We had the chance to ask Ken Griffin of August Wells (and previously Rollerskate Skinny) some questions about his career in music, reunion tours and his new band. You can see the results below… 

The Workman’s Club presents – August Wells – Saturday, 23 July – With special guests David Keenan & Brian Mooney

The last time I saw you play live, it was as part of Favourite Sons. How did August Wells come about?

The drummer for Favourite sons moved, so we were a very tight knit 4 piece and decided not to continue. John had played a couple of shows on piano with us and I was intrigued by his style. We started playing as a two piece, and I really liked the sound, so we formed August Wells.

You must have seen a lot of change in the music industry over the last 20 years. Do you think it has changed for better or worse? Is it harder to get a small band noticed?

In my opinion there is way to much emphasis on getting noticed, and success, and not enough on trying to create great art. The harder it is to get noticed, the more you have to have a genuine artistic goal which I think is better for the art form.

What music are you listening to at the moment? Are there any modern bands you particularly like?

I don’t listen to much contemporary music, that’s a job for critics and fashion. I will listen to music from any decade, because I am trying to be exposed to what I consider greatness. I do like the song writers Steve Gunn and Brian Mooney, and I have always followed hip hop.

You have played with many bands over the years in a variety of different styles. Is it this variation that keeps it exciting?

To me it’s been a logical progression, but because of the time between records it can seem varied. I am always just searching different routes into a genuine experience.

What do you think of reunion tours of people like the Pixies and the Stone Roses? Could you ever see yourself playing with Rollerskate Skinny again in any form?

We will never reform, it would seem like acting, and I am a terrible actor. I wish I had money because I am broke. But when I am motivated by it, it makes me feel empty. It’s too important to me to be flippant about. Other bands reforming is understandable, and fun, but it’s not for me.

August Wells – Saturday, 23 July – With special guests David Keenan & Brian Mooney