No Angry Young Man A few questions with Johan Loeckx of Belgian alternative folk trio (guitar, cello and piano), No Angry Young Man. Johan tells me that their name refers to a statement Bob Dylan made back in 1969. As a reply to the fact that his music was judged on the basis of its protest character, he said: "I never said I was an Angry Young Man". Leicester Bangs: Tell us a little about yourself. Johan: I consider No Angry Young Man being three singer-songwriters, doing as much as we can with what we have: our instruments and our voices. Above all, we want to tell stories, say something new, whether it is about beauty, love, suicide or cheating (laughs). LB: How did you start out making music? Johan: The fact that we three have totally different backgrounds, makes us different. Pieter regards the classical side, Jeroen the aspect of society and I the intimate point of view. This makes that our music is very diverse, while meanwhile having a well-defined sound. LB: Who did you grow up listening to and how do they influence what you’re doing now? Johan: This question I find hardest to answer. All music were once modern and may once become classic. We like artists who really trying to say something, to change something - Frank Zappa, Bob Dylan - as well as musical innovators like the Beatles, and the people that just like making good music - Joe Jackson, Duke Special. LB: Tell us about your latest release. Johan: Our vision on music actually agrees well with the new kind of music scene that is emerging: that is, to earn your "spot". We have been touring intensively the last two years, and time had come to consolidate our music with this title less debut album. We've tried to make a collection of twelve, timeless songs and we believe that we have succeeded, a lot thanks to our great producer Bai Kamara Jr... Who has worked with Vaya Con Dios and Youssou N'Dour. LB: Do you get out and play your music live, and if so, what can an audience expect at one of your shows? Johan: Humour and respect are key concepts in our shows. Also, we don't like to sing sad songs about sad things. Instead, we want to make people stronger - whatever path life chooses, we'd better look at it with strength. LB: What aspects of playing and recording music do you most enjoy? Johan: Using our instruments in an original way, makes our extra fun. The cello often plays the role of lead guitar, the guitar being a bird or a woman, the piano the sound of falling leaves. Interaction on stage is essential to us. LB: Where can people find (and buy) your music? Johan: On our official band site, MySpace and Facebook. You can also download our music on iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, or you can order from CD Baby and Amazon (links below). www.naym.be www.myspace.com/noangryyoungman www.facebook.com/pages/NayM-no-angry-young-man/27311731941 No Angry Young Man - Maanrock 2008