Swci Boscawen talks to Welsh Bands Weekly about Debbie Harry, John Cale and the toilets at Clwb Ifor Bach...
Interview: Louise Ostrowska
Mared Lenny is Swci Boscawen — a name which comes from the Welsh for 'an orphaned lamb' and 'some kind of flower, could be Cornish' according to the lady herself. Hailing from Carmarthen, she has been a part of the Welsh music scene for a decade, initially as the vocalist in the punky rock band Doli as a teenager, and as of 2004 has been performing as Swci, spreading the stomping power pop message throughout Wales and further afield. Mared also sings and plays keys for Alex Dingley of Texas Radio Band's solo project. Over the past year she's been extremely busy — releasing the debut Swci album, Couture C'Ching, travelling across the Atlantic and picking up an award or two in the process. Luckily I managed to grab her for a quick chat. These are the results...
So Mared, this year you were named Best Female at the Radio Cymru Gwobrau Roc a Phop. How was that?
“It was funny more than anything! I felt quite out of place and wanted to swear my head off and be silly but I didn't even have time to take a piss. I kept losing the award and I think I was trying to swap it for vodka tonics at the end!”
This April, and last year, you travelled to New York and played two shows. How did the NY audience react to Welsh power pop?
“I think it went good, it was marvellous! I played an open mic night at Latch's famous 'anti-folk' night and the audience looked so confused to start off with, but by the end they were like 'hey, Welsh girl, we don't understand a word you're saying but we LOVE you!”
Whilst in New York you spoke to John Cale. What was he like?
“He has a deep, booming and rather stern voice that basically sounds — as I'd imagine — like God.”
How has the recent change in the way that PRS pays Welsh-language artists from plays on Radio Cymru affected you?
“Big style. It's hard to talk about it 'cos it's shite to be earning less for your work but I suppose it's a kick up the arse for a lot of people. We'll have to wait and see what the final outcome will be.”
Do you think it's justified for PRS to have changed Radio Cymru's status from a national to a local station, as they say that it's listened to by a minority audience?
“It's ridiculous, obviously, but the problem with PRS is that they've never fully understood Wales and how to fit us in with the rest of the UK. I don't think they've ever got their heads around our side of things. Things could get messy so until they come to any decision I'm keeping schtum — for my blood pressure at least!”
I've seen you mobbed by girls in the toilets of Clwb Ifor Bach on more than one occasion — how do you cope with being recognised?
“It's pretty funny, because it's always Welsh gigs and every toilet seems to be silent — with slight murmurs — when I pee, which can be a bit off putting! I think some girls are intimidated by me, but they come and say hello and that son disappears.”
I'm aware that Debbie Harry is your icon. What would you do if she just popped her head round the door and asked if you fancied going out for the day?
“If she popped my head around my door I'd have to seriously ask questions — like 'how the hell did you get in, how did you find me and can you adopt me immediately?'”
You always look fabulous. Any beauty tips for our Welsh Bands Weekly readers?
“My only answer — which is rather cheesy — is to look after yourself...and get into using sweet almond oil. I'll be using it for life!”
What is your favourite type of bollard?
“Aha! The infamous bollard question! I have no answer because it's such a filthy question!”
So what are your plans for next year?
“Oh! Big, big things. You're not getting any more than that! I don't know what will happen next year. Every year surprises me — and this year has done it again.”
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But wait, there's more! Mared has been kind enough to take us, track by track, though her debut album Couture C'Ching.
Coc Roc
“It's not about cocks! It started off with one wanky 'cock rock' style guitar riff. I wrote the lyrics sitting in a window in the East Village. It's about that whole day, little observations, like I saw someone run after another person, jumping over bins, and wasn't sure if they were racing or chasing each other. I think it's a typical feel good Swci kind of song — plus it was Chef Kwan (formerly of Tystion)'s debut with us!”
Couture C'Ching
“The fastest song that's ever been recorded! It's about my fantasy of stealing shit loads of cash to feed my habit of fashion. I love couture, but never will be able to afford it! I'm still on a mission to get Marc Jabobs a copy of the song to play on his runway.”
Rhedeg
“It's about running and travelling — about my constant need to just go, and trying to do so with out tripping or falling over.”
Shwgwr
“This is Gruff (MC Mabon)'s song. He recently told me who or what it's about and it surprised me — it was very touching. It's about someone we know that was or is going through something and let's just say they take a lot of sugar in their tea!”
Ballad Jim Jones
“The Brian Jonestown Massacre cover. Where do I start? The fucking most mental band I've seen, but with some of the most catchiest, seediest, real songs I've heard. We did the song on a whim and ended up getting their approval, which was fucking amazing.”
Swci
“It's just Swci!”
Gweld ti Rownd.
“My friend Mel was in a band with her mate Darron (Pink Assassin) and, having a few drunken nights, played me an old CD of their tunes. I couldn't get two of the songs out of my head. I asked if I could cover them both in one song, thinking there's no chance in hell but how wrong I was! The day Mel came into the studio to hear it, I was wedged in a corner, barely breathing with fear. But she loved it, and I felt really proud.”
Min Nos Monterey
“It's about driving at night time, dreaming of driving somewhere far away...”
Contutti
“In short, it means 'you are a cunt'. It's a little song that I felt like doing. It's about trying to beat something or someone that you're addicted to. Musically it sounds so sinister, but I think it's a positive song!”
Adar y Nefoedd.
“About some people that are no longer around, and I didn't want to forget them.”
Swci Boscawen's Couture C'Ching is out on Fflach and available in independent record stores across Wales. |
