The Candle Thieves

Never, ever have I ever laughed this much doing an interview. Having said that, I was really intrigued by The Candle Thieves, after reviewing (and loving) their EP Happiness Blues. Their music automatically makes you feel happy. It’s like magic. Glockenshiels kindly (and hilariously) answered a few questions that will surely help us understand this strangely named band.

Where does your name come from?

I used to play a lot of weddings in a function band before hitting the big money with The Candle Thieves. I used to collect the half burned candles at the end of the night and keep them for myself.

Tell us about your origins, where you come from and how the band formed.

I went to college with Scott but we never played together there. About 8 years later I saw online that Scott was rocking a solo project. I thought: "Yeah, I could get rich from this." So I got in touch and I've pretended to be his friend ever since. It's starting to become awkward.

How would you describe your sound?

A sugar coated ball of whimsical love bound in the clutches of an unwell but happy child. With rubbish parents, but living in a lovely house, except the roof is leaking.

What were your expectations with your first release?

We were just so grateful to be able to make an album at all. Sunshine & Other Misfortunes was going to be an EP, and more than likely our last one because we didn't have the support to make another. We're not as young as we used to be and the whole thing can be very breaking when you're doing your best and no-one seems to be interested.

Most of your tracks have such a positive feel to them. Do you think there are there too many depressing songs out there?

Thank you! If you take a look at my CD collection you won't find much happy stuff in there. It's great because we didn't set out for any particular sound. Our producer Andy Hawkins is an equal part of our record and he was the catalyst for a lot of how our songs turned out.

Your music has had really positive reviews. How does that feel?

I guess as the artist, we only really notice and remember the bad ones. Again just the fact that someone is writing about something we've made is a great feeling. Even if the writer wishes me to stab a stainless fork into my face.

What part of the process do you prefer, the writing and recording or the singing live and touring?

Both have their ups and downs. The recording part is always a lot of fun, we get to watch our songs come to life while eating monster munch and drinking ginger beer.

Give us the best and the worst moment of your musical career so far.

Taking our music to America has been such a proud moment for us. To know that the songs we've writen have taken us to the other side of the world is the greatest feeling. We've played some rough gigs along the way I'd rather not mention but it makes the good stuff feel like magic and keeps us going.

The current musical panorama is dominated by pop, gossip and autotune. Do you consider that electronic, indie pop is turning into an even more alternative genre?

You have to forgive me, I spend the most part of my life sitting on fences. I really have little opinion on genres. I just think what ever gets you through the night.

Who are your biggest influences when it comes to making music? Who do you look up to?

I'm drawn to and mystified by a lot of older music. Among many others, I'm a big Randy Newman fan and think sarcasm and irony are a brave risk I really admire.

What music did you grow up listening to? What music could we find on your ipods right now?

My folks subjected me to a lot of classic stuff which I considered torture at the time. A lot of Bob Dylan, Neil Young, The Beatles. Michael Jackson was my childhood hero.

If you had to choose an artist to collaborate with right now, who would that be?

I think E from the Eels would be a lot of fun. Dappy from Ndubz would be a close second.

What lies in the future for The Candle Thieves?

The future's not ours to see. Que Sera, Sera. Seriously though, we're putting out our final single from the album Breathing (Just For You) in November and there might be a suprise release before Christmas too.

¿Elvis or Michael Jackson?

Impossible... However without Elvis, the entire history of rock & roll would be different.

¿Pink Floyd or AC/DC?

Completely different bands.

¿Rolling Stones or Beatles?

Paul Mick-Hartney or Mick Jaguar? Both essential.

¿ABBA or Spice Girls?

ABBA

¿Lady GaGa or Beyoncé?

Neither.