interview

In the spring of 2006, Nick Schaser responded to an ad posted by Benjie Smith and despite Nick travelling from Minneapolis, Minnesota USA, and Benjie being from the North Norfolk Coast, it became distinctly evident that both of them shared a passion and had a love for all things British. After they were joined by drummer Carl Sampson, Jack Maggs were formed in the living rooms of Nick and Benjie.  I caught up with the lads on the night of their first live gig at the Pleasure Unit in Bethnal Green to talk about their passion for music, their idols and their hopes for the future.

This was your first live gig, how nervous were you?

Yes we were very nervous! You just want it to go right on the night don’t you? We kept having thoughts like what if the mic wasn’t working or what if we encounter any other technical difficulties, but thankfully all went well.

How did you prepare?

Nick: We rehearsed a lot to make sure we sounded right the night before and that all our equipment was working.

Benjie: With shots and double pints!

Well you guys certainly did put on a good show, so why haven’t you been signed yet?

Nick: Well this was our first gig and we have only been together as a group for about 7 weeks.

Carl: Maybe we should start a show called the Why-factor- I’m sure Simon Cowell will love that!

So have you been in other bands before?

Carl: To date, I have been in over 20 bands playing at different venues.

Nick: I was in a band in the States for about 7 years

Really? So what made you come to Britain?

Nick: I have always been fascinated with and drawn to British music and a part from The Beatles, The La’s and Supergrass, I am inspired by Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley.

Who thought of the name Jack Maggs?

The name was inspired by Australian author Peter Carey’s book and the name just stuck with us.

What do you think of the current boy bands in the music industry?

Benjie: We are very different than most of the boy bands out there. I mean I couldn’t give a damn about Westlife. But yeah good luck to them, we have our own type of music and we are happy with the way things are going and we are trying and doing our own thing.

Nick: Yeah, we write our own lyrics too which is very British and inspired by a lot of things such as the more important things in life. I think the music industry is over saturated with these kinds of bands.

If signed, how do you think you will deal with the fierce competition?

Carl: I think there will always be competition, but it is important to stay focused and determined. Plus we believe we have the talent, so hopefully people will see that and start to take us seriously.

What is it that attracts you to being in a band?

Nick: The rock n roll lifestyle!

Carl: The girls!

Benjie: It’s definitely all about the music.

Your music has similarities to the likes of Blur and The Libertines  - care to comment?

Nick:  Yeah it has a very British pop feel to it, but we also are influenced and inspired by the likes of The Jam, Paul McCartney, The Kinks and The Who.

Benjie: Blur is the best band ever so to me that’s a compliment!

So, if you were stuck in a lift with Blur’s front man Damon Albarn and had the chance to ask him one question, what would it be?

Benjie: I don’t know about being stuck in a lift but I was once stuck in a Blur sound check at a local studio. Damon was there recording and my girlfriend pushed me in. All I could ask him was if he could play his hit ‘Coping’. It completely ruined the moment but he said yeah!

Any hopes for the future? Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Benjie: I don’t know what I am doing tomorrow let alone in 5 years time but hopefully still doing what we are and to be recognised for our passion and talent.

Nick: I see myself living in a posh flat in Highgate with a spa.

Carl: Hopefully we will be signed by then by a huge record label making millions.


To find out more about the band and for further information on upcoming gigs, check out www.myspace.com/jackmaggs

By Kavita Trivedi, MyVillage, 09th October