Ian aka Paz aka The Humdrum Express is responsible for guitars, bass, drums, keys, vocals, songwriting, recording, production, promotion, gig booking, washing up, drying up, putting away. Indie in the true sense of the word.
Influences
Billy Childish, The Clash, Graham Coxon, The Young Knives, The Libertines, The Futureheads, The Smiths, Billy Bragg, Tony Hancock, Ronnie Barker, Carry On films, Ian Dury, The Small Faces, The Buzzcocks, The Jam, The Specials, Vic Godard, Art Brut, Wire, I Ludicrous, The Ruts, The Creation, XTC, The La's, C-86, Gang Of Four, Jamie T, Good Shoes, John Cooper Clarke, The Rakes, Blur, Television Personalities, Harry Palmer, The Fall, The Lemonheads, Half Man Half Biscuit, The Auteurs, Jim Noir, Leonard Cohen, Leonard Rossiter, X Ray Spex, Scroobius Pip and, of course... John Peel.
Sounds Like
"A narky little sarcastic bugger" - Kingsley Chapman (The Chapman Family). *****
"This is English guitar pop music at it's very finest; witty, observational, engaging and jaunty" - Decode magazine
Ah, you've found me! . . . Bespectacled observationist from the heart of England . . . Casting a cynical eye over these exasperating times, meet The Humdrum Express. One man, a few instruments and a thousand things to worry about. Cool-nerd (amounts vary) home recording specialist. Dusty amps, tangled leads, retro effects and scribbled rantings.
Has released 2 full albums (All Aboard and Little Victories) and various EPs since May 2005. Live work is stripped down to the acoustic bare bones, though not to be confused with shit like James Morrison.
Previous honours include gigs with Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, The Wombats, Half Man Half Biscuit, Bob Mould, I Ludicrous, Evan Dando and Vic Godard. Latest E.P. "The New Doctor Who" is still available!
I've just read you've played a gig with Evan Dando.....I've now decided I am not worthy to be on the same stage as you :P. The Lemonheads are one of my all time favourite bands, Dando is an absolute genius, how did you get such a sweet gig? And did you meet Evan?
And was it at the Birmingham Irish Centre you supported the melodic grunge machine? Only I was present at that gig
No probs mate - we aint the type of band to get bitter about that kinda thing :) We really enjoyed your set though. In the future I'd like to put you on for a gig, not entirely sure when yet though, but will keep you posted.
AUGUST 15th:: RHONDDA / BAD WEATHER PARTY / THE BRAZILIANS
AUGUST 22nd: SONS OF BEACHES / SIGNIFY / DARK EYES
AUGUST 28th: LAST UNDER THE SUN / MASTER WARBEAST / THE ROCKET DOLLS / WRAPPED IN PLASTIC
Guest support BENEATH THE SURFACE
OPEN MIC: Acoustic acts welcome for BASE STUDIO’S Friday night OPEN MIC night. Check out www.myspace.com/basestudios for info on Gigs/Rehearsals/Live recording Base Studios:07976 843718
Hiya! I just got over that gig we played in Wolvo - what a laugh! In a good way, mind you. Loved all the dancing and banter. Hope we share a bill again! Andus x
Hey.Just to let ya know if you have any gigs coming up I'm still doing gig photography for only £30(not for too much longer though).Also doing portraiture/promo and documentary.I've added some new examples recently so have a look to see if you like it.Let me know if ya want owt doing.Cheers.Thanks for the add if I havent said so before.
Hey Ian, What kinda gigs you after? Could probably get you non-paying ones, but then you're reliant on CD sales and Nottingham's a long way to come... Helen x
