Interview with Jordan Etches of Ventures, Manchester.

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today? Honestly, it has to be hearing songs like, smells like Teen Spirit for the first time or last resort at around 13. Just hearing this type of music for the first time made me want to go and grab an instrument and learn my favourite songs.

If not for music, I'd probably have had to find some other creative outlet. Used to like the idea of video editing so might have pursued that further.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I'm usually around music full stop, I'm always listening to music for influence and inspiration. Playing PlayStation, having a shower, cooking, I've always got music playing.

How long has your band been around?

 I've only recently joined at the start of this year, but I'm pretty sure the band has been going for around 6 years now. I've known Richard and Oli since we but troublesome teens

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

 We are Manchester-based as a unit, but we have different upbringings from different parts of the country. Honestly, I think that Manchester has such a great alternative scene, it really helped to be able to go and see some great bands from a wide range of genres that help give inspiration.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

The name to me is very much as it comes. This is a musical venture into trying to create the best music we can while having the best time along the way.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

 Got to be my first show. I'm nervous already to be joining such a tight band and just as we are about to go on technical issues. In ear system goes down and we have no monitors. First show and I can only hear the drums. Somehow, we still smashed it and I remember feeling so great.

What is your favourite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

 My favourite place I've played so far has to be off the square in Manchester. It's a small venue but it's my home town and there is a sweet upper terrace where the audience can look down. It just helps give a great atmosphere. I'd love to get to the stage where we could play in a venue like Gorilla in Manchester.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

 That's a hard question. I'd have to say it would be sick to be sharing the stage with while she sleeps, Architects and let's throw knocked loose in there for good measures. I think that would go off.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

 Practice to a CLICK!!! It took me waaaaayy too long to pick up this basic habit. Doesn't matter how good that riff is, it's not good if it's played at a different timing each time.   

Also simple works. Don't forget that simple songs are not bad songs. Not everything has to be hard as nails to play

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

 Don't smoke and stay in school! It's painful how much I wish I listened to this advice.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

 Black and White. Hearing this song was the bit O' S@#! Moment. This song just speaks to me and makes my hairs stand on the back of my neck.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

 Solitude for both parts. Hearing people sing along and seeing everyone just bop about to that song will never get old.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

 It's very well structured, Richard is the mastermind behind bringing everything together but we all have an equal part in the creative process. It tends to be someone who will come up with an idea and we all sit around and build on the idea.

Inspiration-wise, personally anything can set me off. I normally have a vibe I want the music I make to portray and then I treat that as my passion project until I'm happy that vibe can be felt without any words.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

 It depends on the vibe of the song. I don't take my song messages to be literal, I like to compose my music like a  story

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

 Oh course, who doesn't at some point? Being good friends for a long time helps. We understand each other, everyone has quirks. We can end up in a heated conversation and then five minutes later have a laugh about something else. We all know if we have a concern that it will be heard and taken on board.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

 Onwards and upwards is the dream.

We are currently in the process of writing some new music and are hoping to step it up to the next level, with more shows with bigger crowds. Ultimately we want to make music people enjoy.

Speaking of which there's something you should keep an eye out for. 17th June “Melt with Me” comes out. This is a song years in the making and it's coming out fighting.