4 minute read
On record – Ramsgate band Argyle share the tracks they’re listening to
How long have you been in Ramsgate? What drew you here?
I have been coming to Thanet for ten or so years. I played a gig here back in the day. There was just such a mad energy from the kids and I remember thinking it was just pretty wild. There was clearly a community of artists bubbling away in the background; it was exciting and untapped. My good friend Nicholas de Carlo [producer and composer] lived here. He found an old warehouse off the high street and kindly let me build a room here. It’s kind of rough, we just threw all our gear in, I think coming up to four years ago now.
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You are one half of Larry Pink The Human which you formed with Kent’s own Laurie Vincent, formerly of Slaves, who you produced. How did that come about?
Laurie and I always had a very strong work ethic when we were in the studio doing Slaves. Both of us wanted to push a bit more in terms of the songwriting and the production, but it wasn’t necessarily the best time or place. We had to just start something new. LPTH was born out of this. It just felt like a breath of fresh air for both of us. I’ve loved it. Playing live is something I always missed; it gives the music so much context, and it’s been awesome to interact with a crowd. It’s a totally different feeling.
The majority of our music was recorded at my place in Ramsgate and we did some drums and strings in Big Jelly. Laurie also has a studio in his garden so our record [M1XTAPE] is 100% locally sourced!
Have you found a good network of musical people in Ramsgate?
Yes! I’m good friends with the genius that is Sam Battle [Look Mum No Computer]. His studio (and his Museum of Everything Else) is just around the corner from me, so if I need to record a telephone exchange or a Furby I know who to call! I’ve also made a few records at Big Jelly with Mike and Al, and of course go to Ramsgate Music Hall as much as possible. Having a professional studio and such a great venue in Ramsgate is really not to be taken for granted.
You have also been a part of the Youth Hymns film-making collective, making music videos for the likes of Snoop Dogg and Wolf Alice. What has the project been up to recently?
We all moved down here together from Hampshire, Jake Johnny and myself. We shot two LEGO campaigns in Ramsgate with Look Mum No Computer. One was for Star Wars LEGO which was insane. Sam built a droid orchestra and they all played the theme tune, it was mind-blowing (check it out on YouTube). It’s great to be involved in visual art as well as audio, but I’m just a cog in the wheel… the producer maybe!
What have you got on the cards for the year ahead?
We’re working on the LPTH album, which is ongoing. I have a few other artists I’m really excited to collaborate with and with the studio… Let’s say it is going to have a bit of an upgrade.
jolyonthomas.com larrypinkthehuman.com youthhymns.com
on record ARGYLE
Writer
Andrew Flood
Argyle are a four-piece band from Ramsgate, blending elements of indie, folk and rock.
The band are singer and guitarist Jake Argyle, with Steve Warrington on bass, Courtney Jones on electric guitar and Ben Fagg on drums.
Currently working on new music following their 2021 EP release Live at the Albion Rooms and a headline show at Ramsgate Music Hall, Argyle plan to be back in the studio very soon. The band all come from different musical backgrounds and have an eclectic mix of influences when it comes to the writing process, but work together to create a big dynamic sound on top of Jake’s song ideas.
What are you listening to?
ARGYLE Between Towns Road
A song from our new EP written when singer Jake was back in his hometown, a much more stripped back song, but showcases some of Jake’s folk-inspired writings.
ARGYLE Gold
This is a song chosen by bassist Steve. It shows off the differences in the band’s influences. Starting softly with just acoustic guitar and vocals, the song builds adding a very 70s-esque jangly lead guitar part while the bass line is very driven and heavy, which comes from Steve’s punk and rock influences. The dynamics in the big drum sound and lead guitar lines also takes the song in a completely new direction to how it starts off, whilst keeping the overall feel the same.
BEAR’S DEN Emeralds
A band that has very much influenced Argyle. This song encompasses a lot of what we all like, catchy electric guitar riffs, a tasteful guitar solo, tight vocal harmonies, delicate acoustic guitar at the core, along with a driven bassline and thumping drums.
JOHN MAYER Waitin’ On The Day
This one was picked by drummer Ben. Aaron Sterlings style of playing “for the song” inspires my drum parts in Argyle. It’s beautifully demonstrated on the whole of John Mayer’s Paradise Valley record, specifically the way of incorporating subtle dynamics. It has inspired me to place more emphasis on the vocal and guitar melodies. Listen out for these influences on our track “Her Sol”.
