Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

The final band in our trilogy of the new school term of bands that we're excited by are called , a fourpiece 'britwave' band from Newport. I threw some questions their way to coincide with their session on Radio One Wales this week.

Town

Are you a full-time band, or do you have other occupations?

We are very much a full-time band but we also have part-time jobs to keep the band afloat and make sure we can fund everything we do. We've always said though, no matter what happens, this band comes first.

What's the band's potted history?

We met through the local music circuit and formed in 2008. We came together with a mutual love for such bands as The Undertones, The Who and The Police. We worked hard to put together a strong set and have gigged pretty much constantly since.

We self released a download only single called Smug Alert earlier this year, and are releasing our dΓ©but EP, Original Design, on 9 November.

What was the defining influence in the band's sound and aesthetic?

There wasn't really any defining influence. We all listen to the same music, as well as do pretty much everything together; so it all came naturally really. We simply aim to work as hard as possible and write the best songs possible. We can be best described as a new wave garage outfit, with a clear cut, no nonsense approach to writing good quality songs.

You've got a bit of a mod sound. Is that a lifestyle choice as well as musical interest?

We wouldn't call ourselves mods but we listen to the bands from the mod era. We take inspiration from the music, the fashion and everything in between. Being a band is not just about playing your music. There was a time in the 60s and 70s where music and fashion came together; it was a iconic era that lives on. With every music style there's the lifestyle and attitude should come with it.

Tell us about some of your favourite live gigs so far.

The one that springs to mind straight away was in Germany when we drove to play at Berlin fashion week. We were travelling through Europe en route to Berlin and we got pulled over by the German police and ended up having to empty everything out of our van for a drug raid. Sniffer dogs, drug tests, the whole shebang. Nothing was found, and they 'politely' left us to re-pack the whole van again. Not forgetting that it was 40 degrees outside. That night ended up playing an incredible gig and went on to party with models at Berlin Fashion Week. We won.

Another great show was when we supported Buzzcocks in Cardiff. To be given the opportunity to play with a band that has inspired us was amazing, but to be welcomed by their die-hard fans was more than an accomplishment.

You've been recording with Romesh Dodangoda. Is this for an EP or an album?

It's for our EP, Original Design, for which we'll be playing a launch show at Cardiff's Clwb Ifor Bach. Romesh knew exactly what we wanted to do with this EP which is why we work with him.

How will it be released?

For the time being we will be self releasing it on CD format but it will be available for download in the future.

What's been the band's career highlight so far?

Having the opportunity to record at Rockfield Studios. The roster of bands and artists that have recorded there makes it the dream location for any musician to even step inside. To be able to have recorded songs in the same room that the Oasis wrote some life changing songs, and to sit at the piano that Bohemian Rhapsody was apparently written on, speaks for itself on how inspirational that was for us.

What are your plans for the future?

We want to release this EP and get as much of a buzz that we possibly can, while continuously playing as many shows all over the UK and Europe and spread the word of TOWN as far and wide as possible.

You can hear the full session for seven days at www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/bethanelfyn.