CityLife

Dpercussion blow for Ting Tings

WIDELY hailed alongside fellow 'ones to watch' The Courteeners and The Whip as the next band from this fair city to make the breakthrough on a national scale - The Ting Tings were dealt a huge below on Saturday when they had to pull their Dpercussion appearance at the last minute.

The Islington Mill-based duo were all set to perform on the Kenworthy Stage, but had to shelve their set when drummer Jules hurt his hand unloading the band's gear from the van!

Thankfully a couple of big showcases for their eclectic, melodic tunes are just around the corner, with the band set to join nu-rave bandwagon occupiers New Young Pony Club on tour this September - arriving in Manchester for a date at The Ritz on September 27.

Prior to that they'll play Danny McNamara's new Aftershow night at Sankeys on September 13.

I caught up with Kate from the band prior to their ill-fated Dpercussion set for a chat:

ON your record label Switchflicker's website we are told to 'imagine The White Stripes reversed with a synthesiser and massive bass drum play effortlessly cool synth-pop with Peaches style vocals & Tom Tom Club haunts' to conjure up an impression of you - is it an fair description?
It's really hard for us to describe what we sound like. We are both certainly big fans of Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club. I love what the White Stripes do but don't think we sound like them. Peaches rocks... as does the bass drum!

You have based yourself at Islington Mill - what is it about the place you like so much?
We were looking for somewhere to live and work for ages and wanted to be in the city, but only found loads of standard shoebox flats. Islington Mill is not a developed space it's very raw and that gives us the freedom to do whatever we want. There are loads of different kinds of people based there so we get to see loads of interesting stuff we wouldn't normally see right on our door step. With the parties and bands that pass through we've found a lot of inspiration. It seems to attract crazy people, in the nicest way, they all take what they do seriously but when they let their hair down they really do. It's hard to describe what it is about the place but once people come here they get it straight away.

You released a limited edition 7in in May, what the latest news on the release schedule?
The 7in sold out. Our next single will be out late October whilst we put the finishing touches to the album. More releases out towards the end of the year and the beginning of next with the album.... and then touring again! Love touring, it's really exciting for us. I get p*ssed off when we haven't gigged for a week.

How did you all meet?
Both of us were kicking around in bands, I travelled down to London a while back looking for I don't know what. Jules travelled up to Manchester looking for the same 'don't knows'. We started writing together in a barn outside Manchester, then casually fell into a band that we thought was great, which after forming The Ting Tings in January this year, realised how sh*t the last band was. Isn't that always the case!

How supporting have the city's venues, radio stations etc been to your career so far?
Manchester radios, venues, promoters, people have been great. The single got loads of radio play which was a nice surprise as it was a very small limited 7inch release. We didn't know what to expect when we put 'That's not my name' out.... So it's all been really exciting. Marc Riley has been brilliant. We played a live session for him at the BBC in Manchester and we loved the sound of the live recording. So he let us go back in and record some drums and stuff for the album... nice fella!

After Dpercussion you are set to play V - excited?
V excited! Glastonbury was our first proper festival, and we had a great time, so fingers crossed that V will be as good - with better weather and better toilets… urgghh!

Planning to catch any others acts while your at Stafford/Chelmsford?
Yes, there are a lot that I need to catch up on. I think Kate Nash is playing so would like to see her. I wasn't keen on Caroline's A Victim but Foundations is good. I still have a song of hers called 'D*ckhead' that I downloaded ages ago. It's funny.

This is then followed by a date at Danny McNamara's Aftershow night at Sankeys - how important is it to have a night that drags London A&R's up to Manchester?
I'm not sure. I think labels can be a bit lazy to get off their bums, but I think if you keep doing what you do, they come eventually. It can only be a good thing to have local bands getting exposure... and it sounds like it's going to be a great night. Danny is really passionate about it and they have loads of bands that I like playing... and hopefully it will give a few the leg up they deserve.... and get the lazy a*ses down.

You are supporting New Young Pony Club this autumn - are you big fans of their's?
I loved Ice Cream but only got to see them for the first time live at Manchester International Festival a couple of weeks ago. Really good inventive band.

I imagine the Ritz date, you're biggest hometown show yet must be quite a prospect?
Errrrrr, yeah!

Do you feel there is currently a vibrant scene of new music in Manchester?
All these warehouses and empty spaces that are about to be torn down and made into dodgy apartments give Manchester loads of nooks and crannies for us muso's to rehearse, gig and hold events. They haven't torn them down yet, I think us bands in Manchester are having a time of it right now.

Which other acts from the city would you like to succeed?
I have drunkenly danced many a time to The Whip and they have tunes! I met Fee the drummer out of the band recently and she was lovely, a real character. Magic Arm is due his dues soon as well. Outdoor games is beautiful.

I understand a Ting Ting is also a Jamaican drink - have you tried and what does it contain?
Never tried a Ting Ting but have 'em going off in my head all the time.

If you could launch you're own Ting Ting beverage what would it contain?
Happiness guaranteed or ya money back!

The Tings Tings play Aftershow at Sankeys on Thursday, September 13. They then support New Young Pony Club at The Ritz on Thursday, September 27. £12.50. Call 0161 832 1111.