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Everyone likes to get more acquainted with the bands he or she listens to, get to feel closer to them, more personal. So we are going to bring you a bit closer to Hats Off Gentlemen. We are a curious bunch here at Wicked Times Radio and when we hear  an artist  that has a bit of an unusual sound or different sound we tingle with delight. Hats Off has a very unique sound that we have come to like quite a bit and we think a bit of you will like them as well. So let's get started by telling you about their start and passions, shall we? Our Interview is with  Malcolm Galloway and Mark Gatland who have been playing in bands for about 30 years. We began to ask "Which do you prefer solo or performing in a band? What do you feel the drawbacks the pros and cons of both?" They both politely responded :

Malcolm:   I much prefer playing in a band, although I am happy to do solo sets, accompanying myself on guitar or piano, if Mark isn’t available.

Playing solo is logistically simpler than playing in a large group, but with our current setup, which for most gigs the band is Mark and myself plus various electronic gadgets, we have the simplicity of not needing to coordinate a larger group, and transport much equipment, along with the big sound of a prog rock band and the communication and joy of performing as a group.

 

Mark: Band, obviously....playing with others, sharing the experience and music and reacting to each other is what makes it special. Music is a language and it's nice to communicate with others and not talk to yourself! As a bass player, I've been very fortunate to have played with many great drummers over the years which is always a pleasure.

 Plus, I'm not exactly known for my solo bass gigs!  Now you can see why they have a unique sound they are very creative and very talented. The two seem to have a very good flow between each other and compliment one another as a creative team. So what makes this duo different from other bands? Well, we asked them and this was their reply. 

 "Malcolm: I think the close musical connection between Mark and myself is something pretty special. He really knows what he is doing, allowing me to be quite free when we perform, comfortable in the knowledge that he won’t let things get out of control.

We are eclectic – we make the music that we want to make irrespective of genre, however, on average I’d call us progressive rock. Having said that, we’ve been covered in or broadcast on rock, metal, jazz, indie, electronica, punk, and ambient media, and have played in venues ranging from rock festivals to the National Gallery. Hopefully, it all sounds genuine, incorporating aspects of various influences while retaining our own voice.

Our usual subject matter is also unlike most bands. I am a part-time musician, part-time neuropathologist and medical school teacher. I teach about the brain, and many of my songs relate to neuroscience or science-fiction.

Mark: There's an utter lack of pretension or "fakeness" that I hope we put across in our music. Some of it is fairly cerebral but hopefully not at the risk of alienating anyone.

 Our subject matter is fairly wide-ranging and we potentially draw our inspiration from anything and everything." There sound is definitely cutting edge and each song does have its own rhythm and style. It's definitely ear-catching. The theme of the songs is definitely different and enjoyable. It also goes to show you when learning about the people who play in a band personally you find out about the individuals of the band. A closer look that provides more than just about the music but in-depth look at the members. The intelligence and career paths are something brilliant and were very surprised by the ears of the interviewer. Which was very enjoyable to learn. You just never know what one will discover when you talk to musical creators such as they. Brilliant indeed!  So on we go, next, we asked when writing songs to perform who composes the lyrics and instrumental’s. Is it one individual or is it the effort of the entire band as a whole? 

     "Malcolm: So far our songs have been written by me, either on my own, or jointly with Mark, Kathryn,  or with my children James and Ethan. One, in particular, I remember writing with James while walking along a coastal path in Wales. It was a fragment of lyric which we bounced between us until it evolved into the core of the song (Almost Familiar).

Recently our songwriting has become much more of a collaborative process between myself and Mark, which I enjoy. Usually, I have the outline of a song, which I send to Mark, and he makes suggestions and sends me audio files to consider. These may get added to the song, or converted to MIDI and re-orchestrated. Now that we are getting invited to festivals further away from home, we are using the train traveling time for song idea reviewing sessions.

 

Mark: One of the things I really enjoy doing is adding my weird, ambient-y keyboard noises and counter-melody or harmony lines to Malcolm's songs. Because none of us has an ounce of ego then we can explore and potentially reject as much as we want, only keeping the parts we both feel really add something that wasn't there previously. Rejected ideas might get recycled further down the line as starting points for new compositions. The more you do this stuff, the more ideas come to you and the quicker they flow out." Well as you can see thus far how to put together and well these two work together. It's also great to see that they have some wonderful memories of involvements creating with family as well. You can tell when you listen to their music how really well the arrangements are and the quality of their work. clean and well written their unique style of music style definitely has paid off, and very enjoyable for the ears of the listener. So we further asked about the writing of their music and what is the motivation, muse or inspiration behind the music was? This is what Malcolm had to say: "Our first album (‘Invisible’) was written about my experiences of invisible disabilities due to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (a genetic collagen disorder). The second album (‘When The Kill Code Fails’) followed a story about artificial intelligence. The third album (‘Broken But Still Standing’) followed a story about evolution. For the albums following a story, we publish an outline of the story on our website for those who might be interested. The album we are currently working on is about memory, from a variety of perspectives. Some songs are inspired by science fiction stories about memory, one is about Alzheimer’s disease, one is a song from the perspective of the last artificial intelligence at the heat death of the universe, gradually forgetting as entropy takes its toll. The final song on the album is inspired by the miners of an English town in the second world war, who donated a day a week of salary to rebuild the village of Lidice in Czechoslovakia. The village had been destroyed and almost all of the inhabitants murdered by the Nazis."  They really write stories in their songs, relatable stories that their fans of all ages can relate to this is what has fascinated me the interviewer the most. There are a lot of artists out there and each has their own flow or own stories to tell, however Hats off has really brought the age of medical science technology and science fiction neatly packed together and brought out into a fantastic musical phenomenon that's exciting.  So What do you think was the biggest influencers in your life that brought you into the music industry I asked them where? 

    "Malcolm: I was very moved by the experience of being taken by my parents as a child to see the musical ‘Chess’. David Gilmour/Pink Floyd/Marillion are also major inspirations.

 

Mark: I can't envisage a world without music...simple as."  My sediments exactly Mark Music has a powerful input on the world around us, some use it to cope or heal, some to confess their convictions or admirations. Music has been used to bring people from all walks of life together. It's a persuasive tool and sensation that flows through the world. For everyone, there is something to be given by music. Given a close read to your musical stories you are giving your listeners inspiration and for some a sense of relatable material that draws them in closer. A fulfillment and enjoyment no matter whom the listener is. So how does music affect the world around them?  "Mark:  Music is around me all the time, whether I'm traveling in the car or at home where it's on the whole time. You need that much time to digest the amount of good music that's constantly coming out and being recommended to you by various friends and other sources.

 I also spent a long time over the years working in various guitar shops, so music was literally around me all day, every day. Definitely true there mark, I know that no matter where I hear music, you go pump gas most have music playing overhead, restaurants, elevators, stores music is always present. There are some whom I have met though who do not get the presence of music in there live's as much as others. Music has a way of inspiring some in their daily lives. The more your around it the more your life almost seems to flow. Hats off, have a flow of their own and it captivates their listeners where ever they listen to them. So are you guys currently working on anything new for us listeners out there? "Malcolm: We’re just finishing off our fourth album, ‘Out Of Mind’, which is inspired by memory and forgetting. It features songs about the role of memory in forming a personal identity, dementia, the importance of remembering the Holocaust, and several songs inspired by science fiction stories about memory.  We hope to release it in November 2018. We’ve also always got lots of other ideas bubbling around which might make it into future albums." 

  Well, we look forward to hearing the new album when it comes out, seeing what sound comes out. Every album has really had its own variable sound and has been enjoyable. So talking with other artists we have talked about the old way of recording just in a studio used to be the only way to record your tracks, however with the advancement of technology, we find artist who is taking their recordings out in the world. in music halls and places of some cool interest’s-  is that something you’re interested in?  do you think there is something to be said for the old style of recording?  "Malcolm: We record/mix/master our own music on my laptop in Sonar/Cakewalk. It would be nice to record in a traditional recording studio, or perhaps to take the laptop, audio-interface, some mics, and instruments and go for a week of recording somewhere different, but at the moment this is what works for us (we currently release approximately one 70 minutes or longer album a year).

 

Mark: I like the method Malcolm and myself use of bouncing files back & forth between us, then getting together face-to-face to listen and pull things apart. I've recorded all over the place in studios big and small and that method is equally as valid, but in our position, you are aware of time/money constraints. We don't have those sort of problems which means we're never clock watching.

 That said, I like Malcolm's idea of maybe taking our current working method and sticking us in a room somewhere for a longer period of time to see how much we could achieve. I'd be very happy to do this if anybody would like to fund it!"  There definitely seems to be a plus side to recording your music in the comforts of your own office or home or generally speaking anywhere. I myself though have romanticized as a musician of what it felt like to record in a studio back in the day like Little Walter, Billie Holiday, Buddy Holly and the other greats of our past time. What feelings one would have to record somewhere that they have and what the experience one would feel doing so. There, however, is something to be said for the freedom to record in places I am sure they would have liked to of had the opportunity to and what their thoughts and feelings would be if they had the technology that we presently have that they didn't. does give one room for thought. Thank you, Mark.  So what do you think of the music industry today? Do you think there is a lot of positive change from yesteryear to today?

      "Malcolm: I am very lucky to be creating at a time when it is possible to make a big prog rock album on a laptop plus a few physical instruments, rather than being dependent on a record company to fund months in an expensive studio. I also feel that we are part of a community of mutually supportive musicians in the UK progressive rock scene. There are a lot of extremely gifted musicians producing work that deserves to be heard in a wide range of genres.

 

Mark: I'm all in favor of the current way of doing things as opposed to the old 'record company' model. Everyone now has to wear multiple hats, being the artist, artwork, distributor, record company exec, merchandiser, etc, etc. That amount of artistic freedom would've been unheard of when we were first starting out in bands."  Very true Malcolm We have come across so many new artists some struggling more than others who are amazing, that's why we at Wicked Times strive to find as many as we can to help them get the fan base, to get more well known. There are so many talents out there. Mark, you are so right on as well. I remember just in the early 1990's when I my self-was in a garage band we wanted to scope the music scene and see how we could market our music and get out there more and get recorded it was so much harder and today things are pretty much laid out at your fingertips. There are so many tools to work with as opposed to back then. What are your pet peeves in the music industry? "Mark: The constant repackaging and reselling of the back catalog. Also, the fact that it's an industry where half the time it's assumed that no matter how hard you graft you won't get paid, which is somehow viewed as acceptable."  That is a flaw to be sure Mark and it has been too socially acceptable. Since the ability to pirate music, it has become harder to make an income solely on being an entertainer in the music industry. You can find literally hundreds of bootleg and pirating sites. Now bands are having to push the envelope a little harder, selling CDs and singles but also merchandise as well. The bands who are making the marginal high profits are those who become more than music but logos national brands. So when you as a one of the very elite well-known band put out music they are not really worried about the profit of their songs as they know whatever merchandise comes out their logo is well established and the fan will splurge and buy the new must-haves, and collectors limited edition products. The local artist, the musician who still is climbing their way to the top you will find does work a tad bit harder in some areas. It shouldn't be as socially excepted yet somehow it is. So Mark and Malcolm what are some of the struggles you and the band have endured together, how do you think it has impacted you as a group?

       "Malcolm: Both of us have experienced physical health challenges, which influence our writing.

Mark: Any struggles Malcolm and myself have been of the physical kind. We both in our own way suffer from issues that can sometimes make it difficult to play, (hence the 'bass glove' in my case), but this determination and refusal to give in to our physical shortcomings just goes to feed the energy and passion of our performance…

Malcolm: … Hence songs such as ‘Frail Hurricane’, ‘While I Still Can’, and ‘Broken But Still Standing’. It often feels like there is a pressure to say you feel great all the time. Many of us don’t, whether for mental, physical or situational reasons. Many of our songs take the approach of not pretending that everything is OK, but defiantly continuing anyway."  Well, you certainly never come across noticeably as having any physical ailments at all, seeing some performances on the video's you play flawlessly. You both certainly do have an infectious nature and quality. You always look like your enjoying your music and time up on stage and have a real presence. I have not myself been to a live show but I do Plan on it, as I want to experience the whole show in its entirety. Your music does convey an honesty which I think I myself am very drawn to it. I love a lot of bands out there some have had real impacts and stories to tell in their music and some not so much, there is something to be said when you can play a song and it almost feels like it was written for you or about you and you don't feel alone. You know someone else is or has gone thru that similar experience and it brings a comfort to the listener. I think it also brings you closer to an understanding and realism of the artist. So I definitely thank you both for that in how you share that in your music. So what do you think some of the struggles for other artists might be and what advice can you share with them? "Mark: I'd say being in an originals band is much harder than being in a covers band in terms of getting people to gigs and getting your stuff heard. There's a ready-made audience for covers stuff as opposed to unknown originals stuff. Saying that I've earned my covers band stripes in the past and it's a great way of learning how songs are written and constructed, plus how to perform in front of a crowd. 

 

Malcolm: As a general idea, rather than waiting for promoters to come to you, consider working with a couple of other bands you get on with and put on your own shows."  Mark, you are so right about that it is very hard to get your stuff heard especially in the beginning when no one has heard much of your stuff and you ask a venue to take a chance on you, The struggles of advertising as well. Which gets on point with what Mark is saying about promoters. With social media today you can work with bands radio stations from the net as well as ones local in your surrounding area. Getting your self on social media really is key. A bit time consuming but well worth the effort if you want to get your name out there. Now as a band it’s your job to sell the music, do you find it easier to sing/play songs you cover or songs you have written. do you lack conviction in the music if it’s not your own? (if you don’t believe in the song do you think your listener will?

       "Malcolm: I enjoy performing both our own songs and other songs that mean a lot to me. Our live shows are usually mostly our own music, but we sometimes include a cover or two. My favorites at the moment in our live shows are Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb and Marillion’s Lavender.

There are some songs that I couldn’t write but love performing. For example, in solo acoustic shows, I often play Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love.

 

Mark: I would hope that even the cover versions we choose to play we perform with the same passion as our own songs. We pick them because they mean something to us."

 Tell us why people should come to see your band perform? Describe your show visually and musically.  "Malcolm; Hopefully because they might get a real sense of musical connection with the event. I don’t see much point in a show that just recreates an album if it doesn’t also engage with the audience.

Malcolm: We are both pretty energetic and passionate performers. Mark and his bass bounce up and down a fair bit. In our live shows, we tend to play our rockier songs, and they tend to have a punkier, more aggressive edge than on the recordings. I can't play any other way...I lose myself in the music and moment sometimes which hopefully comes across well. Even though we're seen as 'progressive', I think we do have a punky, raw edge to us live. Not every note will be in exactly the right place! but that's where the excitement lies! We're both quite unassuming, mild-mannered chaps in 'real' life. 

Mark: sometimes think I think people wonder where our stage versions come from."  Well, What I have visual seen I can say it is true. You put on a great show and I am sure all your fan's out there will agree its pretty great to observe and be a part of. So tell us how do you promote and where can people find you? We are posting a great many of your links with this article so people can click and check you out but tell us a bit your self. 

 

 

Malcolm: We are on all the usual social media –I’m more active on Facebook and Twitter,

Mark on Instagram.

 

We currently release our music via CDBaby (and from there to various digital and physical retailers) and Bandcamp.

http://hatsoffgentlemen.bandcamp.com/

https://store.cdbaby.com/artist/hatsoffgentlemenitsadequate

 

Well, Guy's It really has been great to get to know you a bit better, the music is great and I know I am certainly looking forward to the newest album as well as I bet your fans are as well and we will definitely keep every one attention with it when it's released. We want to give a huge thanks to Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate, Malcolm and Mark for their time with us. Thank you very much for letting us in your world and please keep us up to date so we can let everyone know what's going on. Thank you to all the fans of Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate and to Our Wicked Times Fans who support our artists, we appreciate you all Thank You!