Interviews: Interview with Tim Bennett from Civilized Tears

by Gary Smith

Please introduce yourselves, and how you take your place in the band.

Tim Bennett Creator Of The Band, Singer, Acoustic Guitar, Main Songwriter & Workaholic
Ollie Drummer & Time Keeper
Ed Lead Guitarist & Cheekbones that girls die for!
Duncan Keyboards, Synths & The Quiet Joker
Rytch Bassist & Master Tea Maker

How did you meet and what is the story behind you forming?

Ollie came to my early gigs when I first arrived from New York. He learned all my songs off the YouTube channel. I was really impressed with his dedication.
The other guys became absorbed through random meetings , except Edward, who we discovered at an ACM audition.

How did you come up with your band name?

It is the title of a song I wrote in Seattle. A friend told us that it had to be the band's name! He was very, very drunk & very persuasive.

Who takes the biggest role in the song writing?

Me. Not being egotistical, it's just a fact. I've experienced so much and have so much I want to say and share.

Name your top 5 albums

JEFF BUCKLEY – Grace
THE BEATLES - Revolver or Abbey Road
THE VERVE - Urban Hymns
PINK FLOYD - Dark Side Of The Moon
MICHAEL JACKSON – Thriller
COLDPLAY – Parachutes
- Yes that's six I know, but I like to break the rules a little!

Who would you imagine to be the best artist to play alongside?

U2

Who did you dream of being when you were young

An older but cooler version of me. Not sure if I'll ever reach that dream though.

Who has the worst habits, and what are they?

Me - I'm obsessive compulsive & a perfectionist, I'm very demanding & not good with time. I usually rely on GMT - which stands for 'Greenwich Me Time' & I'm a workaholic- and I talk too much!
Ollie - he's always early(darn him), and he really looks like he rides a big motorbike… but he doesn't.
Ed - he's hasn't shared any bad habits yet- is that a bad habit?
Duncan - likes to gossip about the other bands, which is hilarious.
Rytch - makes the perfect cup of tea & puts me to shame and he refuses to take his t-shirt off on stage when we all know he secretly wants to.

What was the worst review you have been given?

Still waiting for that one. I'll need a bottle of wine or two, a box of kleenex and some good friends around me… Or maybe a punching bag would be better!

Where was your first gig and what was it like?

In Manchester. I couldn't stop smiling.

What was the most embarrassing thing, or your craziest moment, that has happened on stage?

The stage falling apart beneath our feet, and equipment disappearing into the abyss.

Have you written any songs with hidden meanings, or about anyone in particular?

All of them to some degree. But ‘Breathe In The Ash’ has many hidden meanings and targets a few people that really hurt me badly.

Have you ever had any stalkers?

No , why can you arrange this for me?
You heard him, girls!!!

Which one song would you say "defines" your band?

I haven't written it yet.

Who were the best and worst bands/artists that you have played alongside?

The Best: Jeff Buckley, Oasis, Pink Floyd & David Bowie were the best… but then I woke up
The Worst: Come on , you're kidding, right? I don't need any More enemies!!

Do any of you have other hobbies/day jobs?

Ollie - plays & coaches tennis. He works at a garage & races go-karts.
Ed - fits air conditioners part time, practices guitar every spare minute and loves to party.
Duncan - grows his own vegetables and works in functions bands.
Rytch - is a student at ACM & works at the cinema.
Myself - my day job is promoting and writing for the band. I don't have time for hobbies.

What has been your best moment to date?

That's private

What was the strangest thing that has happened to you?

Well, I'd like to say I was abducted by aliens, but actually I was abducted by an Italian Countess instead! With the help of her Chinese male accomplice they bundled me into a waiting car. I think that's all I'm prepared to say on that one.

What do you have planned for the near future?

Record an album & sell 5 million copies of it! Oops sorry, no- I mean have 5 million copies downloaded illegally, winning a Grammy for best new act and generally becoming hugely successful.

Can you tell us about the album you are planning to record?

No - that's a secret!

What will be the high point in the album, in your opinion?

Being number 1 in the USA, UK and anywhere else you can think of and being on the cover of Rolling Stone. Yes, that would be very rewarding… Oh yes and winning that Grammy I mentioned!

What advice would you give to anyone that wants to form a band?

Just do it!

What advice would you give to anyone that is in a band that wants to try and get ahead?

Keep going, follow your dream and when you get knocked down, get straight back up and keep going. Learn to listen to the critics they can be your best friend in reality! And music is not a competition, it's a personal journey.

What are your favourite, or most defining lyrics in any of your songs?

Lyrics from ‘Flying Over America’, especially the chorus:

I don't want to be a victim anymore
I just wanna keep my feet firmly planted on the floor
And I don't wanna  be a puppet in their schemes
'Cause I'm just sitting here trying to understand what everybody means

Is there anything you would like to ask GigReviewer.com?

Yes, when are you going to come and see us play live?
Actually, we are planning on seeing you at the Haselmere Beer Festival on the 11th September!

At what point would you stop and think - "I've made it!"?

I think I'll intuitively know when I've made it, but that doesn't mean I'll stop doing music!

Any other information we may not have covered..?

There won't be anymore room on the page if you get me started with other info!
Okay, okay, alright, twist my arm..! Just one: I've been photographed nude for vogue… but I'm not telling where, when or which edition!
But it is true

You can catch Civilized Tears on the following webpages

REVERBNATION
FACEBOOK
FACEBOOK FAN PAGE
FACEBOOK GROUP
MYSPACE
YOUTUBE
TWITTER
Plus many more!

Many thanks, Tim Bennett (Civilized Tears)