An Enchanting Journey into the World of Music with Greg Kane

Discovering the Musical Magic of Hue and Cry

Welcome to Chatting Tracks! I'm Woody, and today's episode is a delightful trip down musical memory lane. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Greg Kane from the iconic duo Q and Cry, famed for their 80s hits like Labour of Love and the quickly penned Looking for Linda. We also dove into their new album, Everybody, featuring the title track Stronger.

Their songs are deeply intriguing, and sometimes, the themes are delightfully surprising. Be sure to check out their new album and upcoming tour dates on their website. And if you enjoy what we do here, don't be shy about clicking like and subscribing.

Growing Up in a Melodic Household

Did you grow up surrounded by melodies? For Greg, music was a constant companion in his childhood home. His mum and dad worked tirelessly to afford a beautiful house, which meant Greg and his siblings were often looked after by their wonderful neighbour, Nana.

Greg's musical curiosity was sparked when he inherited a flamboyant uncle's fantastically eclectic vinyl collection, featuring legends like The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Ella Fitzgerald. At eight, Greg began piano lessons, igniting a passion that would shape his future.

The Piano's Calling

Piano wasn't a random choice for Greg. When a neighbour at the local store suggested lessons, he jumped at the chance. Serendipity played a part here, as Greg was the first to rise that Sunday morning, making him the lucky student of the local piano teacher. Piano became more than just an instrument; it was a gateway to understanding melody and harmony, and to a lifelong love of music.

Embracing Jazz and Beyond

Greg attributes much of his musical insight to his exploration of jazz. He began practising tirelessly, inspired by luminaries such as Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. However, as jazz influenced his songwriting, he realised it was time to strike a balance between complexity and creativity.

Greg's story underscores that mastery in jazz isn't just skill—it's a lifelong journey of learning and relearning.

The Birth of Q and Cry

Q and Cry didn't start as a duo; they evolved from a larger band setting. Pat Kane was in a band called Rodeo, which worked closely with Midge Ure. However, academic pursuits took precedence for Greg, who ventured into energy engineering.

Throughout university years, music remained a bonding force between Greg and Pat. From playing in bands to demoing songs, their undeniable chemistry paved the way for the formation of Q and Cry in 1984.

Demos and Early Endeavours

The early days saw Q and Cry crafting songs and sporadically recording demos. Their dedication paid off when they ended up on a local radio station's demo show, alongside established artists like David Bowie and Simple Minds. These experiences taught Greg invaluable lessons about songwriting and production.

It was a chance encounter at a Glasgow studio that led to a long-standing management relationship, built on trust rather than contracts.

Debuting with "Seduced and Abandoned"

Q and Cry's first album, Seduced and Abandoned, was a tapestry woven with the threads of various influences. While songs like Labour of Love were radio-friendly, they carried deeper messages. The duo's signature was blending political themes with accessible melodies, a nuanced artistry that connected profoundly with audiences.

Their music reflected their eclectic inspirations, from jazz and soul to their love of The Temptations.

The Evolution of Remote

With their second album, Remote, Q and Cry embraced a more polished sound. While their first album was laden with jazz and soul, Remote explored pop melodies, showcasing their willingness to experiment. This album featured more sophisticated arrangements, including the iconic sitar in Ordinary Angel.

Greg and Pat balanced artistic exploration with commercial sensibility, working with world-class musicians to bring their vision to life.

Reflecting on Labour of Love

Interestingly, Labour of Love wasn't an immediate hit for the band. Despite its catchy tune, the song's political undertones went largely unnoticed by the dancing public. Radio stations took a chance on this Labour-themed track, showcasing the band's knack for subtly weaving messages into their music.

Embracing Change: The Latest Album "Everybody"

Fast forward to the present, Q and Cry continue their musical evolution. Their latest album, Everybody, introduces an electronic, dance-driven style, a departure from their previous work. It brings back echoes of early Depeche Mode, with a dash of analogue warmth.

Crafting this album was a journey of rediscovery for Greg. Learning the intricacies of synthesisers and embracing the imperfections of analogue sound helped create a raw and authentic musical experience.

Touring and Beyond

As Q and Cry approach their 16th album, they continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Whether performing in intimate venues or on grand stages, their live shows remain a celebrated affair.

The upcoming UK tour in October promises to showcase their new material alongside classic hits. With a rich blend of eclectic sounds and heartfelt lyrics, their performances are not to be missed.

Thank you for joining me on this musical odyssey with Greg Kane. Keep the music playing, and remember to like and subscribe to support our channel. See you next time on Chatting Tracks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUSlcz4D5SA

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