Rocking the US

Arguably Malta’s most innovative rock band, the Beangrowers have been together for yonks, although they are still relatively young. In 1999 they signed to Rough Trade Records, and following the release of their debut album '48k' they toured extensively across central Europe, and even relocated to Germany for a two-year stint.
Over the last few months, the Beanies widened their horizons with their debut UK and US shows, sowing the seeds for a future release in these territories.
Wanderlust set firmly in their sights, Beangrowers intend continuing their stints outside the islands, but will also be gracing the concert venues here.
Recently they were invited to perform at the EU accession festivities in Berlin and Budapest.
MaltaToday caught up with the Beangrowers front-woman Alison soon after their return from Berlin where they played in front of the Brandenburg Gate.

The Beangrowers have been going for several years, where did you meet and what brought you together?
I have known Mark and Ian for about 13 years now through common teenage friends. I joined their jamming sessions at the age of 15 in the summer of ‘93 when they decided to form a band without yet knowing how to play their instruments.

Can you tell us briefly about the early days of your musical career?
The early days were fun and exciting but also very confusing. Fraser Gregory, who was a part of Beangrowers then, led the band into a more folky musical direction but after a short time and a few concerts decided to quit.
The early days of Beangrowers as a 3-piece were inspiring and paved the way to a whole new attitude and style.

What are your musical influences and those of Marc and Ian?
I am a music-lover and can give you a never-ending list of influences from different eras but my favourite singer is Billie Holiday. 70s rock music was also very influential and still remains my favourite decade for music. The only kind of music I cannot tolerate is Country...I don’t fancy cowboy
outfits and yodelling! Amongst Mark and Ian’s favourites are Joy Division, Tindersticks, Tom Waits and The Cure.

Throughout your career what were the high and low points?
High point: Playing the opening of Popkomm in Germany in 1999 to 3000 people and supporting Stereophonics, dEUS and Tindersticks.
Low point: Having had to take a long break due to personal reasons 2 years ago and therefore not being able to write songs together and perform.

There are several myths that follow rock bands and especially singers including those of starving artists, more than admiring groupies, jealous boyfriends, problems with over enthusiastic fans? What can you tell us about your experiences?
I have never had to starve, but have had (and still have) most of the other clichés you mentioned, except a jealous boyfriend! Had one once and that never works when you front a band.

How do you compare your CDs ‘48k’ and ‘Beangrowers’?
48K is like a ‘Best of’ of our old songs and demos prior to recording the album in 1998. ‘Beangrowers’ is a more mature and solid album which allowed us to experiment with our songs and give them a whole new meaning.

What can you tell us about the recent US tour?
It was a fantastic experience and I cannot wait to go there again. First of all, we were ecstatic about the fact that our band took us there and we were totally in awe at everything and everyone because it was all so new...just like starting all over again! Playing New York and in the same club that
Jeff Buckley played in, Sin-e, was such an honour for me because he is one of my favourite male artists. It was very inspiring for us all and it gave us the push to work even harder at writing more songs and finishing our next album.

How did that tour compare with others you have had, for example in Germany and the UK?
When we’re up on stage, it doesn’t matter where we are because the feeling and intensity between the 3 of us is always there. However, the language being the same really helps and the Americans in general were a lot more relaxed as opposed to the stiffness of the British crowds for example. Our German audiences are always very open to our music too and they understand it.
Both Germans and Americans were amazed that we come from this tiny island in the Mediterranean, even though hardly anyone in Texas and New York knew where the Mediterranean is, let alone Malta!
How have your own musical tastes evolved over the years?
They haven’t changed that much because I grew up listening to music that was before my time and nowadays still prefer it to modern music. I have grown to appreciate jazz a bit more than when I was younger though....it’s a sure sign I’m growing old.

What are you doing now and what plans for the future?
We are now in the process of writing some new songs as well as preparing others for our next album. We hope to finish it and release the album by the end of summer and then start touring and promoting it in autumn. Things are looking good and we are all very enthusiastic about a new release which has long been overdue. And I personally can’t wait to travel and tour as many countries and cities as possible because it's what I love best about being in a band.