Alan is a funk, soul and R & B guitarist with a history in classical playing that evolved into rock, indie, pop and even drum ‘n’ bass before having taken a more solid influence from artists like Nile Rodgers and John Frusciante. Known more informally as Zani, he has over 8 years’ experience in performing, recording and arranging pop music and has a Ba (Hons) in Popular Music and Studio Recording. Currently working for his own production company ‘New Roost Music’ helping artists and bands develop and record their compositions, he spends his weekends engineering lights, sound or playing live in various covers bands. Music is his 5-a-day.
How do you prepare for a gig? Do you get excited? Nervous?
Because I can be a forgetful fool, I always make sure I go through my checklist on my wall. I try and stay focussed on the task at hand and be ready ASAP more than anything else, and maybe do some scales to warm up. I’ve done so many gigs now nerves never kick in really anymore, but as a performer if you see a big crowd you’re always going to get excited!
What's your favourite song that Jukebox performs and why?
Runaway Baby, by Bruno Mars. So much energy makes it too hard to stay still!
What song would you like to see Jukebox perform?
Deeper Underground, by Jamiroquai. Or maybe something a bit more unexpected- something like ‘Weapon of Choice’ by Fatboy Slim
If you could work with one musician dead or alive, who would it be? And you can only choose one!
Hands down, easily, Nile Rodgers- the man is incredible. Always been a massive fan of Chic and all his work during the disco era and never get over how much he has written.
What do you do outside of Jukebox?
Outside of Jukebox I work for my own production company ‘New Roost Music’ as well as teaching at Rubber Soul Studios in Stockport. I also work in various function bands, have a wee acoustic act, and work for Titan Tour Productions as a lighting and sound engineer. Other than that, I don’t mind a game of footie or a pint or two at a gig!
What's your favourite part of a Wedding?
When the band plays, obviously!
In your opinion what's the best thing about Jukebox and how do we differ from your normal function bands?
Brass sections always add that bit of something special to a band. You can never replicate that sound with a keyboard, backing track, or anything else.
What are you looking forward to most with Jukebox in 2014?
Performing! Playing some fantastic tunes!
Top 5 desert island discs?
How do you prepare for a gig? Do you get excited? Nervous?
Because I can be a forgetful fool, I always make sure I go through my checklist on my wall. I try and stay focussed on the task at hand and be ready ASAP more than anything else, and maybe do some scales to warm up. I’ve done so many gigs now nerves never kick in really anymore, but as a performer if you see a big crowd you’re always going to get excited!
What's your favourite song that Jukebox performs and why?
Runaway Baby, by Bruno Mars. So much energy makes it too hard to stay still!
What song would you like to see Jukebox perform?
Deeper Underground, by Jamiroquai. Or maybe something a bit more unexpected- something like ‘Weapon of Choice’ by Fatboy Slim
If you could work with one musician dead or alive, who would it be? And you can only choose one!
Hands down, easily, Nile Rodgers- the man is incredible. Always been a massive fan of Chic and all his work during the disco era and never get over how much he has written.
What do you do outside of Jukebox?
Outside of Jukebox I work for my own production company ‘New Roost Music’ as well as teaching at Rubber Soul Studios in Stockport. I also work in various function bands, have a wee acoustic act, and work for Titan Tour Productions as a lighting and sound engineer. Other than that, I don’t mind a game of footie or a pint or two at a gig!
What's your favourite part of a Wedding?
When the band plays, obviously!
In your opinion what's the best thing about Jukebox and how do we differ from your normal function bands?
Brass sections always add that bit of something special to a band. You can never replicate that sound with a keyboard, backing track, or anything else.
What are you looking forward to most with Jukebox in 2014?
Performing! Playing some fantastic tunes!
Top 5 desert island discs?
- Blood Sugar Sex Magik- The Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Blink 182- Blink 182
- MTV Unplugged- Jay Z
- Get Lifted- John Legend
- Magnetic Man- Magnetic Man