
We have signed a 3-year deal with independent company Conexion Music, a major player in music and media publishing. The company has offices in London, Nashville and New York and publish songs by Fat Boy Slim, The Prodigy, The Fugees, The Pet Shop Boys, Metallica, Tom Jones and Moby. After researching the publishing companies in the UK, we targeted the ones that look the most likely to be interested in our music. The demo was sent out and three days later Conexion contacted us. We then hired Harrisons Entertainment Law (who did the big Robbie Williams deal a few years ago) who handle the negotiations. The contract was signed in January 2009.
Can we expect any releases in the near future?
We have our latest release,’ New Beginning’, available on iTunes now.
What would you say were the main influences on the bands music?
The Verve, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, U2, Feeder.
Your music sounds like it would do well stateside. Any thoughts or plans to head that way?
Yes, West Coast independent radio stations will be hearing from us soon!
What does Futuretown hope to achieve in 2009?
We’re aiming to get gigs around the UK in Sept, Oct and November. We just want to get out there and play.
Any plans for UK tour dates, festivals or dates in Wales this year?
We’ve landed our first festival, Togfest in June, and we are looking to play more dates around Wales and the UK in Sept, Oct and November.
Are there any producers or artists out there that you would like to collaborate with?
Brian Eno. And we’d love to work with an orchestra on our new tracks, ‘Letting Go’ and ‘Yesterday’.
The best gig we have played so far was….
The Buffalo Bar on 28th May 2009. Packed-house and great reaction. But we also had a cracking gig supporting Sandi Thom at The Point.
Listen to our music/come and see us live because…..
Infectious music with catchy hooks and blistering lead guitar.
With quality songs and great performances Futuretown look set to emerge in the next year as yet another success story from Wales. If anyone wants to join the Futuretown emailing list (for news and live shows) all they need to do is send an email to:
Futuretown are:
Mark Heenan (Vocal, Guitar)
Topher Reed (Lead Guitar)
Luke Thomas (Rhythm Guitar)
Glyn Bateman (Drums)
Danny Kilbride (Bass)
Links:
www.myspace.com/futuretown
.............................................................................................................
Artist Archive
11-4-11
Spencer McGarry
Joe Worricker
Green Man Festival 2010
Jessica Lee Morgan
John Rostron's SXSW Highlights
Allo Darlin'
Johnny Flynn
The Irascibles
Don’t Move
The Leisure Society
Harry Franklin Williams
Futuretown
Benjamin Squibbs
Teitur
Kadesha
A Silent Film
Ffred Jones
OUR BROKEN GARDEN