J O H N W A U G H I N T E R V I E W
In the depths of Manchester, this September, I had the chance to have an exclusive little chat with the very talented, John Waugh. Not only has this guy jetted across the world, playing saxophone in one of the best bands of the decade, The 1975, but he's also doing some pretty exciting stuff in his own band (The New Standard) and tells us how to get drunk The 1975-style! ************************What made you want to play the saxophone as appose to another instrument?
I actually started playing the piano first. Then there was a really close family friend of mine, George, when he started to notice I was taking a real liking to music he started showing me some really cool bands, like Steely Dan and saxophone players, like Michael Brecker.
So they’re big inspirations to you?
Yeah. So naturally I quite liked how it (the saxophone) sounds and how it looked and everything. George was very influential and showed me the right type of stuff to get me really into it.
Since picking up the saxophone did you decide that that was the instrument for you, then?
Yeah, definitely. I mean, I was so young when I chose to play, my reasons for choosing it was based on the fact that I thought it looked and sounded really cool. (laughs) That was kind of really it, to start with, and then when I began to properly play it I grew into it a lot more.
It's a renowned cool instrument, you’ve done yourself well! (laughs)
You’re currently touring with The 1975, how’re you finding that?
Oh yeah, really good, it’s great.
How was it you actually got involved with them?
I’d known Matty for a long time and there are members of our crew that I went to school with and I’ve got really close friends that have been involved in the band, working around them as they kinda blew up. Then I met the other guys whilst we were recording the album and then earlier this year I started touring with them. But, it’s mainly through a guy named James Booth, who’s a photographer, who has filmed and done photography on the tour...
Yeah,James Booth is really really good at what he does.
He’s amazing. I grew up just along the road from him, so he was kinda the gateway to them, I guess.
That’s brilliant! Looking at The 1975’s debut album, that’s just gone platinum, which is really cool, can I ask how it came about with composing your solos and your work on tracks, such as Heart Out and Pressure? Did you write them, or where they written for you to play?
With Heart Out that’s a bit different, because it’s essentially the hook of the chorus, so Matty was very clear on what he wanted me to play. But with Pressure that was a lot more open, we did about four or five takes and then the guys all pieced that together whilst I was away…Now, with Me, I did that in my friend’s bedroom in Huddersfield and I think that was about January. So that was quite a while after I’d done the recording session for the album. That was quite cool, it was nice to have another person believe in it and be able to put all the recordings together.
It must be nice to work with your friends on such an amazing, creative project like this.
Absolutely, yeah, it’s great. I think it works a lot better aswell…you know if you’re working well with your really close friends, who are absolutely amazing at what they do.
When you started touring with The 1975, there was already quite a large fanbase. How was it to be projected out to an already large fanbase, on the tour?
I do kinda feel like I’ve done my own rite of passage, cause I’ve been playing in lots of bands as I’ve grown up. Obviously, to play with The 1975, though, it is so different to playing with my other bands. Overall, I do feel very secure with where I am now though, because of the time I've spent with my other bands.
So you should!
But I’m still very…I don’t know if it’s nervous, but I was very aware that I was going into a band that already had a very big gathering and reputation. They’d already had a lot of exposure. No, I would say I was a little bit nervous then actually (laughs) I just didn’t know how people would take to me being on stage with them, but it was really good, the more I did it the more that I realised that I had nothing to worry about. Everyone was really cool. Also, it’s mainly about the guys and I’m more a side line to it. As much as I do have my responsibility and role in the band, I can walk away from it feeling like I've made an accomplishment but I can relax. It is their band.
You’ve been across the world with these guys, which was your favourite city?
Oh, I loved San Francisco. It’s so full of history, like this place we went, every crawl space was just full of history and memorabilia…it was amazing. But anywhere in the States is really fun. We went to Japan though too, that was really crazy.
I saw that, it looked mental.
Yeah, it was good. I loved Australia aswell, Splendour in The Grass. We met and made friends there, it was cool. It is hard to say all round though.
You have been to so many places, it’s impressive…in the UK though, which was your favourite festival to play?
Glastonbury. Hands down, Glastonbuty. I’d gone to Leeds festival a couple of times before but…
Ofcourse, it’s a rite of passage!
It is! (laughs) I’d played smaller festivals before, ones that aren’t so big over here. But Glastonbury was my first major festival. Being on the main stage, wow, I don’t know, there was nothing like it. I think it’s probably the best festival in the world.
Was it at all overwhelming standing out there in front of thousands of people who worship what you’re doing?
I had to have a word with myself beforehand (laughs) but the anticipation of going on stage is so much worse than being out there. Once I’ve done the first note, I’m fine. It was amazing to see that many people out there though…like 60,000 people?
60,000.
Crazy, overall, so good though.
Would you say you get into a zone or are you overly aware?
I would say at first, like at Glastonbury, I was so aware. But now, you just get used to it...maybe, well no, you're never just used to it. But, I kind of get in bubble. But with Glastonbury was incomparable to another other gigs, it was surreal and crazy reality.
It's not just about The 1975 for you though, you’re also part of other bands, such as The New Standard,
how do you find managing your time?
The 1975 are busy a lot, so I guess my other projects are dictated by how much time I’m spending touring with them. But I did have three weeks at home in Newcastle…during that time, I was doing other stuff. With The 1975, it’s a completely different world, whilst with The New Standard it’s much smaller. Just a band that some of my Newcastle friend’s put together, but it’s a really really good band though. I am really proud of The New Standard.
You played a gig the other week, that had a good reception!
Yeah, we did play that smaller gig and it went really well. It was really nice that a few The 1975 fans came down aswell, it really means a lot to us, I'm very thankful, even as a really small band there is a tiny bit of a crossover.
So who are the New Standard?
Well the full name of the band is actually Stuart Davies and the New Standard. Stuart is a good friend of mine, it was his idea to set it up.I just kinda forced my way in really (laughs) I was like 'wow, that sounds really cool, I'd love to be a part of it'. He sings and plays guitar, there is a drummer called David. He's an amazing drummer from the North East, we have a talented bassist called, Ian... His nickname is Dodge, I never call him Ian (laughs). I knew him from another band I used to play in called Nick Pride and The Pimptones (laughs), wow, they were a really good funk and soul band. Then an amazing jazz pianist, Paul and Liam, with organ fender sounds..it's cool.
What can we expect from you?
The New Standard?
Yeah, gigs?
Hopefully so! It won't be until about the end of December-ish...I'd love to release an EP and have a little UK tour. I'd love that.
I think you'd get a lot of support.
Hopefully, the other night was definitely an eye opener to the fact that having the right people in the crowd is really helpful.
What advice would you give anyone wanting to start their own band?
I think it's good if you can really take your time with a band. Obviously, depending on your circumstances, if you have a family it might be hard, with responsibility... but if you're really young then I'd say allow 10-15 years to properly develop. Does that sound extreme? (laughs)
Well, you're not going to become a rockstar over night.
Exactly! I think maybe there are too many quick fixes these days, with TV game shows, like The X Factor...all be it, it's a success, but that's more a TV show. Good entertainment but I think it's so far removed from what being in band.
It takes away the magic.
Yeah, so I reckon, just don't take too many shortcuts and enjoy what you're doing. The only reason you should be playing in a band is because you love playing in a band, if you're in a band to become famous...well you're a bit of an idiot. I think there are so many ugly connotations attached to 'fame', but being successful that's brilliant. Even if you're not famous and you enjoy being in a band then you'll still feel a satisfaction...and that's what matters.
FAN SUBMITTED QUESTIONS:
CHANE // HONG KONG: HOW IS PERFORMING WITH THE 1975 DIFFERENT TO PERFORMING WITH THE NEW STANDARD AND EXTRA CURRICULAR?
Mainly, I'd say exposure. The places we play, like from 10,000 to a little bar. I can be in a different country everyday, it's crazy. The fundamentals of playing together are kinda the same, I guess.
GEORGE: ARE THERE ANY NEGATIVES TO NEW FOUND FAME?
I wouldn't really consider myself to have 'fame', as such. It depends on how you look at it, it's so flattering to have even a handful of fans recognize me. But, obviously it's off the back of something already very successful, so it's hard to regard it as my own success. I won't turn my back on it, but I'm enjoying myself. Even if it's a bit overwhelming and taking some getting used to.
EMILY: HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR SPARE TIME?
I really like sleeping and eating...food...yeah, food? I really don't do much(laughs) And chilling out, listening to music!
Music is like food to me...as crazy as that sounds (laughs). I listen to a lot saxophonists, but then other bands...and I really love Paolo Nutini's new album.
It's so jazzy, it's brilliant.
So good, and we met him a few times at festivals and stuff. What a guy! He's so lovely and genuinely humble, I love the guy (laughs).
(Check out his recommendations)
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURTIE ALCOHOLIC DRINK?
I'd say beer, I do like to drink when I'm out. We've had this thing recently, cause I really don't like tequila, but we have a shot of that and then chase it with a shot of pineapple juice. It's weird, cause it kinda neutralizes it...you're still aware you've had a shot, but it's surprising how much it works (laughs)
(at this point I am sad due to the fact my drink is tequila)
ABBY // TENNESSEE: DO YOU HAVE ANY PRE-SHOW RITUALS?
Not really, I just try and get calm, practice, hang out I suppose...but no, I guess not (laughs)It was lovely to speak to the very talented, humble John Waugh, please check out his stuff and keep tuned for the video linked to this which will come out in the following days!
Thankyou for reading!
The 1975 are busy a lot, so I guess my other projects are dictated by how much time I’m spending touring with them. But I did have three weeks at home in Newcastle…during that time, I was doing other stuff. With The 1975, it’s a completely different world, whilst with The New Standard it’s much smaller. Just a band that some of my Newcastle friend’s put together, but it’s a really really good band though. I am really proud of The New Standard.
You played a gig the other week, that had a good reception!
Yeah, we did play that smaller gig and it went really well. It was really nice that a few The 1975 fans came down aswell, it really means a lot to us, I'm very thankful, even as a really small band there is a tiny bit of a crossover.
So who are the New Standard?
Well the full name of the band is actually Stuart Davies and the New Standard. Stuart is a good friend of mine, it was his idea to set it up.I just kinda forced my way in really (laughs) I was like 'wow, that sounds really cool, I'd love to be a part of it'. He sings and plays guitar, there is a drummer called David. He's an amazing drummer from the North East, we have a talented bassist called, Ian... His nickname is Dodge, I never call him Ian (laughs). I knew him from another band I used to play in called Nick Pride and The Pimptones (laughs), wow, they were a really good funk and soul band. Then an amazing jazz pianist, Paul and Liam, with organ fender sounds..it's cool.
What can we expect from you?
The New Standard?
Yeah, gigs?
Hopefully so! It won't be until about the end of December-ish...I'd love to release an EP and have a little UK tour. I'd love that.
I think you'd get a lot of support.
Hopefully, the other night was definitely an eye opener to the fact that having the right people in the crowd is really helpful.
What advice would you give anyone wanting to start their own band?
I think it's good if you can really take your time with a band. Obviously, depending on your circumstances, if you have a family it might be hard, with responsibility... but if you're really young then I'd say allow 10-15 years to properly develop. Does that sound extreme? (laughs)
Well, you're not going to become a rockstar over night.
Exactly! I think maybe there are too many quick fixes these days, with TV game shows, like The X Factor...all be it, it's a success, but that's more a TV show. Good entertainment but I think it's so far removed from what being in band.
It takes away the magic.
Yeah, so I reckon, just don't take too many shortcuts and enjoy what you're doing. The only reason you should be playing in a band is because you love playing in a band, if you're in a band to become famous...well you're a bit of an idiot. I think there are so many ugly connotations attached to 'fame', but being successful that's brilliant. Even if you're not famous and you enjoy being in a band then you'll still feel a satisfaction...and that's what matters.
FAN SUBMITTED QUESTIONS:
CHANE // HONG KONG: HOW IS PERFORMING WITH THE 1975 DIFFERENT TO PERFORMING WITH THE NEW STANDARD AND EXTRA CURRICULAR?
Mainly, I'd say exposure. The places we play, like from 10,000 to a little bar. I can be in a different country everyday, it's crazy. The fundamentals of playing together are kinda the same, I guess.
GEORGE: ARE THERE ANY NEGATIVES TO NEW FOUND FAME?
I wouldn't really consider myself to have 'fame', as such. It depends on how you look at it, it's so flattering to have even a handful of fans recognize me. But, obviously it's off the back of something already very successful, so it's hard to regard it as my own success. I won't turn my back on it, but I'm enjoying myself. Even if it's a bit overwhelming and taking some getting used to.
EMILY: HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR SPARE TIME?
I really like sleeping and eating...food...yeah, food? I really don't do much(laughs) And chilling out, listening to music!
Music is like food to me...as crazy as that sounds (laughs). I listen to a lot saxophonists, but then other bands...and I really love Paolo Nutini's new album.
It's so jazzy, it's brilliant.
So good, and we met him a few times at festivals and stuff. What a guy! He's so lovely and genuinely humble, I love the guy (laughs).
(Check out his recommendations)
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURTIE ALCOHOLIC DRINK?
I'd say beer, I do like to drink when I'm out. We've had this thing recently, cause I really don't like tequila, but we have a shot of that and then chase it with a shot of pineapple juice. It's weird, cause it kinda neutralizes it...you're still aware you've had a shot, but it's surprising how much it works (laughs)
(at this point I am sad due to the fact my drink is tequila)
ABBY // TENNESSEE: DO YOU HAVE ANY PRE-SHOW RITUALS?
Not really, I just try and get calm, practice, hang out I suppose...but no, I guess not (laughs)It was lovely to speak to the very talented, humble John Waugh, please check out his stuff and keep tuned for the video linked to this which will come out in the following days!
Thankyou for reading!
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