A talented Tyneside indie rock band whose first gig was in front of 2000 people at Newcastle City Hall have released their latest single which contains a poignant message to today’s politicians currently embroiled in spending reviews and cuts.
Gateshead based The Soviets formed in 2008 when brothers Micky and Stephen Cochrane pulled together a band to appear at the Sunday for Sammy concert after gaining recognition and funding from the Sammy Johnson Memorial Fund. Two years on, the band has gone from strength to strength, gigging all over the country, finding themselves highlighted on national BBC radio and seeing their first single, “The Waitress,” featuring top fashion model Sophie Gradon, gain more than 8,000 hits on You Tube.
Their latest release is the topically named “All the people want is a wage” which examines the growing problems of unemployment and the effects of social economic depravation on society. The central message is made even more poignant and relevant by the location chosen by director Nick Light to make the accompanying video; the disused expanse of Swan Hunter Shipyard in Wallsend.
“ Swan Hunter’s is a symbol of how great the north east was and how skilled the workforce were by leading the world building ships,” said singer Micky. “Now, the cranes have all gone and so have the jobs. This song is a tribute to the workers of the past and a warning to politicians to act now before things get any worse.”
” The problems out there are real and affect family and friends,” said songwriter Stephen. “We are filming in a place which was a hub of activity and great achievement and which is now eerily silent. It makes the song all the more real”. We feel that the time is right to release this song and that it is important to do so.” Micky summed up the bands feelings, “Things never change, governments are put there to serve the interests of those who have the most and it seems to be those who have the least who suffer for it.”
“All the people want is a wage” is available as a free download on the bands website, (www.wearethesoviets.co.uk) the first in a series of events planned with latest recruit, drummer Craig Chappelle from Bishop Auckland, who completes the line up with bass player Russell Watson and lead guitarist Andy Mackin. The band is rehearsing for upcoming local gigs and is currently recording their debut album on their own label, Reckless General Records, which is due in the spring. Ends Photo shows The Soviets on the scene of their new video at Swans
