© 2008 The Honest Johns
Made by Serif
Paul Kennedy -
For reasons that will become clear very shortly Paul didn’t play with The Honest Johns first time around, but having played bass with other bands around the North East over the last few years he was the obvious choice when the band reformed.
Interview
1. Paul, you weren't in the original line-
Considering my brother, Jon, is the drummer and Mark Lawson is married to my sister, The Honest Johns have never been too far away.
2. So, at least you were familiar with the music!
Absolutely, I was constantly fed the demo tapes as they came out so the quality of the music is no surprise to me.
3. Why then weren't you in the original line-
Three reasons mainly! One, The Honest Johns came mostly from Jon and Mark's close circle of school friends. Whilst we all went to the same school, I was four years ahead, a big gap at that age, we moved in totally different circles. Secondly, I was living in London at the time, so wasn't around. But the third, and most significant reason, is that I couldn't play the Bass at the time, so I was never asked.
4. So when did you learn to play the Bass?
About 7 years ago! Having said that, I've played music since I was 10 years old, starting with the piano, then the clarinet, then the saxophone. I realise now, that when I think back to the music I used to listen to as a teenager my main focus was always on the bass line. Some people listen to lyrics, some the guitar or the drums but I've always tuned into the bass, so it was only a matter of time before I picked it up.
5. How did that come about?
A chance meeting at work introduced me to a music teacher. He encouraged me to buy the guitar and then visited my house every week for nearly four months. It was a great feeling when he said he couldn't do anything else for me.
6. And now you play with your brother?
Aye, I've never seen so much of him! Joking apart. Not surprisingly, I suppose, there appears to be a natural understanding between us, which certainly helps us to keep the whole thing as tight as possible.
7. What was it like playing in front of a near full-
Nothing like playing at a practice, that's for sure! When I was younger I went to loads of live gigs and always wondered what it was like to play live in front of an audience. Well, now I know, and it's a great feeling.
8. How often do you all get together?
Often, we've all known each other for years. Mind you, our other halves think our practices are just social nights out, they just don't understand!
9. What's the next date in the diary?
We expect the new album to be released in late 2009.
10. And after that?
As Mark suggests, world domination.
