Da Doo Ron Ron: June 2018

One day, Matt Julian of The Breakdowns decided to write a few songs, play them, record them and… voilà! “Just Another Regular Summer” was born. An album that sounds like the most bubblegum side of Ramones, like if The Ronettes or The Shangri-Las were playing nowadays using electric guitars… Well, I should say this is for many the power-pop record of the year!

We decided to ask a few questions to Matt to know more what’s behind The Speedways as well as the future of the band.

It’s been already more than two weeks since you upload “Just Another Regular Summer” in Bandcamp. I think it's been quite successful! It was like a love at first listen for power pop lovers. Did you expect such a good reception?

Thanks Paula! Yeah, it's been up for just over 2 weeks now and I've had a really positive response - 'love at first listen' amongst the Power-Pop community as you say!

I didn't have too many expectations - I had a small wishlist of 2 things...& they've both happened so that's really cool.

Who are (or who is) The Speedways?

The Speedways is a solo project, but I didn't wanna call it that because I felt daft, so I gave it a band name for some kinda security.

It isn't a throwaway name though. Everything about these songs, the artwork and the presentation is all very deliberate.

My friend played drums for me (with my bedroom demos as reference) then I took the drum tracks into the studio & layed everything on top.

95% of all the recording was done first take. I was doing it on my own so I couldn't afford much studio time.

I did all the bass guitar, rhythm guitars and lead guitars in 6 hours or something stupid like that. The vocals took a bit longer because I double tracked everything & then had to harmonise with myself!

Percussion, keyboards etc.. were pretty straightforward after all of that.

The mix was tough though - It's hard to think straight when you're against the clock with 12 songs on the go.

However, there is now a real life, all-star band version of The Speedways preparing to hit the stage thanks to some very kind friends!

I've heard that Gods Candy Records it's going to release the album on vinyl. Tell us more about this!

Yes! I'm really excited about this one.

My mate Austin from the Hip Priests recommended The Speedways to Brett at Gods Candy. Brett has a real passion for his label & especially the music so I was more than happy to release with them.

They have some brilliant acts on the label, it's great to be on board!

I really wanted 'Just Another Regular Summer' to come out on vinyl because I think the songs & the concept demand it. I'll be really proud when I get a copy in my hands.

The power pop weekender, Pump It Up, will take place in London at the end of July. The Speedways are going to share a stage with legends like Protex or Barracudas. Have you thought about any other band you would like to support in the future?

Protex are a personal fave, but the whole line-up at the Pump It Up festival is very strong. I've seen every band on the bill at least once before.

Mauro & Simon have done a brilliant job putting it together.

In the future? who knows?!

We can read in your Bandcamp: "1 album. 1 gig. The End". Are you sure that's going to be the future of The Speedways?

I'm really not sure! I would like to play some more gigs later in the year. I have been offered a few.

I'd like to put out a 7" single. There were another 5 or 6 songs that I could have used on the album.

I was thinking of recording 2 of them as B-Sides for 'Reunion in the Rain' or something like that... Just an idea at this stage.

All the songs on 'Just Another Regular Summer' were written between summer 2014 & summer 2015 (apart from one which is a little bit older) ..so I've got loads of newer songs knocking around. Almost 3 years worth!

I've also written an album titled 'Empty Pages' which is for a female lead vocalist.

It's got some great tunes on it with titles like 'Chewing Gum In My Hair', 'In A World Without Love It's Hard To Stay Young' , 'About The Other Boys' etc...

I'd absolutely love to make that record with somebody one day. It'd be a hit for sure.

Finally, tell us about any song, album, band... whatever that you heard recently and blew your mind!

Every time I listen to 'Be My Baby' my mind is blown!

Thanks Matt! See you in "Pump It Up! A Power Pop Weekender".

You're welcome Paula! See you there!