COLNE is
preparing itself for a Mod invasion next weekend with the second North by
Northwest Festival at Muni.
Leading
the way will be Ian Page and his band Secret Affair, who will be headlining the
Saturday night at the festival for the second year running.
“Festivals
like Colne are always particularly interesting for us,” said Ian.
“We play
quite a lot of dates on our own, which have a focused following but with
festivals we get the chance to play in front of people who are not that familiar
with what we do.”
What
Secret Affair ‘do’ is produce catchy, guitar-infused songs with a Mod feel.
Hit
singles such as Time for Action and My World made Secret Affair chart regulars
in 1979 and 1980 before splitting up two years later.
They
reformed after a 20-year break and the current line-up includes Ian and
original guitarist Dave Cairns.
“Dave and
I have established a partnership with clearly defined roles within the band
which works well,” said Ian.
“Dave
looks after the music business side of things which suits me as I never really
had time for all of that.
“This
allows me to concentrate on the music, my role is that of musical director I
suppose.”
Secret
Affair have a cult following among the burgeoning Mod and scooter scene.
“Wherever
we play there is always a hard-core of people that know the band’s songs
intimately and you’ll find them going nutty down the front,” said Ian.
“I’m sure
they will there at the Muni.
“It’s like
having a little family following you whenever we play which is great.”
Secret
Affair released their first album in 30 years when Soho Dreams came out in
2012, a record which demonstrated that Ian has lost none of his sense of
outrage or his ability to craft a first rate melody.
“When it
comes to writing a song, half of the time I might have a musical idea which
starts things off or it might be a phrase which I will work into a lyric,” he
said.
“I work
very hard on my song-writing, if I have hook then I have to do it justice, so I
will take my time to perfect it.”
Soho
Dreams received critical acclaim and fans would love a new Secret Affair album.
“Our
objective is certainly to release another album,” said Ian. “But the funding
for that has to come from our live shows and it does take time.”
•Secret
Affair play Colne Muni as part of the North By Northwest Festival on Saturday,
June 6. Also on the bill are the Faces Experience, the New Amen Corner,
Jeremiah Ferrari and the Visitors. Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band
headline the Friday night of the festival. Call 01282 661234.
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