by Lloyd Lugsden @phaffandpotter @lloydlug
At the end of April Club Roar bring The BellRays to Esquires for a live show not to be missed. Hailing from the west coast of America, their sound actually contains the best components of Detroit music: (punk rock) garage and soul. It’s urgent tight AND messy, all fused together by singer Lisa Kekaula’s powerful vocals, reminiscent of Aretha Franklin – yep, that good ! If you’re not familiar with The BellRays music, you may recognise Lisa’s vocals on the Basement Jaxx single Good Luck (2003). Alan McGee brought the band to our attention with a compilation released on his Poptones label, which included the brilliantly titled song ‘They Glued your Head on Upsidedown’. So go and check them out, this should be special…
We got to chat to lead BellRay Lisa Kekaula beforehand, so here’s our exclusive interview:
Bedford Clanger: Heard of Bedford?
Lisa Kekaula: Never.
BC: Doh!
BC: Where the band name come from?
LK: It was chosen by the Gods. “And God said…let the rock begin.”
BC: Describe UK audiences.
LK: A lot of fun just like in the States, except you guys talk funny.
BC: They glued your head on upside down. Great song title, was it anyones head in particular?
LK: I think it was more of a self portrait than anything else.
BC: What was it like working with Basement Jaxx?
LK: It was a lot of fun and an honour. Love Simon & Felix
BC: You’re from the west coast? The bands sound seems to have the DNA of Detroit music; soul, garage, are there any connections?
LK: We’ve heard that before and I can see the correlation at first glance. Once you scratch the surface there is something that generally connects us to a band that just @#!?ing rocks, which happens everywhere, not just Detroit.
BC: Fave English dish/meal?
LK: Funny you should ask, we both love fish & chips as well as a good Sunday Roast.
BC: Any plans for this year?
LK: Well, aside from world domination one person at a time…not much.
BC: Whats your screen saver?
LK: I’m lame. I use the Apple preselect that changes every time the computer comes on. Today it’s the big blue marble (you might not remember that show, so – earth)
29th April, Esquires, Bedford
Tickets £10 advance from Danny’s Bar, Marios Hair Design (Kempston) and www.seetickets.com
