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Adam Ficek is best known for being the drummer in Babyshambles. There is however another, more creative side, which often goes unnoticed.
Ficek’s creative output comes in the form of Roses Kings Castles, a solo project, which gives him a free reign on all aspects of him music. Also being an accomplished producer, guitarist and DJ means Ficek can overlook how his music is created.
Roses Kings Castles first single release was Sparkling Bootz back in April of last year, this was then followed by the release of a self titled debut album in September.
The album was released independently by Ficek and was very well received by both fans and critics.
After touring across the UK and Europe at the beginning of this year Roses Kings Castles are now back with details of a new album and an upcoming EP titled Apples & Engines. A preview of the title track from said EP can be viewed below the interview.
Indiescreet: First off, where did the name Roses Kings Casltes come from?
Adam Ficek: I just liked the sound of those words really, nothing deep and meaningful, it represented the music so I went for it. Didn’t want it to be too English sounding though!
Indiescreet: You first started Roses Kings Castles as a creative output for yourself alongside Babyshambles. Did you ever perceive that you would receive this much exposure from it?
AF: There hasn’t been that much to be honest and all the exposure I get is from my own hard work. It’s pure indie, amongst all these indie pretenders living in the pockets of majors, i can walk tall. But It’s something I didn’t really think about, if it gets bigger then that’s great…
Indiescreet: I’m loving the preview of Apples & Engines, what has feedback been like so far?
AF: Well the first album was well received but it didn’t get much exposure because I couldn’t afford the reviews or advertising so I’m hoping this one gets a bit more as my fanbase has grown a little, I’m sure some will love and some will hate but it’s me and it’s sincere and it hasn’t been steered into a marketable direction so….
Indiescreet: When are you planning to release the new EP/album and are you planning on releasing a single pre album?
AF: The EP is out in August then the second album is out in October, will follow this with another album or EP in 2010. Yes, I will release a single pre album, trying to find a good video maker as last time again budget was a big factor, I’m still in debt from the last album but this time I have a small indie label on board.
Indiescreet: Do you prefer being the main man when performing (RKC/DJing) or taking more of a back seat to most of the attention (drumming/producing)?
AF: I like to vary it, there’s times when I don’t want to be out front and projecting as a solo artist but it’s a job of sorts and people have paid to come and see me perform therefore out of respect for them they get a good show. So the answer is, I’m lucky enough to have a great variation.
Indiescreet: Who would you say have been inspirations to you throughout your career?
AF: Muhammid Ali, Ian Brown, any musician or person that puts in the graft and doesn’t have it all on a plate. I like underdogs who start revolutions.
Indiescreet: Which bands/artists are you listening to at the minute?
AF: Golden Silvers, Fake Blood, Bloody Beetroots, am not that excited by guitar bands at the minute, but I’m sure there’s some out there who will excite me soon.
Indiescreet: How is work on the third Babyshambles album going? What can we expect this time around?
AF: It’s slowly progressing, it’s hard, as there’s loads happening, Peter solo, all the Libs talk, it does kind of get in the way but that’s the business for you.
Indiescreet: And finally, you produce, DJ, write your own songs and can play the drums, piano, vibraphone, accordion, flute, trumpet, harmonica, tin whistle, recorder and probably more! Is there anything Adam Ficek cannot do?
AF: I can’t play the oboe or cello, seriously, I can get by on a lot of instruments but I’m no master, I can do the job.
Adam Ficek is evidently a busy man with work commencing on the Roses Kings Castles album and a new Babyshambles album while still touring and self promoting thoroughly. He has most definitely followed in the footsteps of his inspirations by being a person that puts in the graft.
Refreshingly Ficek can be seen using mediums such as his personal blog and Twitter to interact with fans gaining feedback on new material and also as an outlet for new ideas. A perfect example of this is the fact that this very interview came about from speaking to Adam on Twitter. I put across the idea of an interview and Adam was more than happy to oblige straight away.
Adam’s Twitter page can be found here and his regularly updated blog here.
So there will be a taster of new material with an EP out in August, which will be titled Apples & Engines, followed by the full second album in October.
Indiescreet will be following Adam’s progress closely and will keep you updated with all the latest dates, tracks and previews first.
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Check out Roses Kings Casles Official Website where you can find out all the latest news and sign up to the forum.
Also head over to Roses King Castles MySpace page for the latest tunes and tour dates.
Below is the preview of the track Apples & Engines which I spoke about earlier.
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