Exposed Vocals Interviews Medicine For Madmen
Medicine For Madmen is a recording project by singer songwriter Philip A.J Morris. Originally started as a band with James Todd back in late 2009, with James Todd being principle singer songwriter. The band was all set for a European and UK tour in 2010 when the band broke up. James Todd went solo and Philip Morris went on to writing his own material. In early 2014 Phil went onto reform a band keeping the Medicine For Madmen name with some friends, the lineup was shuffled around a bit but ended up with Philip Morris as guitar/ vocals, Pete Woodacre Guitar, Jason McNaboe Drums and David Cutler on Bass guitar. The band then did a few open mic nights and a gig at the Adelphi Pub in Preston. The band unfortunately split due to family and work commitments. In early 2015 Philip Morris then decided to write and play all instruments and vocals on his home studio. So now Medicine For Madmen is currently a recording project/ artist. Medicine For Madmen explores the social and the political, the old with the new. The mixture of rock n roll vibes with a country twang, give way to a story and journey into life’s passions and struggles through music.
We are available on iTunes, 7digital, google play music and Amazon music.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Medicine For Madmen: I lived on a council estate near Bamber Bridge called Clayton Brook Lancashire until I was 7, then moved to the outskirts of Leyland Lancashire. I always liked music and used to program zx specrum computers with basic code to make music. I then I saw a film that changed my life, ‘ Back to the Future’. When I saw Marty McFly playing Rock n Roll, I just wanted to learn guitar. I spent years thrashing around on guitar, getting knowhere fast. Then a neighbours son called Andy taught me guitar over a number of years. I tried singing but never took it serious, so I got vocal tuition with a chorley vocal coach called Laurence Newnes and the singing got better.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Medicine For Madmen: When I was in the band with James Todd, we tried loads of different names and none stuck. At the time my sister was working at a mental health hospital and she inspired the name from the stories she told me. This included the time a polterguist attacked and dragged her off the couch in the staff room . The name also tied in with my view that, one man’s poison is another man’s medicine. I also an avid medical and recreational cannabis supporter.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Medicine For Madmen: Online Music sharing is a FACT and it can’t be stopped. If some kids are skint and want some mp3’s, why not. The flip side of the music piracy argument, is that artists don’t get paid for their work. I give music away to generate a bit of publicity and get my name out there. There are pros and cons to sharing, I just find that the big record companies should have utilised the technology from day one, I love the guys at Napster, i think they have changed the face of the music industry by being pioneers.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Medicine For Madmen: Keep promoting yourself and have a good attitude.I use reverbnation and twitter to get my music across and don’t be afraid of paying to promote your stuff, just make sure you do some homework on the company or person offering you a service like a promo or radio plugger. A lot of people make false promises, so be street wise. The Hip Hop, Dance and RnB guys and gals do it right, posters, flyiers, Leaflets ect ect. most of all ONLINE promotion is free most of the time.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Medicine For Madmen: I sometimes get lyrics popping into my head. I might play on my guitar or hear a catchy tune and it may inspire me. I listen to BBC radio 4 a lot and there is a lot of inspirational stuff on talk radio. I sometimes watch documentaries and get inspired. Life is my biggest musical inspiration, the failing, the struggles and the funny moments as well.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Medicine For Madmen: My band website is www.medicineformadmen.com and i am also on www.reverbnation.com/medicineformadmen
Facebook is https://www.facebook.com/medicine4madmen/ I also have music on iTunes, 7digital, spotify, google music, last fm, amazon music
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Medicine For Madmen: I would buy a house, build a recording studio and keep on making music.I’m not into flash cars or fancy TV’s, Ilike the simple life and I love spending time and money on my family.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Medicine For Madmen: Social media and promotion through music websites
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Medicine For Madmen: I have been building up some tracks and i’m looking to release an album on itunes. I am based as a recording project but I love to play live, so the next logical step is to get a band of musicians together and go out gigging.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Medicine For Madmen: I would do a bit of secondhand dealing, antique dealing and Man and van house removals and some music tech stuff like sound engineering and recording bands.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Medicine for Madmen: Very hard. I tend to do the music stuff in the evenings, so I can keep the day free to do mundane tasks.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Medicine For Madmen:An album and maybe a couple of new videos and songs