Cardiff’s own creative duo The Debutantes have just released their brand new single and video (If Paradise is) Half As Nice. We caught an interview with the band, to find out more about their journey so far, their thoughts on the scene, and their hopes for the future. Here’s how it went.
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Hi guys – thanks for the interview, and congrats on the new release! For those who don’t know, how long have you been making music together?
As sisters we have been singing together since we were little. We come from a musical family so we were surrounded by music and we were encouraged to sing and harmonise from an early age.
What can you tell us about the new song – (If Paradise is) Half As Nice – how did it come to be, and what does it represent for you?
Through our mother’s love of ‘sixties music we have been listening to those songs for a very long time. We had recorded around thirteen tracks of sixties style songs written by our manager / producer Alan Jones ( An original member / sax player of popular 60s band The Amen Corner ) and we decided to do a cover of the song that was recorded and released 50 years ago. Alan then asked Andy who agreed to do a cameo vocal on the track. ‘Half as Nice’ is sung by a Welsh band and obviously as we’re Welsh and love 60’s music it’s exciting for us to bring it back for us ad the public.
What was it like working with Andy Fair?
Very exciting and a real privilege.
There’s a lovely big-band and fairly classic, nostalgic set-up to the song – a little Beach Boys meets Abba, with added theatrics and passion – what would you say have been your main inspirations in working towards this style?
No 1 hit.
We wanted to produce a modern day equivalent of the magical style of Phil Spector so we hired John Rea to come up with the orchestral arrangements and Richard Jacksob to engineer / co –produce the album.
What was the process like for recording the video when compared to songwriting ad recording / live shows, from an artist perspective?
It was a matter of letting the director Nick Morris (Spudnick films ) let his imagination run wild.
We were very lucky that the the sun was shining for 12 hours in the lovely county of Hertfordshire and to have a beautiful sunset.
There are many songs on the album Symphonic Pop that will benefit from well directed videos and we have plenty of ideas.
We really want to build up a fan base for us and release as many singles with videos as possible, culminating in an album and exciting and well produced live shows.
We want to show off the great songs that we have recoded and envisage a full on revue with an orchestral band, backing singers, back drops and lots of exciting choreography.
Is live performance an important part of what you do, and if so – what can people expect from a live show?
We want to show off the great songs that we have recoded and envisage a full on revue with an orchestral band, backing singers, back drops and lots of exciting choreography.
How would you describe the music scene in Cardiff / South Wales right now?
We are so busy at the moment that we don’t have the time to get out to see many other bands.
South Wales is very Performing Arts orientated with great venues such as the St.David’s Hall, the Millennium Centre etc for Musicals, classical and opera shows. It also has great competitions such as Cardiff Singer of the World and the National Eisteddfod. Wales has always produced good musicians and bands but like everywhere else in the UK, there is a lack of good venues for them to play.
What can listeners look forward to from the new album?
An exciting blend of catchy songs with a full orchestral sound and multi-tracked vocals. We also aim to bring back the 60’s with a fresh twist, the style is feel good happy music which puts a smile on your face with catchy tracks to dance to as well!
What’s something about you that most people don’t know?
For one reason or another we haven’t had the chance to show the public what we can do.
This is the time !!!
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
AMEN !
