In 2011 the boys of Chasing Tasko entered the Talent Show for the first time and won.

Today, they perform at festivals and fundraisers alike whilst recording their own music. Sophie Thirkell caught up with them to talk psychedelic rock, sheep farming and why youre going to want to keep an ear out for them in 2013...

It was a Saturday night when Nicole and I entered a cafe which is renowned for being a safe haven for youngsters to hang out in a friendly environment. More recently, its a hubbub for musical entertainment. Here at Elgin Youth Cafe, local bands showcase their talent by performing on stage music equipment supplied. We met regulars Chasing Tasko, a four piece indie rock band originated from Elgin Academy. On that particular January evening the Youth Cafe was sparsely populated, quiet and calm. Perfect for an interview. A short vocal test was carried out and free drinks were offered by the Youth Cafe themselves along with a basket of shortbread. We cleverly chose a circular booth in the corner - away from any noise. In came of Chasing Tasko vocalist Ross Cumming, bassist Khaya Tsotsi and drummer Calum Gaffney. Theyre all smiles as we shook hands and introduced ourselves. Just as each took their places around the booth Ross apologised for the lateness of guitarist Fergus Mclean but he insisted hell be here in a minute. Their presence must have sparked a buzz in the cafe as Katy Perry interrupted us with her Teenage Dream. The lights dimmed and crowds of people entered the cafe. The blaring music, onset of dim lighting and suddenly busy atmosphere only added to the tone of the interview; these boys know how to entertain. The final member, Fergus Mclean, joined us and apologised for being late. The interview began but not without a quick vocal test first, (The loud music and talking made it difficult for the dictaphone to pick their voices up) I dutifully quizzed the band on their favourite ice cream flavours Irn Bru and vanilla are the favourites, just in case you were wondering then all systems were go. Fact: Chasing Tasko formed in 2011. The underlying idea was to enter the school talent show (which they won) but the band started off with bigger ambitions on the horizon. However, in order to start a band you need the right members, how did Chasing Tasko come to be? Tell the story Ross incited. I was in a few bands in another school so when I came here I w anted to be in a band, explained Calum. I thought thatd be quite cool and Fergus was really into music so we kinda started it.

I had to audition though Ross sulked. He was met with a hasty explanation from Fergus: We didnt know what Ross was like! Wed never heard him before! And I think someone recommended you, didnt they? I dont know. Probably not. Ross Cumming, more famous for choir singing than rock and roll, was chosen as the lead singer. When asked why he was chosen, Ross paid particular attention. I think well, someone said hes an amazing singer but Id never heard Ross. Id never heard him sing but people say Oh, hes amazing. Hes best singer in the world! Fergus replied before adding, But I- it turned out to be not true. Laughter ensues but he ensured he was only joking. The founders admitted that Khaya did not have to audition. Only an invitation during physics class was needed. We already knew he could play guitar. Fergus recalled. With all members in place, the then third years entered and won the Talent show, not expecting it to be their big break. We just did it for fun. explained Khaya. There was an overwhelming response of sincerity; the boys did not expect to win at all. Fergus added, We just kinda built it on people saying Oh that band is really good -you know the third years with the sunglasses. Calum chimed in with: Its almost like winning the X-Factor. The group laughed before admitting they thought the sixth years would win; Ross even found their victory shocking. Fast forward to 2013 and the band are still growing strong. Its awesome! There have been ups and downs. Ross started. Calum followed with, Its going awesome. Were kinda recording- well, were hoping to (record) but things have been going wrong. People have been ill. The foursome has released one song of their own, Hell Be Known, which has been uploaded to their Soundcloud account and performed since. But how easy is the creative process since Ross is from a choir background, Khaya indie and punk whilst Calum and Fergus are more into their psychedelic rock?

It allows us to have more range. Fergus stated. I think (we) experiment with more sounds. Its better this way and not just have everyone liking the same thing. Youd just be too samey. Calum offered his agreement, Also, I like how you guys come up with ideas from hearing other songs. I never would have heard, like, the Strokes and stuff, yknow? (Theres) all these cool bands. Yeah, I know what you mean. Fergus echoed. However, the difference in styles has led to some clashes. The band did not admit to any fisticuffs though, We try to come to compromises but sometimes it- it generally comes down to if it sounds good. He carried on, There are certain songs which Id never want to play. Like the A Team or Skinny Love or something. Right now, they are working hard on covering songs (as long as they all agree on which ones) and writing their own material. A local musician helped them work

on one track but now they are determined on doing it all by themselves. They hope to release an EP but lets not get too ahead of ourselves... I dont think we should rush into it because I want to establish a certain sound that is recognisable. Id quite like the first 10 or 11 songs weve got just to put them into like an album or EP. Fergus explained before Calum reminded him that, You also said you wanted a theme. Thats just my opinion; my favourite albums have a story behind them. It might not be the same with you guys. justified Fergus. Calum conceded, Its definitely not worth rushing it. We should take time to get it not perfect but as good as it can be. Being only fourth years in Elgin Academy along with playing in a band that is gaining popularity, there is a lot of pressure that is bound to evolve. What will happen when life gets in the way? They mulled the question over before Fergus responded, It depends what happens with Colleges or (University). Calum added, Its difficult to say at the moment. Id love to carry it on though. Yeah itd be cool - we definitely want to. Fergus finished. On a lighter note, lets imagine Chasing Tasko are globally famous, about to go on tour. They need a support act to tour with them, which one of their heroes would they pick? Wed all have different ones! Fergus stated. The rest of the band laughed before Ross proposed, If I had to pick one band itd be probably be, like, I just went to see Two Door Cinema Club last week, theyd be good. Khaya agreed then Calum offered his contribution, Probably the Maccabees. Ive seen them twice live, theyre really good. Fergus murmured his approval then added, Id go for this Australian band called Tame Impala. Im just obsessed with their sounds; its really psychedelic right now. I want to do that in some of our songs. But make it more subtle, I dont know. Thats the tour sorted. What about the songs? The rules are that they are allowed to steal someone elses and claim it as their own. There was some intense thinking going on, Wow thats hard. Em, started Ross.

Khaya weighed in, Errrm, I really dont know. He laughed, There (are) just so many songs, Im not sure. Doolittle the whole album, I wish Id written (that). conceded Fergus. Calum laughed, The whole album. Yeah! The whole album its just the best album ever. Also, Id probably go for Im yours (by Jason Mraz). The band laughed and Fergus shrugged, ... I dont know, its just an idea. There was more laughter before the boys were allowed to imagine the benefits of being famous. What would be the first thing they would do with all that money? Id buy somewhere nice, like, with sheep. Ross offered, cracking up the group. Really? asked Calum. Yeah, like Shetland. Ross continued. Shetland. Calum dryly stated before adding, Thats the dream. Yeah, buy a sheep farm in Shetland. Ross shot back, with enthusiasm. Thatd be quite calm and quiet. Fergus added. Ross carried on, Id get loads of guitars and learn how to play drums. Id have all the time in the world to learn how to play drums. I reminded him he would have the potential to be a one man band to which he explained he would just leave Chasing Tasko. Khaya weighed in, I think Id buy a huge piece of land and build a house on it, make it into a recording studio. Thats probably the best idea. said Fergus. If my house was in Toulouse, thatd be nice. Khaya carried on. Too lose? asked Calum. Khaya corrected him, Toulouse Toulouse? France. Ross stated. Oh right. A recording studio is the best idea for me. Fergus went on to explain, You can just do whatever you want and dont have to rely on anyone. Calum proclaimed, Oh! A drum machine so Id never have to do anything again.

Oh a drum machine! exclaimed Fergus. Thats the end of the interview. I think thats everything. Thanks guys! That was awesome! Awesome! said Calum. Brilliant! said Fergus. Thank you very much! said Ross. Im having another shortbread. said Khaya. Chasing Tasko will be performing at the Elgin Youth Cafe on the 16 of March. Chasing Tasko are Ross Cumming, Calum Gaffney, Fergus Mclean and Khaya Tsotsi. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chasing-Tasko/207930112600028 Twitter: @ChasingTasko Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/chasing-tasko Story: Sophie Thirkell Pictures: Provided by Chasing Tasko
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