| New UK pop punk trio Busted could be set for big things. James tells TOTP Online to bring it all on..... |
| TOTP: You guys have been described as part Brit Pop, part American Rock. You happy with that? James: We are literally a mixture of both because we are a pop band but we have influences from the teen punk thing, like Blink 182, Wheatus, and all that lot. So, I don't mind being classed as either. I like both kinds of music. We are influenced by both and we are in the middle. Blink 182 are probably our biggest influence. TOTP: You must be pretty chuffed being compared to Blink 182 then? James: Yeah, but it's tough. We are not trying to compete with those type of bands. We really like those bands and get some influences in our sound from them, but we are a more pop-based band. TOTP: Why do you think the pop punk style is so popular at the moment? James: I think that people are tired of the whole manufactured boy and girl band thing. That has been such a huge thing over the last five years and I just think people are turning to something else. These bands are coming over from America and it is something kids are listening to - it is the new craze. TOTP: As you say, most of the bands are from the US. Are Busted here to provide a UK slant on things? James: Well, there is not much of the whole teen punk cheekiness attitude to the music around in England at the moment. We hope to fill that gap. TOTP: The US bands have travelled well in the UK. Do you think you can export the UK pop punk style back over to the US? James: I dunno. I'm not sure. It's is quite an American thing. I am not sure how they will take it. Obviously, it's not as rocky as the punk bands over there. But hopefully they will receive it well. TOTP: Have you been to the States yet? James: No. We haven't. Next summer. At the moment we are concentrating on England and Germany. TOTP: Tell us about your new single, 'What I Go To School For'? James: The single is about a school kid fancying their teacher. The song was based on Matt's science teacher. We thought it would be quite funny to write a song about it. TOTP: You guys are mere pop pups. What age did you start writing and recording? James: I started playing music when I was six, and started writing songs when I was about 10. The same for all of us. We've all been doing it from a young age. As a band, Busted has been going for about a year. That's how long we have been recording our songs. TOTP: Describe Busted in five words? James: Not-taking-ourselves-too-seriously. TOTP: You have a song about Britney Spears called, suprisingly, 'Britney'. Obviously, it's her personality that you are attracted to? James: She is a goddess. She is an absolute goddess. So, a song had to be written about her. TOTP: Any other pop stars tickle your fancy? James: Just Britney for me, I think. Oh, and Jessica from Liberty X. TOTP: 'Crash and Burn' is about failed attempts with the ladies. Will girly mags such as 'Cosmo Girl' calling you a "cute new trio set for big things" increase your pulling power? James: Lets hope so. We will just hope for the best. Busted are a boyband with attitude and are the latest UK group to hit the music scene. |