Adorno Stone first began six years ago, and after a few line-up changes are now making a name for themselves in London and Essex. They enjoy performing a blend of piano led, rock, pop, and funk, and have high hopes for the future.
Suite101: How would you describe the Adorno Stone songwriting experience?
Porter: “The experience is a great one to be part of. At first, it was just me writing the songs and then saying “here it is, let’s play it this way”. Over the years it has evolved a lot. Now, I’ll come to rehearsal with an idea, and we’ll work on it as a team. It means everyone can let their influences show, and the end result is more of a reflection of the band as a whole, rather than what’s on my itunes.”
Suite101: What do you see as your unique selling point as a band?
Porter: “Brutal honesty? I’m not sure there is one. We focus on the piano, but that’s been done before. We like a bit of harmony, nothing new there. We’re not trying to be radically different, we’re just out to make good songs that people enjoy or relate to. Just like millions of other bands out there. How about honesty as our USP?!”
Suite101: What would you like to achieve in 2008?
Porter: “It’s harder and harder to make a name for yourself as an unsigned band. I’ve been playing in the band for 6 years, and even in that short time the industry has changed beyond all recognition. I think now we’ve realised that the millon dollar record deals don’t exist anymore, so we’re not chasing that dream. I think the aims are to just keep making good tunes, enjoy it, and see what happens.”
Suite101: How does music fit in with real life?
Porter: “With difficulty! Drummer James has his own online drum store (idrums.co.uk), bass player Jay has a 1 year old baby, and we all work full time. You have to make the effort to put time aside for the band. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.”
Suite101: Which of your songs best represents you as a band?
Porter: “I think the song that most represents us is We Should Be. It’s a fairly mainstream song, with an interesting instrumental section, great harmonies and a tuneful solo. I think people would immediately recognise it as one of our songs.”
Suite101: Are there any musical skills/sounds/instruments you'd like to experiment with?
Porter: “During breaks in rehearsals we’ll all jump on each others instruments and have a go! I think we all have a healthy interest in playing lots of different things. In our home studios we come up with all sorts of stuff that wouldn’t fit in the band. My latest is a track that sounds like it’s from a latino disco!”
Suite101: What does music mean to you?
Porter: “Its part of everything I do really. My job involves a lot of creative writing, so writing songs keeps me constantly thinking about language. But it’s not just that. Music is a discussion point with my family, it’s a way to relax after work, it’s something to go and see at the weekend. It’s everywhere!”
Suite101: On the internet you can find many music themed quotes from famous people in history. What quote would you like Adorno Stone to be known for?
Porter: “Why did they get signed and we didn’t!” It would be great to be known as a bitter band!”
Also on Suite101: An interview with another member of the project , acoustic act Aloneme.
Lauren John - Lauren is a freelance writer from Chelmsford in Essex. She has been writing professionally since graduating from University with a Higher ...
