Gloria Cycles Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Mar 10th 2010 12:30PM by Sharniece Moore
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In February, Gloria Cycles released their debut album, 'Campsite Discotheque,' which features hit singles 'Wonderbus,' a catchy tune that was featured on a Samsung TV ad, 'No Zero's,' and 'Vegas.' The latter song earned the group radio play on BBC Radio 6, and went on to reach the top 30 of U.K.'s indie chart. Known for their performances, the Brighton, London based group will soon make their way to the U.S. for this year's SXSW festival in March. Spinner recently spoke with Cycles' song writer and frontman, Kenny McCracken about the band and from where they draw inspiration.

How did the group come together?

I was attending a university at the time majoring in photography. And I had just come out of a band and was looking to start another. Me and Julian [Ward] met up and decided to join together. We met Jen [Dalby] through friends, and she had a really nice voice on her, very harmonic. Jack [Hannan], we came across after we went drinking one night.

What was the inspiration behind your band's name?

We all first came together inside of a pub, and we were in the pub trying to decide what we wanted to call ourselves. [After a bit of a debate] we looked up and there was this tin that said Gloria Cycles. We said "sure why not," and it has been our name ever since.

How would you describe your sound?

It's hard to say because we cover a little bit of everything, and it changes at times, but I would say indie pop.

What are some of your musical influences?

A little of everything; for a minute I was heavily into techno, guitar songs, and hip-hop. Since I am from Scotland, obviously I'm influenced by Scottish music. But, I like really anything with energy. Folk music and especially melodic tunes.

Which of your songs has the most interesting back story?

Well there is this song called 'Moon.' It's about the moon, and it came about after I had a dream about the moon. But, that isn't really interesting is it? Then, there is 'Vegas.' That song is about gambling with your sanity, and for me it was a time when that's exactly what I was doing -- gambling with my sanity.

Any musical guilty pleasures?

Hmmm, I don't know. Well, I would have to say Coldplay, and classical music from the '60s dating back to the '20s. (Jen has a guilty pleasure – its cheese. She has to have cheese everywhere she goes.)

What's the craziest experience you've had while on tour?

When myself, Jules and Jen were walking back to the hotel we were staying at after a gig at King Tuts while in Glasgow. We were very drunk and very much engrossed in a conversation when all of a sudden we realized that we were stuck in a building site. For the life of us we couldn't find our way out even though 10 minutes earlier we had walked in there by mistake. After a few minutes of laughter we realized that we were truly stuck, and we decided to take drastic action. Jen reached into her purse and pulled out some sewing scissors and cut some plastic ties between two fences so we could escape. It took us ages but to this day none of us have any recollection of how we got in the building. I believe we were abducted by aliens with a sense of humor.

Last but not the least, the Beatles or the Stones?

It has to be the Beatles, definitely the Beatles. Just because of the variety. I mean they had a great variety -- different types of songs and they covered so many genres. Their songs are formulated so well.

Sharniece Moore is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.