Mr Charming
General Rock is the only section that had any likeness to what we do, really. Ask us usually, we'll say 'alternative'. You'll have to take a listen to see what that means. Starting out as a funk band, we progreseed through a number of diverse genres and, if we're honest, we'll all admit we're still finding our sound. We're nearly there.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
It's been an exciting two years for Leeds band Mr. Charming. Following the breakup of Lewis Denby and Joe Kemp's previous band, Priority One, the pair agreed to work together again in the future. As Priority One drummer Alan Kenworthy sped off to join fiery pop-rock outfit Buen Chico, Denby and Kemp set about writing some new, funk-based material for their upcoming project.
Quickly turning into a full-blown band, with Aimee Robinson on drums and John Conyers of Catch-It Kebabs behind the microphone, Mr. Charming set about writing a catalogue of modern funk-rock pieces, laced with psychedelic guitar work and a driving rhythm section. Parting company with John early on in 2004, the band recruited current vocalist Daniel Hill, who proceeded to give the band the charismatic, energetic frontman it needed.
In October 2004, Mr. Charming released the In Modo di Funk EP, but they don't talk about that any more. In February 2005, they released the single Frutta on the Bright Young Things project. As of August 2005, they have just released a new, three-track, self-titled CD, which is the result of months of hard work writing and recording.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Played in and around Leeds for over a year now. There are good gigs, average gigs, and shit gigs. The shit ones make you feel like there's no point in carrying the band on. Fortunately, the good ones are the best moments of our lives.
Your musical influences
A wide range, from The Mars Volta, to Led Zeppelin, to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and skirting around most things in between.
What equipment do you use?
Fender and Ibanez guitars, Tanglewood and Vigier basses. Marshall guitar amps, Trace Elliot bass amps. No idea what kit Aimee plays but she uses Zildjian cymbals.
