Interview with Alex McCann for Designer Magazine
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September 2000
Alex McCann in discussion with the Manchester songwriter and Acoustica promoter Darren Poyzer

Alex: What's this whole Acoustica thing about then?

Darren: Acoustica is an 'umbrella' for acoustic songwriters and songwriter activity in the NW of England. It's available to all as a free resource. At present Acoustica organises and / or publicises songwriter events in theatre, cafe bars, pubs and clubs from Littleborough and Stockport to Warrington and Widnes. There's a free mailing-list, e-mail-list and website, free mp3's and due to the nature of the people involved, a very positive vibe. Acoustica makes a valuable contribution to a passionate underground scene that is a god send for people who wanna write and perform their own songs ...

Alex: Who are the main artists involved?

Darren: That's a difficult one because everyone has their favourite artiste and each is a star in their own right. I'd say the important people are those who unselfishly organise and host events for songwriters other than themselves. People like Anne English and Stuart French, Holly Burton and the totally unheard of and apparently uncool Random Lurchers.

Alex: You've played with some big names. Tell everyone about them?

Darren: I have one particular memory that will always be special. I was on weekend leave from a Psychiatric Ward where I was temporarily in residence following a nervous breakdown, and was taken by fellow songwriter Andy Goddard to see Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze) in Stoke. Glenn not only spent time chatting with me before the show to help me feel comfortable but also invited me to perform a couple of songs in duet with him for the encore. One of these songs was appropriately titled 'The Drugs Don't Work' ...

Most name artistes I have shared a stage with have been very genuine and positive people - Eddi Reader & Boo Hewerdine, Martin Stephenson, Roy Harper, Nick Harper, Kathryn Williams, Lemn Sissay, China Crisis, The Mock Turtles and, going back in time to my alternative cabaret days, Steve Coogan, Caroline Ahearne and Royle Family Bafta winning writer Henry Normal.

All very special people deserving of their recognition.

Then of course there are more localised big names like George Borowski, Claire Mooney and Tony Auton, three very special star quality songwriters.

Alex: What have been the highlights of the Acoustica venture?

Darren: Taking original songs into dog-rough jukebox drinking dens and coming out with real respect from real people is cutting edge success in my book. Working with Andy Goddard, Jamie Parkes, Steve O'Donoghue, Julie Mac, and Scots lad Colin Wakeford amongst others and seeing them thrive thanks to regular performance opportunities is cool also.

The most exciting thing right now though is the feeling that although we've been on this mission for over the year, I feel we are still in development and have a vital role to play in shaping the future of live music in the North West. There's a stigma attached to poetic lyrics and intricate musicianship that needs to be challenged ...

Alex: What do you think of the more mainstream acoustic acts from Manchester? (Badly Drawn Boy, I Am Kloot, Alfie, Tom Hingley etc)

Darren: I saw 15 minutes of the Badly Drawn one at Glastonbury and couldn't get into it (just the wrong time and place I guess), although Steve O'Donoghue swears by the Bewilderbeast album as genius and has promised to open my eyes to it by lending me his copy.

I suppose I hate the hype so intensely that I miss the point with some 'mainstream' artistes.

I played at and promoted gigs for Kloot's Johnny Dangerously many years ago and was amazed by the material he was performing in the late 80's / early 90's. I think that John more than most has the guts and endeavour to be one of Manchester's most vital musical exports.

Tom Hingley and I have a had a silly fall-out. We are both to blame and I hope one day soon to sort it out. That said, the way he has turned from pop star and image merchant to credible songwriter deserves utmost respect. He is one of the most passionate performers around and is more capable than most of making a stand in the face of social and political apathy.

Alex: What are the differences between your acts and the aforementioned ones?

Darren: Public perception. Different social circles ... and whilst we boast songwriters with totally contrasting backgrounds, one or two of our contributors are propped up by boring day jobs and a regular income (arrogance not intended :-)

Alex: Do you ever worry about Acoustica not being particularly cool? Do you ever want to rock out, do a garage remix of your artists or take it to Ibiza?

Darren: The more uncool the better. Ibiza is a haven for meatheads and a catalyst for crap TV. Popular dance and rock'n'roll rarely keeps it's soul when pampering to corporate budgets. And with 'success' come The Review Gods, the Judges of Cool with their heads up their arse, the Fashion Police and the parasites who deal in drink and drugs excess pushing your audience for more than a few pounds of flesh ...

Having said that, artistically speaking it's really each to their own and Manchester above most areas of the UK has a wealth of independent experimentalists who promote their art wisely and without prejudice.

What I cringe at is those usual suspects who slag off something like Acoustica because we promote the 'little guys' and they think it makes them look tough. Very sad.

What I really enjoy is seeing Acoustica events ignored in listings and press features knowing full well that it won't make one ounce of difference to our positive vibe and success.

Alex: Where can we catch the shows and what can we buy?

Darren: We have a live events diary, free mailing-list and e-mail list, all accessible online at www.acoustica.tv. The Acoustica songwriter events are free admission and here we help to sell artistes individual cd's and tapes.

Also on sale is our first compilation CD called Words And Pictures, released by and available courtesy of Manchester's Raw Fish Records.

Hopefully available soon will be the new Acoustica album ...

Alex: Thanks for your time, Darren

Darren: You're welcome, thank you