Interview: Federal Charm

Federal Charm are a four piece blues rock band: Nick Bowden and Paul Bowe on guitars, L.D Morawski on bass and Danny Rig on drums. They’re touring nationwide off the back of their second long player Across the Divide.  Their sentries tinged yet contemporary hard rock has gone down well on support slots Black Star Riders, Joanne Shaw Taylor and UFO and they’ve entertained at various festivals including slots at the Minehead Giants of Rock, The Rock & Blues Festival in Skegness, and at Hard Rock Hell 9 in Pwllheli. We introduced Paul Bowe to our Vinyl Enquirer (pat pending) and here’s what came out…and you can check out the band yourselves when they play the Louie on July 7th.

What was the first record you ever bought and where did you buy it?

My first ever record was purchased at a car boot sale. I think it was Iron Maiden’s Number of the Beast in the late 80’s!

What was the most recent record you bought and where did you buy it?

The most recent record I bought was Queens Jazz, an original pressing. It’s in tatters: I got from the junk shop on the top floor of Aflecks Palace in Manchester. 

What record do you stick on the deck to sooth your soul?

There are many, I really like putting early Bowie stuff on and feeling that vibe.  Recently I’ve had Harvest on by Neil Young. 

Have you bought a record on the basis of a great single and then been disappointed by the rest of the album? If so, tell us all about it…

I really can’t think of any sorry! I always seem to like what I go for. 

What record do you turn up to maximum to get in to that party mood?

I like listening to early Van Halen for a happy pre drinks boogie, 1984.

If we had the ability to land you at the recording of one classic LP so you could witness the whole recording process, what would you choose and why?

I’d like to have been at Headley Grange for Led Zep 4. Fly on the wall in that house would be inspiring. The fact Rolling Stones lent them the mobile truck and that the whole recording process was just one big experiment. 

Ever bought a record solely because you liked the sleeve? If so, what was it and did it delight you or disappoint you?

I think I bought an album by a Californian band called Olander. One song…then in the bin. 

Oh no, your house is burning down and you can only rescue one record! What would it be and why?

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd album. It was with me from an early age and I have fond memories of it. It’s a happy record for me. 

What’s your favourite record sleeve? Tell us all about it (and whether or not the music gives you as much pleasure as the sleeve).

The sleeve has to be Rainbow Rising with the fist coming out of the water. Painted: Yeah it’s dramatic and grand but it’s got so much mood and feels exactly like the albums content. Stargazer?? Come on! It’s like a war cry. When I was 9 years old it was mind blowing stuff. 

Morbidity alert: what record would you like played at your funeral?

There’s a few I’d choose. I really like the acoustic track Bron Yr Aur from Physical Graffiti, it’s soulful and short!