by Noel Draper
There was an old children’s television programme, probably Sesame Street, that had the line “one of these things is not like the others things, one of these things does not belong” in it. As this line was sung by one of the characters a picture would appear showing three things the same and one not. I think you get the idea. Well I hope you do, if not, ask Matron to explain it.
Even when I was at the right age to watch this programme I still managed to spot the different one. Which got me thinking. Why couldn’t I do the same with some of the recent music output?
Ever since the Gallagher’s strutted their snarling hairy selves into our music lives all those years ago, twenty one to be exact, feel old?, a lot of music that followed copied their style, their actions and their direction. In those twenty one years music, and guitar music in general, felt like it had stalled a little as though it had hit a peak and no one was quite sure what to do next. Sure there was good music out there but it all felt a little too familiar, a little too like what had gone before, a little too samey.
That was until recently as a new crop of exciting bands have started to emerge, bands that still have the same influences as before but have added their own spark to proceedings. I caught up with one of these bands, Chasin Vegas, to ask what’s what musically and then with the singer, Tony, to ask the football questions.
Where are you all from and how did you meet?
Essex and Suffolk. We met through mutual friends.
Who came up with the name and why?
We couldn’t think of a name and then came up with Chasing. We felt it needed a second word to go with it which ended up being Vegas. At the time there was already a Chasing Vegas but we were too lazy to find another name so just took the G off the end!
Can you describe your music in 5 words?
Pure, raw, working class rock and roll (have 7!)
Do you prefer being on stage or in the studio?
On stage, There’s nothing like being in front of a crowd and connecting with them. You definitely can’t get that feeling in the studio although coming up new ideas does feel great.
Who are your influences and why?
Most decent rock and roll bands from Oasis, The Verve, Kasabian, Audioslave and The 1975 through to lots of classic rock from the 70’s – 90’s, like Bon Jovi, with a few modern influences thrown in.
What’s your favourite song to play live?
“What You Gonna Do” is a punch in the face to the audience to let them know we are here along with “Blue Eyed Skies”, “Easy Now” and “Times are Hard”.
What are your future plans?
Stepping up a gear to get as many people as possible to listen to our music. Then to release chart topping albums and singles, conquer the likes of the O2 and Wembley and tour other countries. Our ultimate aim is to fight to the top and become one of the biggest bands in the world.
Do you have any up and coming gigs that we should know about?
On the 23rd of October we are supporting Surge at the Colchester Soundhouse at their vinyl launch. Already confirmed for next year is opening the main stage at the Reepham Festival with Toploader and we are in the process of booking other festivals. We want to hit them hard in 2016!
Which team do you support and why?
Tony: West Ham. I was born two minutes down the road and live in Plaistow for 11 years. All of my family are Hammers fans so I’ve supported them all my life and wouldn’t have it any other way.
Are you happy with the appointment of Bilic and the start you have made to the season?
I was very happy with his appointment as I couldn’t stand Fat Sam. Fair play he had done his job but the time was right for him to move on. I was upset when he didn’t take playing in Europe seriously by picking the youth team for most games as most of the fans were excited about being in Europe for the first time in almost a decade but the Premier League is the priority this season as is finishing as high as possible so we don’t need the extra games I suppose. We have beaten Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal away from home which has made us happy Hammers again but we keep losing to other clubs we should be beating. That’s the West Ham way!
Who is your favourite current player?
Cheikhou Kouyate who is quickly turning into a West Ham legend. He never stops, gives 100% and is scoring some goals. Just seeing his face makes me happy!
Favourite all time player?
Carlos Tevez for me. I will never forget the goal he scored against Manchester United that kept us in the Premier League.
Who do you think will win the league this season?
Well, it won’t be Chelsea! I reckon it will be Manchester City if Aguero keeps knocking in goals. Manchester United may have a chance as they have got a good team again especially if Martial can carry on doing what he has been doing.
Where do you think West Ham will finish?
Hopefully in a European spot for next season at the Olympic Stadium where we can start pushing for top spot and Champions League football! It just depends on everyone staying fit which seems an impossibility at West Ham. Winning the F.A Cup and qualifying that way would be good (it certainly won’t be through the fair play this year!) We definitely have the quality to win the cup this year it just depends on if they can be bothered to.
Money no object, which Premier League player would you have in your side?
I really like Alexis Sanchez. Imagine him whipping in crosses for Andy Carroll to head in.
Find out more about the lads here and why the hell not follow them on Twitter
