Delays on the Road Interview by Di Band Photo by Di / Greg Photo by Dawn For those of you who have already fallen under the spell of Delays’ charms, it wouldn’t be a surprise for me to tell you that the members are a funny bunch; and that’s without the comedy assistance of the now infamous Ted, and mob leader Mike! So it follows that our recent interview with the lads, in the positively plush and, certainly by their previous experiences, luxurious surroundings of a Newcastle City Hall dressing room, was informal to say the least. An hour in the group’s company ensures much laughter, fun and the nagging feeling that though everything on the tape will be entertaining to listen to it will inevitably be a nightmare when it comes to this point of summing up the discussions of the night. Such a feeling was correct but even now, days on, my overwhelming feelings of the night are pride and optimistic hope for the future.

Fresh from a successful UK tour supporting Tim Burgess, the band hopped straight on to the Ocean Colour Scene tour to make their way around the country again, displaying the band's ceaseless hard work and dedication. And they certainly do it in style as the City Hall marked the beginning of Delays playing comparably larger venues than many of their previous haunts. Just under an hour earlier we watched from a balcony above, with anticipation and excitement, as the band shuffled on to the immense stage. Needless to say a stunning performance followed and song by song the crowds’ appreciation grew, as the Delays’ presence filled the hall. It was truly a mesmerizing and blissful performance.

So as we join them now it’s understandable that they would be in such high spirits. But how did it really feel to walk out on to that stage? Measuring against my own nerves, I can only assume it must have been a little intimidating and I can’t help but wonder as Aaron sits in the corner manically waving his hand at me, showing his biro-drawn ‘third eye’, that the pressure was all a little too much for him.

‘I just look down at my feet’ admits Greg, grinning. ‘It’s the biggest venue we’ve played so far by quite some distance. ‘I’ve got a way of dealing with it now.’ Aaron proclaims. ‘Not all the people you ever play to are going to get together and hold a forum saying, ‘what did you think?’ Everyone individually is going to take something away from it.’ True enough, people have, and it must be an encouragement that, as the tours have progressed, they have left many with an overwhelmingly good impression and a desire to find out more, as shown by the number of people visiting the website’s message board to leave their compliments. The already exciting and optimistic beginning to the year has culminated in the last couple of months as second single Hey Girl entered the top 40, as well as being selected by Radio One’s Mark and Lard as their Record of the Week. The band also scored their first soundtrack appearance and even almost-cameo in British film Blackball. ‘Basically Mel Smith heard it on the radio and wanted to use it,’ explains Rowly. As if that wasn’t impressive enough it transpires that the decision was made well into post-production and Travis, the original featured band, we’re bumped in favour of the Southampton band - as the not so eagled-eyed will spot.

Talk of Delays big screen fame soon inexplicably leads to our admission of endless amusement at daily sightings of Delays related road signs, but fortunately we find we’re not alone in our humour as Rowly tells us, ‘I was sat on a train the other day and we were stood in the station for quite a while. Next thing an announcement came on and the woman said “we’re sorry about the delay.” So, we’re reassured, encouraged even, in our amusement, and, as Aaron pipes up from the corner, ‘It’s all free publicity!’

Although here in the UK we’re faced with a bit of a wait for both the single Long Time Coming and the debut album, a Japanese EP of Delays’ singles and B sides is now available over there, the name of which transpires to be news to the band. ‘Aaron Aye Captain!’ offers said Gilbert drolly, when asked if they’re aware of the literal translation. Wrong answer!

‘You mean you’re going to tell us?’ laughs Colin.

Our reliable source informs us that the title literally translates as ‘Blue Twinkle’, of which we inform the intrigued bunch to much laughter.

‘Really? That’s the coolest thing ever!’ Aaron exclaims excitedly.

For a band who have such talent and refreshing originality, together with an honest self belief, it should really be no surprise that people are quickly catching on. However, Greg points out that even for them its been a rapid climb. ‘We’re ahead of where we thought we might be. We’re arrogant enough to believe that we’re going to make it, but in terms of the label we got there before they thought we would.'

It’s a shared belief between them and I then that Delays are set to significantly light up the music world and are immeasurably deserving of the praise to come their way. What works its way deepest into my heart though is the protective love and pride invested in their music, which marks them apart from many others. Greg explains, ‘It might sound really selfish but we ultimately need to please ourselves. We can’t think of creating and playing just to please an audience because, for one, we’d be a garage act or basically just be something else. There are a lot of easier ways of going about this than what we’re doing.’

Far from disregarding their fans however, Greg reassures us, ‘It matters immensely what it means to the fans, but first off it has to move us. We can say we don’t give a damn, but if you’re putting a little of yourself into something that you’re doing, it’s always going to hurt you if someone turns around and says it’s rubbish.’

‘At the end of the day we just want our music to stir an emotion’, Colin explains. ‘Good or bad, either way it’s better than something else that just doesn’t do anything.’

Summing up the conversation, Greg ponders, ‘You know how it’s hard to articulate how you feel about your favourite records? Well, that’s all you can ask of for the records you’re making. It’s like a friend; you go to it when you need it, take it round with you, take it on holiday with you. That’s it really. That’s what we want.’

Before eventually concluding the interview, talk turns to the good people of the website message board, giving Aaron the opportunity to share his thoughts on the lively activity.

‘You know what really cracks me up about you lot on the website?’ he reveals, laughing. ‘When somebody says something, the person who replies will put a star and write *takes a sip of coffee*, *laughs*, *slides a virtual Mars Bar to….*

*Di smiles*

Many thanks to Greg, Aaron, Colin and Rowly, Mike and Ed for all of your time, patience, generosity and kindness - we are always grateful. Visit www.theDelays.co.uk for more.

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