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Cathal
Smyth AKA Chas Smash from Issue #2 of The Skammunicator Fanzine
I
did an interview a while back with this legend and asked him about Madness
and his new band The Velvet Ghost, plus more.
Many
ska fans claim Madness as their own (I know I do) and yet different music
influences are evident. Do Madness call themselves a ska band?
No we don't call ourselves a ska band. We did originally call our
sound the nutty sound so as to avoid these tags as we felt our influences
were more broad.
What
young bands (ska in particular) have made you sit up and take notice?
In truth whilst I am aware of some of the current breed of ska bands
such as the Mighty Bosstones. It is some years since I collected ska records
as I preferred the more original sound but there are some really hot ska
bands with an original sound in the states these days.
There
are heaps of Madness cover/tribute bands, what do you think of them?
If a band wants to play covers of Madness songs that's cool with me
.I think it's a great way to learn song structures, which helps with future
song writing. I haven't ever gone to see a madness tribute band but it's
flattering that they do it and I wish them well.
The
Skatalites have had the problem of not seeing any of the money from CDs
of their music in recent times, have Madness had a similar problem?
I think the Skatalites' problems with royalties is probably indicative
of the music bizness in those days and would not occur in general these
days.
Is
it true Madness left the 2-tone label because too much money was spent
on tropical plants for the office?
No your story is wrong .the plant incident was to do with record companies
that we visited to get a deal who seemed to spend loads on the décor of
their offices, that's why we went with Stiff who seemed more concerned
with music. We did not stay on Two Tone as they only had a deal with Chrysalis
records to release six singles, so we went where we could make an album.
Where
did the Velvet Ghost draw its members from?
The
wonderful world of music...
Boz Boorer: The mighty Boz, is the musical director & guitarist. An
original Polecat & probably best known, for being Morrissey's guitarist,
musical director & co-writer. His many projects have included working
with Kirsty MacColl, Edwin Collins, Jools Holland, Joan Armatrading &
Adam Ant to name but a few!
David Ruffy: Drummer, previously with The Ruts, Aztec Camera, Sinead O'Connor
& is currently in Kirsty MaColl's band
Louis Vause: keyboards & accordion, Louis has played with everyone
& his talents also stretch to writing for television (music &
sketch) & the last Toyota adverts!
Jason Wilson: Double Bass, been in the music scene forever & is currently
playing with the up & coming Bap Kennedy
Damian
Hand: Saxophone as with all the other guys he's a seasoned musician, sessions
with Jools Holland & Bap Kennedy
Sean MacGloin: Violin, Harmonica & Bagpipes: Sean is Cathal's cousin
& by day a lawyer. By night he plays anywhere & everywhere!
Jason McDermid: Trumpet, currently playing in Jools Holland's band
Between the 8 members of the band, their résumé's look like a who's who
of the music industry, each has at some time played with another member
of the band, Ruffy & Boz both with Adam & the Ants, Jason M &
Cathal on the last Madness album etc
 I
see some of the songs in the Velvet Ghost set were also on the Madness
album 'Wonderful'. Are the songs any different and how so?
The feel on most are different..I have restored original lyrics and
arrangements which were altered during recording.
What
can punters expect when going to a Velvet Ghost gig?
They will get to know me through my songs and they will leave exile
and content.
Does
these early days of the Velvet Ghost bring back memories of your early
Madness days?
If anything I am keeping the ghost as fresh as possible by trying
to make the performances special by only playing when and where I like,
which is exactly how it was in the early days of madness.. you know as
if its yours and not a record companies.
The
Velvet Ghost played a gig on the 10th June in London. Did you
find you attracted Madness fans or people interested in the Velvet Ghost?
I didn't promote the ghost particularly as I was doing the fleadh
to see if the ghost would work so although a few madness fans and friends
turned up the rest didn't have a clue who I or the ghost was which is
the way I wanted it as I was interested to see if the ghost could draw
people to the stage by the music alone, which I think we achieved.
You
were on vocals and horns for Madness, now you're on guitar and vocals
for the Velvet Ghost. How many instruments can you play and why the swapping?
I am not swapping per se I used to write only on piano but after working
with the La's at Go Disc records I acquired a like for the acoustic and
learnt quite a bit about strumming which brought a new edge to my song
writing. I play a few instruments a little and mostly for my own satisfaction..the
following I have turned my hands to .flute..tin whistle..trumpet..bagpipes(
a bit out of practice now) piano guitar and bhodrean.
I
ask this in every interview, what one band would the Velvet Ghost give
their right arms to play with?
I am not sure as I have not really thought about it. I will get back
to you on that one.
What
are the plans for The Velvet Ghost and Madness?
The plan for the ghost is to record an album in September and play
some shows in October here in the uk I will make the album available on
velvetghost.com that's as far as I have gone...Madness well that's in
the lap of the Gods, who knows.
In
Australia we pronounce my surname Smyth as Smyth, where as the Irish pronounce
it Smith, how do you pronounce it?
As the Irish.
If
your house was robbed (completely hypothetically), what one Ian Dury album
would you hope wasn't flogged? How did the great man influence you?
New Boots a superb piece of work..I learnt I think from Mr Dury to
overcome the odds to sing in the style that's comfortable and to work
with words in a way that excites the ear and the imagination.
What's
some stores in the UK Cathal Smyth might buy his clothes especially pork
pie and bowler hats from?
I don't buy bowlers only the occasional top hat .I have not worn a
pork pie hat in at least 15 years as these days I favour a Homberg. which
can be bought from Terry's menswear in Harrow rd or Herbert and Johnson
in Old Bond Street.
Is
there any chance Madness or the Velvet ghost might be coming to Australia
in the future?
I would love the ghost to tour Australia and I will definitely put
it on my shopping list as regards Madness I think the band have trouble
getting out of bed to go to the shops at the moment let alone Australia.
And in closing
Today as Madness is wallowing in inactivity I am getting so much joy
out of planning the ghost. I like to perform and the interaction with
a crowd is the ultimate experience for an artiste so more performing as
the ghost. I would like to say hello to all around the bar in Mildura
and all that I met over the years. good luck to all of you and may your
hopes and aspirations be realised.
Thanks to Cathyl and Adele for organising the interview, much appreciated.
Photos/pictures
used with the permission of Chassmash.co.uk & should not be
copied or used elsewhere without the owners written consent
www.chassmash.co.uk
www.velvetghost.com
the world the music & the mind of the velvetghost
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