Five years after the British rock trio The Subways formed in 2000, the group crossed over into the mainstream with 2005’s Young For Eternity. Certified gold in the U.K., the success of Young For Eternity led to television appearances – including a memorable appearance on The O.C. — and big festival slots around the world. Third single, “Rock & Roll Queen,” found its way into films (e.g. Live Free Or Die Hard, RocknRolla) and video games (e.g. Saints Row 2, FIFA Street 2).
The Subways followed up its debut full-length with 2008’s All Or Nothing and 2011’s Money And Celebrity, both of which Warner Brothers-related releases. A self-titled fourth album hit stores in the U.K. in 2015, but its U.S. unveiling via Bodan Kuma Recordings doesn’t come until Apr. 16. On that very same April day, The Subways can be seen live at the Studio at Webster Hall, as part of the trio’s first U.S. tour in eight years; PINS, as recently-profiled in Downtown, will be on support duties at Webster Hall.
Bassist Charlotte Cooper spoke to Downtown about what’s ahead for The Subways – which also includes vocalist/guitarist Billy Lunn and drummer Josh Morgan – and provided delightful responses throughout the Q&A. To stay up to date on all things Subways, click on over here or follow the trio via its Facebook or Twitter accounts.
What do you remember about the first gig you ever played in New York City?
Charlotte Cooper: I remember being amazed that we were actually there! New York is one of the places I had always wanted to visit, and it instantly became one of my favorite cities. The venue we played was really small and intense, but it was a great crowd. I don’t think I was technically supposed to be in there as I was under 21 at the time!
I’m sure you’ve been asked this before, but how do you feel about the New York City subway system after riding it for the first time?
C: I really love public transport systems, especially abroad. For some reason, I really enjoy arriving in a place for the first time and working out how to get around on trains/trams/busses. The New York system is definitely one of the most efficient! I also love that you can walk around the center of New York so easily — most places are within walking distance, which is really cool.
When were you last in New York? Was it for touring?
C: I was last in New York in 2009, on holiday. I had just got engaged at the time and bought my wedding ring and my wedding shoes while we were there, so it was a pretty special trip for me.
The Subways will be performing at The Studio At Webster Hall in April. Since the band has four full-length albums to its credit, what will the setlist look like?
C: We will be playing a mixture of all four albums. It’s been so long since we last played in the U.S.A., we want to play as much as we possibly can.
For someone most familiar with Young For Eternity, how would you describe your latest album?
C: I think the fourth album is probably the most similar to Young For Eternity out of the three subsequent albums. It was the first album Billy produced, and sound-wise, we really went back to our roots and what what we love about music when we first started the band.
Your latest album was released in the U.K. long before its U.S. release. Was that intentional? Tied into wanting to have the album out when touring the U.S.?
C: It was really important to us to make it to the U.S.A. on this album, and we thought the best way to do this would be to have a separate release. We can really focus on this and make it kind of a special thing for the U.S.A. as we didn’t play there on the last album’s tour.
Were there any album titles that you were considering before deciding on self-titling it?
C: We’d had a few ideas, but nothing that had really stuck. As it was the first time we had done everything ourselves, with Billy at the production helm and our manager being closely involved with making the release happen exactly as we wanted, it felt like a real Team Subways effort – and the name felt appropriate.
I believe your band has worked with PledgeMusic on more than one album. How did you wind up working with them in the first place? Did they seek out The Subways?
C: We’d heard about the platform and thought it sounded like a cool idea. We were looking to do something a bit different at the time and had been working towards bringing more and more “in-house.” Pledge was the perfect stepping stone to do this. We really liked how it gave you the freedom to release material in the way that you want and to really involve fans in the making of the record.
Is there anything you miss about being on a major label?
C: We made some great friends at Warners and I do miss those guys…although a lot of them aren’t there anymore anyway! We’re still in touch with many of them, though. In fact, I’m in Melbourne this week and am going to see one of our old promo guys!
Is there a band accomplishment that you’re most proud of?
C: For me it’s the many different places we’ve been to. I never thought music would bring us to Russia, South Africa, Australia, Japan and so many cities across the U.S.A. and Europe. It’s been an incredible adventure and I still can’t get over how people in all these different places know our songs.
Once this tour is over with, what’s ahead for The Subways?
C: We’re straight in to a busy summer of European festivals, which is always one of our favorite times of year!
When you’re not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?
C: My hobby is triathlons and I fully admit it’s become a bit of an obsession over the past few years! I love the training and racing and have made some wonderful friends. It also gives me a great way to see places on tour — I do a lot of sight-seeing running and cycling!
Finally, Charlotte, any last words for the kids?
C: Thank you for your loyalty over the past 10 years and for waiting so long for us to come back! We can’t wait to play in New York City in April — see you down the front!
-by Darren Paltrowitz
