Get Flash

Unsigned Music Judge – Radio 1’s Daniel P Carter Interview

Unsigned music judge Daniel P Carter has recently been interviewed by Live and Unsigned. He is the voice of rock, hosting BBC Radio One’s Rock Show on Monday night’s. Helping new up and coming bands, as well as giving an airing to the older classics, Daniel uses his experience of being in a rock band to find the best music in the genre.

Since 1998 Daniel P Carter has played in the band A, releasing four albums and achieving mainstream success, touring the world many times over playing shows and festivals with the likes of Blink 182, Deftones, Lostprophets, Muse and The Offspring.

Daniel P Carter was an unsigned music judge in the Live and Unsigned Rock Grand Final at London’s O2 on Saturday 23^RD July 2011.

Daniel P Carter Interview

L&U:What does it take to get a song on your radio show?

Daniel:I have to be into it. A great song is always gonna make it.

L&U:What’s it like having your own show on Radio 1?

Daniel:Pretty awesome. It was never something I had planned on or even thought about, it just kind of fell out of nowhere.

L&U:What gives you more of a buzz, performing live or speaking to millions on the radio?

Daniel:Playing in a band. Doing the show is totally different. It just feels like hanging with my mates and talking rubbish and playing tunes.

L&U:Which makes you more nervous, playing or presenting?

Daniel:Depends. DJ-ing at clubs makes me way more nervous than either to be honest. Haha.

L&U:What’s the best thing about presenting on Radio 1?

Daniel:Getting to champion bands that I think deserve it. I remember what it was like having my band played on Radio 1, so it’s good to spread the love to other bands.

L&U:You present on radio, we audition bands live – do you think there’s a real difference between hearing a demo and a live performance? What is it?

Daniel:Well, a bad production can ruin a great song and an awesome live show can save a bad song.

Radio 1’s Daniel P Carter Interview on Unsigned Music

L&U:What makes a good rock act?

Daniel:Individuality, passion and a great drummer.

L&U:How important is attitude?

Daniel:I guess it can be, but there is a line you know? Over-confidence can make a band look like a bunch of idiots. Especially if they don’t have the tunes to back it up. I'm not just talking about new bands. There are a lot of BIG bands that I think fall into that category. But then, there are bands I wouldn't normally like that I'm into because they have something about them, attitude wise.

L&U:What will you be looking for from the acts performing?

Daniel:Personality, individuality, ability and most importantly tunes.

L&U:What advice would you give to unsigned bands?

Daniel:Find your own sound and look. Do it for all the right reasons. Ignore what anyone else says.

L&U:What makes a good rock song?

Daniel:Haha. That’s pretty open ended. So many things...

L&U:Any top tips for acts performing?

Daniel:Don't over milk it. Haha.

Daniel P Carter Interview on the Rock Music Industry

L&U:How strong is the rock industry at the moment?

Daniel:Rock and metal is always pretty strong as it never relies on mainstream support and exists in its own insular world. That can also be its downfall at times, but the fans are always there and always will be.

L&U:Where is the rock industry heading?

Daniel:The music industry ignored a bunch of warning signs in the last decade and now it’s floundering. Until someone works out where things are gonna go next and how that happens without the bands suffering, it’s not going to get much better. That said, bands will always be there and people will always find a way to hear new music and support it in some way. Downloading is a beautiful thing for everyone until the labels turn around and drop bands because of poor sales.

L&U:What successful ingredient do you see in acts that make it?

Daniel:Determination and luck mostly.

L&U:Any up and coming acts under the radar that you are tipping for success?

Daniel:Listen to my show. There generally a few new things each week that I get stoked on.

L&U:How important are competitions like Live and Unsigned?

Daniel:I think if it gives bands a chance to get their music heard it’s very important