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'''The Automatic''' |
'''The Automatic''' also known as '''The Automatic Automatic''' in the [[United States|U.S.]] and [[Canada]] (after the band were faced with legal action from someone under the name of ''Automatic''<ref>{{cite web |title=The Automatic Automatic interview |work=They Will Rock You (Mary Ouellette)|date=[[June]] [[2007]] |url=http://www.theywillrockyou.com/index.php/interviews/the_automatic_automatic/ |accessdate = March 02 |accessyear=2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |(video) The Sauce interview with The Automatic Automatic |work=[[Fuse TV]] |date=July 31 2007 |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid219252199/bclid1114968981/bctid1130125341 |accessdate = March 02 |accessyear=2008}}</ref>) are a welsh based band, the three original members [[James Frost|Frost]], [[Robin Hawkins|Rob]], and [[Iwan Griffiths|Iwan]] are from [[Wales]], however new addition [[Paul Mullen]] (originally of [[YCNI:M]]) is from [[Newcastle]]. The band originally formed in [[Cowbridge]], however now are based in a studio in [[Cardiff]].<ref>{{cite web |title= If only success was Automatic|work= icwales (Claire Rees)|date= [[October 14]] [[2008]]|url=http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/whats-on/tm_objectid=16250099&method=full&siteid=50082&headline=if-only-success-was-automatic-name_page.html |accessdate = November 10|accessyear=2006}}</ref> [[Jarcrew]], [[Muse (band)|Muse]], [[Blur (band)|Blur]] and [[The Blood Brothers (band)|The Blood Brothers]] are among the bands influences <ref>{{cite web |title= The Automatic, Not Accepted Anywhere|work= [[The Guardian]] (Sophie Heawood)|date= [[June 16]] [[2006]]|url= http://arts.guardian.co.uk/filmandmusic/story/0,,1798353,00.html|accessdate= March 02 |accessyear=2008}}</ref>The band released their debut album on June 19th through [[B-Unique Records]] and [[Polydor Records]], the album featured the prior to LP release single [[Recover (song)|Recover]], [[Raoul (song)|Raoul]] and [[Monster (song)|Monster]].<ref>{{cite web |title= The Automatic announce debut album release|work= NME|date= [[April 27]] [[2006]]|url= http://www.nme.com/news/the-automatic/22909|accessdate= April 27|accessyear=2008}}</ref> The band as of [[March 01]] [[2008|08]] have finished their second album with new member [[Paul Mullen]], after keyboardist [[Alex Pennie]] left in September 2007.<ref>{{cite web |title= What we've been up to since last blog innit!|work= theautomatic.co.uk (James Frost)|date= [[October 22]] [[2007]]|url= http://www.theautomatic.co.uk/myblog.php?id=85 theautomatic.co.uk|accessdate= October 22 |accessyear=2008}}</ref> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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Revision as of 12:20, 2 March 2008
The Automatic |
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The Automatic also known as The Automatic Automatic in the U.S. and Canada (after the band were faced with legal action from someone under the name of Automatic[2][3]) are a welsh based band, the three original members Frost, Rob, and Iwan are from Wales, however new addition Paul Mullen (originally of YCNI:M) is from Newcastle. The band originally formed in Cowbridge, however now are based in a studio in Cardiff.[4] Jarcrew, Muse, Blur and The Blood Brothers are among the bands influences [5]The band released their debut album on June 19th through B-Unique Records and Polydor Records, the album featured the prior to LP release single Recover, Raoul and Monster.[6] The band as of March 01 08 have finished their second album with new member Paul Mullen, after keyboardist Alex Pennie left in September 2007.[7]
History
Band Beginnings (1988-2005)
The members first met at Primary school, in the early nineties, and formed a band at the age of 13. This was without ex-member Alex Pennie, who was asked to join 5 years later.[8][9] Originally known as White Rabbit [10], they renamed themselves The Automatic because they believe that music is the antidote to "the automatic life".[11] They signed a 5 album record deal [12] with B-Unique Records[13](home of Kaiser Chiefs) in their gap, they are managed by Martin Bowen.
Not Accepted Anywhere (2006-2007)
In November 2005, the band released their first single, "Recover", prior to the release of their debut album Not Accepted Anywhere, this single however was not chart eligible since only 1,500 copies were released on vinyl and only 3,500 on CD. Also in 2005, The Automatic won The Pop Factory award for "Best New Band".
On March 27, 2006, the band's next single, "Raoul", was released, reaching #32 in the UK Singles Chart. The third single, "Monster", was released on June 5, 2006 and reached #4, but entered the UK Singles Chart at #23 the week before based on download sales alone. "Monster" has also been re-mixed into a dance track by Fatboy Slim, and some football teams use the song as an anthem.[14] Former Keyboardist Alex Pennie has expressed his thoughts on football fans singing their song "Monster", and does not see it as a good thing, nor does he get any thrill out of them singing it, also stating "I'm not the biggest fan of football, I class it a waste of time," in an interview with MTV.co.uk [15]
Not Accepted Anywhere, was released on 19 June, 2006, which they celebrated with a signing and performance in Oxford Street's HMV.
On July 17, 2006 shortly after the UK release of Not Accepted Anywhere, the Raoul EP was released, containing a number of early songs and b-sides to Not Accepted Anywhere. The EP also included the original versions of "Recover" and "Raoul".[16]
The Automatic have been heavily criticised for their follow-ups to their chart hit "Monster", which peaked at #4 in UK charts. The band has been accused of being a "one-hit wonder"[17][18][19] Not Accepted Anywhere was also criticised for the tracks sounding too similar to one another.[20][21][22]
The fourth single was a full release of "Recover", and is actually a re-recorded version of the song which the record label felt to be a more fully-realised performance. Generally it is heavier in sound, features more synths from Pennie and a sharper guitar sound for Frost's solo.
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16 August 2006 saw the band's second EP, titled Live at the 100 Club, the EP was recorded at the 100 Club, in London and made exclusive to iTunes.[23]
The fifth single, a re-release of "Raoul", was released on January 8, 2007. The single fared worse than its original release, however received higher plays on MTV, Kerrang and other music stations.[24]
On June 26, 2007 the band released their debut album, Not Accepted Anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. This comes prior to their attendance at the Vans Warped Tour, 2007. Their first U.S. single, "Monster", was released on April 24, 2007.[25]
Departure of Alex Pennie
On August 26 2007 Pennie performed for the final time with the band at Get Loaded In The Park [26]
On 18 September 2007 it was announced by The Automatic that Alex Pennie had left the band. It was later revealed that he had wanted to leave the band since January 2007.[27] It was announced through the bands website and through the bands myspace that Pennie had been finding playing with his band mates increasingly unenjoyable and that he had been growing apart from them.[28][29] Up until this point Pennie was reported to be working with the band on their second album [30], stating in an interview with NME;
I'm much more excited about the second record, its shaping up to be quite dark and sinister and my vocals are getting better as well.[31]
Alex Pennie
In November NME reported that the band have had no direct contact with Pennie since the split, which also took place earlier than the official split according to his former band mates, Rob has exchanged MySpace messages with Pennie however, reporting that he is doing ok, and that he now has a new punk band.[32] Alex Pennie has more recently stated that he is returning to the UK to start work on a new project. [33]
Second, Untitled album (2007 - present)
In February 2007 guitarist James Frost was interviewed and stated that a non-album single would be released around March 2007. However it was never released, nor was it ever officially said what song was going to be released, although it was speculated to be "Revolution" which the band played throughout their NME Indie Rock Tour.[34]
The band have said that they want their second album to sound more Foo Fightery, also saying they wish their studio sound to become less pop and more like their current loud and energetic live sound.[35]
During the NME tour, the band showcased two new songs "Steve McQueen" and "Revolution" which could appear on the album however they may not.[36]. In playmusic magazine it is suggested that the sound on the second album will change; the band have maintained that their debut was too pop, however they have said in other interviews that there will be no drastic changes in the genre for the second album.
The band began work on writing the second album when they traveled to the America, for the Vans Warped Tour 2007,[37] when the band returned this was then continued in their studio in Cardiff. [38][39][40]
On October 19 2007 it was reported by Rock Sound that former yourcodenameis:milo vocalist Paul Mullen would be replacing Pennie.[41][42][43]
It was reported on October 22 2007 that Paul Mullen was to the join the band, however he is not the direct replacement for Pennie, but will be the band's rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist. The band also are reported to have 20 songs demoed and ready to record, half of which were written with Alex Pennie [44], and the other half have been wrote with Paul Mullen. The new album will feature just as much keyboards according to James Frost, however synths and keyboards will be split between the four band members.[45]
The new songs apparently are poppier than before, with some heavier songs and some more mellow songs according to James Frost.[46]
As of March 1st 08 the band have completed there album, and have returned from there Los Angeles studio to begin promotion and touring in the United Kingdom. The album is set for release in may, with a song to be put on the bands myspace in the coming weeks.[47][48]
In March the band will begin there Club Tour, playing at smaller venues to "get up close" with the fans. Support for the tour will come from Viva Machine.[49] It was announced through the bands myspace, official website and through NME that the band would be letting fans vote for what songs they want to hear on there upcoming tour.[50][51]
Live, television and radio performances
The Automatic are well known for their extremely energetic on stage performances, the constant microphone swinging from keyboardist Alex Pennie, as well as crowd surfing from guitarist James Frost. As well as these features the band are well known for their performances of Gold Digger, which on numerous ocasions they have been joined by various guests when performing the cover, including Newton Faulkner on the Warped Tour, and Goldie Lookin Chain at reading festival[52]. The band as well as covering this have taken to covering Talking Heads classic, Life During Wartime [53][54]. In more recent times the band have performed Personal Jesus, originally by Depeche Mode, however the song is performed in the same manner as Marilyn Manson's 2004 cover.[55][56] The Automatic's most notable touring appearances are at Reading Festival 2006 [57], NME Awards Indie Rock Tour 2007[58], and Vans Warped Tour 2007[59].
Criticisms and controversy
In July 2006 the band appeared on GMTV's early breakfast show despite expressing a desire not to appear, however due to a party the band mates attended the night before they had not sobered up, and instead carried on drinking, during the performance the band where made to mime it, thus leading to Alex Pennie jumping around more so than usual, whilst Frost smashed his rented out guitar, then the two jumped into Iwans drum git, whilst Rob and Iwan continued miming.[60]During the incident a cameraman supposedly received a glancing injury from guitarist James Frost and threatened the band with legal action.[61][62]
During the band's 2007 NME indie rock tour Alex Pennie had a incident with a stage invader, who managed to get on stage, lighting a cigarette, and sat on one of the stack amps, this lead to Pennie jumping up and wrestling the invader to the ground where the scrap was broken up by bassist Rob Hawkins.[63]
Kasabian lashed out at The Automatic as well as Bloc Party and Pete Doherty, branding the band as horrible and labeling Doherty as tramp.[64]
The band slated pop singer Sandi Thom for mixing with the wrong scene, saying "If she was a punk rocker with flowers in her hair she'd get the s*** kicked out of her by other punk rockers, for having flowers in her hair."[65]
James Frost and Robin Hawkins lashed out at The Horrors branding them as crap, however the incident was later re-iterated by the band and was in-fact mainly NME trying to put the two bands against each other for there 2007 Indie Tour.[66]
David Hasselhoff
Since 2005 the band have been requesting shrines for David Hasselhoff at the venues they perform at.[67] The band have said they respect the actor and musician and would in-fact at some point very much like to work with him.
In 2006 the band aided Hasselhoff's chart success by purchasing all of his single "Jump in My Car" in Bristol Virgin Megastore; drummer Iwan Giffiths then justified their actions by saying the band were Hasselfoff fans and that they would love the opportunity to work with him at some point.[68]The band have been featured a number of times in parts of various Hasselhoff websites. [69]
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Other appearances
In 2006 they became the first band to make an return performance on The Friday Night Project.[70]
In 2006 also the band appeared in BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, playing there number #4 hit"Monster" along with their alternative cover of Kanye West's "Gold Digger", the track was also later featured on the CD live lounge.[71]
In 2006 the band played T4 on the Beach, similarly to there GMTV performance they were forced to mime, again leading to the band playing whilst drunk, however this time not as much destruction was caused by the band mates.[72]
On four separate occasions the band have appeared on the T4 show Popworld. After the broadcasting in an interview the band stated that if The Kooks and Razorlight got into a fight then they would support The Kooks, saying that Johnny Borrell has a lot of people who already dislike him. This came after their appearance on Top Of The Pops[73], as were The Kooks, and ironically Lostprophets, which they felt was awkward considering Fearne Cotton had previously been dating Luke Pritchard and Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins, during the interview with popworld Iwan made jokes of how Fearne was giving Frost the eye[74]
In September 2006 the members made an appearance along with The Manic Street Preachers in Sky Sports show Soccer AM, there track "Raoul" was also soon featured on the shows soundtrack to the year.[75]
On November 16, 2006, Alex Pennie appeared as a guest on panel show, Never Mind The Buzzcocks.[76]
On January 9, 2007, Robin Hawkins and Alex Pennie stood in on the Zane Lowe show on BBC Radio 1, hosting a two hour show, with tracks from Frank Turner and Viva Machine, The View, and several other artists.[77]
On January 11, 2007 the band appeared in Habbo Hotel UK.[78]
In July 2007 Rob was interviewed on The Vinnie Langdon Show [79] USA TV Show in Sacramento, California.[80]
Musical style
The band are often descried as Electro-Disco-Punk Rock[81], with synthesizers and keyboards backing up a firm punk rock sound. With influences such as Jarcrew, Muse, Blur and The Blood Brothers [82], and a joint love for bands such as Radiohead and Ash.[83] "Not Accepted Anywhere" was said to have elements of pop, punk, emo, techno, electro and funk[84]
Band members
Jamie Allen could be seen at the band's live shows during their 2006 and 2007 tours; during the bands cover of Gold Digger he is seen playing bass whilst Rob Hawkins plays flute and Pennie sings lead vocals. After Alex Pennie left the band wanted people to know that Paul Mullen is not the direct replacement for Pennie, and that Mullen will be in fact mainly acting as a rhythm guitarist, with synths and keyboards being split between Frost, Paul and Rob.[85]
The Automatic, as of 2007, is composed of:
- Rob Hawkins (lead vocals, bass guitar)
- James Frost (guitar, vocals, synths&keyboards)
- Iwan Griffiths (drums)
- Paul Mullen (rhythm guitar, vocals, synths & keyboards)
Touring
- Jamie Allen (Bass Guitar, Guitar Tech)
Former members
- Alex Pennie (synths, keyboards, vocals) (2003-2007)
Awards
Won
|
Nominated
|
Discography
Albums
| The Automatic discography | |
|---|---|
| Singles | Recover, Raoul, Monster, Recover (Re-Release), Raoul (Re-Release), Monster (USA release) |
| The Automatic discography |
|---|
References
- ^ Not Accepted Anywhere, illustrated booklet, back cover - The Automatic Use
- ^ "The Automatic Automatic interview". They Will Rock You (Mary Ouellette). June 2007. Retrieved March 02.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=and|date=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ Fuse TV. July 31 2007 http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid219252199/bclid1114968981/bctid1130125341. Retrieved March 02.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=and|date=(help); Missing or empty|title=(help); Text "(video) The Sauce interview with The Automatic Automatic" ignored (help) - ^ "If only success was Automatic". icwales (Claire Rees). October 14 2008. Retrieved November 10.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=and|date=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "The Automatic, Not Accepted Anywhere". The Guardian (Sophie Heawood). June 16 2006. Retrieved March 02.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=and|date=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "The Automatic announce debut album release". NME. April 27 2006. Retrieved April 27.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=and|date=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ theautomatic.co.uk "What we've been up to since last blog innit!". theautomatic.co.uk (James Frost). October 22 2007. Retrieved October 22.
{{cite web}}: Check|url=value (help); Check date values in:|accessdate=and|date=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ NME 19 May 1998
- ^ The Automatic at HayStackThe Automatic
- ^ MTVThe Automatic biography at MTV
- ^ "The Automatic interview" by Nat Davies and Susie Wild, BBC Wales, 2005, retrieved January 4, 2007.
- ^ SoundNationInterview with sound nation in September 2005 - Retrieved December 11, 2007
- ^ B-Unique Records
- ^ "Top 10 Football Chants of 2006" BBC Sport 2006, retrieved February 9, 2007
- ^ Don't Mention MonsterMTVUK News 2006, retrieved April 3, 2007
- ^ Raoul EP
- ^ MonsterThe Automatic 'Monster'
- ^ Soundgenerator.comThe Automatic Review
- ^ beatsurrender.comReview Liverpool NME Tour
- ^ Raoul Re-Release Chart Blog
- ^ Guardian Art.Guardian slates Not Accepted Anywhere.
- ^ Drowned In Sound Review of Not Accepted Anywhere
- ^ iTunes/Coke The Automatic Live at the 100 Club
- ^ Raoul Re-Release
- ^ The Automatic Automatic Not Accepted Anywhere USA Release
- ^ efestivalsGet Loaded In The Park - Alex Pennies final gig with The Automatic - retrieved January 8 2008
- ^ ICWALESPennie leave the automatic
- ^ theautomaticNews - The Automatic have today announced that keyboard player Alex Pennie has left the band - September 18 2007
- ^ NMEPennie leaves the automatic
- ^ theautomaticBlog- Home and Studio - 10.09.2007
- ^ NME 19 May 2007 page 35
- ^ NME 3 November 2007 News
- ^ myspace bulletin 16 December 2007 5:16 Details on his return to the UK and starting on a new project
- ^ James FrostRadio interview James Frost talks about NME, America and The Second Album (5:16 Details on a new single)
- ^ UkMusicUkMusic interview further details on the second album
- ^ New Songs On TourNME News Thread 2006, retrieved February 9, 2007
- ^ HighSoc.com Interview With The Band
- ^ theautomaticBlog - Rob Hawkins Blog - The Automatic back in studio - 20.08.2007
- ^ theautomaticBlog - Iwan - return to the studio
- ^ Tour.net Iwan Interviewed By Warped Tour.net
- ^ Rock SoundPaul Mullen replaces AAlex Pennie
- ^ PorlacarretaPaul Mullen pennies replacement
- ^ NMEPaul Mullen joins the automatic
- ^ NME 19 May 2007 page 35
- ^ TheAutomatic James Frosts blog
- ^ NME 3 November 2007 News
- ^ "Comin home, with new tunes in our suitcases. literally". myspace blog. March 01 2008. Retrieved March 02.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=and|date=(help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ icwalesrelease details for the automatic - retrieved December 01 2007
- ^ gigwise"The Automatic Announce UK Club Tour"
- ^ NME NME The Automatic let fans pick their setlist - retrieved - February 22, 2008
- ^ theautomaticblog - Help us pick the setlist for the March/April tour retrieved - February 20, 2008
- ^ Gold DiggerThe Automatic Live Performance Of Gold Digger, Originally by Kanye West.
- ^ Life During WartimeThe Automatic Life During Wartime Cover
- ^ SXSW Life During WartimeSXSW Festival Youtube Performance
- ^ Personal Jesus Cover of 'Personal Jesus' YouTube video
- ^ Personal Jesus Marilyn Manson's Cover, similar to The Automatics cover
- ^ LastFM Past Events2006 Tour History
- ^ NME News ArticalNME Indie Rock Tour Line-up 2007
- ^ Vans Warped Tour2007 Band Lineup
- ^ NME"The Automatic trash GMTV set" - Jul 21, 2006
- ^ "The Automatic Facing Legal Action", Contactmusic.com, August 2, 2006, retrieved November 10, 2006.
- ^ contactmusic"The Automatic explain there GMTV incident"
- ^ NME "The Automatic cause havoc on Shockwaves NME Awards indie tour" - Feb 2, 2007
- ^ contactmusic"Kasabian Slam Music Scene" - 05/07/2006
- ^ BBCTOTP"Monster Stink" Retrieved - December 4 2007
- ^ NMEThe Automatic brand The Horrors as "Crap"
- ^ contactmusicRob Hawkins explains David Hasselhoof shrines Retrieved December 07 2007
- ^ contactmusic
- ^ thedailyhasselhoff"Merry Xmas from The Automatic" - Hasselhoff website appreciating The Automatic
- ^ The Automatic IMDBThe Automatic Filmography
- ^ Live Lounge CDDetails and Track Listing for BBC Radio 1 live lounge cd.
- ^ stereoboard "The Automatic Promise Live TV Appearance To Remember"
- ^ BBCBBC Top Of The Pops interview Monster - Retrieved - December 4 2007
- ^ PopworldInterview with The Automatic - Retrieved December 4 2007
- ^ Sky Sports 1 - 16th September 2006 - SoccerAM
- ^ Alex Pennie on N.M.T.B Keyboardist Alex Pennie Appears on Never Mind the Buzzcocks
- ^ Zane Lowe On Holiday"Robin Hawkins and Alex Pennie stand in for Zane Lowe", January 9, 2007
- ^ The Automatic In Habbo Hotel
- ^ vinnielangdonshow
- ^ YoutubeTVVinnie Langdon Show, youtube clip
- ^ "bbc theautomatic not accepted anywhere". bbc. Retrieved 2007-10-29.
- ^ "theautomatic influences". The Automatic (Myspace). Retrieved 2007-10-29.
- ^ "theautomatic the sound". theautomatic.co.uk. Retrieved 2007-10-29.
- ^ NMEThe Automatic Not Accepted Anywhere
- ^ theautomaticBlog - Paul Mullen officially announced as new member. - 22.10.2007
- ^ Pop Factory Awards 2006
- ^ Pop Factory Awards 2006
- ^ Contact Music2006 Vodafone Music Awards
- ^ T4 Popworld Popworld artist of the year interview -Retrieved December 4 2007
- ^ thepopfactoryThe Pop Factory Awards 2007 winners.
- ^ Wales Pop Factory Awards 2007 Nominations
- ^ kerrang!Best British Newcomer - August 24, 2006
- ^ James FrostRadio interview James Frost talks about NME, America and The Second Album (5:16 Details on a new single)
- ^ NMEThe Automatic showcase new songs on the NME 2007 Tour - retirevied February 22 2008
- ^ theautomatic picture - In studio song list - retrieved January 22 2008
- ^ theautomatic blog - Iwan band blog - 18.01.2008
External links