This is my interview for my double page spread of my magazine. I chose to go with an interview so I could get the band 'Eliza Crosses' across to the audience. Looking at openings for the interviews was helpful as it gave me ideas of how to start it. Quite a bit has changed from the first draft, my first draft didn't show the personality of the band very well, by adding in things like what they are wearing, where the interveiw is set and how they sit and what they drink made it all that more interesting and show the way they live. It was important to indetify each member of the band who are speaking, I added in colour so that it looked more interesting and colourful. Also adding in personal things like [Laughs] in bracket shows that it is an interview and when things are funny/sarcastic.
Eliza Crosses
Eliza Crosses, the new girl rock band talk to Philippa Godden about taking the world by storm, music influences, their crazy lives since being discovered and what they would want on a desert island.
Eliza Crosses are the hot new talent from a small town called Portishead; also coming from that area are a band called ‘Portishead’, who specialise in jazz and hip-hop. Eliza Crosses have recently released their debut album “Lines and Crosses” and have had spectacular success selling approximately half a million copies in the UK alone. Their debut single “Lines” was a huge success reaching number one in its first week and staying strong for a consecutive 4 weeks. The band are starting their UK tour in the New Year and are also hoping to crack that American dream by releasing their super successful album in the States.
So, who are behind this brilliant band? Well, the band consists of lead singer Jenna, guitarist Rae and drummer Andrea (Andy for short). A cosy café in the middle of London was where the band had chosen for the interview and walking in late (it was Andy’s fault; she had to get her daily fix of chocolate), it was bizarre; they didn’t look at all like the rock star persona of wild hair, heavy make-up, rock chick clothes and not forgetting those extremely high heels. Wearing loose fitted t-shirts and baggy jeans, they were looking completely comfy. However, there was still a sense of glamour as Jenna was wearing incredibly high heels like it was her day job. They sat on the brown leather sofa, Jenna chose to abandon the heels and curl up, Rae grabbed the nearest cushion cuddling it while slouching on the chair and Andy lent back and put her feet on the table. Ordering drinks was easy for them as the staff knew exactly what they wanted; Jenna ordered coffee, Rae: a soya latte and Andy went for a hot chocolate. With drinks and smiles on their faces, I knew they were ready for the interview. So, we start by asking how this unique band came together…
So, how did you get together?
Rae: We all met at school. I met Andy in year 7, we were kinda thrown together. We came from different schools into Secondary School without any friends. We helped each other out and the rest is history.
Jenna: Rae and Andy were already friends when I came over from Spain. They made me feel really welcome.
What first got you into music and the rock genre?
Andy: I listened to a hell of a lot of music when I was younger. I was definitely a big fan of the 60s, 70s and 80s electro/rock music and all the hits that had come out at that time. I was a big fan of Blondie and the Beach boys; I was a bit out of my time. I blame my Dad for that; I grew up in a house full of music. I couldn’t escape, but I’m not complaining.
J: Sort of the same story as Andy, I grew up with music. I’ve been singing since I can remember and I started taking classes when I was about 7 years old. I love to sing ballads, which is completely different to what we sing in the band. A bit of Whitney Houston ‘I will always love you’ is always great to sing, you can really belt it out. Maybe we should do a cover version of it. [Smiles all around]
R: I didn’t really do much to do with music until I came into my teenage years when I started learning the guitar. My Mum thought that I was going through a faze but I am still playing today. When I was younger I listened to music but I was more of a dancer back then.
J: [Looking at each other in turn] One day we just said “Let’s start a band, I can sing, you can play the guitar and you can play the drums”.
A: We thought it was about time there was a decent girl rock band.
So, we know you sing, play guitar and drums but can you play any other instruments?
R: Jenna and I both play the guitar, but I’m better at it. That’s why I’m the guitarist.
J: Hey, no fair! Well, I have to admit you are pretty good at the guitar, but it’s debatable whether you’re better than me. [Laughs]
A: Rae and I both play the piano; we played some of our tunes on the piano. It was a great achievement. However, it took us what felt like forever to record the piano, we’re no experts.
R: Speak for yourself. [Laughs]
You play and write your own music, what do think of manufactured pop bands?
R: It’s just not as personal when you don’t write your own music. We write our own music to make it our own. I think that music writers are brilliant though, they have real talent and their music can really be appreciated through different artist. But I think that writing your own music is pure music.
A: Writing your own music is a talent that you need to grasp hold of and not waste.
J: We love to sit down and write music together, we actually come to this café regularly to discuss what we want in our songs and what would sound good. Another place where we put all ideas together is the flat which we share. However, when it comes to practising, we have to go to the studio. The neighbours would complain of the noise at our flat, we can get pretty loud.
The music industry is hard to get into, how did you get to where you are today?
J: When we knew that we wanted to do this for a living, we played at every gig around the Bristol area that we could. That was great fun; however we knew that we may not achieve it so we did have backup plans. The determination was still there though, parts of us were happy just playing at the gigs and going to school or work during the day.
R: At one of our gigs, there was a rep. We couldn’t believe it! We were really nervous and excited.
A: We knew that this was our chance and we went for it. The rep liked us and said that they could see us becoming really big. Apparently there was room in the market for us. We met them the next day and they offered us a record deal.
Before you were discovered, what were you doing?
A: We were all at Uni. I was studying English, I think if I wasn’t going to be a musician I would have definitely become a writer.
J: I was studying Spanish and Media
R: I was studying Art and music; I was more of a creative person than logical.
A: We were at Unis close to each other, so we could continue with the band. When we got the record deal we dropped out and pursued this path in life. Although, I think we are all hoping to finish off the courses in the future, when life calms down a bit. We had to grab this chance when we could, you can’t be picky.
Since joining the music business you’ve had a busy year, promoting your album and starting a tour; how’s it been?
J: It’s been amazing. Completely amazing! It feels as if we haven’t had time to catch our breathe, it’s gone so fast.
R: It’s been great. This year has been a rollercoaster ride.
A: Although we do get on each others nerves from time to time and there have been stressful times, but it’s healthy to have a challenge. If there wasn’t a challenge, there would be no point.
You’ve been a huge success throughout the UK, selling around half a million copies of you debut album and you’ve definitely got a lot of attention, how are you coping with it all?
R: We help each other out. We couldn’t imagine this without one another. We pull each other together when we are feeling down. We save each other from the fame.
J: We’re constantly ringing our families, they keep us grounded. We’ve learnt not to listen to the press, I’ve read something about us before and it knocks your confidence. The critics are the worst; I think that they like to find the bad in you. They’re entitled to their own opinion but it doesn’t mean we’re going to listen to it.
A: You come to accept that the fame comes with this job. You just have to deal with it, it makes you stronger. If you love your job and what you are doing, you can live through it.
Did you ever expect to be this successful?
A: Never, it was a dream come true to be honest. I think we were just happy to get noticed, the success was kind of a surprise to us.
R: We really appreciate the fact that people like our music, it’s all an artist or band can hope for. We’re here to entertain and fulfil our dreams.
J: The success is definitely a peak of the job, but it weird when your music gets played when you are in the shops or at a club. Getting noticed in the streets is really strange; I don’t think we will ever get used to it.
The name of the band is interesting ‘Eliza Crosses’, where did you get it from?
J: It came out of thin air really!
R: We were discussing names. We came up with ‘Rockalot’ and ‘Station Rd’, they were the best but didn’t have that ring to them that we wanted.
J: We were throwing names at each other and I said ‘Lines and Crosses’, that’s where the album name came from.
R: I thought that Jenna had said ‘Eliza Crosses’ and it hit us. It was perfect.
A: I didn’t even disagree with it. [Laughs] It doesn’t really mean anything in particular, but it is precious to us.
R: It was original and slightly quirky. It seemed to define us in a strange sort of way.
What are your plans for 2010, you’ve taken the UK by storm, are there any plans to take over the world?
[Laughs] J: No, not quite yet.
A: But never say never!
R: Were planning to finish our tour first and then take a break for a while. We’ve been working solidly for a whole year. We’ll visit family and go on holiday, somewhere hot though. It’s really cold over her.
J: We are actually hoping to start to promote our album in America after that long awaited rest. I reckon that when were on holiday we won’t be able to wait to go back into that recording studio.
A: Yeah, we are planning to make a new album which is really exciting. Lots to look forward to in the New Year, I can tell you. We’d love to do collaboration with ‘Red Hot Chili Peppers’ and ‘Garbage’. They’re both awesome!
R: Also, we have several TV appearances and photo shots lined up. Which we have to admit can be really fun, we can get dressed up and talk about what we really love.
Now for those questions where we can get to know the real band…
What one thing would you want on a desert island?
J: IPod, couldn’t live without it. I think I’d go insane!
R: Dictionary, so I can learn every word and impress people with my knowledge.
A: Any Big Book, because I love to read. If I wasn’t in the band, I’d be hidden away somewhere reading or writing a book.
Toast or Crumpets?
J: Toast, it’s great to eat anytime of the day.
R: Crumpets, who couldn’t love them.
A: Crumpets all the way!
Chocolate or Crisps?
J: Chocolate; along with my IPod, it’s crucial. I don’t think that any of us could live without it.
R: Seconded
A: Chocolate, our tour van cupboards are full of chocolate. I don’t think I have actually seen a piece of fruit in there.
Favourite Day?
J: Wednesday. I know it’s the middle of the week but Wednesday is just the day when life feels good. No reason in particular.
R: Tuesday, it’s the day when everything just seems so much more relaxed.
A: Friday, it’s the sign of the weekend.
Marmite; Love it or Hate it?
J: We all love Marmite, that’s actually one thing we have on our tour bus.
Curtains or blinds?
J: Curtains are a great in a colour like red. It makes your home seem so much more homely.
R: Blinds, they look trendy.
A: Curtains, that’s what I’m used to.
Coffee or Tea?
J: Coffee, I cannot live without my cup in the morning, it could be dangerous! [Laughs]
R: Neither, I prefer soft drinks, a coke or a smoothie is perfect for me.
A: Can I have a hot chocolate? [Laughs]
Indiana Jones or James Bond?
J: Who’s Indiana Jones?
R: James Bond, twice as good as Indiana Jones. James Bond is a man with many lives.
A: What are you talking about?! Indiana Jones is so much better, there’s just more adventure.
Straightners or Curlers?
J: Straightners, I prefer straightening my hair, it looks better on me.
R: Curlers, I like my hair to have volume.
A: Straightners, my hair is too short to curl.
R: Hair is never too short to curl!
What do you have to have in your dressing room?
A: I have to have something to eat in the dressing room, something like biscuits or cake, they help with any nerves I may have.
J: That’s tricky, it all depends what mood I’m in…I know, a kitchen or a personal chef so that we can make/have Spanish omelette. [Laughs]
R: One thing that we always get whether we ask for it or not, is water. Thank God for water! We always forget to ask for some, but our assistant always remembers that we need water through out the shows. She a saint! Personally, I like to have a lot of pepsi max, chocolate and some feel good CDs.
J: A Spanish omelette and a comfy sofa to eat it on! [Laughs]
Final Question: this could be tricky, U2 or Eliza Crosses?
J: Oh, it is tricky… let me think…oh it has to be Eliza Crosses
R: U2 are a great band and we cannot by compared to them but it has to be Eliza Crosses
A: I’m sticking to our band! [Laughs] but then again if there is a space for me to join…I won't say no. Only Joking, our band all the way.
Eliza Crosses, the new girl rock band talk to Philippa Godden about taking the world by storm, music influences, their crazy lives since being discovered and what they would want on a desert island.
Eliza Crosses are the hot new talent from a small town called Portishead; also coming from that area are a band called ‘Portishead’, who specialise in jazz and hip-hop. Eliza Crosses have recently released their debut album “Lines and Crosses” and have had spectacular success selling approximately half a million copies in the UK alone. Their debut single “Lines” was a huge success reaching number one in its first week and staying strong for a consecutive 4 weeks. The band are starting their UK tour in the New Year and are also hoping to crack that American dream by releasing their super successful album in the States.
So, who are behind this brilliant band? Well, the band consists of lead singer Jenna, guitarist Rae and drummer Andrea (Andy for short). A cosy café in the middle of London was where the band had chosen for the interview and walking in late (it was Andy’s fault; she had to get her daily fix of chocolate), it was bizarre; they didn’t look at all like the rock star persona of wild hair, heavy make-up, rock chick clothes and not forgetting those extremely high heels. Wearing loose fitted t-shirts and baggy jeans, they were looking completely comfy. However, there was still a sense of glamour as Jenna was wearing incredibly high heels like it was her day job. They sat on the brown leather sofa, Jenna chose to abandon the heels and curl up, Rae grabbed the nearest cushion cuddling it while slouching on the chair and Andy lent back and put her feet on the table. Ordering drinks was easy for them as the staff knew exactly what they wanted; Jenna ordered coffee, Rae: a soya latte and Andy went for a hot chocolate. With drinks and smiles on their faces, I knew they were ready for the interview. So, we start by asking how this unique band came together…
So, how did you get together?
Rae: We all met at school. I met Andy in year 7, we were kinda thrown together. We came from different schools into Secondary School without any friends. We helped each other out and the rest is history.
Jenna: Rae and Andy were already friends when I came over from Spain. They made me feel really welcome.
What first got you into music and the rock genre?
Andy: I listened to a hell of a lot of music when I was younger. I was definitely a big fan of the 60s, 70s and 80s electro/rock music and all the hits that had come out at that time. I was a big fan of Blondie and the Beach boys; I was a bit out of my time. I blame my Dad for that; I grew up in a house full of music. I couldn’t escape, but I’m not complaining.
J: Sort of the same story as Andy, I grew up with music. I’ve been singing since I can remember and I started taking classes when I was about 7 years old. I love to sing ballads, which is completely different to what we sing in the band. A bit of Whitney Houston ‘I will always love you’ is always great to sing, you can really belt it out. Maybe we should do a cover version of it. [Smiles all around]
R: I didn’t really do much to do with music until I came into my teenage years when I started learning the guitar. My Mum thought that I was going through a faze but I am still playing today. When I was younger I listened to music but I was more of a dancer back then.
J: [Looking at each other in turn] One day we just said “Let’s start a band, I can sing, you can play the guitar and you can play the drums”.
A: We thought it was about time there was a decent girl rock band.
So, we know you sing, play guitar and drums but can you play any other instruments?
R: Jenna and I both play the guitar, but I’m better at it. That’s why I’m the guitarist.
J: Hey, no fair! Well, I have to admit you are pretty good at the guitar, but it’s debatable whether you’re better than me. [Laughs]
A: Rae and I both play the piano; we played some of our tunes on the piano. It was a great achievement. However, it took us what felt like forever to record the piano, we’re no experts.
R: Speak for yourself. [Laughs]
You play and write your own music, what do think of manufactured pop bands?
R: It’s just not as personal when you don’t write your own music. We write our own music to make it our own. I think that music writers are brilliant though, they have real talent and their music can really be appreciated through different artist. But I think that writing your own music is pure music.
A: Writing your own music is a talent that you need to grasp hold of and not waste.
J: We love to sit down and write music together, we actually come to this café regularly to discuss what we want in our songs and what would sound good. Another place where we put all ideas together is the flat which we share. However, when it comes to practising, we have to go to the studio. The neighbours would complain of the noise at our flat, we can get pretty loud.
The music industry is hard to get into, how did you get to where you are today?
J: When we knew that we wanted to do this for a living, we played at every gig around the Bristol area that we could. That was great fun; however we knew that we may not achieve it so we did have backup plans. The determination was still there though, parts of us were happy just playing at the gigs and going to school or work during the day.
R: At one of our gigs, there was a rep. We couldn’t believe it! We were really nervous and excited.
A: We knew that this was our chance and we went for it. The rep liked us and said that they could see us becoming really big. Apparently there was room in the market for us. We met them the next day and they offered us a record deal.
Before you were discovered, what were you doing?
A: We were all at Uni. I was studying English, I think if I wasn’t going to be a musician I would have definitely become a writer.
J: I was studying Spanish and Media
R: I was studying Art and music; I was more of a creative person than logical.
A: We were at Unis close to each other, so we could continue with the band. When we got the record deal we dropped out and pursued this path in life. Although, I think we are all hoping to finish off the courses in the future, when life calms down a bit. We had to grab this chance when we could, you can’t be picky.
Since joining the music business you’ve had a busy year, promoting your album and starting a tour; how’s it been?
J: It’s been amazing. Completely amazing! It feels as if we haven’t had time to catch our breathe, it’s gone so fast.
R: It’s been great. This year has been a rollercoaster ride.
A: Although we do get on each others nerves from time to time and there have been stressful times, but it’s healthy to have a challenge. If there wasn’t a challenge, there would be no point.
You’ve been a huge success throughout the UK, selling around half a million copies of you debut album and you’ve definitely got a lot of attention, how are you coping with it all?
R: We help each other out. We couldn’t imagine this without one another. We pull each other together when we are feeling down. We save each other from the fame.
J: We’re constantly ringing our families, they keep us grounded. We’ve learnt not to listen to the press, I’ve read something about us before and it knocks your confidence. The critics are the worst; I think that they like to find the bad in you. They’re entitled to their own opinion but it doesn’t mean we’re going to listen to it.
A: You come to accept that the fame comes with this job. You just have to deal with it, it makes you stronger. If you love your job and what you are doing, you can live through it.
Did you ever expect to be this successful?
A: Never, it was a dream come true to be honest. I think we were just happy to get noticed, the success was kind of a surprise to us.
R: We really appreciate the fact that people like our music, it’s all an artist or band can hope for. We’re here to entertain and fulfil our dreams.
J: The success is definitely a peak of the job, but it weird when your music gets played when you are in the shops or at a club. Getting noticed in the streets is really strange; I don’t think we will ever get used to it.
The name of the band is interesting ‘Eliza Crosses’, where did you get it from?
J: It came out of thin air really!
R: We were discussing names. We came up with ‘Rockalot’ and ‘Station Rd’, they were the best but didn’t have that ring to them that we wanted.
J: We were throwing names at each other and I said ‘Lines and Crosses’, that’s where the album name came from.
R: I thought that Jenna had said ‘Eliza Crosses’ and it hit us. It was perfect.
A: I didn’t even disagree with it. [Laughs] It doesn’t really mean anything in particular, but it is precious to us.
R: It was original and slightly quirky. It seemed to define us in a strange sort of way.
What are your plans for 2010, you’ve taken the UK by storm, are there any plans to take over the world?
[Laughs] J: No, not quite yet.
A: But never say never!
R: Were planning to finish our tour first and then take a break for a while. We’ve been working solidly for a whole year. We’ll visit family and go on holiday, somewhere hot though. It’s really cold over her.
J: We are actually hoping to start to promote our album in America after that long awaited rest. I reckon that when were on holiday we won’t be able to wait to go back into that recording studio.
A: Yeah, we are planning to make a new album which is really exciting. Lots to look forward to in the New Year, I can tell you. We’d love to do collaboration with ‘Red Hot Chili Peppers’ and ‘Garbage’. They’re both awesome!
R: Also, we have several TV appearances and photo shots lined up. Which we have to admit can be really fun, we can get dressed up and talk about what we really love.
Now for those questions where we can get to know the real band…
What one thing would you want on a desert island?
J: IPod, couldn’t live without it. I think I’d go insane!
R: Dictionary, so I can learn every word and impress people with my knowledge.
A: Any Big Book, because I love to read. If I wasn’t in the band, I’d be hidden away somewhere reading or writing a book.
Toast or Crumpets?
J: Toast, it’s great to eat anytime of the day.
R: Crumpets, who couldn’t love them.
A: Crumpets all the way!
Chocolate or Crisps?
J: Chocolate; along with my IPod, it’s crucial. I don’t think that any of us could live without it.
R: Seconded
A: Chocolate, our tour van cupboards are full of chocolate. I don’t think I have actually seen a piece of fruit in there.
Favourite Day?
J: Wednesday. I know it’s the middle of the week but Wednesday is just the day when life feels good. No reason in particular.
R: Tuesday, it’s the day when everything just seems so much more relaxed.
A: Friday, it’s the sign of the weekend.
Marmite; Love it or Hate it?
J: We all love Marmite, that’s actually one thing we have on our tour bus.
Curtains or blinds?
J: Curtains are a great in a colour like red. It makes your home seem so much more homely.
R: Blinds, they look trendy.
A: Curtains, that’s what I’m used to.
Coffee or Tea?
J: Coffee, I cannot live without my cup in the morning, it could be dangerous! [Laughs]
R: Neither, I prefer soft drinks, a coke or a smoothie is perfect for me.
A: Can I have a hot chocolate? [Laughs]
Indiana Jones or James Bond?
J: Who’s Indiana Jones?
R: James Bond, twice as good as Indiana Jones. James Bond is a man with many lives.
A: What are you talking about?! Indiana Jones is so much better, there’s just more adventure.
Straightners or Curlers?
J: Straightners, I prefer straightening my hair, it looks better on me.
R: Curlers, I like my hair to have volume.
A: Straightners, my hair is too short to curl.
R: Hair is never too short to curl!
What do you have to have in your dressing room?
A: I have to have something to eat in the dressing room, something like biscuits or cake, they help with any nerves I may have.
J: That’s tricky, it all depends what mood I’m in…I know, a kitchen or a personal chef so that we can make/have Spanish omelette. [Laughs]
R: One thing that we always get whether we ask for it or not, is water. Thank God for water! We always forget to ask for some, but our assistant always remembers that we need water through out the shows. She a saint! Personally, I like to have a lot of pepsi max, chocolate and some feel good CDs.
J: A Spanish omelette and a comfy sofa to eat it on! [Laughs]
Final Question: this could be tricky, U2 or Eliza Crosses?
J: Oh, it is tricky… let me think…oh it has to be Eliza Crosses
R: U2 are a great band and we cannot by compared to them but it has to be Eliza Crosses
A: I’m sticking to our band! [Laughs] but then again if there is a space for me to join…I won't say no. Only Joking, our band all the way.
The reason for adding in these questions at the bottom was to make the interview more interesting and quriky and reflect the type of magazine I am trying to put across to the audience. It goes away from the music and talks about the real band, i think that it adds in an extra depth to the piece. it was to show the people behind the band.
