To celebrate the launch of their new album 'Keep Calm and Carry On' Max blags an exclusive interview with bassist Richard Jones

When you're as big as the Stereophonics you don't really need an introduction. Since their first album 'Word Gets Round' back in 97 they've produced a further 6 albums, sold millions of copies and gone platinum multiple times.

But even the biggest bands love a spot of Maxing, and the Stereophonics love their beers and motors as much as you and me. So naturally, Max had to have a chat...

Max: ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ is the seventh album you’ve recorded, just how long has it taken to put together and what’s the main difference compared to its predecessors?

Richard Jones: Well the writing process is ongoing really! Kelly writes regardless, whether it’s on tour, during a sound check, anytime. If something comes into his mind, it’s a case of drop everything, see how it sounds and just do it.

The main change for this album is the change of producer, it’s changed the entire sound of the album which in turn helps us do things differently. Time wise the recording is around 8-10 weeks, we’ve been doing this since we were teenagers so we’ve learnt a lot plus Kelly started writing 3 weeks prior.

M: So what’s a ‘typical’ day for you involve?

RJ: It varies, a week like this (album launch) it’s intense. Monday we were doing a morning TV show, then waiting, then we had a meeting with our record company before going back to HMV for an album signing. Next day, up at the crack of dawn for another morning TV show, I think the best way to describe it is the old saying of Charlie from the Rolling Stones, 35 years is more like 30 years of waiting and 5 years of waiting.

M: What’s it like being on the road touring – how does it compare now to when you first started out?

RJ: We all enjoy each other’s company, any spare minute we get we’re at the pub like. We’ve been doing it since our teens, but touring is as much showing people what we can do. Its also a proving ground for bands, sure you can write the song but can you perform it, not to mention connecting with the fans.

M: Cars – what was your first car and when did you get it?

RJ: My first car was a crappy old Mini. I actually swapped it for a dodgy Les Paul guitar, I was only 15 at the time so couldn’t drive it. Ended up turning it into a bit of a rally car, never took it on the road but used to take it up the mountains getting chased by the forestry commission!

M: What car do you own now?

RJ: I’ve had an Audi RS6 for the past 5 years, it’s the Plus model too with 480bhp. I was tempted by the new RS6 but I don’t know, there’s something about mine, it’s like nothing can live upto it. I’ve been out in a new one and they’re rapid, but I like how unassuming mine is, feel more connected. Plus it’s de-restricted and it’s good for 170mph… on the autobahn.

M: Are the other guys into their motors as much?

RJ: Kelly’s got a Ceyanne and Adam’s got a Carrera so we’re all big into our cars. We get time to use them, especially as I’ve just moved about 40 miles out of London – I did 30,000 miles in the first 4 years and since moving another 20K.

M:What’s the most stupid thing you’ve ever done in a car? Ever crashed one?

RJ: Lots of stuff haha! My dad had an old Volvo 240 GT, used to lend it to me… always used to do damage to it. I once hit a patch of black ice, had the choice of either hitting flats or a stone wall. Chose the stone wall. Then this one time me and the boys tried to nail it off the traffic lights, boy racer style… completely dropped the gearbox. Had to drive back to Cardiff with just 3rd gear, not good.

M: If you could have a dream garage, what would you choose?

RJ: For me the ultimate would be an SL55 AMG black series; it’s just so raw and mean. That and an Audi R8 would do me nicely.

M: What sort of cars appeal to you – classics, American, Japanese and why?

RJ: I’d have to say European cars, mainly out of reliability. I love Italian cars but they can be temperamental, not to mention the servicing costs. I had a BMW M Coupe for years that never missed a beat, but I’d love a nice Ferrari GT car.

M: What’s the most rock and roll thing you’ve ever done?

RJ: Well I’m pretty daft as I love motorbikes and I’ve got a couple of Ducatis… both raced, both crashed. But to be honest my heart takes over my head these days; try not to take the bands name into shame haha. Main thing is speed awareness… had a speed awareness course back in Jan, most mundane thing ever.

M: Ever ‘Maxed’ any of your cars? Sock for an air filter, bean can for an exhaust etc.

RJ: Haha, I’d love to do the Gumball or some sort of crazy rally, if Audi could give us a couple of R8s. I’ve had the RS6 so long it’s kerbed and chipped so I’m thinking about getting it repainted satin black, make it look proper evil. It’s 480bhp, I could go for more… but I think I’d melt the tyres!



Stereophonics ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ is available now.