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Miami Travel

New York Air Charter Service’s Richard Thompson talks to Downtown

Photo courtesy of Pexels

Richard Thompson of Air Charter Service

Air Charter Service was founded in 1990 by Chris Leach, who had realized the need for a customer-centric aircraft charter company. The son of a pilot, Chris started Air Charter Service from the basement of his house. Less than three decades later, ACS arranges close to 10,000 charters each year, with a network of offices spread throughout North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Furthermore, its annual revenues are around a half-billion dollars.

Richard Thompson, originally from England, joined the ACS team in 2004 as Cargo Sales Director. He moved up in the ranks to Executive Vice President of North America, working out of the company’s New York office, in February 2013. A little over a year later, Richard became President of the Americas for the company.

Downtown had the pleasure of speaking with Richard about not only ACS, but flying private in general. He makes a great case as for why everyone should try it. More info on Richard and ACS can be found at www.aircharterserviceusa.com.

How did you wind up working with the New York Air Charter Service office? Did you know someone at the company?



Richard Thompson: I joined ACS in 2004 and worked within the London Cargo team. In Jan. 2011, our Chairman Chris Leach offered me the opportunity to move from the U.K. to New York and take over the Cargo Sales Director position. This was the second best decision I ever made — after asking my wife to marry me! I’ve never looked back.

What do you remember about the first time you ever flew privately?

RT: As I joined our Cargo Division, my first charter experience was on an old Russian cargo aircraft called the Antonov-26 moving freight for FedEx. The minute I set eyes on the aircraft in Ostend, Belgium — where it was based — I knew this was the job for me.

What sorts of planes does the company offer?

RT: We don’t own a fleet of aircrafts, so we are not tied to any particular aircraft type. We have access to around 50,000 aircraft worldwide, ranging from helicopters and private jets up to Antonovs and Boeing 747s.

Any surprising amenities that a person would find onboard one of the planes?



RT: On the older cargo aircraft, you’re lucky if there is a bathroom or hot water to make a coffee! On our Passenger Jet side, depending on the aircraft type, customers can enjoy all sorts of comforts like inflight wi-fi, personalized catering, media centers, etc.

How does a person go about reserving one of your planes? Do they just call?

RT: Calling or emailing are the most common ways to contact us. We’ll then present you with a few options, varying in price, timings, availability, etc.

Where are your plans? Does the company provide rides to the airport?

RT: While we don’t have a fleet of our own, we can arrange transport to the airport, hotels and even trips whilst you are at your destination.

What sets your company apart from other charter services?



RT: I’d like to think that is a combination of factors. Our specialists’ knowledge and exceptional customer service are what we have built the company up on, but now our size offers the financial security that others struggle to match. Also, with 20 offices around the globe, we’ll always have a local office to where you are, or where you’re going to.

Who is the average customer of your company? Executives? Celebrities? All walks of life?

RT: We get all walks of life using our services, but we do get a lot of celebrities, often A-list, and sports stars. Flying by private jet saves so much time that high-profile executives use jets to get to more than one meeting a day, or just to get home for the evening.

How many people work in your office? Who else is on the team there?

RT: We currently employ over 80 people across our North American offices, which are in New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Miami and Toronto. Our North American sales divisions are Cargo, Executive Jets, Commercial Jets and Hand Carry.

When not busy with the New York Air Charter Service, how do you like to spend your free time?



RT: My wife and I enjoy traveling, especially within the USA. Most recently we have fallen in love with Hawaii and have made several trips out there on vacation. New York is our new home and we enjoy everything the city has to offer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsaWdtbl8_8

Do you have a favorite restaurant near your office?



RT: One thing New York is not short of is restaurants. My two current favorites are John’s Pizzeria on Bleecker — this was the first New York pizza I ever had — and ABC Kitchen on 18th Street for their food, atmosphere and great cocktails.

Do you have tickets to any upcoming concerts or events in New York?



RT: Yes, we have tickets for the Coldplay concert this summer at the MetLife Stadium. We also attend the U.S. Open Tennis each year in Flushing.

Finally, Richard, any last words? Something to encourage others to put chartering a private jet on their bucket list?

RT: I think we have become numb to the excitement of air travel. Commercial flights almost feel like a commute. If it is within your budget to charter a private aircraft — you’d be surprised — try it and I think you’ll be reminded of how special flying actually is. Not to mention the tailored experience you’ll receive and more importantly the stress removed from the whole process. We have enough of that in life already!

We pride ourselves on our brokers’ knowledge and exceptional customer service, we’re ready to help you create a memory or simply make your commute remarkable.

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Frances on her Mar. 27 show at Joe’s Pub, her new album for Capitol Records & what’s coming up

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2016 was a breakout year for critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter Frances in her native England. Following the success of her 2015 single “Grow,” Frances was nominated for both the BBC Sound Of 2016 and the BRITs Critic Choice Awards. She also performed at major music festivals and her music was streamed over 100 million times.

2017 is shaping up to be Frances’ United States breakthrough as last month brought the release of her contribution to the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack, “What Is Love?” Mar. 17 is the release date for Frances’ debut full-length, Things I’ve Never Said, as featuring collaborations with Greg Kurstin, Jimmy Napes and Howard Lawrence. In support of Things I’ve Never Said, Frances returns to New York for a Mar. 27 performance downtown at Joe’s Pub.

Downtown had the privilege of conducting Q&A with Frances in advance of her U.S. return, getting to learn more about the artist behind the music. More on Frances can be found at www.francesmusic.com.

Will this Joe’s Pub performance be your first ever gig in New York?

Frances: I’ve played a couple of shows there before. At Rockwood [Music Hall] and the Mercury Lounge. They’ve made me so excited to come back and play again because I find New York such an inspiring city!

Have you ever traveled to New York for pleasure?

Frances: Sadly, no. But it is a serious plan! I absolutely love it. I could definitely live there!

Is there a New York destination you hope to visit on this trip? Any favorite restaurants here?

Frances: I’m going to have to wander down Fifth Avenue, that’s a must. I’ll stop into Katz’s Deli — it would be rude not to — but I really want to do The High Line walk!

At what point in your career did you become just “Frances?”

Frances: At the very beginning, I think. My full name is Sophie Frances Cooke. But I really wanted a one-word artist name, and I felt “Sophie” looked a bit young on paper — lots of curly letters! Whereas Frances is more angular and I found it really fun to have a different name to walk onto stage with. It helped with stage fright at the very beginning.

Do you have a favorite single-named musician?

Frances: Gosh. Adele, Prince, Beyonce, Björk — the list goes on!

Do you have a favorite song on Things I’ve Never Said?

Frances: Probably “Grow.” It’s the first song I ever released so it feels very special to me. But I also love it as a song because I’ve never written a chorus melody like that since. It’s quite bizarre but works somehow!

What was the first song you recorded on Things I’ve Never Said?

Frances: I think that was also “Grow,” because I recorded it for my first EP. But of the new songs on the album, I think we started with one called “Don’t Worry About Me.”

Are there leftovers from the Things I’ve Never Said sessions? Around how many songs were written for the album?

Frances: So many leftovers! I think I wrote somewhere between 100 and 150 songs in the end. There are a couple that I’ve already put aside for my second album, though. I loved them but they were a little too mature for my first album. When I wrote them I knew straight away that they were for my second album!

How did you wind up working with Greg Kurstin? Was that an introduction from your label? Did you know of his band The Bird And The Bee?

Frances: It was an introduction from my label, yes. A very lucky introduction indeed! It was one of my favorite writing experiences ever, he’s just incredible. And yes! Not until after our session, but I absolutely love the music. I think my favorite is “Will You Dance?”

Touring aside, what’s coming up for you in 2017?

Frances: I’m touring a lot, which is very exciting! I’m also doing some writing for other artists, which I absolutely love. I’m working on some potential collaborations which is seriously fun. I’d love to write for some more movies after my 50 Shades Darker experience, and I’ll be scheming for my second album! It’s going to be a fun year, I think.

When not busy with music, how do you like to spend your free time?

Frances: Hilariously, music! I always play music in the house, whatever I’m doing really. My family have some beautiful dogs so I love spending time with them, and my family, of course! I love going to the theater, watching movies, watching 10 episodes of Criminal Minds in one sitting. I love cooking, too. Normal stuff, really!

What was your favorite album on 2016?

Frances: Oh, that’s tricky. I love the 1975 album, Chance The Rapper, Beyoncé, Drake, new Radiohead. So many. If I had to pick one, it would probably be Lemonade.

Finally, Frances, any last words for the kids?

Frances: Stay in school and follow your dreams!

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Culture Entertainment Music

The Zombies’ Chris White on the band’s Mar. 25 show at Town Hall, book event at The Strand on Mar. 15 & upcoming musical

The Zombies

The Zombies
The Zombies

Formed 55 years ago in St. Albans, England, The Zombies first experienced worldwide success in 1964 with “She’s Not There,” only two years after forming. “Tell Her No” followed a few months later, also reaching the U.S. Top 10. Even though The Zombies continued to release and record solid pop-rock material, no major hit singles followed over the next few years, and The Zombies quietly disbanded in late 1967, prior to the release of 1968’s Odessey & Oracle. Even though The Zombies were broken up, Odessey track “Time Of The Season” mysteriously went to #1, ultimately becoming the group’s biggest hit.

Word of The Zombies’ greatness would spread like wildfire in the following decades. “Care Of Cell 44” has been covered by Elliott Smith, Matthew Sweet, and Of Montreal, being called one of the 200 Best Songs Of The 1960s by Pitchfork Media. “She’s Not There” was on the 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time list from Rolling Stone and has been covered by Santana, Vanilla Fudge, The Doves, Nick Cave and Crowded House, to name a few artists. “Tell Her No” has been covered by Juice Newton, Del Shannon and Tahiti 80. “Time Of The Season” was named 35th best song of the 1960s by NME and has not only been covered by The Guess Who, The Dave Matthews Band, America and Scott Weiland, but also sampled by Eminem, Melanie Fiona and ScHoolboy Q. And that’s without mentioning Zombies covers from Foo Fighters, OK Go, Tennis, Ronnie Spector, Yo La Tengo, or Dinosaur Jr. Or the successes that the members of The Zombies had with solo albums and other recording projects.

The first studio reunion album from The Zombies was 1991’s New World. The next one did not follow until 2004 with As Far As I Can See. Since that 2004 release, The Zombies has toured regularly with vocalist Colin Blunstone and keyboardist Rod Argent at the helm. Now joined by original bassist Chris White and drummer Hugh Grundy, The Zombies will be playing at Town Hall on Mar. 25. In addition, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Odessey & Oracle, the band will be appearing at The Strand Bookstore on Mar. 15 in support of the book, The Odessey. March 2017 will also bring the release of Odessey in CD-digipak form for the first time, in addition to a greatest hits compilation on vinyl via Varѐse Sarabande.

Downtown spoke with Chris White about Odessey, the band’s history with New York and what he has coming up. More on The Zombies can be found at www.thezombiesmusic.com.

Where was the first gig you ever played in Manhattan? What do you remember about it?

Chris White: That was Murray The K’s Brooklyn Fox Christmas 1964 show! Our first taste of the U.S.A. It was a fantastic experience — meeting and working with great artists like Chuck Jackson, Ben E. King, The Drifters, The Shirelles, Dick & Dee Dee, The Shangri Las, Patti LaBelle & The Bluebells, The Vibrations, Dionne Warwick and The Nashville Teens. What a time that was, and at least 6 shows a day. The Bluebells introduced us to some great records.

When was it that you first realized that Odessey & Oracle was an influential album? Or at least that its initial lack of commercial success was not the album’s full narrative?

CW: That was when other artists kept referring to it and telling others that they should listen to it — about 15 years after its release. Paul Weller used to buy it for his friends and acquaintances. He told me in 2008 that it was the reason he started writing songs, and that from a man I really respect.

For you, is it troubling that so many people want to look back on work that you did close to 50 years ago? Or is nostalgia not a bother to you?

CW: Not troubling at all. For me it is still fresh and meaningful. And we get to play it 50 years after its conception.

After The Zombies disbanded, you remained active as a songwriter. But what did you do professionally right after The Zombies’ breakup?

CW: Rod and I wanted to keep making music, so we formed a production company and put together Rod’s next group, Argent. We decided to write together and we co-produced Colin’s first three solo albums. I produced for several other artists and did the first demos for Dire Straits.

Music by The Zombies has been covered by numerous major artists. Do you have a favorite Zombies cover?

CW: Not really. Songs are like a language and I love to hear how other artists interpret the songs. There are so many good versions.

Do you have a favorite Zombies song for you to perform live?

CW: Yes, after playing the album together for the first time in 2008, I grew to be completely enthralled by “Hung Up On A Dream.” Playing it made me see how good Rod’s song was.

Nowadays, the concept of the zombie seems to be more popular than ever. Are you a fan of any zombie-related books or movies these days?

CW: No, but I am working on a Zombies musical about the year we made Odessey & Oracle, and that does involve the legend of “zombies,” but also the legend of The Zombies and the circumstances around the making of the album.

You were undoubtedly one of the first bassists in rock to have interesting bass lines that were not just focused on the root note. Was there a bassist that particularly inspired this? Did you write a lot of songs on bass?

CW: My father. He played upright bass and taught me to play it as well. But he said that the bass has to root everything along with the drums. In a lot of Rod’s songs, he asked me to try and follow his left-hand keyboard lines, which I loved. You can’t write songs on a bass though, you need the chords. But it’s nice to find some great riffs on the bass.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsZb_MmYkJA

When not busy with music, how do you like to spend your free time?

CW: Music is a way of life — can’t do anything else.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?

CW: Not recently! I haven’t been long enough in New York to eat so far.

Finally, Chris, any last words for the kids?

CW: Someone once said, “If you can find something that you enjoy doing, you’ll never do a day’s work in your life.” And just DO IT. Don’t be scared of asking for help or guidance — if you don’t ask, they can’t say YES! Never regret trying.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntW5J5ukn7A

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Culture Entertainment Music

Saxon’s Biff Byford on his Mar. 29 & 30 gigs with UFO, 40 years of rock & more

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Formed in England 40 years ago, Saxon was one of the leaders of the new wave of British heavy metal. In the 1980s alone, Saxon had eight Top 40 albums in the U.K., four of which hitting the Top 10, two of which reaching the Top 5. In turn, Saxon has sold over 15 million albums. Metallica, Mötley Crüe, and Pantera are among the major artists that have called Saxon a major influence. Even Elton John was a fan, having played piano on a few Saxon tracks.

Unlike most of its hard rock peers, Saxon never broke up or went on hiatus. 2015 brought the release of the group’s 21st studio album, Battering Ram, as produced by Andy Sneap. Vocalist Biff Byford and guitarist Paul Quinn — both original members — remain in the Saxon fold, as rounded out by guitarist Doug Scarratt, bassist Timothy “Nibbs” Carter and drummer Nigel Glockler; Doug is “the new guy,” having only joined Saxon 21 years ago in 1996.

On the eve of band’s 2017 studio release, Saxon will be touring the United States with UFO. The two iconic British groups — who last toured together in the 1980s — will be playing at B.B. King’s on Mar. 29 and 30 with support from Jared James Nichols and DJ Alex Kayne. Downtown spoke with Biff in late 2016 about what’s coming up for Saxon and plenty more. Saxon can be visited online at www.saxon747.com. Biff is on Twitter as @Biff_Byford, while the quintet keeps an account as @SaxonOfficial.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3ARKxGplvU

What do you wish more people knew about Saxon?

Biff Byford: I wish they knew that we’re really good at what we do.
 
How would you describe your latest album Battering Ram to a long-time Saxon fan that hasn’t yet heard it? Is there also a new album in the works?

BB: It’s a mixture of old and new. We hate to be predictable and I don’t think any of our albums are. Neither is the new album we are recording now.
 
Saxon songs are generally renowned for having memorable guitar riffs and sing-along choruses. When writing a song, does the music usually come first? Or does the vocal hook?

BB: There aren’t any rules. At the moment, my writing partner is Nibbs so if I have a specific melody we write to that or I may write within an idea.

In your song “Play It Loud,” you mention listening to Deep Purple. Was that the first hard rock band that inspired you?

BB: I think I liked the early Purple stuff, it moved me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=551z5RxDn40
 
The villain in the first two Back To The Future movies is named Biff and the primary villain in the third Back To The Future movie is named Buford. Is that a coincidence, or do you think there was a Saxon fan involved with the movies?

BB: In the U.S.A., people called Biff are quite preppy, but there could be a connection. Maybe the director was a fan in the 80s?

Was the experience of writing your autobiography Never Surrender enjoyable? What inspired you to write a book?

BB: I liked writing the book. It’s a great way to put things in perspective.
 
What do you remember about your first-ever gig in New York?

BB: I think it was L’Amours, maybe? I loved New York — a crazy and wild place!
 
Your voice has held up remarkably well over the years. What do you do to take such great care of your voice?

BB: I don’t really do anything but just try not to strain too much.

Next year marks Saxon’s 40th anniversary. Are there any plans to celebrate that accomplishment?

BB: No, but we will be celebrating in 2019 from when our first album came out and we changed our name to Saxon.

What’s the latest on the movement to make heavy metal a recognized religion?

BB: It is a recognized religion in the U.K.

When you’re not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?

BB: Just chilling with my family.

Do you have a favorite album of 2016?

BB: Motörhead. 

Finally, Biff, any last words for the kids?

BB: Yes! Keep the faith. We’re on our way.

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Culture Entertainment Music

Steve Hackett on his Feb. 23 & 25 New York shows, “The Night Siren,” Genesis reuniting & more

Photo: Tina Korhonen
Photo: Tina Korhonen
Steve Hackett / Photo: Tina Korhonen

Steve Hackett first came into prominence as the guitarist of the legendary rock band Genesis, whom he played with until 1977. Prior to leaving Genesis, Steve had released his first solo album, Voyage Of The Acolyte, in 1975. His solo career has continued steadily ever since, aside from the mid-1980s, when Steve co-founded the short-lived supergroup GTR. His newest release is The Night Siren, which will hit stores next month via Inside Out Music.

In support of The Night Siren, Steve is embarking on a on a U.S. tour which includes a Feb. 23 stop at Westbury’s NYCB Theater and a Feb. 25 gig at Manhattan’s PlayStation Theater. Downtown caught up with Steve by phone to learn more about The Night Siren, his early days in New York, and what lies ahead for him. More on all things Steve Hackett can be found at www.hackettsongs.com.

I was wondering what you remember about the first time you ever played in New York City.

Steve Hackett: Wow, god, the first time in New York City. I think I remember we played Avery Fisher Hall, and I believe Leonard Bernstein was rehearsing with the New York Philharmonic, I think it was. We were supposed to get in earlier to set up everything and I think rehearsal overran for him. “Great, Leonard Bernstein”…But it did mean things were a bit fraught for us, and one of the other bands that were at the show, Strings & Things, I think they had a problem with an amp, so I lent them mine. Our road manager said, “I don’t wanna worry you, Steve, but your amp’s just blown up.” (laughs) This is the big New York debut and my amp’s just blown up and I already had flu and I was dead nervous about screwing up in New York, so I think I was pretty damn nervous, as was the rest of the band. So I think we didn’t turn in the greatest of performances, but it was to be one of many over time and luckily New York did eventually get what with Genesis was all about. I’ve had wonderful times in New York ever since.

When was the first time on tour or for travel that you actually got to relax in New York and not just play a gig and leave. Do you remember that?

SH: Oh goodness me. Well, I think funny enough the first time through, we couldn’t get that many shows and then we were in New York for a long time. In fact I think to recall that we spent time on both coasts. You’ve got to remember it’s a young struggling band and there aren’t too many things…so I did get to sit quite a bit in New York at that time. Of course one of the early times we were through we heard that John Lennon had said that we were one of the bands he was listening to. I think he was talking to Scott Muni at WNEW, so that was hugely important for us as a young struggling band…But we still couldn’t get a gig anyway, it didn’t make any difference.

For your upcoming show in New York at the PlayStation Theater. What’s to be expected? Are you playing songs from throughout your career and catalog?

SH: Well, what I do these days is I play two sets. It’s a bit like there’s two bands in one. I play a set of solo material and I will pick stuff from the new album, and then we take a break then we come back and we do Genesis stuff…I think I’m doing at least one track from each of the Genesis albums that I made…

So that means nothing from GTR?

SH: Nothing from GTR so far. People have been saying that to me, “Why don’t you do ‘When The Heart Rules The Mind?” So down the line I will probably do that, you know.

So you’ll be playing some material from The Night Siren, which comes out a month or so after your show in New York…

SH: Yeah. Funny enough we just had the first band rehearsal today, and we were rehearsed two of the songs from that album. I have to say, even though we didn’t know every note and it was not perfect, this run for today, even though we’ve all been in individual rehearsal separately, it still sounded extraordinarily-powerful. I’m thrilled that it makes very good live material, that also was the test.

Do you have a favorite song to play live? I ask that because some people had 40 and 50 year careers may say, “You know every song is like my child, I don’t have a favorite.” Other people might go, “Nope, I love my new album…”

SH: Well, I think all of them. Yeah, I think I’m probably in a more…I wouldn’t do these numbers if I did not love them, I think they’ve all got something to say. I think they are all beautiful in one way or another. Some of them are more bombast, some of them more lyrical, but I love them all, you know they’re all my grandchildren. (laughs)

How do you feel about looking at being looked at as one of the forefathers of prog-rock? Is that a tag that you’re comfortable with?

SH: I don’t mind that. I think that whatever we were doing back in the day, mixing genres…practically every style was welcome, including comedy and pantomime, as well as the most serious thing. I’m happy to have been a part of that, we didn’t call it “progressive” at the time…That’s a retrospective catch-all phrase, because we feel that it was okay to do a three-minute single like “I Know What I Like,” and that would be considered to be probably bad form by most progressive bands. But we did the long-form stuff, we did the short stuff, we like to mix it. There were a lot of different include, there was big band, there was classical music, there was aspects of Jazz, there was certainly rock and pop…

Do you listen to any prog-rock in general these days? Are there any bands that you’re interested in?

SH: I think the funny thing is that once a band reaches a certain stature, people no longer say they are progressive. People don’t talk about The Beatles as a progressive band, yet they set the bar for the rest of us. What they were doing was all of a sudden Magical Mystery Tour, you have those aspects of progressive stuff, of course Abbey Road with all those things linked together, vignettes, it’s very progressive. I think there was a progressive aspect that Queen had, and Muse, and Elbow, with their diverse work. You’re doing an excerpt of Chopin and then you’re doing something else that sounds like Prince, like Muse do, that sounds progressive to me.

Is there anything that you haven’t yet accomplished in your career, you’re still hoping to?

SH: Yeah, I haven’t made it as an actor in Hollywood yet. Just kidding. (laughs) I think maybe film work, and I don’t mean acting. I mean music for film, or rather I was hoping that something that I’d done already might be considered by a filmmaker to be dramatic. Something like “El Niño” for instance, off the new Night Siren album…

The film world has been a huge influence for me and many many musicians. I would say Genesis, some of the Disney stuff, the effect on The Beatles…Although I’ve done stuff for film and had a lot of stuff used with documentaries and what have you. Yeah, it’d be lovely to go and score something for sci-fi. That genre, I loved it when I was kid and I still love it now of course, I never outgrow it. I still go and have an imaginary spaceship out the back, and it goes like this… (sings an melody) (laughs) You know that kind of feeling.

Music, I think, has that ability to move you both emotionally and physically, and you feel as if your feet is off the ground. That’s what music does for me. I love slow melodies and fast moving rhythms underneath slow melodies, which I think allow the possibility of iconic melody.

That’s very interesting. So you know if I can put words in your mouth, you revisit Genesis when you perform live, but you are in no way hoping for a reunion. Like that chapter of your life is behind you you’re kind of saying.

SH: I think that it’s extremely unlikely that there will be a Genesis reunion. We’ve tried to put together the band before. There seems to be insufficient common ground or enough, you know, goodwill to be able to do it.

Sure…

SH: I think I have always been up for it, I certainly wouldn’t stand in the way of it, but I suspect the perception is different from fans to the way the band functions. I know that they’re comfortable with the three-piece, or certainly were, you know when you’ve got a five man team, it’s different. But you know it might happen one day, but somehow I doubt it. I think the power play aspect is what runs parallel with it and the thing is I honor the music. I’m free of the politics when I do this stuff. I’m not trying to knock anyone off their perch, I’m not a competitive musician. I’m trying to do music for the people who were disenfranchised and feel that way, feel that Genesis was something precious and personal at first when it was perhaps more experimental, and I do love some of those early albums. I think I think they have some extraordinary material and some great chord sequences as well.

So when you’re not busy with music or sci-fi, what do you like to do for fun?

SH: I like to travel. I’ve just come back from Cambodia and Thailand on a tour of temples and seeing the bridge over the River Kwai and taking a train over it and seeing living history really. Some of the monumental achievements of the ancients…The temple complex in Cambodia was absolutely extraordinary. There were three temples that look like they’re straight out of either the Tomb Raider or Indiana Jones, and it’s glorious stuff in the heart of the jungle. It’s true adventure. So I love doing that, my wife loves to travel. That’s what we do, we do that and we often pick up instruments in these places and make friends everywhere and we get influenced by everywhere that we visit and everyone we speak to.

So finally Steve, any last word for the kids?

SH: For the kids, you say?

Yes.

SH: My god, I think anyone who’s a musician is a kid. There’s only one lesson, which is to love it, because if you love it that will get you over all the difficulties. Don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot make a living at music, you will if you are passionate enough.

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EXCLUSIVE: Downtown Premieres “Love Lion” by Uncle Frank

Uncle Frank

Uncle Frank
Uncle Frank

Downtown is proud to premiere the music video for “Love Lion” by the U.K.-based Uncle Frank; the track will be featured on the forthcoming Love Lion album due out in March.

Uncle Frank, a band which mixes soul, funk, rage and love, is comprised of multi-instrumentals and producers Frank Benbini and Naim Cortazzi. The group has garnered airplay from BBC6 Music and BBC Radio 2, and has gotten recent coverage in The Sun, The Daily Star and Spindle Magazine. Uncle Frank released its debut album, Smile For Miles, in May 2014 as part of a three-album deal with MITA Records. Frank and Naim recently hit the road with UB40 for a U.S. tour, which included an on-stage duet with UB40’s Ali Campbell on Prince’s “Purple Rain” in New Jersey.

Said multi-instrumentalist/producer Frank Benbini, who is also one-third of the acclaimed New York band Fun Lovin’ Criminals: “New York City is my second home, I miss the place every day. I had two apartments over the years, first in Manhattan, second in Brooklyn. Love the food and my New York City friends and family — and the hustle, the New York hustle.”