The Smokin’ Pilchards
A Profile
“….there was a pub that we spent a lot of time in growing up called ‘The Five Pilchards’, so we used part of that, so its sort of connected to our past, but I’m not sure where the smokin’ bit came from….” John Cartwright (Vocalist/Guitarist)“….We were kicking ideas around and I liked the idea of Johnny and the Smokin’ Pilchards, because it sounded quite Rock ’n’ Roll, but then it was shortened to ‘Smokin’ Pilchards, and to be honest when you google it, you want get many bands pop up with the same name….” Ted Cartwright (Saxophone)
With a unique name, comes a unique responsibility. Smokin’ Pilchards definitely deliver on that score. Armed with a vibrant live sound and a passion for performing the band effortlessly blend together a Mod/Ska rhythm with a fist full of Rock ’n’ Roll guitar, and then sprinkle the energy of a Folk/Shanty edge to create a sound you won’t forget.
“….I spent my childhood watching my Dad’s band play, so grew up on that kind of old school Rock and R’n’B, which sort of feeds into my playing now….” John
So the story begins, how a lot of these things do. A conversation, in a bar.
“….Yeah, it started as just a chat over a beer in a pub, and then next thing you know, Smoking Pilchards was born….” Ted
So the brothers Cartwright, John and Ted, went fishing for more talent to fill their ranks. Their first port of call, their own doorstep.
“….we’d been in bands for a while ,either together with dad or on our own, so it was kind of a natural step to take….” John
Rob, aka,Roberto Carlucci, aka, Dad was the first to join up as Lead Guitarist for his sons’ new venture.
“….there is just something about being in a band with your family, you can say things to them that you wouldn’t normally say to a stranger, and feel more comfortable in saying that something isn’t working, like I can say to Ted ‘that saxophone was shit’ and he can say ‘Piss off’….” John
With the Cartwright trinity in place they now needed a rhythm section. The call went out and was picked up by an array of percussionists and drummers. Eventually settling with Al Woodhouse as their semi permanent rhythm man the band was almost complete.
“….we’ve always had a sort of fluid arrangement when it comes to drums….” John
Next, Ted reached out to an old band mate and regular fixture on the Stourbridge music scene, Ryan Peters.
“….they had made a three track demo that I listened to, and they were just really good songs….” Ryan (U-Bass)
Despite not being related both Ryan and Al felt immediately accepted into the Cartwright fold and a family like bond began to grow between them.
“….I’d known Ted for a while, and frankly the Cartwright’s are one of the nicest families in Stourbridge, so it was just so easy to play with them….” Ryan
The band now assembled, they began working on material, soon finding a groove that fit and a following to match.
“….I was told by an old friend, who had toured for a while with bands all over, that if you want to play in a pub or club, you’ve got to do one of two things, either play something that everyone knows, or play something that gets them moving….” Ted
Taking these words seriously, The Smokin’ Pilchards filled each live performance with energy and passion. Their fuel, the songs written by John.
“….he’d bring us another great song he’d written, and then we’d get to add our own ideas to it, he might say he had a thought on this or that but would then let us get on with it….” Ryan
With this creative and comfortable atmosphere it wasn’t too long before an album was born, Into the Brine. The album was an instant success with the bands followers and so they eagerly took it on the road.
“….We enjoyed recording our songs but just found it difficult to replicate the kind of excitement and energy we’d have from playing live….” John
So they threw themselves into performing. Soon they were regular fixtures at venues like Clap Trap the Venue in Stourbridge, and even bars like Hillbillies Bar in Cornwall.
“….with me living in Cornwall, it kind of lets us gig all over to be honest, as we’re all happy to travel, because we just all love performing so much….” John
Eventually John and the band had begun work on a follow up album as well as booking several festivals across the summer, with the hopes of launching the new album around August.
“….one of my big things, is that I wanted to become quite a big festival band….”
Sadly, like many bands this year all plans were pulled from under them and everything was placed on to the back burner. This hasn’t stopped the creativity however.
“….we’re still hoping to get the new album out towards the end of the year though, so fingers crossed….” John
Despite the set back, The Smokin’ Pilchards show no sign of slowing down and if there songs are anything to go by, you would give anything to be in that room when they make their anticipated return to the stage. Expect a storm of good vibes and great music.
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