The Band

Biography

The Changes are Alex Armstrong on guitar and vocals, Paul Griffin on bass and Martin Spencer on drums. They found each other in a corner of Camden Market four years ago. The particular corner has had no bearing on the band’s direction, so that’s where that story ends.

To sum up the band’s music in a couple of words would do a huge disservice to the numerous influences they draw inspiration from. Alex hoards vinyl, checking out bands and songwriters from Jimi Hendrix to Jimmy Webb, from Lemon Jelly to Jelly Roll Morton. Martin takes his rhythms from modern day Americana, fusing that with British bands like Muse and Supergrass. Paul sets the scene in rehearsals with anything from classic Dylan and The Band, to Kings of Leon and Radiohead.

What comes out is usually pretty loud, relentless in its rhythms, and sewn together with strong melodies. Lyrically the band focus on the now; what’s happening, what’s right, what’s wrong and who’s to blame. Much of this comes through in the band’s artwork which is designed by Alex.

The band have gigged regularly over the past few years. Highlights include a sold out club tour of London in Spring 2004 which culminated in a headline show at the Carling Islington Academy where the band were supported by We Are Scientists on their first visit to the UK.

In Summer 2005, the band made it’s first appearance on the festival circuit, which took in a headline slot at Guilfest and the San Sebastian festival in Mallorca. Later that year the band began curating their own nights, featuring up and coming bands from The Changes’ rehearsal and recording studios, ending with a sold out show at The Luminaire (Time Out venue of 2006).

Spring 2006 saw another club tour of London, taking in The Garage, Sound, The Bull & Gate, and ending with a sold out show at The Water Rats Theatre. Most of 2007 was spent rehearsing and recording new material, which can be heard on the music page. The tracks were recorded during October at Criterion Studios (formerly Battery Studio’s flagship studio 3 where the Stone Roses recorded their debut) and were produced by Mark Williams (Yourcodenameis:Milo, Flood, Placebo). 

In early 2008, the band have been involved in s series of events at London's Camden Market, combining music and art in a number of venues simultaneously. The last event, a fundraiser for Camden Market traders affected by the recent fire, filled Dingwalls, Lock 17 and the yard conservatory with a mix of bands, DJs, acoustic acts and annimation.

The band are currently writing and rehearsing tracks for their first album, due for dowmload in October. A short tour in August will preview some of the new material.