Another Country

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

Another Country: We formed in the North East of England but are from different backgrounds.   We didn’t exactly ‘decide’ to become artists … music has always been important to each of us.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

Another Country:  It’s a slight play on words.  We’re a sort of country band but with a difference.  Also, we look to artists from the past (as well as the present) for inspiration and, as L.P.Hartley famously wrote, “The past is a foreign country, they do things differently there.”

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

Another Country: Music should be shared but, obviously, artists should be rewarded for their hard work.  Therefore, there needs to be balance.  Yes we have given music away for free for promotion purposes.

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?

Another Country: Stay true to your beliefs, persevere and don’t expect instant fame.  Life isn’t the X Factor

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

Another Country: Frequently.  Ignore it, smile, shrug your shoulders, get on with it. Anyway, 9 times out of 10 the audience won’t spot it!!!:

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

Another Country: We haven’t toured yet:

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

Another Country:  We are inspired by lots of artists and by manynsituations.  I (Gary) tend to come up with the initial musical idea and then Claire will write the lyrics.  We’ll then play around with it until we’re happy.  Jessica also writes … everything is a collaboration.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

Another Country: Yes . www.anothercountrymusic.com.  We also use Facebook and Twitter

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

Another Country: Ha ha … I can’t speak for Claire or Jessica but I don;t have anything on my iPod that I think is embarrassing as such.  Surprising maybe …

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

Another Country:  Write, practice, read

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

Another Country:  Not the question but we’re planning to enter the studio in a couple of months to record an EP

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

Another Country: It’s hard.  We use Facebook, Bandcamp and Soundcloud but it’s difficult to get heard by  a big audience unless you have somebody working for you

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

Another Country: I would love to share a bill with Steve Earle .. he’s my favourite American songwriter of all time.  So .. Steve Earle in Nashville would be my choice

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

Another Country: Keep writing and performing.  As I said earlier, we’re also going to be recording a new EP soon.  We have a bunch of new songs that we’d like to record.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

Another Country: teaching

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

Another Country: I vividly remember my first vinyl LP.  It was Elton John’s ‘Here and There’ album – a live album.  This was a long time ago.  I don’t remember why I bought that particular one but I  do remember its smell and the excitement of getting home, opening it up, putting it on the turntable and reading the sleeve notes.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

Another Country: I work hard and we’re all pretty well-organised.  It’s hard sometimes but we can aways find time to play and write.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?

Another Country: new songs, more gigs and hopefully some festivals next year