Duck: 10 question interview

If Merrill Garbus even knew of our existence I think we’d consider our lives to be complete. Failing that Tanya Tagaq who to my shame I only just heard of cause she’s on that ace new Weaves song. Actually they could collaborate. That would be fine.

2. Choose: Madonna or Beyonce? 

I can’t possibly choose between them so Grimes (my eldest daughter just looked over my shoulder at what I’m typing and said “Jesus Christ mum, Beyoncé!! It’s always Beyoncé!!!”)

3. Choose one of your songs to be on a movie soundtrack. What kind of film is it?

Anything written/directed by or involving Alice Lowe in some way. “Crowning” would have been perfect for Prevenge but she could have anything she wanted for future projects. I’m putting that out there now. We know she likes a synth so that’s a good start…

4. Choose: the 80s or the 90s?

80s probably. It’s the whole dancing about in a preposterous outfit to electronic sounds/blurring of gender lines/visibility of queer artists that appeals. The 90s lad culture that followed was a disappointing development frankly.

5. Recommend a record and a book that you think our readers might not have heard of 

You should listen to Nim Chimpsky if you haven’t already. Their new EP “Wibble” is out now and you can get it here. They describe their sound as “..angry, noisy whirlwind of acerbic feminist pop you can dance to” and “Girlx2, DIY, acerbic summat-pop”. My favourite book for a while now has to be Viv Albertine‘s “Clothes, clothes, clothes. music, music, music. Boys, boys, boys” which every single one of your readers will have heard of or read so doesn’t necessarily fit the brief. Just in case you haven’t though, you really should. It’s searingly honest, relatable and downright inspiring. I really should seek out some more obscure books in case anyone asks me this again…6. Bore us with the details of your set-up

I play an Epiphone SG through an old Laney head and a homemade speaker (made by Chris – he’s dead handy like that). Effects – Big Muff and a variety of homemade pedals (Chris again…) Ange has a shonky old guitar we had lying around and plays through a Vox AD50DT and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz….

7. What’s the best thing about being in your band?

Our very deep friendship (we’ve all known each other for aaaaages) and the laughs and support for each other that comes with it. Ange had never been in a band til Duck (Chris and I have played in bands since our teens) but I knew I wanted my bezzie beside me. I knew she could bang a drum but that was about it. Watching her grow in confidence and ability is incredible to me. Go Ange!

Forming Duck also marked a new beginning for us all I think after some very dark years of loss, grief and illness. I love that we can go through all these things together and still create and have a great time.

Also, playing with so many female musicians is wonderful. The DIY scene is fantastic for that. I was the only woman on so many of the bills when I played with other bands and it becomes quite wearying and disheartening. No more sausagefests for me.

To keep it fun and interesting. Play more amazing gigs with more amazing bands and meet more great people. We want to tour next year and write/record a new EP.

9. What’s the most important thing we need to know about your band right now?

We have an album out!!  It’s called “FaceAche” and you can get it here

10. Give your top 5 contemporary bands 

Tuneyards – Merrill Garbus is a goddess genius and we are so excited for the new stuff.

US Girls – Meg Remy – see above.

Downtown Boys – New album is incredible. Angry and catchy and I can’t wait to see them live.

Menace Beach – We just love everything they do. All their stuff is so full of hooks and melody and Liza Violet is an incredible guitarist. Those riffs!

Ceiling Demons – Moving, thoughtful alt-hip hop/trip hop. No toxic masculinity here. I’ve seen them live twice now and they made my lip wobble both times.

Find Duck on Facebook and catch them live at LOUD WOMEN on 18 November at the Bird’s Nest in Deptford