"GLASS HEROES "
by Christer Davidsson, January 2007
I've done a lot of reviews and whole bunch of interviews since I started Mutiny Zine in march of 2006. Thanks to this webzine I've been getting in touch with so many great bands, cool promotors, distributors and labels. Basically a whole lot of great people, all with one thing in common - the love for music.
Out of all these people (way to many to mention) Keith Jackson of the Glass Heroes is the one that I've been talking to the most. Glass Heroes is one of the bands that I've found out about through doing this zine. I was amazed the first time I heard their self-titled 1st album. That record is so good! Not only does Keith write good music but he's one hell of a great guy. When he told me that the band was in the studio to record their upcoming album "Liars, Cheats & Thieves" along with producer Rat Scabies (of the Damned!) I decided to do a studio report. So, I sent over a bunch of questions for Keith and Rat and here's what they had to say about being in the studio...
Hey Keith! What's up? Keith Jackson: - We just got back from the huge Punk Rock Bowling tournament in LasVegas!! Put on by the Stern Brothers at BYO records. A bit knacker'd... but I had a blast. It's amazing, the crowds up there for that from all over the world... and every band you could imagine! Rat Scabies' team actually made it to the second round!! LOL! None of the Heroes bowl... I need to mention that!!!
You're in the studio recording your 2nd full length right now. How is it going?
Keith: - Having just picked Rat up in Vegas... we begin rolling tape on the second set of tunes for the new album.... If it goes as well as the first round in studio with Mr. Scabies it should be a breeze. He is amazing to work with.
Rat, what's the best and the worst thing about working with the Glass Heroes in the studio?
Rat Scabies: - The best thing is that I get a chance to sleep. The worst thing is the endless discussions about whose turn it is to go to Starbucks.
How come you're recording the new material during two sessions instead of one?
Keith: It was really down to Rats availability. He is a busy sort!! We recorded 7 tracks in October and had to wait to bring him back in from London this month.
How did you guys hook up?
Keith: - It's a rather odd story on that one... It basically came down to the fact he has faith in the band. After hearing our first release... I contacted him about possibly cracking the whip on the new one for TKO Records. The next thing I knew he was at the airport in from London!! Making us work from dusk till dawn!!
What did you think when the band got in touch wondering if you wanted work with them?
Rat: - Who the fuck are these losers? They bribed me with a Gibson Les Paul, a leather jacket and a used switchblade to get me to do the job! I'd never heard of them before, not until Keith E-mailed me, then once I'd checked them and I found they are actually a lot better than they sound.
Is it weird working with kind of a legend, Keith?
Keith: - As you know the Heroes have played with and become friends with many of the "Old Guard" from the Sex Pistols & MC5 to Motorhead... and we have a great respect for them. But having Rat behind the board twisting knobs is really special. He is direct, honest, and dedicated without any sort of ego... so we kinda look on him as part of our family. So it's not intimidating or strange in the least.
So he's doing a good job?
Keith: - Over and above!! He is relentless in his quest to find true tones... both in drum and guitar sounds... without stepping on that huge Marshall Silver Jubilee sound we love!! He's actually a damned (sic) good guitar player!! I was suprised to learn that he wrote many of my favorite Damned songs.
So, Rat, will you play anything on this record? Rat: - No, I doubt it, but maybe a tambourine or some sleighbells when the band is away, ha.
Keith, What can you tell me about the your new songs?
Keith: - Their tough & to the point. We have always written tunes that come from our true life stories... and we have never written any whining self depricative music. We prefer songs that are self empowering vs bitching about our problems to our fans. There's al lot going on in the world that needs to be addressed instead of having to hear some Hot Topic Cookie cutter band cry about their problems... we don't give a shit. 'Nuff said.
Do you, Rat, have a say about the songs?
Rat: - The way I see it is that it's a Glass Heroes album, and not a Rat Scabies record - my job is to help them to make the record they want.
The first album had a bunch of songs by other artists on it. Will you record any cover for this release?
Keith: - The first album had two covers on it: "Stranded" by the Saints & "Kick Down the Doors" by the Professionals. The new TKO Disc will have the RUTS' tune "Backbiter" on it which will feature Segs (the original RUTS bass player) so we are excited about that one!! The Ruts are one of our big influences.
Is the sound any different from the first record?
Keith: - Hell Christer!! We only know three chords!! LOL!
This record will be released by TKO which is a pretty big name in punk. How did you get in touch with them?
Keith: - Yeah.. TKO is one of our faves...& Mark Rainey (owner of the label) has much of our respect. Over the years he has been a force in putting out music that is true. Not just stuff he thinks he can make money on. He sincerly believes in the music and the groups that make it. He takes chances, and allows the bands the freedom to do what they feel is right musically. He was one of the pioneers in independant music..and continues to forge ahead with the same strength in which he formed the label with.
When is the record scheduled to be released?
Keith: - TKO Records will be re-releasing our debut disc in late spring along with the 7 inch... then the new album "Liars Cheats & Thieves" will release sometime next fall.
Have you had any setbacks so far during the recordings so far?
Keith: - Not really. This album is being recorded on the cuff!! There's actually a few tunes that are being written in studio.. and the lyrics are not even written!! We're ttaking a few chances on this one...but we want it to be a little more urgent. So it has really put us under the gun so to speak.
Rat: - It's been going very well, even though I have to kick theyre lazy arses from time to time.