Ian Allen

Transcript from an Interview with Ian Allen

I love rugby. I don't eat meat (eww gross!) I have been addicted to music since I was born, and tunes keep coming to me, and ideas and I battle to keep up.... but I love my muse!.. I would like my music to speak for itself, as I am not going to toot my own horn, but....... according to the press....Summer issue 1992 of BMI Music World at the Crossroads Music Festival in Memphis, Ian Allen of Rhythm Method was written up as best unsigned act in the USA (That was a while ago I know, the band had a record label deal on the table with Mitch Brodie, who at the time was an A&R guy with Elektra Records and our managers Bill Gladstone and Jon Hornyak (then owner of the legendary Sun studios), but I walked away from it all for a while and am now slowly getting back and doing it on my terms). I still think corporate rock sucks! Music is not just a product!.. In an article in the North County Times it was written that: "Allen's subject matter is a little more threatening, a little more dangerous, and for that he needs music on the edge". It goes on to say that: "Allen wraps his political message in a pop melody and drives it home with jungle rhythms". In yet another newspaper article, it was said that: " Allen was a vocal critic of apartheid while in South Africa, and on more than one occasion he had a brush with the law because of his views. As a popular singer and songwriter, Allen would fill spaces between songs by telling his audience to fight for the abolishment of apartheid, often over the objections of nervous police officers , who on more than one occasion shut him down during performances, claiming he was inciting a riot." One of my songs, "Far Country" was even banned by local radio!.. Anyways, the 4 songs I have here on My Space are... SWEET LIKE A LEMON Love can make you bitter, but it can also make you better! There is a thin line between love and hate! SIMPLE SIMON SAYS No more beating around the bush!!!! Let's get to the point! (Enough bushit!) It's like we gave the keys to this country (USA) to a drunk driver! What if Simple Simon Says "jump into the fire!" - why would you do it when you know he's a liar... liar!... NEVER THOUGHT I'D SEE THE DAY See, I can be sensitive!! What doesn't kill you makes you stronger! WILL ICU AGAIN I was born, and grew up in Africa, and at the tender age of 26(or was it 27?)(It's all a blur!) I came to America seeking fame and fortune (and everything that goes with it!), and instead found the whole "American Dream" thing a bit of a nightmare! Having never set foot out of Africa until this point was a HUGE culture shock! I came over with my friend who died in a car accident, and this is a song to her, where ever she may be.... And on that happy note...! Let me know what you think......plenty more where these came from!
I would like my music to speak for itself, as I am not going to toot my own horn, but....... according to the press....Summer issue 1992 of BMI Music World at the Crossroads Music Festival in Memphis, Ian Allen of Rhythm Method was written up as best unsigned act in the USA (That was a while ago I know, the band had a record label deal on the table with Mitch Brodie, who at the time was an A&R guy with Elektra Records and our managers Bill Gladstone and Jon Hornyak (then owner of the legendary Sun studios), but I walked away from it all for a while and am now slowly getting back and doing it on my terms). I still think corporate rock sucks! Music is not just a product! In an article in the North County Times it was written that: "Allen's subject matter is a little more threatening, a little more dangerous, and for that he needs music on the edge". It goes on to say that: "Allen wraps his political message in a pop melody and drives it home with jungle rhythms". In yet another newspaper article, it was said that: " Allen was a vocal critic of apartheid while in South Africa, and on more than one occasion he had a brush with the law because of his views. As a popular singer and songwriter, Allen would fill spaces between songs by telling his audience to fight for the abolishment of apartheid, often over the objections of nervous police officers , who on more than one occasion shut him down during performances, claiming he was inciting a riot." One of my songs, "Far Country" was even banned by local radio!
Ian Allen is so over being under the influence of any substances, including music... but rhythmically his music is very influenced by the polyrhythms prevalent in African music, and that combined with his extremeley catchy melodies and hooks makes for a tantalizing combination of music that makes you want to sing and dance. Lyrically, the subject matter is far removed from the typical and the use of word play and easy to remember albeit thought provoking lyrics also captures the imagination and attention of the listener.

Why this name?

It's just me, and that's my name!

Do you play live?

My friend, and long time music collaborator Brad Neo came over from Africa to help me record in my garage - so I guess we were a 2 car garage band!!! All instruments on the recordings are played by myself and Brad. I perform solo these days, accompanying myself on the guitar.

How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?

I can make my music available for all to hear without having the shackles of a recording contract!

Would you sign a record contract with a major label?

It would depend on how much freedom I was given, and the terms of the contract - I am a free man!

Your influences?

BEATLES,DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE, CROWDED HOUSE,OASIS,COLDPLAY,XTC,SQUEEZE

Favorite spot?

Well, Port Elizabeth

Official Website: http://www.purevoume.com/ianallen

MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/ianallenrhythmmethod