The CLUAS Archive: 1998 - 2011

13

One of the nominees for the 2010 Choice Music Prize

And So I Watch You From AfarCLUAS fires a few questions at And So I Watch You From Afar, creators of the Choice Music Prize nominated album "And So I Watch You From Afar".

Tell us about the album - its conception, creation, response... Is there anything you'd go back and change about it now?

The album was the culmination of two and a half years' work; it captured the genesis of our wee band. The response has been nothing short of phenomenal, we're not exactly the most accessible band but people seem to be into it. Personally I wouldn't touch it, it's a moment of our lives, you can't change your past. You can learn from it but you can't alter it.

Award nominations aside, were you happy with the response the album received?
"Staggered" I think would be the correct answer! Critics seemed to be into it which was awesome, but the people that come to our shows or email us or make crazy videos and fire them on youtube, that's the stuff that fills me with pride.

How relevant do you think music awards really are to musicians and music fans?
It's nice to have a sense of approval but ultimately I don't see it as the be-all-and-end-all. Having said that, we are a young struggling band who happened to release their debut album at a point in history where stealing music has never been easier, so the money would certainly help us to tour more and record!

Do you think the idea of the album is relevant and capable of holding its own in a world of digital downloading and plummeting CD sales?
Hell yeah, but I'm getting on, I'm 28 and remember waiting patiently for albums to come out. Nothings changed for me.

Do you feel the Irish music scene is in a healthy state at the moment?
As a whole, the whole island, I don't remember a more exciting time, but then I'm in a little bit of a biased position!

Any artists who weren't nominated for the Choice Award, who you feel should have been?
Adebisi Shank and Bats. Although I think Adebisi's album was released last year.

Your favourite album from those also nominated for the Prize?
Again I'm very biased...

Best gig you went to in 2009?
The Jesus Lizard at Pukkelpop in Belgium, we played too, so getting to be on the same bill as them was a dream come true.

Plans for 2010?
I'm pretty sure we're touring or recording everyday now until the day we die. Why would we wanna do anything else?


Check out the CLUAS interviews with these other artists who were also nominated for the 2009 Choice Music Prize:


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Nuggets from our archive

1999 - 'The eMusic Market', written by Gordon McConnell it focuses on how the internet could change the music industry. Boy was he on the money, years before any of us had heard of an iPod or of Napster.