Music, Style & Culture

First On: Not Cool

What's the best way of finding out lots and lots about a new band in quite a short period of time? Just ask them lots of questions really quickly.

What's the best way of finding out lots and lots about a new band in quite a short period of time? Just ask them lots of questions really quickly.

We put our quickfire Q&A to Matthew J Gilbert, frontman of London 'gutter pop' trio Not Cool. You may have noticed we've liked them for a while anyway, but this month they're releasing their debut mini-album 'Rugged Raw' through Sleep All Day Records.

1. Why did you, personally, join the band?
To learn how to dance better post gig.

2. Where did you all meet?
The Hornimans Museum in South London. Next to the ancient ceramics section.

3. Are you working on a full-length album yet?
In our heads, yes.

4. What's the best thing about being a band in London?
The various network of underground stations. And ‘free’ bendy buses.

5. What has been your favourite moment as a band?
Toughy. Releasing this mini-album I guess.

6. When you first started to get into music, who was your favourite musician?
Nick Zinner.

7. Name one album that would appear in your Top Five of all time so far.
Yeasayer – 'Odd Blood'.

8. If you had to learn a new instrument, what would you choose?
Probably piano.

9. What's your favourite 'being in a band' perk?
Ages ago I would have said ‘free booze’ but I think the credit crunch has put paid to that.

10. Where would you most like to be right now?
Underwater.

11. What would your superpower be?
To make the internet disappear from all mobile phones.

12. What's your most unappealing habit?
I swear miles too much in front of small children.

13. Who would you most like to go on a huge world tour with?
Kiss. But failing that Weird Dreams or Colours.

14. Are there any parts of being in a band you'd leave out if you could?
Soundchecks. When Kiss take us on tour hopefully we can use their soundguys.

15. Would you ever go solo?
Probably, but not until we start hating each other. So probably the middle of next year.

16. What was the last album / single you bought?
Pens – 'You Only Like Me When I Tell You I’m Wrong' / 'Love Rules'.

17. What is your music-purchasing format of choice?
I guess I should say vinyl, haha.

18. Recommend us a new band.
Weird Dreams.

19. Where would you like to be this time next year?
Apart from touring with Kiss? Well, um, just playing better shows I guess.

20. What's next on the cards for Not Cool?
Hmmm the world is our oyster card.