INTERVIEW WITH THE EXHIBITION

When I first heard The Exhibition I immediately knew that they’re the kind of band who don’t care about scenes or pigeonholing, they just do their thing and what they do is good.
The rather new British label Of National Importance Records released recently their single “The crown” which can only be described as powerful indiepop that’s been made by brains.
I know, I know, they all say it…I know but listen and judge yourself…..

WHY DOES A BAND NAME THEMSELVES THE EXHIBITION?
These things happen. What else could it be?

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC?

That’s difficult. What does your writing sound like? It’s drums, bass, guitars & vocals in varying arrangements of rhythm, tempo, pitch & timbre… It’s wholly necessary.

THE INDIE SCENE IS A BIT IN CRISIS I GUESS, AND RECENTLY AN ESTABLISHED BAND TOLD ME THAT THERE ARE JUST TOO MANY UNTALENTED BANDS AROUND WHICH WORKS INFERIOR FOR THE ORGANISATORS…

We aren’t au fait with the Indie scene – no comment on that front – and the dearth of talented bands is of no consequence to us. We just do our thing and don’t worry about anyone else; if we belong to a scene I guess it’s by default.

HEARING THE EXHIBITION MEANS, AT LEAST FOR ME, THAT YOU ARE A BAND FOR WHOM MELODIES ARE IMPORTANT TOO….

It comes naturally.
We don’t forcibly write in any way – but as our music often contains strong melodies naturally they’re important to us.
The worst thing you can do as a musician is underestimate your audience. We won’t succumb to a catchy hook just for the sake of it - melodic suggestion is just as important as exhibition, which is reliant on an intelligent listener.

YOU RELEASED YOUR SINGLE ON OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE RECORDS, CAN YOU TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT THAT?

It’s a double-a-side called The Crown/Coma.
You can order online at Of National Importance Records or catch us at a gig and we’ll sell you one there.
It will also be available worldwide on itunes and all the other majors.

HOW ARE THINGS GOING FOR YOU SUCCESS-WISE?

I suppose we can only give a subjective evaluation here.
By our own standards, as long as more and more people get to hear our music we’re enjoying success; and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore us.

ABOUT MY SPACE, DO YOU LIKE THIS SITUATION? I MEAN THERE ARE 60000 BANDS AROUND OR SO…
HOW CAN YOU EXPECT FROM THE PUBLIC THAT THEY WILL JUMP INTO THAT WOOD?

We can’t. The scope of MySpace has changed by necessity, and it’s not the career launchpad it was 4 or 5 years ago.
That said, it’s still an essential tool for networking within the industry.

DO YOU DO YOUR OWN THING OR HOPING FOR THE A&R-MEN TO COME?

We’ll just continue to do what we’re doing, and take each opportunity as it comes. I think an imperative for most bands is control, and at the moment any limitations we have are, essentially, self-imposed.
The set up with Of National Importance Records is perfect for us – we have the same vision, ideals and attitude, and I think it suits everyone.
It’s an affiliation we want to maintain.

NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT IT WHY YOU’RE A MUSICIAN?

It was inevitable. There’s really nothing else to do.

FAVOURITE ALBUMS?

Individually:
Under The Table and Dreaming - Dave Mathews Band
Dylan Live 66 - Bob Dylan
Tago Mago - Can
The Velvet Underground & Nico - The Velvet Underground

DO YOU WANT TO SAY SOMETHING SPECIAL TO OUR READERS?

Listen to the Exhibition; if you understand us you’ll be rewarded. Endlessly.
And keep supporting the fine work that Didier is doing.