Beanstalk Interview

[MrFlicks]

Beanstalk are a South East based band originally a one man outfit in the person of Stuart Sale.

Beanstalk have played various venues across London, Essex and Suffolk in recent months.

Beanstalk acquired the help of drummer and band founders friend 'Skintight Jim' in 2007, Beanstalk then went out as a two man set and we're able to play bigger 'band type' venues, promoting their 2007 self produced 'Chunky Skunk' EP along the way.

During 2009 Beanstalk only played a handful of gigs, preferring to focus on work behind the scenes, such as gaining ''Gareth, not Garfy" on bass duties, turning them into a three man outfit, as well as writing new material and recording their new EP titled "It Starts At The End". This is due to be completed in early 2010 and a line up of gigs are due follow to promote the recording.

Beanstalk have a website >

www.beanstalkmusic.co.uk (Proudly hosted by our very own HostTed) and designed by Stuart's brother Jamie Sale a brilliant Cartoonist.

Beanstalk also have the usual MySpace, Twitter and Facebook pages >

Beanstalk on MySpace

Beanstalk on Twitter

Beanstalk on Facebook

In my usual fashion I gave Beanstalk a listen to see what I think in order to get some background on the band and found them to have an easy listening slightly bluesy band sound with the odd bit of a Rock and Pop feel to them.

From the tracks I listened to the slow tempo "For the decline" was my favourite. I detected a bit of a Housemartins or Beautiful South type of sound in a couple of the tracks. Nice clear lyrics and an easy listening style is something that came through to me.

So my first questions to Beanstalk and Stuart has to be how would you describe the band and who are your greatest influences musically?

[MissTVWorlds]

Wow I was surprised at how good this band are, great floor tapping tunes that make you want you to sing along I also get the house martins feel for the music, listening to five tracks wasn't enough and I want to hear more, I think this band could have a great future!

[Beanstalk]

Hi there.

Thank you for your interest and encouragement.

I would describe the band as 'pop music for the discerning listener'. I do this on the basis that I feel the image of the band and the lyrics are generally dark, sad and somewhat mystical, yet the music is mostly upbeat, catchy and melodic. I've always found it very hard to assign my sound to a particular genre as I have many influences that are apparent in my writing. The most common of these seem to be The Beatles, Beautiful South/Housemartins (as mentioned by yourself), The Stray Cats and Erin McKeown. However, I would also consider David Ford, Duke Special and Rachael Yamagata as big influences as artists. As for genres, my biggest influences come from the 1950's and 1960's pop sounds. I like the way the songs in those days were generally simple in construction, highly melodic and full of energy and enthusiasm. More recently I've taken to listening to Ragtime Piano tunes. I enjoy the ragged/syncopated rhythm that drives the music forward, especially when played on a piano.

[CartoonistTed]

Saw this band playing at the barhouse in Chelmsford last night. They were frickin' awesome! They had a lot of support and sold out all of their CD's. And it was only £5.00. I highly recommend. One of their songs reminds me of The Stray Cats. So yeah I can see the bluesy influence there Mr Flicks.

Well done Beanstalk on a great gig! thoroughly enjoyed myself!