In this, the 10th edition of Key Note Speaker, Key Notes' speaks to Anna, Pearse, and Jamie of Charm Offensive, the Kildare based band who take their influences from many bands but who manage to sound distinctly unlike anyone else (including themselves). Charm Offensive play Upstairs in Whelan's today (July 22) at 8pm. Declaration of interest: The Anna involved is Anna Murray of CLUAS fame, proving what a multi-talented writing team we've assembled here!
Favourite Songs from the Past Year
Anna
Is it too late to count Portishead’s Threads? Also, Grand Pocket Orchestra’s Little Messy
Pearse
Dog Days by Florence and the Machine and 22 by Lily Allen
Jamie
Call It A Ritual, Wolf Parade but I’m not actually sure it was in the last year
Favourite Song Ever
Anna
No idea. I tend to remember albums not songs
Pearse
Glosoli by Sigur Ros is up there, with some Radiohead, maybe Reckoner, and a lot of Blondie
Jamie
Everything In It’s Right Place - Radiohead, He Poos Clouds - Final Fantasy, I Want You [She’s So Heavy] - The Beatles but it’ll change by next week
Favourite Charm Offensive Song
Anna
Sugar Rush, it's very moody, and wild, but very controlled. It's top
Pearse
Futureproof. We haven’t played it live yet, but it should be satisfyingly loud
Jamie
July’s Child. The most complete thing I think we’ve done
Favourite New Band/Artist
Anna
Sounds of System Breakdown, The Stoney Brokes, Grand Pocket Orchestra
Pearse
I'm loving Florence right now. Are Nirvana new?
Jamie
Wolf Parade but, again, not really new
Favourite Band/Artist Ever
Anna
Tujiko Noriko or Final Fantasy
Pearse & Jamie
Radiohead
Favourite Gig This Year
Anna & Jamie
Final Fantasy in Whelan's
Pearse
Lilly Allen at wherever it was
Favourite Gig Ever
Anna
Final Fantasy in Whelan's, but two years ago
Pearse
Definitely Arcade Fire on Oct 23rd last year. Blew my socks off
Jamie
Radiohead in wherever they played in Dublin in 2003
Favourite Charm Offensive Gig Ever
Anna
Today's!
Pearse
Definitely today's! Best gig ever!
Jamie
We had a very nice gig at Eamonn Doran's last year, it was the first time we'd played live for a while, so it was great to get back on stage
Favourite Venue
Anna
I’d love to do a silent gig in Crawdaddy – everything through headphones
Pearse
Well it's always been my dream to play on the roof of the tennis club in Castlebar, maybe some day I can make that happen
Jamie
Vicar Street
Favourite Piece of Musical/Recording Equipment
Anna
Macbook, with Logic Pro, Cubase, Soundforge, Soundhack…
Pearse
My lovely pedal, a Boss GT8
Jamie
A Korg, but only because I’ve never used one and can’t afford one
Download or CD/Cassette/Record
Anna, Pearse & Jamie
CD
Favourite TV Show at the Moment
Anna
Bones! And Green Wing
Pearse
Pushing Daises
Jamie
Rome
Favourite Movie
Anna
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Pearse
Pan's Labyrinth
Jamie
Back To The Future I & II
Favourite Book
Anna & Jamie
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
Pearse
The His Dark Materials trilogy
Most Listened to Radio Show
Anna, Pearse & Jamie
Um....Radio?
What's in Store for Charm Offensive Next
Pearse
Well we're playing Upstairs at Whelan's this Wednesday at 8pm, with the talented Defex
Anna
Some recording, which should be on our MySpace soon
Jamie
Wembley, drug shame, triumphant comeback
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