Scaramanga Six

They may remind you of the Addams Family, quirky yet playful, and, oh yeah, stubborn. But in a good sense. The Six have been at this for more than ten years, and not much has changed in that time.

"It's all down to what you class as achievement, says Paul Morricone, guitarist and one-half of the founding Morricone brothers. "Some bands think that they have to become a commercial success in order to achieve anything. That's why they chop and change their style and name in order to fit into what is current. Our motives are utterly different - every new recording, every gig and even every run through in a practice room gives us all a massive sense of achievement."

England's venerable Kerrang! Magazine once described the Scaramanga Six's music as "wilfull weirdness peppered with retro-riffing, parping saxophones and mad-genius keyboard special effects; B-movie chic combined with real musical muscle."

Along with brothers Paul and Steven, the current line-up includes Julia Arnez, Chris Catalyst, Anthony Sargeant, and Harry, the European Eagle Owl. The brothers Morricone also run Wrath Records on which they release the band's albums and singles.
Here now an interview conducted with Paul Morricone via email.

Which is harder: being a record label exec or playing in a band?

Definitely the record label side of things.

Why?

Creating and performing music is something that comes as second nature to us. It is what we were put here for. We revel being able to spew our noise into the ears of the unwitting audience - at every available opportunity. The music industry is different. Being devious, underhanded and conniving are not qualities that we are naturally gifted with. Some people have these skills though - they are called 'managers'.

Many times, one will find that a band's personality and sound reflect the personality and sound of the members. How is this manifested in S6?

The Scaramanga Six are an amalgum of each member's daily frustrations. Our music is full of violent twists and turns and extremes in dynamics as we thrash from rampant desperation to deep heartfelt joy in the space of a minute. The very same could be said for a typical day in my life - whilst sitting in a traffic jam I will trudge along in total despair then suddenly remember the power of our music and feel like taking off into the sky.

I've noticed a number of EPs and 7" singles and singles, in general. Is the point to simply put out music or is money the major factor behind your pattern of releases?

Could you describe 'random' as a pattern? I suppose 'sporadic' would be a better word. We release new records as, and when, we are good and ready to do so. If that means two albums in quick succession then so be it. The money side of things will take care of itself as long as we keep coming up with the goods and you all support us by buying.

I get the sense that each member would make a great superhero. What powers would each member, starting with yourself, possess? What would be your weakness?

I would have the power to walk unnoticed through people's houses so I could have a really good look at their decor. I'd also have the power to know in advance whether someone is going to have the common courtesy to thank me if I let them pull out in their car. I'm certain that Steve would, given the chance, develop an 'enemy incontinence ray' that renders all foes inconvenienced. Julia has often wanted the power to alter the terrible mindless r'n'b music that blares out of car speaker systems as people cruise along looking cool. Imagine how cool they looked if the music suddenly turned into 'Achy Breaky Heart' by Billy Ray Cyrus (that probably actually happens in the US though?). Chris is the only person in the band who has actual super powers - his instrument juggling ability is truly amazing and he can play the organ with his nose whilst beating out rhythms on the drums.

There has been a revolving door of members in the S6. How has that effected the sound over the years?

We've had to operate a revolving door policy as you just can't get the staff these days. Each member provides a slightly different musical slant which will always affect the overall sound. But that's the good bit - why would we not want to evolve. We'd die out if we didn't. I'd have to say though that everyone who has played in The Six have always given 100% - it's merely personal circumstance that has led people to move on. We're not ogres!

I imagine that having brothers in the same band can have its advantages and disadvantages. What are they for S6?

Well I suppose the greatest advantage of rocking with my sibling is that we are very strong allies - we are a united force. Having grown up together we naturally share many of the same tastes and have a common outlook on where we are going musically. There are no disadvantages for us at all - only for our adversaries. You mess with my brother and you'll get me on the case as well.

Are there plans to record in the near future? What will those recordings consist of?

We are already in the midst of recording our fourth album. We've got ten new tracks totally finished though they need mixing. But we don't want to stop there - we have a veritable plethora of new material just sitting there screaming out to be exorcised. This next album may well be a double album and it will be our best and most extravogant yet. Lots of people have advised us against doing a double album which is exactly why we will probably do it - and that's why we'll probably call it The Kiss Of Death.

http://www.thescaramangasix.co.uk/
Wrath Records