Laruso are a 5 piece rock band from Sheffield comprising of Vocalist Liv Puente, guitarist’s Darren Smith and Carl Brown (who is the Producer of the bands album and also the latest Fightstar album ‘Be Human’ ) Bassist Simon Hills and Drummer Max Williams. They released their latest album ‘A Classic Case Of Cause And Effect’ last year. We caught up with Darren to find out what the band are up to right now.
How did you get started?
I started the band with some bedroom demos, and pinched the best people from local bands, and then we got our drummer form a Kerrang advert. Then we got Liv from France in a Royal Mail mix-up.
Favourite music and why?
I love everything from Al Green – for his amazing songs and voice; Every time I Die – for the complete unpredictability and amazing riffs; and early 90s bands like Faith No More, Alice in Chains, Helmet, Stone Temple Pilots, and Soundgarden – all made great songs with great riffs and tons of variety within their albums.
Favourite book and why?
1984 by George Orwell – A classic. It makes you look at Government and the control of information in a different way. It makes you consider whether the “enemy” may really be the problem.
Favourite film and why?
Kung Pow: Enter the Fist – probably the most ludicrous quotable film ever. If you can find a better moment in a film than a cow piledriving a man before firing milk from its udders sideways matrix style, then I’d like to see it.
Best experience in the business?
Supporting All American Rejects at Shepherd’s Bush Empire in front of 2000+ people, and all of them loving it. AAA were genuinely nice – They just came on stage during our soundcheck just to listen to us.
Why should Soundscape readers care?
If your readers are fed up of bands whose albums are 12 identical songs, and want to see a charismatic band with tons of energy – then check us out. We have riffs to tear the hairs off your balls, massive choruses for you to sing along to, and our shows are like a party atmosphere – we want you to leave with a massive grin on your lovely face!
Tell our readers an interesting fact about yourself/company/band?
Our guitarist Carl Brown is the nephew of 70s crooner Tony Christie, he of Amarillo fame.
Best thing about coming from/being/playing in Wales?
The receptions from Welsh crowds are always genuine and friendly. Last time we played Cardiff we just chatted to fans for hours – lovely people. If you will have us back we’d love to play for you again.
Who are your role models/idols?
For me it’s guitarist Paul Gilbert, his playing is tasteful and melodic, then he just rips out a scary blast of notes at light speed! As a band we would say probably Biffy Clyro or any British band that has worked hard and managed to get the success they deserve – it makes everything seem possible for us following in their footsteps.
Hardest thing about the current business?
The whole business is shrinking so labels/agents/ industry don’t want to take chances on anything unproven, so its 100x harder for new bands than ever. You have to be uber-committed, thick skinned and have massive self belief to get anywhere in the current climate. We’ve got a saying that “It’s not over till we’re dead”. We’re not going away, so get used to it.
Well fingers crossed we get Laruso back to play in Wales soon! Check out the band at www.myspace.com/laruso
Words: Paul Esp
