Published: Thursday, 3rd July, 2008 10:50
Mexican drummer helps Inverkeithing band's bid for the big-time
By Ewan Ferguson
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From left, Gregor Gilchrist (guitar), Louis Pounder (bass), Alberto Hernandez (drums and percussion), Ken Clark (guitar and vocals) and Moray Pringle (violin).
WEST FIFE band Chairman Wow could be set to hit the big time thanks to some added Latino influence from their new drummer – a Mexican exchange student.
The five-piece outfit, which meets at Inverkeithing High School, has won the chance to record a demo CD at Rosyth’s Sub Station.
As part of the newly-launched Youth Music Initiative, the teenage group will be given the rock star treatment with two days of recording time at the studio.
Along with three other Fife groups, Chairman Wow impressed bosses at Sub Station and were chosen for the project.
And, in the case of Chairman Wow, it was their own particular brand of music that made the judges sit up and listen.
They recruited exchange student Alberto Hernandez to their line-up last August after hearing he was a maverick drummer.
The 17-year-old from Mexico City arrived in West Fife at the start of the academic year and has been an S5 pupil at Inverkeithing High.
His own particular brand of Latin percussion – along with another new recruit, violinist Moray Pringle (18) – has given the band a new dynamic.
“I used to play in two bands back in Mexico and it was the same style of alternative rock,” said Alberto.
“I met Louis (Pounder, the bass player) and he told me that they were looking for a drummer. I went along and they were quite impressed with my skills.”
Completing the line-up is singer Ken Clark (18) and lead guitarist Gregor Gilchrist (17).
But, with Alberto due to fly home this summer and the other members leaving school, this could be their last chance to make it big.
“We’re planning on getting a few gigs in the summer and then going our separate ways unless we do quite well,” explained Ken, who is from Aberdour.
Already regulars on the Fife gigging circuit, Chairman Wow haven’t ruled out pursuing music full-time.
“We’re more than aware how difficult it is to make it but we’re hopeful. It’s the right time to be doing this sort of thing,” Ken added.
Once the demo is recorded, it will be sent to all the big labels who will provide feedback and possibly even further support.
The bands has also received presentations from industry members and representatives of the Musicians’ Union, giving them tips about how to succeed.
Mick Brennan, owner of Sub Station, told the Press that he was excited by the raw talent on show in the initiative.
“They’re all quite young so there are areas they can improve in but that’s the point of the project,” he said.
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