The O.C. Crew

Sep 28 2008

Californian Boys Are Making Waves In Scotland 60 Second Interview

MELEE

This California band are finding it tough to crack the States but the UK has embraced their distinctive style. Vocalist Chris Cron tells us how he loves hanging around street corners in Scotland and why he loves touring with Paolo Nutini. They play King Tut's in Glasgow on Saturday.

Are you surprised how quickly things

have taken off for you?

Yeah, although it's been slow going in the US. It's a shock to see the songs and records doing so well in the UK. I'm very happy at the moment.

Why are things slower in the states?

I'm not sure. We haven't done a huge radio push there yet so I guess it will take a while to catch on since we're just touring around.

Have you been to Scotland much?

We've been to Glasgow and Edinburgh several times. The summer is short in Scotland but it's beautiful. You don't see architecture like that in the States. The last time we were there we were looking for somewhere to eat, we found a place called Mosquito and then we went to a club called Bamboo. It was two in the morning and they didn't let us in. We just stood in the street corner and talked to people outside.

You have toured with Paolo Nutini. Are you mates?

We did a couple of shows with him in the States. He was really good but also really drunk. I just remember laughing because I couldn't understand what he was singing on stage even though I knew the songs. His band were nice. They were really cool guys.

What got you into music?

My grandma gave me a toy snare drum when I was about one year old and I am told I used to bang on that all the time. My parents sang in a church choir and I remember running up on stage with my dad when I was about four. He was laughing so I grabbed the microphone and started singing. I started playing the piano when I was five .

How did you get together with the rest of

the band?

I've known Rick and Ryan since junior high. We had a mutual love for all types of music. We wanted to have a swing band for a while but then we decided to start a rock band. We met Mick five years ago and we started Melee.

Why the band name Melee?

We were going to call ourselves Squirt Gun Melee, which would have been pretty stupid.

The basic meaning means a mix-up which fits because we like all sorts of different styles.

What sort of music inspires you?

I like stuff that is gritty and real and has a lot of soul to it. I love Ryan Adams. Inspirations include The Specials, Blur, Travis, Doves and then all sorts of stuff from the 60s such as Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, anything like that.

What's the best part of your job?

I have a fascination for people. It's great to travel the world and see places I've never dreamed of going. I also like being with my best friends all the time and getting to play music. It's hard work but I absolutely love it.

Have you had any other jobs?

I used to work at an ice-cream shop where we had to sing for tips. It was embarrassing. I used to go out the back with the only other guy who worked there and play hockey with the broom.

So I quit. It was funny. All the songs were like nursery rhymes that they put ice-cream lyrics to. But they still have really good ice-cream so occasionally I do drop in. My favourite has to be chocolate chip. If you give me a chocolate chip shake, I'm a happy camper.