Music Journalism

Sinking into a deep leather sofa in The Basement (an underground Indie bar in Manchester), I watch as the soft lighting dies out and the crowd erupts into applause as Strings finish their spectacular set. With passionate vocals and intricate riffs, they really must be inspired by Bombay Bicycle Club as they follow their quirky style and effortlessness. Seeing Strings perform live sends a shiver down my spine - they're incredibly talented and play with such an ease that they would inspire even the most tone deaf person to pick up a guitar and sing until they are hoarse and can't feel their fingertips, that's how they make you feel, they make it look so easy you think 'Hey, why couldn't I do that?'. 

I catch a glimpse of lead singer John Joseph White as he emerges from backstage, yanking up his chinos and smiling bashfully at the audience, who are staring back at him so adoringly, as he tries to make his way through the crowd. Whilst brushing his fringe from his face, he catches my eye and mouths 'one minute' to me, followed by a smile and thumbs up. Wearing a wrinkled white shirt, dark brown waistcoat and loafers, he stumbles towards me, drinks in hand, drops himself beside me on the sofa and hands me a glass. "FIND Magazine I'm guessing? I'm John-Joe" he says with a grin, "Magners alright?”

FIND: Well John-Joe, I must say Strings live up to their reputation... that was amazing!
John-Joe: I wouldn’t say amazing, but thanks anyway, glad you enjoyed it.

FIND: Talented and modest, a rare combination. So, I’ve got to ask, how did you know this was what you wanted to do for the rest of your life?

JJ: Well, as a kid I used to listen to my dad strumming away at his battered old 6-string Fender acoustic, I’d just sit there staring at him. He’s my inspiration really, I wanted to be better than him, to make him proud, you know?

FIND: Yeah, I know the feeling...

JJ: So I realised, I’d have to work damn hard to get there. I’d have to start at the bottom and work my way up in the music world.

FIND: How did you get started then?

JJ: I actually started busking in town; I’d stand in the street watching people bustling around with their shopping bags. Occasionally people would stand and listen or throw down a few coins, but I only really got recognition when I moved to busking in Manchester.

FIND: Bigger place, better audience?

JJ: Definitely! People seem to appreciate some backing music whilst they’re shopping haha.

FIND: So it all built up from there. How did you form Strings then if you started off as a solo artist?

JJ: Ah well, my best friend Mike came round to jam when we were younger, and we realised the music sounded more complete with a buzzing bass-line and some drums. So Mike, Tommy (our drummer) and me got busking together and got picked up as a band and we’ve been playing together since then!

FIND: So what’s the best gig you’ve played so far?

JJ: Oohhh, that’s a toughie... I do love playing outdoors, hence the busking, so I’d have to say playing on the BBC Introducing stage at Leeds Festival last summer. It was brilliant, the fact that people don’t really know who you are but still come to watch you anyway is great. It’s the best way to get your music out there – we’ve been really lucky actually.

FIND: Yeah, that’s where I first saw you guys, it was a great atmosphere, and you put on an electric performance.

JJ: Seriously? Cheers! I love festivals really, just a weekend of chilling out with mates and a few beers, seeing your favourite bands and being introduced to new music, it’s fantastic...

FIND: And don’t forget the food!
JJ: Yeah! Tonnes and tonnes of fast food vans... It’s heaven!

FIND: Of course. So, who are your musical influences? Any favourite bands?

JJ: Well, Mike’s a big fan of Foals, Tommy loves The Maccabees and Two Door Cinema Club, and I’m musically in love with Bombay Bicycle Club and think Florence And The Machine have an amazingly unique sound! It’s hard really to just love one band, I just love music. A beautiful melody and inspiring lyrics, it’s everything to me really.

FIND: I know what you mean. Music, if done correctly, can be so emotive and electric.

JJ: Yeah, exactly. It’s hard to describe how it makes you feel, but if you can just lose your inhibitions and completely let go when listening to music, that’s the feeling you want. Like you can actually feel the music... It sounds a bit pretentious really, but it’s just how I feel I guess.

FIND: Speaking of feelings, is there a special someone in your life? I’m sure your female fans are dying to find out!
JJ: Haha, be up front about it if you want!

FIND: Hey, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. So?

JJ: Well, I’m sorry to disappoint, but yes, there is a special someone. My gorgeous girlfriend Jules, she’s like my own little Mr. Motivator. She pushes me to do my best with everything, and won’t let me just give up on a song. If the lyrics or melody just aren’t coming to me, she’ll sit me down, make me a brew and we’ll cuddle up for a while, and just when I’m nice and relaxed thinking “I could stay here all day”, she’ll jump up and drag me back to work.

FIND: Haha, sounds like she wears the pants in this relationship!

JJ: Nah, we’re pretty equal, she just knows how much I want to make every song perfect and she’ll push me until it happens. I love her for it, bless her.

FIND: She seems to be a big part of Strings behind the scenes. Do the other lads not mind?

JJ: Not at all, surprisingly! They love her, and the more she pushes me to work, the less they have to do, so they’re happy with the set up.

FIND: Lucky them then. So... what now? What have Strings got planned for 2011?

JJ: Well, me and the boys are going away for a couple of weeks to Jules’ holiday home to get some well needed rest, it’s been a busy year with having our first album out and everything.

FIND: That’s a good gamble

JJ: Then we’ve been asked to play Leeds and Reading Festival this year, and not on the BBC Introducing stage! It should be great, ‘cause we’re good mates with the boys from Everything Everything so we can all just chill out. Then Strings are playing some more gigs round the UK, like a mini-tour.

FIND: Wow, another big year for your guys then?

JJ: Yeah, we’re so excited; we’re like kids at Christmas!

FIND: Haha, well it’s been great chatting to you John-Joe, good luck for this year, and I’ll try to catch up with you at Leeds, if you’re not too busy...

JJ: Sounds great, I’ll supply the Magners again, Bye!

Strings’ album It’s Looking Good is on sale now