The Suzuki Method's EP, Native, can only be described as unique. This smart collection of songs can't be tagged in one genre. It contains a mixture of pop and electro which, combined with some very meaningful lyrics, makes it must listen.
Meanwhile, the video for Sherbet, their fantastic new single, was filmed and directed by Salford born, Bafta and Hollywood director Pete Travis (Omagh, Cold Feet, Vantage Point, Judge Dredd). It was shot on the rooftop of the Renaissance Hotel Manchester as a gig and embodies a real unique sense of unity. This is a band true to themselves and where they come from…
Lead singer Adam Leishman and guitarist Ben Hounslow explained that the inspiration for their music comes from the people and that the music has a message…
"The lyrics are about the problems in Salford and this country, and that we can solve these problems together" said Adam "People are lacking in understanding about what's going on. Anger should be directed at the Government but the focus is on the wrong people who are taking the blame.
"There's nothing exciting in music any more, it's all about copping off with someone" he added "Bruno Mars ain't saying shit to me."
All members of the band are from around Salford. Adam grew up on the Heights and was taught to play guitar by a local community member who recognized his talent because at school creativity was put down…
"It was easier to be a plumber then to be creative when I was growing up" he explained "If I told my teacher I wanted to play guitar for a living it would have been laughed at and seen in no way as a career path. Salford was a hard place to be creative."
They both spoke of how, back then, the majority of people ended up being pushed into career paths that were construction based.
"I was thrown out of my music class for playing Black Sabbath in class" said Ben "I didn't want to learn the music given."
Adam worked in the Co-op on the Height… "After cutting my thumb I left the job out of concern for my guitar playing" he joked.
Ben laughed that, technically, he had always had a career in music, his first job being in a music shop, which excited him - until on his first shift he was expected to clean the whole shop. He met Adam whilst busking in Manchester.
Inspiration for their music came from historical events, Salford creatives like Sheila Delaney and the Salford people. And the group continues to be inspired by past group bass player, Martin Cunliffe, who tragically died in 2008.
Both Adam and Ben explained they don't like to be tagged in a specific musical genre. Ben told how someone had given him a great metaphor for what Suzuki are... "like Lego, all individual pieces but slot together nicely".
Indeed, Suzuki Method's music is a great change from your stereotypical pop, even though they class themselves as unashamedly a pop band. American dance performance acts are already remixing their tracks.
The band are playing the Academy, supporting Alabama 3 on 13th December but asked where they would ideally like to perform Adam gave an unexpected answer...
"I've always had a dream of playing at the Lancastrian Hall in Swinton, it'd be great to get it packed out in there and do a gig."
In the meantime the EP, Native, on A1(M) Records, is getting great reviews…
"If you've got the passion no one can stop you" stated Adam.
To hear Sherbet, experience the video and for more details of the gig see www.suzuki-method.co.uk/
Follow the Suzukis on Twitter @SuzukiMethoduk
Words and band photos by Cat Heuston
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