Words: Sinead Murphy

Michael Williams answers some questions for Noise Addiction.

How was Jumping Ships formed? How did the individual members of the band come to find each other?

The band was formed about 3 years ago when a couple of like minded Brighton musicians got together to have a jam. A couple of member changes later and the full lineup was established. Rich (bass) and Kai (guitar) knew each other from home – North Yorkshire. All of us had moved down to Brighton for music and studying.

Who would you name as your collective musical influences, and do you feel any of these artists are reflected in your sound?

We listen to a lot of different music but mainly we cite; Early Biffy, Reuben and Oceansize as our main influences. We do have a bit of a soft spot for pop as well – but refuse to name any particular artists though

For anyone who may be unfamiliar with Jumping Ships, how would you describe your overall sound?

It’s alternative in places with a strong punk backbone I’d say. We mess around with song structures and time signatures a lot but always keep it accessible.

Do you follow a specific formula when writing new material, or does the process vary from song to song?

Our songwriting process varies from song to song, the majority of song ideas I (Mike) will come up with the guitars with Kai. We then roughly record it and take it to the rehearsal room with Rich and Alex – from there get the music done then vocals afterwards. However some songs such as Bygones (which is on the new record) I bring to the table in a more finished state.

Do you feel that there is continuity in your lyricism, that you feel most assured writing about a specific kind of feeling, issue or experience, or do you consciously deal with varying subject matter?

I try to write about different things it keeps it interesting that way. I mainly write about life experiences/relationships and observations. Songs on the new record vary from; being pissed of at the music industry (Movers and Shakers) to looking after a troubled friend (Heart and Hope).

Which musical artist or producer (dead or alive) would you as a band most like to collaborate with, and why?

This is a tough one; Kai (guitar) is in the background and has just shouted out Quincey Jones – I think that’s a pretty good shout! A co-write with Leonard Cohen wouldn’t go a miss either!

What would you say your favourite experience of live performance has been so far in your career?

Playing at The Great Escape this year was pretty ace, the lineup was ace and it was one in one out when we were playing. Playing Club NME a couple of years ago (when we were starting out) was ace, really busy nights there. Also some of the festivals (Redfest/Camden Crawl) we did this year were ace, the tour we have just finished was really solid too – Hastings/York/Glasgow being the top shows.

How would you describe Jumping Ships as unique from the current British alternative scene? Or alternatively, do you feel that your sound fits within a specific genre or movement?

People don’t seem to be able to pigeon hole us, we aren’t really trying to push into any direction really. We have been called Alt-Pop-Rock, Post-Punk.. all sorts! Most recently we got called Math Rock too. We are just enjoying making music that is accessible but still intricate and interesting.

As a Brighton-based band, do you feel that the Brighton live music scene differs from the rest of the UK? Do you feel most comfortable playing in Brighton, or do you find yourselves more excited/better received by crowds from other areas?

We have a strong following down here in Brighton – it’s always been good to us here. However we aren’t playing there that much at the moment and focusing a little further a field. We have a sort of ‘welcome back homecoming show’ coming up with our good friends ‘The Xcerts’ on the 29th Sept @ The Haunt.. and it’s free – going to be a great show!

What would you consider to be your biggest achievement as a band so far?

I’d say.. its when we play shows and when people are singing along – that’s pretty sweet.

Similarly, do you consider yourselves to have experienced a ‘low point’ as a band?

Hmmm.. I think it may have been the hostel we stayed at after a show in Thurso (North Scotland). The only light in the room was ‘bike lights’ nailed onto the wall.. we had to buy batteries for them to work too! The show was worth it though!

You’re playing Southsea Festival later on in the month. How was your experience of the festival circuit this summer, and are there any festivals in particular you’re hoping to play next year?

We had a great time this summer, we played; Redfest, Camden Crawl, Great Escape, Good Weekend and Southport Rocks. Only camped at Redfest though which ended up pretty messy. Next year it would be great to get onto Reading/Leeds – we all grew up going to those festivals and it would be good to come back and play.

What do you hope 2012 will bring for Jumping Ships?
New songs.. and potentially a rather large release. Keep posted as we don’t even know yet