A Q&A with Standing Crew
Rock’n’roll tradition, with a tinge of 80’s flash and a splash of 90’s punk-attitude – here’s Mr D from Finland’s Standing Crew…
What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
The latest release is called ‘Fade Away’. To my understanding (after reading the lyrics a few times), it’s a cathartic song about the end of a one-way relationship where the other person’s using the other one as an emotional crutch while looking for someone better.
What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
For me, it was a piece of cake, because I didn’t write the song. I only had to play a couple of riffs here, a few leads there. Done in a couple of hours. For the band, however, there was a sudden change in the line-up due to creative differences not long before I was approached by the guys. And of course there was a deadline looming, so I thought “why not?”. After all, we’ve known each other for many years.
Who produced the release – what did they bring to it?
This one was self-produced. The best thing about producing stuff yourself, is the freedom to make it sound and look like yourself. An outside producer, at best, can help you spot the weak points and turn them into something better. At worst, he’ll stamp his “trademark sound” all over your work and take 15% of the gross, in perpetuity.
What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
The relief of knowing there’s a refuge from the world, even for a few minutes. Whether they feel empowered or intimidated by it, that’s up to the listener.
How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
Given that every guy in the band has at least a few decades of experience in music, in some way, shape or form… A bit of civil arguing and shouting Finnish swear words at each other that ultimately results in a decent idea for a song. Then we start fine tuning it. The process repeats.
What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
Personally, I’ve gone back to listening to AC/DC, Judas Priest and The Scorpions. Mainly due to that “high torque” idea, given that our latest release (and a few prior ones) does have a slightly similar driving sound to it. Might try to inject some Dokken and Thin Lizzy into the mix, for the sake of variety and melodic ideas for future songs.
What countries would Standing Crew like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
Germany and Britain would be fantastic, perhaps Italy and Poland as well. Maybe Sweden? As far as venues, name it and we’ll play it if they’ll have us.
If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
Our latest, ‘Fade Away’. That’s what the band looks and sounds like right now.
What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
To make a dent in your music collection, however minute.
Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
Don’t let the bas*ards grind you down, and God bless you all.
