Twisted Wheel interview with Modernfuss.com (in Japan)

Twisted Wheel are Jonny, Rick and Adam. 3 northern lads from lovely Oldham, in Greater Manchester. And they're just about to smash Tokyo!

One of the hardest working bands out there, they've supported all your favorites... Oasis, check. Paul Weller, check. Kasabian, check. We could go on and on...but we're more interested in the Wheel'!

ModernFuss were lucky enough to see their Japan debut at Fujirock last year...and they turned out to be one of the higlights of the festival! They're currently midway through their second trip to Japan, this time supporting Australian giants JET, before playing their own headline show in Harajuku Astro Hall this Saturday (Jan 9th).
We caught up with them today to find out more...

Welcome to Japan lads! For any of our readers that dont know you, please describe your sound.
We are a mixture of 70's punk (Sex Pistols, The Clash, Stiff Little Fingers) and 60's rock and roll (Stones, Kinks, Who) with a pinch of Oasis thrown in. The music is energetic, truthful and raw and captures the energy of our punk souls and personalities.

How did you first get signed, and how did supporting legends like Weller and Oasis come about?
We got signed by giving out free demos and networking in Manchester. Soon after we started, our gigs were sold out and the industry in London heard about us and came up to meet us and watch the shows. After receiving over 5 offers we decided to sign with Columbia. Noel heard/saw us on tv Channel M Manchester and asked us to tour with them in England and Europe. Weller has been a fan of Jonny and Ricks first band, The Children, and stayed in touch since.

What's the craziest thing that's happened to Twisted Wheel since forming back in 2007?
Probably going out with Liam and Noel in Amsterdam running up a 2 thousand pound bar bill and terrorizing the bar staff all night. Also supporting Oasis to 70,000 people a night at Heaton Park.

We love a bit Karaoke here in Japan...what will you be singing in the karaoke booth?Im horny ,horny horny horny.

Hows the Japan tour with Jet going so far? Had any time to do your own thing (shopping/sightseeing etc)?Looking forward to your gig on Saturday in Tokyo?It is going really well and we are having the best time, and its only January 2010. Jet are top lads and a great band to warm up for. We have been shopping in Tokyo and Jonny has bought some white pants and a new guitar strap. We also have drunk the bars dry including the Aldgate english pub funnily enough. We are going out for Japanese food tonight with Jet.

We saw you at Fujirock last year for the first time and you blew us away! How does a festival like Fujirock compare to say Leeds or Reading?Fuji is in a fantastic location, the walkways were amazing and the stages were cool. Festivals in England are a bit more chaotic with more crazy stuff going on, but Leeds and Reading are still top music festivals - just different. It was also nice to see people at Fuji happy and enjoying the music without being off their heads - only joking lol!

That Fujirock was also our last time to see Oasis. The day of their split was a sad day here in Japan. What are your thoughts on the whole thing? Think you'll work with Liam or Noel in the future?
We are sad but also excited to see what happens next as Noel and Liam will always be up to something musical. They have left us with enough great records to be getting on with and we got to support them on the last shows so can't complain. One day i'd like to write a song with Noel and play on stage with Liam. Hopefully we can support Liam's next band.

How do Japanese crowds differ from your usual crowds back home? Bit more relaxed? What's been your best gig recently?The Japanese are just as energetic to us as most of England. The young people at Fuji seem very receptive to new bands and all genres of music. We had a mental crowd at Fuji and the Jet gigs have been lively for a support act. More beer gets thrown in England, and people get on stage. The best gig has been supporting Weller in Portsmouth.

What do you like and dislike most about Japan?I cant get any marijuana - its a joke again!!!

What does 2010 hold for the Wheel'?Second album, more rock n roll punk shows. Smarter clothes and style, and maybe another member to sing harmonies and choruses and add something to the sound.

What should we expect from your 2nd album?
More hardcore rock n roll punk noise with deeper words and points to be made about the sad state of the music industry in England.

We always ask our featured bands and artists to recommend a new or upcoming band or artist. Who do you say we check out?Danny Mahon- singer/songwriter from Manchester of course. http://www.myspace.com/dannymahon

Please chose...

Boddingtons or Asahi?

Boddingtons

Nike or Adidas?
Adidas

Fred Perry or Lacoste?
Fred Perry

Electro or Hip Hop?
Hip Hop

Mod or Rocker?
Mod

Finally, what is the one thing that you never leave the house without?

A pack of smokes and a pair of bollox!

Thanks very much lads! We wish you all the best for 2010... see you on Saturday night! Mike MF x


http://modernfuss.com/featured/twisted-wheel