Interview with Scarlet (bass, vocals, keys) of Scarlet Soho
In this year’s October, the British three-piece consisting of Scarlet, Jim (vocals, guitar) and Stu (keys) delivered its new record entitled with `Warpaint´ and coming up with danceable retro synth sounds making the hearts of all 80´s enthusiasts smile. We had an e-mail conversation with Scarlet who kindly answered our questions concerning idols, being on tour, new media and ambitions for the upcoming year.
Reflections of Darkness (RoD): Your new album `Warpaint´ is in stores now. Are you happy with the response of fans and critics?
Scarlet: We’ve had amazing feedback from fans and press alike! It’s been a fairly long time coming, so we were a little anxious about what people might make it of after the first album. Thankfully we’ve been right to feel proud of our work.
RoD: `Warpaint´ appears pretty retro and partly reminded me of DURAN DURAN and the early DEPECHE MODE soundscape. In what way did those bands influence
your music? Do you feel comfortable with being compared to artists like these?Scarlet: DURAN DURAN and DEPECHE MODE are massive bands who have sold millions of records, so of course we find the comparisons very flattering. All three of us are fans of the electronic movement from the 80´s, so I can imagine that influences have crept in where `Warpaint´ is concerned. The live show is a very different experience though.
RoD: What are your favourite songs taken from `Warpaint´?
Scarlet: I can’t speak for the boys but I have a special place in my heart for `Cyclone´. It’s not often you hear the word “cunt” in a pop song.
RoD: Your label Major Records is specialised in electronic music. Was this a decisive fact for you before you signed to them? What do you expect from a good label in general?
Scarlet: Major are great as they give us a lot of freedom to do what we want as a band. Before we signed to them, it was a huge stipulation on our part that we wanted to maintain complete control over what we do.
RoD: You published some photos on your MySpace blog that show you while visiting the Cologne Zoo. Is it obligatory for you to visit some sights and to explore the cities while being on tour?
Scarlet: Jim and Stu tend to visit a zoo every time we tour. We get very little time off as we like to gig every single night. But it is important to take yourself out of the gigging situation where possible to keep your feet on the ground and make sure you don’t lose the plot! I tend to try and check out the local architecture or a gallery or museum where I can.
RoD: Apropos tour: You have been travelling a lot this year. You will be back in Germany to play three further concerts in November. Are there any notable differences between the audiences in the European countries you have travelled so far? Which concert did you enjoy the most? Scarlet: We really like getting out of the UK. People seem to understand the music a little better on mainland Europe we’ve found. I personally enjoy Austria when we play there. On the “Zoot Woman Tour”, I particularly enjoyed Erlangen though - sometimes the slightly smaller cities and towns have a bigger sense of fun.
RoD: How do you work together beyond the stage? What’s the best thing about being in a band in your opinion?
Scarlet: We’re a very tight-knit band. And having so much control over what we do means that all three of us get involved from t-shirt designs, to album artwork and even more mundane aspects of being in a band like planning the tours. I really enjoy touring - I love the travelling and playing live. You get to play your music to people who want to hear it. You can’t get better than that!
RoD: What would you personally advise young bands that want to make their dreams come true with electronic music?
Scarlet: At the risk of sounding clichéd - work hard and don’t give up. Bands that quit don’t succeed. Simple as that!
RoD: You have got profiles at MySpace, Facebook and Twitter. How important are those new media for you and your work?
Scarlet: I think they are incredibly important. It’s a great way of gauging how people feel about the band; I like the fact that we can have direct contact with people. Years ago this wouldn’t have been possible. It’s hard work to keep on top of sometimes but very worthwhile!
RoD: What bands or artists would you like to go on tour with?
Scarlet: That’s difficult. We’ve toured with some great bands in the past. And it’s always interesting to see how other bands operate whilst on the road! I don’t really have any idols so there’s no one who would be on top of my list. Every tour is different regardless of the other bands who play. It’s all about us when we’re on the road. ;-)
RoD: What was the most recent concert you have been attending? How did you like it?
Scarlet: Jim and I actually went to see MARC ALMOND last night! Not the usual show I’d attended, but it was very entertaining - brass section, string section, grand piano and a massive vocal display from Mr Almond. It’s nice to watch an artist and be really impressed having had no prior expectations.
RoD: The year 2009 is drawing to a close. What are your goals and ambitions for 2010?
Scarlet: More songs, more gigs, work hard. Really looking forward to working on making the stage set-up a little different. Also anticipating festival season!
RoD: Thank you very much for answering our questions! We wish you every success with your recent album and all the best for the concert dates in November.
Scarlet: Thanx!
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