The Talks

The Talks are a reggae and ska inspired band, originating from Kingston upon Hull, England. Formed in 2006, the band consists of Patrick Pretorius on Vocals, Guitar and Saxophone, Jody Moore on Guitar, Keyboards and vocals, Iain Allen on Bass Guitar and vocals, and Richard 'Titch' Lovelock on Drums and Sampler.
In 2012 the band collaborated with Neville Staple of The Specials on the track 'Can Stand the Rain'. In 2013 the band received attention for their protest against unfair pay for 'local' acts and artists, sparking debate over the issue, and the start of the 'Musicians Charter'. Described as a bill of rights, attempting to ensure fair pay and working conditions for performing musicians.

History

Early years and 'Picture This' (2006-2009)

Making their debut in 2006, the band toured the United Kingdom with friends Neville Staple, The Beat and The Favours. Courtesy of a development deal with Universal, the bands first releases were recorded at the Chapel Studio, with engineer Ewan Davies.

The bands debut single 'Picture This' was released in 2008, and launched at a hometown single release party at 'The Sesh' in Hull, the same venue that saw the band make their live debut. The 'Karaoke Style' video was filmed at 'The Queens' pub in Hull.

Live Now, Pay Later (2010-2012)

In 2011 the band released their debut studio album Live Now, Pay Later. The album was written, recorded and produced on their 'All Our Own Records' label.

Commoners, Peers, Drunks and Thieves (2013-present)

In 2013, the band cut short their performance at the Freedom Festival in Hull to highlight unfair payment of local acts and artists in the city. A move which would prove catalyst for the 'Hull Musicians Charter'. Described as a bill of rights for musicians and venues alike.

The bands second EP, West Sinister was released in 2013, including the tracks 'Friday Night', and 'Can Stand The Rain' featuring Neville Staple.

The bands second studio album Commoners, Peers, Drunks and Thieves was released in 2014 and promoted by a 40 date tour of mainland Europe. 2014 would also see the band release Hulligans on German label Grover Records.

In January 2015, following the bands performance at Kendal Calling in August 2014, the album Live at Kendal Calling was released as a free digital download. The album was also partnered with the release of footage from the bands performance.

In 2015, the band recorded and released a live video session, playing tracks from the album Commoners, Peers, Drunks and Thieves that don't appear in their live show. The band also perform the track 'Changes' by David Bowie, to pay respect to Trevor Bolder who had recently died. The video session was released by 'Fred Perry Subculture'.

Collaborations

Neville Staple

The Talks collaborated with Neville Staple of The Specials, for the 2012 single release 'Can Stand the Rain'. A relationship started by The Talks front man Patrick Pretorius, when he was drummer for the Neville Staple band.

Dr. Ring Ding and Jonny 'Itch' Fox

Commoners, Peers, Drunks and Thieves sees work from 'Itch', former King Blues frontman on the track 'Ceasefire', and Dr. Ring Ding playing trombone on the track 'Sam'.

Releases

EPs

Singles

Albums

External links

• The Talks Official Website.
• The Talks Official Twitter.
• The Talks Official YouTube.
• The Talks Official Facebook.
• The Talks on 'Hollyoaks'.