MERCURIUS

Mercurius are a diverse and melodic Indie Brit pop/rock band based in the wonderul north of England in a place called Newcastle. ( Yes I know that place isn't that where people with zebra shirts chant football songs and dance in the streets - Ed ).

Their music is distinctive and original and in an epic world of it's own purposely meandering off the course of current music trends. They have shared the stage with bands like Little Angels and The Choirboys and hang out with 80's "Smash Hits" cover pop stars like Limahl ( an anagram of his real name Chris Hamill) from Too shy popsters Kajagoogoo.

The band consists of:

Neil - ( Inspirational wailer and band electrician )

Paul - ( Axe wielding wailer andthe band's spiritual leader )

Dave ( Their younger axe wielder - a reet good Yorkshire lad he is )

Gaz - ( Hard-drinking, fast-living bassist and band clown )

Tom - ( Good at tubthumping, occasionally likes a singsong )

Their stunning debut full length album " Come on in " will be released through Matchbox Recordings featuring the debut single " Comfort Zone " via Universal Music operations and Genepool on the 3 August 2009.

THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

 1. What made you decide to start a career in music , tell us a bit about your history to date ?

Basically, I (Paul) just love the buzz you get from writing songs, from hearing something new and original. The band has been through a number of changes, partly caused by the unfortunate death of 2 drummers at different times. One was from a drugs overdose and one died in a car accident. Every time we seemed to be close to achieving something someone either died or a singer left. We gigged a lot a few years ago but more recently decided that it was more important to spend quality time in the studio. The band has been formed for about 5 years now and I don't think anyone has heard what we are capable of. Neil's voice was great on the 'Come On In' cd but is amazing now. His voice is a lot stronger, better and he can reach just about any note capable of being sung .

2. Who or what are your influences ?

Any good songwriters. Anyone from The Eagles and Freddie Mercury to Thom Yorke (Radiohead)

3. What modern artists do you like ?

Radiohead, Kings of Leon, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Kasabian, Foo Fighters, The Hives, Gomez, MGMT, Muse, Nine Inch Nails, The Music etc etc

4. If you could choose to record a song with any other artist/band alive or dead who would it be and why?

Thom Yorke because he doesn't think like most other songwriters. He doesn't try to fit in with what going on at the time (which I despise) and just does his own thing. He is also extremely talented.

5. What inspires you to write your music/lyrics ?

Politics, War, Mortality and Love (Good name for a CD?)

6. Name your all time fave track by another artist ?

Love Will Tear Us Apart - Joy Division

7. What sort of sound can we expect from your forthcoming CD ?

The 'Come On In' cd was great but the next one will be a lot more accessible but still original. We're really excited by the freshness of the new songs

8. What are your ambitions for your music. Where do you see yourself in 5 years ?

Anything is possible. Hopefully we'll be playing big arenas with The Arctis Monkeys and The Fratellis supporting us (my least favourite bands - just want to prove that originality wins over selling your soul)

9. How would you describe your music and what genre do you think it fits into ?

I think it's difficult to place us. I suppose Indie is the closest

10. Where is your forthcoming album being recorded and who is producing ?

We're still writing at the moment and haven't decided yet. Base HQ in Newcastle is where we did 'Come On In' but I would really like to work with a great producer

11. In the U.K music and food has combined with celebrity rock and pop stars now appearing and cooking on TV food shows. Please can you give us your favourite recipe ?

Never cooked in my life (except for beans on toast!)