Left of the Dealer were one of the first bands we came across when we started LeftLion. Back in the day they even got described as ‘Nottingham’s best boy band’ – a description probably based on their youthful looks rather than their music. But they’ve always known how to rock and even after two major line-up changes (co-founder Russ Clark leaving and more recently their drummer Saimon relocating) they remain unshaken. We put some questions to Tommy Goodhall (vocals) and Adam Dziuba (bass) before their LeftLion Unplugged gig in March…

What have you guys been up to recently?
Tommy: We played a couple of gigs just before Christmas, one at The Social for a Farmyard Records charity do and the other the next day at the Rescue Rooms for a classic Majik NottsRock celebration, with Seretone completing the bill. It was nice to have our old drummer, who left the band, back for the gigs but since then we have been writing new songs and partying hard over the holidays. Once Adam has finished his exams we’ll be auditioning some new drummers and get on with conquering the world through our melodic medium.

What’s your favourite of your own tracks?
Tommy: I'd have to say the song formerly known as Sexual Chocolates. It's our most obvious single to date and it seems to be our most widely enjoyed song - plus I wrote it. We are still debating what to call it, get on our myspace and vote or make a suggestion.
Adam: Break My Fall. I can’t think of another track that strikes a chord as much as that one.

If you could get anyone in to play with you, who would you choose?
Tommy: I'd say Sly and the Family Stone. I just think it would be such good fun! We could do with Jon Bohnam at the mo, though we'd probably take Phil Collins right now.
Adam: John Mayer. People give a lot of stick but if he’s good enough for Clapton, BB King, Kanye West and Common, then he’s good enough for me!

Who’s the best poker player in the band?
Adam: We’re all amazing. Left of the Dealer are Poker Jedis.
Tommy: But I'm the best little Padawan.

Who’s the worst?
Tommy: Probably balls-out Buckley (Jake)

How has the band changed since Russ Clark left?
Adam: Russ leaving was hard but it also acted as a catalyst for us all to grow up a lot musically; starting from scratch, reworking songs/jams and trying to put a show together. We became much more focused on what our individual jobs were, giving each other space to play for the songs sake, not our own. It worked as well, we progressed a great deal and did some great shows here and in London, interest began to mount. Now in the aftermath of Saimon’s (our ex-Drummer) relocation to Bournemouth we’re kind of back to square one again, the difference is this time we know what steps to take and it will only be a matter of time before we fill Saimon’s shoes and start moving forward again.
Tommy: It was painful for all involved, but a necessary evil as we were going different ways and we all get along musically and as friends a lot better without the pressure that was mounting. It made the four remaining members much tighter than we had ever been and forced us to think about music in a different way working more as a band rather than a collective of individuals. I thought initially that it was totally the wrong decision, but now I see it was totally right and I really respect Russ for being so brave and for telling me first (He knew I wouldn't take it well). It's a real pity that the Foncheros (did i spell that right Russ?!) have dispersed but i know that they will all have new projects to plough into.

What do you listen to on the stereo at home?
Adam: The Roots, Dave Matthews Band, Steve Ray Vaughn
Tommy: The aforementioned Sly, Incubus, Aerosmith, G. Love and I've just discovered Emiliana Torrini who I think has the best voice ever simple effortless beauty

What are your favourite hangouts in Nottingham?
Tommy: The Castle is my local, I love it in there. The Rescue Rooms is pretty cool and Bar Schnapps late on in a night

Who are the best upcoming musical talents in Nottingham?
Adam: Late of the Pier and Computerman.
Tommy: I think Majik and First Blood have the best chance of really blowing up and going national. There are loads of really good singer songwriters about though like Andy Whittle, Chris Macdonald and Liam Bailey and the Soul Parade

What’s going to be big in music-wise in 2007?
Adam: The Cold War Kids are something to really look forward to and without trying to be obvious, Klaxons

Last album that you bought?
Tommy: John Smith's after I saw him at the malt cross he was ridiculous, a perfect blend between John Martyn, Damien Rice and Thomas Leeb.
Jake: An early Loudon Wainwright album and a fairly recent Megadeath album.

What was the last book you read?
Tommy: Derren Brown’s new book. It's really interesting not just about tricks but about religion and all sorts.

What was the last thing that made you laugh?
Adam: Peep Show

What was the last thing that made you cry?
Adam: Final Year Exams

What can people expect from the show at the Malt Cross?
Tommy: It will be the first time that we play acoustically with Adam on bass. we will also have Ian Starr from Majik on percussion so it should hopefully be new and interesting even to the people that have seen Jake and I play acoustically before

What is coming up for you over the next year?
Adam: Three birthdays, one graduation, Glastonbury and re-birth of a band that’ll have come a long way since the last time Micheal Eavis opened up the gates of his farm to 150,00 hippies and roadies.
Tommy: A new drummer and a new direction. We will be playing in as many different cities as frequently as possible to start to build our fanbase and our buzz.

Anything else you want to say to LeftLion readers?
Adam: Listen to our music. Artists can’t get anywhere without picking up a few fans on the way, we’ve managed to get a few these past couple of years and by the end of the year we’d like a couple more.

Left of the Dealer on myspace

Comment (0) Send to friend Print Add to Facebook Socialise