|
Hard Fi Information
|
|
'Hard-Fi' are a rock band from Staines, England - a location that has significantly influenced their musical style and lyrics.
Staines is traditionally seen as a cultural wasteland by many critics. However it is the town's proximity to London that puts it in a position to produce a band that can be influenced by the scene, although not necessarily part of it.
Hard-Fi's debut album Stars of CCTV was initially recorded as a six track mini-album in a disused mini cab office; it was then mixed in a variety of unusual acoustic enviroments - in bedrooms, in pubs, and in their producer's BMW.
The band were then signed to the Atlantic Records label, who gave them the chance to re-record the album, the band went back to the cab office, to maintain their unique sound.
Hard-Fi supported Green Day on their tour of the USA, and at their two massive gigs at Milton Keynes Bowl, England.
Their debut album's launch party was scheduled to be 7 July 2005 at Cheekies night club in Staines (where their top ten single "Hard To Beat" was filmed), however this was cancelled due to the ill health of Archer's mother. Her death resulted in the band pulling out of the Glastonbury festival. The launch party was rescheduled for 13 July 2005 and the venue changed to Ladbroke Grove, London.
Hard-Fi gained increased prominence in the UK when Stars of CCTV was nominated for the 2005 Mercury Music Prize.
Line-Up
Richard Archer
Lead singer and principle song-writer. The influence of Staines is often evident in his lyrics.
Ross Phillips
Guitar and backing vocals.
Kai Stephens
Bass player.
Stephens failed a visa application to the United States due to having a criminal record, after being caught snorting cocaine in the Staines Megabowl. The band's lead singer Richard Archer thereafter wore t-shirts reading "Kai Stephens is innocent" during gigs. However, ultimately the application was unsuccessful and the band were forced to hire a new bassist for their American tour supporting Green Day.
Steve Kemp
Drums.
Discography
Albums
* 2005 Stars of CCTV #6 (UK)
Singles
* 2005 "Cash Machine"
* 2005 "Tied Up Too Tight" #15 (UK)(This song featured on the compilation 'Festival' in 2005)
* 2005 "Hard To Beat" #9 (UK)
* 2005 "Middle Eastern Holiday (Wrongtom Meets The Rockers East Of Medina)"
* 2005 "Living For the Weekend" #14 (UK)
* 2005 "Cash Machine" (re-issue)
|
|
