TOMMY ADAMSON
We are very thrilled to feature a rare bird on Good Morning Keith Diary. Through this interview, discover Tommy Adamson: frontman of Gingerella.
Hi Tommy, could you tell us how you came to music?
Honestly I cannot say there was one precise moment that got me into music, it’s just been my life since before I can remember, though I’m sure growing up in a music obsessed household (and country) helps. I first started playing guitar when I was about 4/5 and that’s been it ever since. Wish I had picked finance instead..
Could you give us your 5 most important records? And maybe 5 that recently caught your attention?
Most important albums:
Exile On Main Street - The Rolling Stones
Dear Catastrophe Waitress - Belle & Sebastian
The Gift - The Jam
Live in Santa Monica 1972 - David Bowie
My Aim Is True - Elvis Costello
Recent albums:
Too Rye Ay - Dexys Midnight Runners
Leon Russell - Leon Russell
(Come On, Join) The High Society - These Animal Men
The Sky Is Ugly - Jim E Brown
Wet Leg - Wet Leg
What's your relation with clothes?
I think being such a music lover, my interest in fashion has always been in relation to that; if I’m loving a certain album or genre I’ll definitely feel my clothes change in favour of them but I think I’ll always return to the clean, monochrome tailored look that the Thin White Duke made so popular. It’s hard to not judge people from how they dress so I suppose part of me wants others to understand what kind of person I am through just what I wear, it’s always going to differ depending on mood but I’m a bit of a show off.. I like to be noticed. Peacocking… You do get confidence through what you wear but I wouldn’t ever view it as a costume, it’s more like putting on makeup.
Does your choice of clothing play a role in creating your artistic identity? If so, how?
I definitely think it plays a part in your artistic identity because your style will associate you with a type of music. I think we have blurred lines between sub cultures these days due to social media or globalisation but I love how in the past there were such distinct styles for each band or genre of music you loved. Maybe it’s better to have fewer rules though, you’re not bound to anything that way.
Do you always feel true to your style, or does it change depending on the seasons, projects, moods?
Yeah I think the same core influences will always be there and I’m following the same instincts but it definitely changes with what phase I’m in. For example I love the very British almost Victorian ‘shabby chic, opioid-elegance’ look because it reminds me of the genre of Englishness that I love the most : pastures green, carpeted pubs and Georgian houses. But Vince Noir will always have a special place in my heart dressing like a space cowboy. I think changing with every new project is the most important thing anyway. For me there’s nothing better than when a band changes their aesthetic cleanly from album to album signifying a proper change even if I don’t like the new direction as much I like the principle.
Is there an item of clothing you would never dare to wear?
The more extravagant the better! Maybe tracksuits. But I do love Adidas originals..
How do you approach styling for the stage?
Nothing too forced. Doesn’t necessarily mean simple but it shows when you don’t mean it.
Have you ever chosen a particular outfit for a performance to reinforce a message or emotion you wanted to convey?
Our bassist Simon had been held by border control for 5 hours before one of our shows not allowed to travel into the UK, stamps on his passport and all sorts of bureaucratic red tape rubbish so we bought some white t shirts before the gig and drew ‘Fuck Brexit’ in big block letters on the front and ‘Free Pattyn’ on the back. Not sure where the shirts are but the sentiment remains.
Do you have icons or references when it comes to getting dress?
Hedi Slimane, ‘Withnail & I’ and John Cooper Clarke.
To what extent do you think your look impacts your audience's perception of your music?
I think it conveys that at the core of this we don’t take ourselves too seriously and you can take what we say in jest. I guess it reduces the hetero 4 guy indie band trope when the band are caked in more makeup than Elizabeth the First. We intend to be playful and take risks, the best thing is seeing audiences doing the same.
Please describe the look that represent the most your music.
Camp, shabby, chic.
What’s coming next for Gingerella?
Our debut single ‘Party Girls’ is out on May 23rd, followed by a vinyl only EP called ‘Eat Your Heart Out’ on June 6th. We’ll be doing release shows in London at Camden Assembly on June 12th and Paris at Les Etoiles on June 7th, then it’s off to Isle of Wight festival. Stay tuned!
What would you like listeners to take away from your work?
Tricky question and I’m sure the answer will change from project to project but for now I’m very concentrated on the ‘kitchen sink’ style of writing which focuses more on the beauty in mundanity. Be individual and be excessive.. There’s no afterlife!
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gingerellatheband/
Website: https://ciaoketchuprecordings.bandcamp.com/merch
