5 minutes with...JOCANOVIC
Jocanovic are: JACK MASSIE - Singing, guitar, lyrics; EMYR DAVIES - Singing, guitar, violin; CALLUM LEE - Guitars; RHYS O'LEARY - Bass, backing vocals; DAVID TAYLOR - Drums
How and where did you all meet?
Well everyone has their own story. Jack (guitarist, vocals and songwriter), Rhys (bass, backing vocals) and Dave (drums) decided to form an indie band based on The Libertines. This 3-piece experiment, after playing at school parties and other local gigs, went on to win the first heat of a Welsh Battle of the Bands at what was formerly known as Creation. Then, during a holiday trip to Newquay, Emyr (violin, vocals) was recruited and his impressive voice and talented fiddle skills provided a unique edge to Jocanovic’s music. Now as a four piece, Jocanovic went on to win Welsh Band of the Year 2006 at Cardiff Barfly. Finally, Jack asked Callum if he could borrow his acoustic guitar, and after some thought Jack decided to have Callum in the band as well which further made the songs more diverse and made the live shows more of a spectacle with a full sound.
Who's the best looking? (who gets all the girls?)
After every gig, Emyr always attracts the girls...but he always disappears and we end up chatting to them. Emyr will chat to anyone, for hours...about nothing at all!
Which of you is the best musician?
All of us are good musicians in our own field. Jack is the best songwriter and Emyr is talented because he can play guitar, violin, piano and sing very well. Callum has played guitar for many years and taught himself to play it, giving him a unique style, and Rhys is great at writing catchy bass lines and provides quality backing vocal harmonies. Dave... drums.
Would success ruin you, do you think?
If success ever came we don’t think it would ruin us. We are working hard to achieve all we can and we wouldn’t let the success go to our heads if it ever came. However, you can never be too sure. We reckon it would be either Emyr or Jack that would go over the edge if success ever came!
What do you think of Katherine Jenkins' drug revelations?
A lot of people have dabbled with drugs when they’re young, at least she publicly confessed about it rather than denying it. She’s a talented Welsh songstress and a key figure in Welsh classical music. We don’t really like opera but Rhys has seen Hansel and Gretel...
Who are your musical idols?
Our music is mainly based on Jack’s influences as he is the main songwriter and he has a wide range of influences such as Buddy Holly, The Levellers, The Smiths and Bruce Springsteen. The other band members take influence from the likes of Kings of Leon, Stereophonics, The Strokes and more.
If you weren't in this band what would each of you be doing?
We would probably all be at university, but we are working hard to make the band live up to its expectations and having a laugh while we are doing it. University can wait.
What are you doing for Christmas?
We have an alternative comedy Christmas version of our song “This Side of December” which will be introduced at our live shows across Wales around Christmas time!
Which is your favourite Welsh venue to play?
The Point is the best venue to play. The sound there is always top quality and there is a great vibe on and off the stage.
Do you think you have a Welsh sound?
The majority of unsigned bands in Wales are based on Emo or Metal off the back of Bullet for my Valentine or Lostprophets. We have all seen decent unsigned bands in Wales and the music scene in Wales, especially Cardiff, is a vibrant one. As for us, we do not feel that we have a sound typical of unsigned Welsh bands today but we do take influence from bands such as Manic Street Preachers.
Describe the most disastrous gig you've ever done...
Back in the day, we played at Penllyn fete. The only viewers consisted of an old man and his sandwich and a child who repeatedly kicked Dave as he played the drums. Looking back it was quite amusing, but hopefully that won’t happen again!
What is your favourite restaurant?
Servini’s has the best baguettes in the world and the people who work there are great. Best breakfast in the world, no question.
What is your favourite bar?
‘The Woodville’ (Woodies) in Cathays is our favourite place to go for a drink but there are a lot of cool bars all over Cardiff. Lloyds probably comes in second place with its lively atmosphere and The Prince of Wales is a great starting point to a night out in Cardiff (right next to the bus station, very cheap drinks!).
What is your favourite club?
‘Tiger Tiger’ is our favourite club because of the private karaoke, it’s a right laugh if the night is good.
Where would you take someone on their first visit here, to show them
Cardiff at its best?
Cardiff Bay is excellent. Great restaurants, great bars and impressive buildings like the Millennium Centre. It’s all very modern there.
Check out Jocanovic's myspace site at: myspace.com/jocanovic