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Interview: Toby Rogers

A few months ago toonwaves caught up with local supergroup Manila Chapter for a quick chat following their triumphant appearance at Evolution Unsigned. Here’s what the boys had to say for themselves:

Firstly, how are things going?

Swell.

How did Evolution Unsigned go?

Mainly without a bass drum. Bass drum-less. That translates roughly to “there were one or two technical problems”, which we had to overcome.

Tell me about Manila Chapter. How did you get together?

The conception of the band was almost Boyband-esque – sort of a manufactured indie-noise act. Cherry pick a few characters from some other noisy bands and here we are.

Who does what in the band?

We’ve got John on drums, Paul on bass, Alan and Jonny on guitars and Andrew prancing about the stage.

You’ve all been involved with other musical projects in the past (Sefelt, Kubichek!, Peace Burial At Sea, People Of Santiago). How does it differ this time round?

Everyone wants it the way they had with their old band, so inevitably we’ll end up hating one another. It’s too early to really tell, but it’s inevitable.

Have your collective past experiences made it any easier or difficult starting out with a new band?

More difficult – we all came together with a ‘my dad’s harder than your dad’ attitude. Of course, if we were actually putting money on it, Alan’s dad is probably hardest. He’s from Leam Lane.

How would you describe yourselves to someone who hasn’t had the chance to hear you yet?

Like The Editors. It’s all we collectively listen to.

Who are your biggest influences?

Kubichek!, People Of Santiago, Sefelt, Peace Burial At Sea and Obi Got Ludo.

Any recordings in the pipeline?

Many. In fact you won’t see us for a while until we’re done. We’re not allowed out to play until our homework is finished. No doubt myspace will be updated sporadically.

What are your plans for the future?

To have one hit single then disappear into obscurity, like Snow and The New Radicals.

Manila Chapter play The Cluny 2 on November 7.

Check myspace.com/manilachapter for more info.

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