John Blek & The Rats

On this occasion I was joined in studio by members of the John Blek and the Rats band, in the hot seat were John and band member and fellow musician Robin. This week we were talking about their upcoming gig in Coughlans Bar in Cork a new venue for bands songwriters and musicians which Cork musician Edel Curtin has taken on herself to run in association with Coughlans, its for bands to preform in a new warm venue. While in studio the lads preformed a few songs and for those that have not heard from them "John Blek and the Rats are a six-piece folk and country group from Cork City whose infectious brand of Americana influenced balladry has travelled up and down the roads of Ireland, the UK and Europe for the last two years."

The interview started with the usual introductions and this was followed by the first of the songs they sang live in studio that day, The first song was "Calling out my name", a tuneful self penned song with great melody and nice guitar playing, that when the whole band are playing it must sound truly wonderful, as it was It was great to hear this live on air (this is the reason I continue to do this program, hearing great songs in their original form, just vocals and guitar).

I asked the lads how the people who hear them play live react to the style of song and music they do the response was " most people find its great, we have had a great reaction from every where we play. The audience, from young and old seem to like the music and understand the way the lads play. The band have the ability to mix the style and sounds depending on the night and audience from calm music with great arrangements to the night when its all about energy and fun rather then the arrangements and nice sounds. Everyone in the band is involved in the arrangements and John brings his ideas to the group who then flesh out the song and add arrangements to the finished piece.

Born in the modern day dustbowl that is Ireland, John Blek and the Rats take inspiration from range of musical styles such as the outlaw country of Willy Nelson, the protest ballads of Woody Guthrie, the 100 mile-an-hour lyricism of Jack Keruoac and the melancholic country rock of Neil Young. Despite their musical roots being deeply embedded in the past, John Blek and the Rats have a sound that is fresh and modern, while also doffing its hat to a gonebye era. The streak of melancholy that runs throughout their music is tempered only by their penchant for footstomping rhythms and contagious choruses, a passion for revelry and, at times, lunacy.

 This is a band well worth listening to, if they are in your area make sure you go along to see them. Great sounds and a nice band who are despite the fact that they are already at a very high standard musically are continually striving to improve their songs, style and playing. Check out their page on facebook or here for updates and gigs http://breakingtunes.com/johnblekandtherats

Meanwhile listen in to the interview here

Shane Supple interviews John Blek & The Rats by Shane Supple on Mixcloud