INK. | INTERVIEW
words AMY FARRER
With their initial presence, and music, emerging online in mid-March, UK alternative rock trio INK. brings three friends together for a new venture: vocalist/guitarist Todd Dorigo, vocalist/bassist Dougie Poynter and drummer Corey Alexander. Their debut EP Heaven features four songs – the title track, Fever, Symphony Woman and Back To The Noise – and they announced their first tour as a band shortly after its release. A string of dates across the UK includes an appearance at Cardiff’s Clwb Ifor Bach on Fri 11 May.
Buzz: Welcome to Cardiff! Obviously this is your first tour as a band, but is it your first time in Cardiff? What are your best memories of the city?
Corey: Well it’s my first time. I’m a virgin to Cardiff…
Todd: I think I’ve been just the once to watch a rugby game in a pub with a dozen burly Welshmen. They were quite the tour guides.
Dougie: I’ve got some great memories of Cardiff. I don’t think you would be able to print any of the stories though. But every time I used to tour there I never slept.
What can we expect from the tour – any surprises up your sleeve?
Todd: Well, between us we have six sleeves to pull from. I may have a couple aces hiding up one but that would be telling.
Corey: Yes, I don’t think people quite know what to expect which is a good thing for INK.. We will be 100% live which I hope people think is cool.
Dougie: Last night I had too many Red Bulls before going on stage and literally thought my heart was going to explode. So I guess that would be a surprise and bit of production at the same time?
What inspired you to start the band and do you have any advice for those looking to do the same?
Todd: The songs that we’d written inspired us to start the band. My advice would be to write whatever you think is cool rather than trying to hit a moving target to be current.
Corey: It’s nice to find musicians that you instantly connect with so I hope that comes across on stage.
Dougie: It started off with just two guys writing songs and then pushing for the next steps to happen. As for advice I would just keep at it and enjoy the journey. Learn from the best song writers, even the dudes behind the scenes like Max Martin.
Todd and Corey, although your talents are so integral to the band, how do you feel about being initially recognised because of Dougie’s place in McFly?
Todd: I suppose we expected some of Dougie’s fan base to be interested in what he’s doing now. Although the music sits in a very different place, the reception has been really positive so it’s been nice to witness that reaction.
Corey: I’m seeking medical help…
Dougie, with this new transition in band sound, do you think fans of McFly will follow INK.?
Dougie: I’m not sure. They are more than welcome to though!
Todd and Corey, we don’t know much about you both! What were you up to before INK. formed?
Corey: Getting really good at table football…
Todd: I’ve always been a solo artist performing under my own name. Now, I’m in a band, I have to share the limelight and that totally sucks… just kidding.
What are your plans after the tour? We look forward to seeing more from you!
Corey: Another EP – we’d like to share more music as soon as possible.
Todd: Yeah, the new songs are written and ready to lay down. But we’re also keen to get back on the road whenever you’ll have us back again!
Dougie: After this touring [21 UK dates until Tue 29 May] I think we are going to go right back into the studio and do another EP. We are going to call it EP Phone Home.
INK., Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Fri 11 May. Tickets: £8. Info: 029 2023 2199 / www.clwb.net