Take one member of Franz Ferdinand (Paul Thomson), one member of The Royal We (Patrick Doyle) and two clever new boys on the scene (Danny Saunders, Richard Wright), mix them all together and what do you get? Correcto! (No you didn'y guess right, that's their actual band name - Correcto). They released the incredibly infectious 'Joni' (check it out on Youtube) so I had to talk to Danny. Immediately.
S.O'R: Who are you?
Danny: The short answer is a Danny Saunders from planet Essex. The long answer is boring.
S.O'R: I am always interested in musicians who step out from their original bands in order to try something a little different. How (and why) did you form?
Danny: There wasn't really a start point as such. I have always written songs. Richard and I got together a few years ago just to see what we could come up with. Then Paul had some free time to play some shows and work on the Lp. Patrick joined more recently. Everyone has their main thing; It's all a bit transient. People come and go. Mainly it's my friends who are fun to be around and have energy and good ideas. This does have its drawbacks in terms of availability but it does inform how the music sounds. Simple and direct with no frills. I have always liked bands like that.
S.O'R: 'Joni' is reminiscent of the Undertones I thought, any other influences I am missing?
Danny: I like the Undertones. I suppose they are an influence but no more than anything else. I think whatever you encounter has some effect on what you produce from films, conversations, novels, the city you live in, everything.
S.O'R: Keeping in mind Radioheads decision to sell their album online for any price, the sell-by date on the nu-rave and Myspace scene, etc, from an insiders point of view; does the music industry seem to be progressing or regressing?
Danny: To be really honest with you I don't really care. I probably should but I never think about it. It seems a bit boring to me. I just like writing songs and I let other people worry about all that bobbins. I don't feel like an insider at all, I know nothing about the politics of the music biz and have no desire to. I still consider it my hobby.
S.O'R: What was your album of the year last year and when is your own album out??
Danny: I really love (loved) the Royal We and their album was great. The County Teasers and The Rebel are also amazing. Our offering is out on 25 February.
S.O'R: When is tour of duty? (pop around to Ireland?)
Danny: That's a tricky one. We won't be touring in the traditional sense. More shows here and there. Check myspace for details is the only thing I can suggest.
S.O'R: What is the future of Franz Ferdinand??
Danny: You would have to ask them, but I know they are recording as I type, all going well I assume.
S.O'R: Before I leave you; quick fire questions ...
a) when was the last time you smashed something?
Danny: I work for an artist who uses all sorts of different materials. He sometimes makes mosaics from mirror. I smash a lot of mirrors. I am fucked if it is bad luck.
b) the last time you cried?
Danny: I whimper at things quite a lot, if I have a hangover especially. I watched Superbad last night and really liked it. The end scene gave me a lump in my throat. Seth was looking back at his pal knowing that life was soon going to change forever; everything uncertain and new whilst still trying to be confident and charming.
c) the last time you were naked in public?
Danny: I definitely look better with my clothes on and will avoid any situation which involves me taking clothes off in public like the plague. I wish other males would do the same. I hate seeing geezers going about with there disgusting carcasses on show. People that go to the gym are even worse, marching about all pleased with themselves with their stupid legs.
