The Goth-metal genre has never sounded so good since TORSO HORSE rose out of nowhere back in Y2K. Since then they have become household names and endorse their passionate music with mesmerising live shows the likes of which you will not have seen if you have not seen them!
Here, 'JUXTA' nips behind the band's scenes to chat to the manager of Torso Horse, Elain Towse...
AT WHAT POINT WAS IT OBVIOUS THAT TORSO HORSE HAD A REAL SHOT AT MAKING IT IN THE BIZ?
It was when Adam and Gary first got together that I realised this wasn't just a hobby. Together they are so completely focused and ambitious.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVE TORSO HORSE SONG?
Erm, a show wouldn't be the same without Dragging Me Down, however The Torture and Labels are personal favourites, oh yeah and The Angel You'll Never Be and the instrumental track Staring at the Ceiling. The new song Once Again is stunning too.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE BAND?
On a day to day basis we are operating a management and promotions company, recording studios and publishing house. There are about eight of us on the team. Vicky acts as secretary answering the phone. She also takes care of merchandise. Mart and Danny are my assistants. The three of us are usually responsible for agency phone calls and speaking with the record company. Mart and Danny act as road crew too with Danny doubling this with his DJ talents when neccessary while Martin sets up drums and does line checks etc. We do most of our own promotion so there are posters to design and fliers to make, web site updates, thank you letters to write, contracts to sign, asses to kick etc. We delegate some work to John in Scarborough and Chris in London too and do some work setting up gig swaps between other bands on our roster.
WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF KEEPING THE BAND MANAGEMENT ASPECTS WITHIN THE FAMILY?
There's a hell of a lot of people living on this farm, so there is very little privacy. That said we all have different strengths and weaknesses and between us can usually sort most problems. By keeping it in the family it feels safe. I'm fiercely protective and demand loyalty. We've had to make a lot of sacrifices but it's our way of surviving until we can reap the rewards.
HOW HELPFUL IS 'NATIVE,' THE RECORD LABEL TO WHICH YOU ARE SIGNED?...
We like to be in control of our own destiny and are happier dealing with business ourselves. You have to remember you are not the only band on the record company's roster. The most important aspect of our record deal is the distribution through Pinnacle. Something which we would have found very difficult to achieve on our own.
HAS THERE BEEN ONE STANDOUT HIGHLIGHT OF THE TORSO HORSE ROLLERCOASTER SO FAR?
No, not really. Rollercoaster is a good description though. For every highlight theres a downer.
WHAT IS THE HARDSEST PART ABOUT MANAGING?
Keeping everyone happy and learning how to deal with people, from promoters to sound engineers, band members and crew. Though I quite enjoy the challenge of realising when I've made a mistake and going back to put it right.
YOU ALL LIVE TOGETHER ON A WORKING FARM. HOW DOES THAT WORK?...
Fortunately it happened gradually, almost accidently. Otherwise I dont know if we'd have coped. Tonight there are eleven of us sleeping here, though there are fifteen toothbrushes in the bathroom. Gary sleeps in the office and there are two beds in the dining room as well as the beds in the bedrooms. Even when we roll in from a gig at 3am there are still sheep to feed in the morning. We used to sit down to proper meals together but increasingly it's becoming a case of every man for himself. Shopping day consists of me emptying Morrisons Supermarket of all their "buy one get one free" offers and then a group effort of fitting everything in the freezer and cupboards. Other days consist of crafting a killer song followed by worming a few sheep then band practice.
HAVE YOU FOUND THAT THE MUSIC BUSINESS CAN BE RUTHLESS AT THE EXPENSE OF TALENT?
The music industry is extremely ruthless. As time goes by you realise why it has to be that way. There are so many good bands out there that there has to be something to set some of them apart from the rest. Those that survive are the clever and determined ones.
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER HEARD OR SEEN TORSO HORSE, WHY SHOULD THEY MAKE THE EFFORT TO?
Because it's new and exciting and it's happening now. It's like chocolate. It's so good it's wicked. It's like being punished with pleasure or pleasured with punishment or both at the same time.
DID YOU HAVE A 2003 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION - AND DID YOU KEEP IT?...
I planned to spend some time in a perspex box, losing a little weight. But then David Blaine beat me to it.
That's right...
Do the honours and go & visit
www.torsohorse.com
(questions by Steve Rudd)