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Who are Norcsalordie?

Paul: We are Martin Neal (aka Biggles) the guitarist, and Paul McHugh the singer.

When did you begin performing?

Martin: We originally started just jamming in Paul's living room with friends. We never really took it seriously until about May 2004. We went to a karaoke at a place called the Bewicke Arms in Hallaton, and they liked us so much that they shut off the karaoke and just got us to play for them. Hey presto, Norcsalordie was born!

Paul: I think we've both got our individual influences plus some shared ones. Shared ones include Nic Jones, Planxty, Martin Carthy, Fairport Convention, The Dubliners, The Corries and even The Wurzels! Personally, I'd include Billy Bragg, Ewan MacColl and Christy Moore.

Martin: My personal influences are a bit more contemporary - The Frames
(qwesome) and most of my Dad's record collection - including Jilted John and Plastic Bertrand - eclectic!

Describe your sound...

Paul: With our huge range of influences we've got quite a unique sound. Almost like The Pogues, but without the Irish emphasis. We're definitely folk but in an upbeat and lively way and we like to make our audiences feel part of the music.

Martin: Not only part of the music, but we really do love to see people clapping, dancing or even singing along. To us it's the biggest compliment anyone can give us - especially when they're doing it to our own songs!

Paul: Martin's modern influences are definitely evident in his guitar playing. Our aim is to reclaim folk music as music of the people,听 to be enjoyed by everyone. We want to let everyone know it's more than just old men in dodgy cardigans!

What do you make of the music scene in Leicester?

Martin: It's pretty good. One of our favourite places to play is at the City Acoustic Club at the Musician on Clyde Street each Monday night. It starts around eight and you find some amazing talent there. It's definitely the place to go for someone who wants to get into the Leicester music scene, which is getting bigger all the time!

Paul: Plus there are some fantastic pub music sessions around the city. We organise one every other Tuesday in the Black Horse on Braunstone Gate. All styles and musicians welcome!

Paul: Well that's a toughie, 'cos there are so many in Leicester at the minute. At a recent Battle of the Acoustics at The Shed we came across a bloke called Oliver Kennett who plays with a band called Ollie Kennett the Big Stiks. He has a kind of mystical quality to his voice and the ability to hit any note imaginable. Very talented chap.

Martin: At the same event we met a group called Fourteen Down - I really liked their style and the way the band gelled together was brilliant. There are so many other artist that I rate in Leicester it's hard to narrow it down to just one.

Do you have day jobs?

Paul: No. I was a barman for nearly seven years before I 'retired' to concentrate on music. Believe it or not I actually hold a National Licensees Certificate! If I ever leave the music I'll probably go back to pubs, with a view to having my own someday.

Martin: Same goes here, although I did spend most of the time temping since university, I decided to pursue what I was best at - playing guitar!

What has been your best gig so far?

Paul: I'd have to say when we played at the Half Moon Inn in Melton Mowbray a few months back. We had a fantastic night and people were singing, dancing and clapping along. There was even a big group of young Polish people who were getting really into it! It was lots of fun!

Martin: There was also the first time we performed at the Black Horse! Because the place is so small there was little space for dancing, so people took to the tables! It really was fantastic for us to see everyone joining in our songs and to get such a positive reaction.

Worst gig?

Martin: We find that we perform better in gigs with larger audiences, so when the weather's bad and people stay at home, we tend to enjoy it less and I think we're a bit more nervous as well.

Paul: Yeah, I think it's a confidence thing. If there are fewer people in the audience we're very conscious of it.

Paul: Well I went to Hereford Comprehensive in Grimsby. It was in Grimsby, so it was great. 'Nuff said!

Martin: Spot the Lincolnshire yellowbelly! I went to Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar down south and was really driven to play guitar by my peers. I even was a finalist in the school talent show - got in by covering Oasis' Don鈥檛 Look Back In Anger which I still consider my best solo performance to date, but the final was a little less auspicious when trying to cover the Rembrandts' I'll be there for you. *shudders* I think there's still old footage of it somewhere!! It was a positive experience though and gave me a taste and drive to get better on guitar.

What's been your most embarrassing music-themed moment?

Martin: Well we did play at a naturist camp one time...
Paul: Yes, I think it's the one time we were glad that the audience wasn't dancing!

Favourite track you've written?

Martin: For me it'd be The Raven-Headed Lass and the Bonny Boy. I was experimenting with different tunings and it just presented itself on one in particular - the melody easily followed. It's a bit of a difficult one to do live to keep the pace of the show going while re-tuning, as anyone who's ever tuned a 12-string might know. It's a tale of forbidden love and elopement to America which I really feel is worth the wait!

Paul: I'd say Cursed Cornelius. I wrote it about the draining of the Lincolnshire wetlands in the 17th century. It's a sort of 'BANG' in your face tune. The lyrics are quite graphic too, as it is written from the viewpoint of the local people who resisted the engineers who carried out the draining. It's quite an angry, rage-filled song, so it's not one for the faint hearted!

When and where was your first gig?

Paul: At the Bewicke arms in Hallaton back in May 2004. It's a very scenic part of Leicestershire and a great little country boozer. Well worth a visit!

Red Leicester cheese or pork pie?

Paul:听 I'd probably cheese the pork pie (groan). Especially if it was a Melton Mowbray one! Haha!听 Being a Lincolnshire lad of course,听 I'd rather have a good old Lincolnshire sausage roll.

Martin: It's the Red Leicester for me because in all my cheese-on-toast exploits this has been by far and away the best for melting and taste. Mild Cheddar and mozzarella don't cut it when compared. Sprinkle some Oregano on it beforehand and you have the finest student snack known to mankind. Worcester sauce optional.

Martin: I'm lining up the most romantic gesture ever, but it's classified at the moment as she might be reading this! I have to top proposing in a converted Devon church (with my ex) but I think this one'll do it.

Paul: I took my girlfriend to Lincoln for a day trip. While we were on top of the observatory tower in Lincoln Castle, looking out over the countryside, I told her I loved her. It was the first time so she was impressed!

Biggest regret?

Martin: There's a few things I regret, but I always think that if things had gone the way I'd wanted, then I wouldn't be doing what I love for a living! So I guess it all works out in the end. I do regret not winning the lottery last week though.

Paul: I don't believe in having regrets. Live for each day and enjoy it while you can. You only live once!

Is being based in Leicestershire a help or hindrance?

Paul: Definitely a help. Besides the vibrant music scene we have here, the great thing about Leicester is that it's so central. It's fairly easy for us to travel to anywhere in the country from the city.

Martin: If it wasn't for Leicester, Paul and I would never have met! There's so much diversity here. Neither Paul nor I had it when growing up in Grimsby and Sidcup - Leicestershire has given us our best gigs yet, so I'd say that Leicestershire has been a massive help to us.

Listen to three tracks by Norcsalordie...