Thanks to the internet and some good old fashioned punk ideals, those days are gone. Now, you can get your music to the market without the need of that fickle middleman – and that’s exactly what The Whiskycats have decided to do. We spoke to them to find out why they decided to take things into their own hands. You've decided to make your debut album yourselves. What made you take that decision? "Well, we decided it was time to record an album. We’ve tested the water with our single and EP releases and they went down really well. Every gig we do, people ask when can they buy the album. It’s a constant question in emails so we know people want it. Record companies are failing to really understand that people are crying out for music that they can dance to and that makes them happy.
 | | The Whiskycats |
"We have our own record label, Medical Records; we've put all the work in so far, so we want to keep it between ourselves. The main thing is we managed to get Jim Spencer on board, whose worked with The Charlatans, Black Grape, New Order and Jonny Marr. You don’t need a record company when you’ve got a good producer in a good studio." What sort of response have you had so far? "An excellent one. The pre-ordering is limited to 500 and we are well on our way. A lot of people are keen to support what we are doing and not just individuals, there are companies getting involved who want to be associated with the good music we are creating." What are people getting for their cash? "You get the album posted to you with your name printed inside the sleeve and a signed, framed artwork. But this is not just us making the album; it’s everyone who is pre-ordering it and all the companies who are supporting us. They are making it as well. | "It’s satisfying to know that everything we have done is down to our hard work and the enthusiasm of our fans." | | The Whiskycats on their word-of-mouth success |
"Aside from a sense of responsibility to ourselves, we feel a responsibility to produce an album they want to hear. People who enjoy the live sets are going to enjoy the album. Even though we had an opportunity to record some slower songs, we chose not to. We’ve just got the one token ballad." The album's being recorded at both The Charlatans' and Johnny Marr's studios. How does it feel to be working in the shadow of such illustrious names? "We are really pleased about the studio set up. They really suit us down to the ground. The sheer amount of guitar amps and effects pedals at Johnny’s is a massive bonus. And the kudos of being in Johnny’s studio is a bit of a thrill. We don’t think like we are in their shadow, because it’s something from a different era, but it does feel damn good to be here." What does it sound like? "A dirtier edge than our previous recordings. All those recordings have been in Dave’s bedroom. It’s very different working with an experienced producer who knows how to work efficiently to get the best out of all the members of the band. "Jim said he’d seen us live and wants people to feel they are at the front of the gig, dancing and feeling all the energy. The record is going to be something you wouldn’t be ashamed to play at a party." Your success is a real victory of word of mouth. Do you feel like you've got one over on the industry?
 | | Whiskycats entertain a sold out Academy 2 |
"Music is not a competition. It’s satisfying to know that everything we have done is down to our hard work and the enthusiasm of our fans. It’s not due to a press company or record company. We are not a product of hype. We don’t have a press company but we have fans by the thousands across the country. We are doing want we want to do, and people want to buy into it. What more can we say?" You played the Academy 2 recently to a massive 900 people. Is it frustrating to have that many people interested and no 'official' record deal? "It’s not frustrating at all. We know we are on the right track. We will have sold out Academy 1 before the end of the year. We are making an album in a top studio with a top producer. We have thousands of fans and complete independence over our music. We also don’t have to pay any record company execs any wages. "We are keeping it in the family and besides, a record deal can be more of a curse if a band gets signed too soon. Look at all the recent hyped bands to come out of Manchester, they are now struggling because they were not given time to develop and build a fan base in a traditional way. "It’s never been easier to make and market you own record. What we are doing is going to become more and more common as the record companies diminish in influence. There is no frustration, just excitement at what the future has to hold. And that future is our first album so buy it now to get your name on the sleeve for ever!" | 
