The friday interview with The Main Grains

There’s no point hammering away at the keys to interview bands that you have no affinity for.

So it’s good news that we bloody love the Main Grains isn't it?,

After seeing the guys supporting The Wildhearts last year, and then working with them on their Glasgow date, it is our distinct pleasure to feature a chat with them here, and we most certainly look forward to getting reacquainted again sometime down the line.

The drinks are on JJ.

So read on McDuff.    

You have made a bit of a splash with the debut, the support tour with The Wildhearts and a run of headlining shows yourself. Especially considering that they have all been played while there have been some health issues that would floor most.

You must be rather pleased with yourselves. Is the reaction expected?

Danny - It was a great tour all round and was a great way to play in front of thousands of people. We went down a storm and we all loved it. We did well for a seven legged rock and roll band.

Ginna - I think once we got the band started we knew with Danny being in the band it wasn’t going to be the same as any new band starting out due to his back catalogue of material,

With his past reputation we knew we'd have a lot of support with his fans wishing him well but the reaction has been fantastic and we're all blown away by it.

Ben - What Ginna said! We expected a bit of support initially but it could have gone either way. The continued support throughout everything that's happened this last year has been amazing.

JJ - I can't really add to these two answers. It’s been brilliant, and beyond expectations

Do you already have new material ready to go for the studio, or are you thinking about a bit of a break after the run of current dates?

JJ - No rest for the wicked! We have three new songs currently in the set, and a handful more being worked on. Not rushing it though, since we set a standard with the first record that we need/want to exceed on the next one. We want people to go "wow" when they hear the next one

Danny – Yeah there’s a few new songs on the boil and we want to record a couple of these before recording a full album.

Ben - Yeah it’s been good we're working on stuff for the next release. We want every track to be good enough to be a single. There are a lot of ear worms on the go!

As you are joking about your leg Danny, how are things coming along, and how was the touring for you all with the obvious limitations that would arise such as poor access for wheelchairs?

Has it opened your eyes to mobility issues for people?

Danny - I'm starting physio soon, and should have my new leg soon as well. All positive things!

JJ – It wasn’t so much problematic, but it does take a little extra planning, making sure we stay in the right places, and some venues definitely have access issues and don't seem to cater for people with mobility issues, but a lot are older buildings.

For me, I think the four of us, and the guys in the crew, know what needs to be done and all just get on with things as it's become second nature.

We look out for each other, and admire the fact he is basically refusing to let this stop him, or even slow him down.

Ben - It's not always been a walk in the park. But like JJ says, we all look out for each other, and the guys who help us out do too.

Danny - It was hard sometimes getting about. I almost fell a few times but I just had to get on with it.

With touring you are all in the unique position of being able to check out bands from all over the country.

I noticed that you were all watching Drama Club Rejects and PowderKeg who were with you in Glasgow.

Who were the ones that you each thought stood out from all the touring you have been doing?

JJ - Both Drama Club Rejects and PowderKeg stood out in different ways for me on the Scottish dates.

There's of course some combined history with us and DCR, which made it fun, and, I thought PowderKeg were a breath of fresh air these days, just proper rock n roll.

Also, we tried to pick bands we like, personally and musically, and, also make sure they had enough time to do their thing as well (not 20-30 min sets that are over and done) so that all the bands could have a good time and then hopefully that translates over to the audience too.

Ben - Well they're the only bands we played with in Scotland. Both of them were with us in Edinburgh and just DCR in Aberdeen. Those guys are both awesome live!

If they're playing near you soon you definitely need to check them out.

Danny - I really enjoyed The Idol Dead. I loved Fireroad too. They were awesome live as well.

JJ - Extending my answer to cover everywhere else and talking about bands on the same bills as us, then I have to include Idol Dead and Fireroad like Danny says, and, Blacklist Saints, Doomsday Outlaw, Midnight Dogs. Black Rose Cadillac were great as well.

Ginna - It's really important to have great bands on any bill with you. It helps push you even more and there’s nothing worse than going to a show where the support bands are a complete mismatch or really boring. All the bands we’ve played with this last year or so have been great in their own right.

No complaint on the quality of shared bills from us.

So Camden Rocks is this weekend.

Are you all looking forward to it? It’s the rock calendar event of the year for many.

What makes it so special for you?

Ginna- Yeah Camden Rocks is ace!  Can't wait!! So many cool bands on and the vibe is fantastic.

That’s what makes it special.

Danny – I agree with Ginna. You get to see a great mix of new and old bands. The atmosphere is a party one and I'm always bumping into fans old and new. It’s great.

Ben - of course!! The atmosphere is amazing! It’s a big party. We love it.

So with Camden out of the way, what’s next? Are you guys planning on coming back up North soon?

Ginna - We're currently looking at booking dates so watch this space!

Danny – Yeah, we have nothing set in stone but I'm sure it won't be long before we're up again.

JJ – All will be revealed. The information will be shared on the website and facebook so in time honoured tradition watch this space.

Also playing Camden Rocks - Duncan Reid and the Big Heads interview.