Johnny Daukes - All Our Good Friends

Interview by Emily, We7 PR Guru
All Our Good Friends is the latest guise of singer-songwriter Johnny Daukes. A man of many talents, Johnny has received widespread attention - and critical acclaim - for his debut solo album, 'Promise'. Having previously played with Britpop band Fin, this marks something of a return to music for the sometime comedian and writer. We predict big things in 2008 for this artist - he is already preparing tracks for his next album. Be sure to check out the album - and the live review of his recent London show. First, though, let's get to know more about the man himself.

Read a review of his recent gig at The 12 Bar, London

The interview

We7 came to see your live gig in London at The 12 Bar - how did the gig go for you?
I enjoyed it. The 12 Bar is a cozy little place and the sound is good on-stage. It's a bit strange with the loft and the high stage, a bit like playing in a bunk bed and you're not sure where to look. How did the gig go for you?

We loved the gig, Johnny. The venue was nice and is just right for you kind of music. You work with a backing track on stage - would you ever consider using a band instead?
I'd love to use a band but with no budget to work with it's just not possible. Most singer-songwriters are playing solo with an acoustic and I wanted the songs to have a bit more impact than that and to have the same sonic characteristics as the album. Hopefully the films go some way to making up for the lack of musicians. If I could afford to play with a band then I absolutely would.

What direction do you see your music taking in the future?
I've attached a rough demo of a new track that will be finding it's way onto my next album. There's going to be more variety in terms of approach. 'Promise' was very much a 'break-up' record. Maybe the next one will be a 'wife and kids' record? There's an outside chance I'll be collaborating with PJ Harvey and Thom Yorke on a song cycle based on the Shackleton Expedition.

How long did it take you to write 'Promise'?
'Promise' was written over several years. I'd written a lot of material at the same time that didn't make the album but I wanted the songs to sit together as a group.

You've had a varied career and are working on a number of projects at the moment, not just your music. How do you find the time to do everything? Do you want to eventually settle on one field?
Everything I've done has broadly been writing with the exception of voice-overs and they're a relatively undemanding way of making money that requires no emotional investment. Lots of musicians turn to comedy, I just turned back again.

Time isn't really an issue, splitting a day to work on a script in the morning and then music in the afternoon has quite a natural rhythm. I couldn't imagine doing it the other way round.

Riding motorbikes in pop videos was an accident.

I can't imagine ever 'settling' on one field any more than I could eat one foodstuff for the rest of my life.

How do you feel about the positive reaction from the music press to your work?
I'm very pleased. I wasn't expecting the album to attract any attention at all so it's been quite a pleasant surprise. The most surprising was getting 7/10 from the NME, they've always kicked the shit out of me in the past... so good to see no grudges at work.

What are your plans for 2008?
Making another record. Getting my current screenplay picked up and another written. 2nd baby due in August. Try and earn a living. Eating and drinking with friends and family. Learning Tagalog.

Tell us your top 3 most inspirational tracks and why?
Currently:

• Mogwai - Ratts of the Capital. Fragile beauty becoming visceral power. Immense.
• REM (feat. Patti Smith) - E Bow the Letter. Resonant.
• Bob Dylan - Tangled Up in Blue. I shiver when he says 'Delacroix'.

Where in the world would you like to play live and why?
I would love to play live at The Shepherd's Bush Empire.

Just because it's my local venue and the sound's great and it would mean I was playing to 1000 or so people. Failing that; Angelina Jolie's bedroom when she was getting undressed.

How do the changes occurring in the music industry affect you as an artist?
I'm not sure they do. I'm unsigned and self-funded and will in all likelihood remain so. All the hype about bands having power and breaking on the internet is largely bollocks. The way to internet profile is still bought and that means gatekeepers and funding. One development that I hate is 'Talent Academys'. Un-cool.

Do you have any advice for new artists who are just starting out in the industry?
Write, write, write.
Eat more fibre and get plenty of exercise.
Then write some more.

What are you most proud of?
I wrote a song called 'Mayday' following the death of Ayrton Senna and it was played on Radio1 by Lamacq & Wiley on the first anniversary of his death.

I'm also quite proud of my daughter who can make extraordinarily life-like fart noises by blowing on her forearm.

Have you discovered any new artists recently that you can't get enough of?
I've been listening to a Brighton Band called 'Restless List' who I saw live at Bloomsbury Lanes and was blown away by. They sound like an updated 'Magazine' and you can't give higher praise than that.

Do you download music and if so what was your most recently downloaded track?
I'm afraid I'm still a CD buyer as I love reading credits and looking at artwork. Recent CD purchase was British Sea Power who I love.