Purveyors of lush, endearing 60’s style semi-psychedelic pop with an essential 21st century twist, the Cosmic Rough Riders have already had two top 40 hits, despite only having just released their debut album.
Known for insightful lyrics such as the timely ‘what we don’t need is a revolution that will blow our minds away, not tomorrow or today' and beautiful, touching melodies, as well as the occasional upbeat number too, the band are one of the most exciting new acts around today.
Alex Finch interviewed the Cosmic’s lead singer, Daniel Wylie via email in November 2001.
gc(uk): How did you come up with the name for the band?
Daniel Wylie: We were named after two posters in a shop doorway. One was advertising Lee Rough Rider Jeans, the other, a club based at the sub club in Glasgow, called Cosmic Wheels.
What tracks are you most proud of on the album?
Do you have anything special planned for your New Years Eve, when you play at Radio Clyde's New Years Eve celebrations in Glasgow?
I'm sure we'll come up with something. It would be a shame to take part in such a wonderful event in our home City, and not do something different, but it'll be a surprise.
What’s the best and worst gigs you’ve ever played, and why? And what’s the best and worst gigs you’ve ever watched?
Have you begun thinking about the next album yet, and what can we expect from future releases?
We're actually in the studio right now, doing the first sessions for the new album. We're currently finishing off the first four songs, and they're sounding great. No one will be disappointed. As for the future...the aim is to take a little step at a time, until...we're at the top of the mountain....and once we're there, we're going to stay as long as is humanly possible....hopefully we'll achieve this by continuing to produce quality music.
What’s the last record you heard and thought, ‘Wow, I wish I’d written that!’?
I really like the Ryan Adams album "Gold". There's a song on that called, "Firecracker", which I can't stop playing....hmm...."Peace At Last" by the Blue Nile, that has a song called "Happiness"...hey, I wish I'd written that one.
What’s your view on Napster-esque file sharing programmes?
I don't mind people downloading one or two songs, just to let them see if they like an artist enough to buy the album, but you know, making music costs a lot of money, and involves a lot of time, so I think people should stop expecting us to provide them with free music....it doesn't compute. Would a Plumber or Electrician go out and work for free....not bloody likely.
What do you think of the current UK music scene? And how interested are you in success in the US?
I've never been a massive fan of UK music in general, although there has been some great British bands over the years, but I much prefer American Music, and making it in America is a personal ambition that I really do hope to fulfil. I've only been to America once(TEXAS), but I saw enough to make me want to go back. It certainly beats playing the Hull Adelphi!
You list a lot of your favourite music on the official website, but which new bands would you recommend listening to?
Mull Historical Society, Turin Brakes, Arnold, January, The Milk And Honey Band, Beechwood Sparks, The White Stripes, The Strokes, the Hives, etc etc....wow, four British, three USA...perhaps the tide is turning.
And finally, in five years time, where would you like the band to be?
I'd like for the band to have been at the top for a couple of years by then, and .......then......split up......always bow out at the top.......don't wait until people beg you to go....go before you're asked....that's what I think.......take some time off to spend your money, 'cause ye cannae take it with ye.
Alex Finch.
Related Links:
Cosmic Rough Riders Official Site
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