Page 63 - Black Velvet Issue 89

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A (Musical) Note From...

JOEY CLASS (THE SENTON BOMBS)

n a recent glowing review of our new it becomes difficult to keep track. So, maybe a ‘known quantity’, any future projects will
Ialbum ‘Mass Vendetta’ the reviewer de- another thing that keeps us ‘under’ is original- likely garner more attention than a new starter
scribed The Senton Bombs as ‘forever under ity. It’s a tough one because our diversity in with no experience or track record, plus they’re
the radar’. After twelve-plus years of plugging styles and lyrics are unique, yet our various likely to have built a plethora of contacts.
away in the Bombs, I’d have to agree. I bet sounds are distinctly derivative – so when I say To bring this towards some sort of point-
you’re sat reading this thinking “Senton who?” ‘originality’ I’m referring to something ‘com- worthy conclusion, I believe you can quickly
It’s safe to say we’ve spent the majority of pletely’ new, something people have not heard get your band on the radar but it requires in-
our existence flying low, in reference to the mil- before. It sure seems to be difficult becoming vestment and decent contacts, potentially on
itary aircraft where the phrase originates. A ‘well known’ based on this criteria, although top of prerequisites like having some talent…
well-known band in some circles, breaking there are other key factors to be considered, but they can be bypassed. The cliché of hard
through the glass ceiling has always eluded us elephants in the box-room in which these cur- work and paying your dues isn’t always
and likely always will. I don’t write this with any rent ideas ricochet. enough, but it certainly does help with legiti-
bitterness or regret, in fact it’s one of the things One is money. With cash behind a band macy and earning respect. Before any deci-
I’ve strangely always liked about the band. You you can immediately be ‘on radar’. In this day sions are made a band really has to assess
see, I’ve always loved being ‘into’ things which and age you can pay-to-play regardless of tal- what they are in it for; is the band a hobby - a
other people don’t know about, or simply don’t ent, tastes, originality – you can perform at creative outlet which you do for pure enjoy-
like; a series that no one else has watched; the venues like the O2 Academy’s. A band may be ment? Or is it a business venture, potentially
team that no one else supports; the band that terrible but it will be showcased and subse- entangled with the allure of fame and all its
nobody has heard of. There’s something spe- quently become ‘known’. Alternatively, you can gifts? Either way or a mixture, one thing I can
cial about it, you feel like it’s yours and it occa- buy on to tours with bigger bands, pay for ad- tell you after spending a long time ‘under the
sionally gets referred to as part of ‘cult’ vertisement, radio plays, purchase ‘Likes’, radar’ is that it’s not a bad place to be. The ‘big’
followings. It’s a nice feeling and you can take ‘Views’ and all the rest of that evil social media break, seemingly always out of reach, is some-
a particular pride in introducing these hidden business. With money you can heavily invest thing to strive for and motivate. The excitement
gems to others, if indeed you choose to share. in your band and make it ‘well known’; whether as more and more people ‘catch on’ to what
The Senton Bombs are some way off hav- deserved or not, it’s an option if you have the you’re doing is very rewarding, there’s a per-
ing what you might call a ‘cult’ following, but resources. For nigh on a decade we only ever sonal nature to the interactions with ‘fans’ at
we have enough admirers to keep us traveling invested in merchandise, rehearsing, instru- this level who quite often become friends. For
the roads of the UK and beyond, making our ments, recording and getting to and from gigs me, this has always been one of the greatest
racket and enjoying the scenery. So, what is it – and those fundamentals don’t come cheap. hobbies in the world and I feel fortunate to
that keeps bands ‘under the radar’, especially In the last couple of years we have invested in share the journey with some of my closest
in our case where reviews may overzealously some PR on the economical end of the scale friends. We keep expectations low so we’re
suggest we are the ‘next big thing’? as we’re all working day jobs and supporting rarely disappointed and any achievements
There are many factors in my opinion, first families but… what d’ya know, now you can above the parapet are a bonus, as long as
and foremost being ‘talent’ – if a band doesn’t read about us in a rock magazine or hear us we’re enjoying the ride… and we in the SB
have any then they are unlikely to ‘fly’ let alone on a rock radio station. It does work. most certainly are, cruising like underdogs do.
escape below the radar. Then there are tastes, Whilst money is one quick route, the other Peace out.
the ever-changing preferences of the masses, is the classic ‘who you know’. Contacts - fam- J.Class
the shifting zeitgeist. The music we play, by ily, friends, anyone who can keep the door ajar
and large, is clearly inspired by a bygone era. long enough for you to stick your foot in it. The
We put our own spin on the blend but our proverbial leg-up, push, helping hand; if you In a band? Want to write a one-off col-
sound is draped in influences leading to the have them, by god use them because they are umn for Black Velvet? Get in touch. Email
countless ‘sounds like’, ‘reminds me of’ com- the secret behind success in most businesses editor@blackvelvetmagazine.com.
ments. We’ve been likened to so many bands and the music biz is no different. Similarly, for

THE SENTON BOMBS