Reach For The Stars
Next month dance trio The Japanese Popstars pop their Glasgowbury cherry, so Hot Press sent Edwin McFee to meet Gary Curran who tells him about plans for their homecoming and the status of album number three.
Edwin McFee, 03 Jul 2012
What a year it’s been for Derry dance heroes The Japanese Popstars. Over the last 12 months or so, the trio have seen their stock continue to rise in the music world thanks to their stellar second album Controlling Your Allegiance, and their incendiary live show has also made them an in-demand act across the globe. One of NI’s hardest working outfits, it comes as no surprise to learn that when Hot Press caught up with band member Gary Curran, he was just about to dash out the door to catch a flight to Italy to play another gig.
“This time when I’m in Italy I might actually go and see some of the sights… I might even give the Pope a high-five,” he laughs. “When it comes to touring, sometimes I don’t know if I’m coming or going, but it’s been great for the most part. After Italy we’re playing a festival in Ibiza and Sting is headlining it. I didn’t think I’d ever be on a line-up with Sting, so we’ll see how that goes…”
All this globe-trotting, of course, is part and parcel of success, and while it means that Gary doesn’t get home as often as he’d like, he’s loving the opportunity to perform his music to thousands of fans.
“I love getting home,” he confesses. “That’s where I write my music. I’ve always written in my bedroom. My girlfriend’s here for the moment too, and people always ask me, ‘Do you still go and party and do all this, that and the other?’ and I’m like, ‘Nah, to be honest I have to get up and get a flight at 6am and it’s not worth it.’ I can’t complain too much though as the shows are amazing and this is what I’ve always wanted to do.”
Thankfully on July 21, he won’t have to worry too much about getting a flight or a bus, as Gary and fellow members Decky McLaughlin and Gareth Donoghue will be preparing to put on a sure-to-be-special show in their home county when they take to the stage at the Glasgowbury festival.
“We’ve never played Glasgowbury before,” begins Gary. “I know all about the festival though. It’s good that we’re finally free to play it. All my mates’ bands have performed at it and everyone I know goes to it, so I’m looking forward to it. I’ve heard great reports and it’s brilliant to see it grow in size every year.
©Hot Press 2012. Why be a member? | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | About Us Jobs @ Hot Press