Backstage with The Divine Secret

Cheltenham band The Divine Secret has been rocking venues across Gloucestershire, and the UK, since 2005. SoGlos.com goes backstage with Joe, Barny and Ben to get the lowdown.

So what’s the secret?
We’re an alternative rock band which formed in 2005 – a hybrid of Bloc Party meets Incubus and Queens of the Stone Age – with three members. Joe Green is on guitar and lead vocals, Barny Barnfield on bass guitar and backing vocals/screaming, and Ben Newham on drums and backing vocals.

How did the band form?
Ben and Joe had been playing together previously in another band and when they branched off, they needed a bassist. Joe knew a wicked bassist from college which is when they approached and recruited Barny to form the current line-up.

And you’re all from Cheltenham?
We were all born in Cheltenham. Joe moved around a bit and lived in Bristol and Cardiff, but returned when he was 14 – and it was at that time he met Ben in a music class.

Can you tell us where the band name came from?
When Joe and Ben played in a band together previously they wanted to go in a different musical direction, but rather than quitting the band straight away they started jamming together – which they would refer to it as ‘The Divine Secret’, as a way of being able to banter about it in front of their other current band mates.

What stage are you at right now?
You tell us. We’re just happy to be playing, we’re currently on tour and loving it, but because were busy writing new material and playing shows, we don’t really have enough time to divert our attention to see if we’re doing well or not? We’re looking to get signed and very open to suggestion!

Who are your main influences?
All three of us listen to very different types of music, a combination of anything from metal – to jazz. We’re pretty open minded. When they hear us people come out with come very different comparisons, from Incubus to Faith No More. We’ve even heard a Living Colour.

Who goes to The Divine Secret’s gigs?
Anybody who enjoys our shows I guess. We have fans aged anything between 14 and 40 and we’re just happy people do come!

Latest material?
We’ve had out EP/demo floating around for about a year now. We recorded and produced it ourselves at Revol Studios with Kevin Ross in Gloucester – he’s been great to us.

Your favourite local venue to gig at?
We all really enjoy playing Gloucester Guildhall on the odd occasion when we get chance, but to be honest nothing brings it home like playing at The 2 Pigs.

Where would you most like to play in the UK?
London Astoria would be amazing. Also the Leadmill in Sheffield would be quite nice! Other than that, any Carling Academy gigs.

The best local gig you went to?
It would have to be when Ché and Midasuno played at The 2 pigs.

What do you all get up when you’re not busy making music?
We’re just regular Joes who like to have a good time. We work, we party. In fact if you’re every having a party give us a call – we know more drinking games than most people!

Have you ever thrown a TV out of a hotel window?
We’re not quite at that level, but maybe someday.

Have you ever had a groupie stalk you?
Haha. Only our manager Claire. She’s a legend.

Have you ever done something you really regret in the morning?
Who hasn’t!

Recommend one album to our readers you don’t think they will have discovered.
Glassjaw’s Worship and Tribute. Also check out a band called Skeletons from Sheffield.

What’s the number one ambition for The Divine Secret?
To be able to gig everyday and not have to worry about the next rent payment, or loan payment, or where I’m going to be in three month’s time.

Any claims to fame?
Does getting interviewed by you count?

What advice would you give to local bands trying to make it in the industry?
Just do what you love. If you don’t ever make it to where you want to be, c’est la vie! But if you love it, just keep doing it.

Where can fans see you perform in the next month or two?
The best thing they can do is check our MySpace page or Facebook group to keep up to date with what our plans are. We’re touring over September, but have a couple of big local shows coming up in October – playing with Rolo Tomassi, and Electric Eel Shock.

And where can SoGlos.com readers expect to see you in a year’s time?
Hopefully on the front cover of all the rock magazines. We’ll see!

SoGlos.com
9 September 2008