THE HERMIT CRABS are a band from Glasgow, which Francis McDonald (TEENAG FANCELUB’s drummer) told me about, and that I got surprised when I listened to those beautiful melodies that may remind to other bands from Glasgow such as CAMERA OBSCURA...

 Here we interviewed Mel, their singer and rhythm guitar:

1. Can you begin with a little history of the band? Who are THE HERMIT CRABS? Introduce the band, and who plays each instrument? how old is the band? when was it born?
 The band was formed in January 2003 by myself (Melanie Whittle) and Des McKenna.  We were both in a band called CALIFORNIA SNOW STORY, which unfortunately came to a halt due to the singer falling ill with M.E. (Myalgic Encephalitis). Des taught me how to play a few guitar chords and I started writing songs. I play rhythm guitar and sing, John Ferguson plays electric/lead guitar, Marie Campbell plays bass guitar, Gareth Cole plays drums and Cheryl Ward plays percussion. We're currently looking for a violinist.

2. Who writes the songs? Where do you find the inspiration to write those beautiful songs?
 I write the songs and myself and John have just started writing songs together. I guess I get inspiration from everything/everyone around me.  I'm a people watcher so I guess that's where a lot of stuff comes from.

3. What are the lyrics about?
 The lyrics in “Feel good factor” are about Sauchiehall Street, a main shopping street in Glasgow that has a lot of night life.  It's about the contrast between the street during the day and at night and I guess essentially it's about my love of Glasgow. Other lyrics are about ex-boyfriends, friends, travel, procrastinating, flatmates.

4. Which bands influence the sound of THE HERMIT CRABS?
 Don't know really. I guess female/folk singer songwriters but also bands like BELLE AND SEBASTIAN, THE MAGNETIC FIELDS, CAMERA OBSCURA,...

5. Have you ever compared to CAMERA OBSCURA? Does it bother you or you like CAMERA OBSCURA and you don’t mind?
 Lee from CAMERA OBSCURA used to play drums for us so the comparison is obvious.  It doesn't bother me, I'm a big fan of CAMERA OBSCURA and Tracyanne's voice and songwriting.

6. How is your relationship with others bands from Glasgow? Which bands do you feel closer? Which are your favourite Glasgow bands?
 Collectively we all know quite a lot of other bands from Glasgow, from punk/hardcore bands, folky bands, electronic bands. We  feel close to indie bands who are fairly new, such as DOT TO DOT. My favourite Glasgow band is SNOWBLOOD.

7. Do you also play in other bands now? or have you played in other bands in the past?
 I've been in about ten bands over the years, the most recent being CALIFORNIA SNOW STORY with whom I played drums. I sing in another band called DROMBIE. Gareth plays timpani in the GLASGOW WIND BAND.  Marie has been in quite a few bands, more recently she played drums in TIBI LUBIN. It is John's first band. Cheryl has been in one or two bands.

8. How do Scottish bands feel different from the rest of the bands in the UK?
 I think there is a certain unique-ness about Scottish bands though I can't quite put my finger on it.  Essentially as Scots I think we're more in touch with our politics, there's a bit more gritty realism. I think because Glasgow's music scene is so vibrant, we're always one step ahead.

9. When will you come to tour Spain?
 If we get some money together we'd love to play Spain.

10. As almost no-one lives on music nowadays, what do you do in a normal day?
 I work as a mental health support worker; John is studying to be an architect; Cheryl has a clerical job; Gareth is a self-employed computer person; Marie has no paid work but is always involved in some project or other.

11. ...And what are your hobbies?
 Mel: I like to cycle and swim when I get the time.
 Marie: I'm getting into breathing.
 Gareth: I like to support Aberdeen Football Club and play timpani/percussion in a wind band.
 John: I guess music is my hobby, I'm also into hamster breeding.
 Cheryl plays drums in a drumming band.

12. Name a recent record you can't stop listening to.
 Mel: I can't stop listening to the new BELLE AND SEBASTIAN also THE WHITE STRIPES.
 John: I'm listening to the latest GORKY’S ZYGOTIC MYNCI album and GRANDADDY.

13. Do you know any labels or bands from Spain? Which ones? Do you like them?
 I know Elefant Records because of CAMERA OBSCURA.  They have a good reputation.

14. Which are your plans for 2006?
 To record a lot of new songs - hopefully a whole album's worth, to release our current album and to play more gigs.