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We find out all we can about Newcastle band Sons of Millionaires
Newcastle band Sons of Millionaires prepare to release their debut album self-titled album on 3rd November. Here, we find out all we can about the band…
Who are you and where are you from?
Sons of Millionaires is a project put together by me, Peter Tickell. It features Martin Douglas on drums and Dan Rogers on bass, we are all from Newcastle. Steve Carr is our fourth wheel, the band;s producer and engineer.
What is it you do?
We write music together.
How long have you been doing it?
I’ve been a professional musician for 20 years, leaving school after my A levels aged 17 and renting a flat with the money I’d saved busking while I was in high school.
What inspires you?
I’ve always been a huge fan of Tom Waits. Idiosyncratic songwriting. Elliott Smith, The Pixies, Nine Inch Nails, Camper Van Beethoven, Cocteau Twins, Dolphin Boy, Mystery Juice, Frank Zappa (I’ve toured with his legendary drummer Vinnie Colauita. I never shut up about it), Grateful Dead, Hedningarna, Iggy Pop, Kurt Vile, Manu Chao, Mark Hollis & Talk Talk, Martyn Bennett, The Pogues, The Police, The Prodigy, Skrillex, Thin Lizzy, Type O Negative, Robert Johnson, Big Bill Broonzy
Tell us about your music
Going back to when I was a teenager, I was interested in how musicians like Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Beck started out as session musicians, honing their chops with the likes of Little Richard & The Yardbirds. That always appealed to me. Not working with Little Richard, I mean being a session musician. I left school at 17 and just played in loads of bands, mostly on violin, but also guitar and piano. I toured a lot with my sister Kathryn, psychonauts Maybe Myrtle Tyrtle and Scottish folky ravers Peatbog Faeries. I’ve written some music for film. I’ve been fortunate to land some big gigs as a session musician, touring internationally with Sting for seven years, which also led to extensive tours alongside Paul Simon and Peter Gabriel, musical royalty. Going from playing bars, clubs and small theatres prior to that, to suddenly playing these enormo-domes with bona fide legends every night was a bit of a trip. I put my solo career on the back burner in order to do these gigs. I’ve had some incredible experiences. Playing Bridge Over Troubled Water alongside Paul Simon in Madison Square Garden was a career highlight. I was invited onto the Jimmy Kimmel Show in LA to appear as musical guest with his house band The Cletones after a gig at the Hollywood Bowl with Peter Gabriel & Sting. Totally surreal experiences. As a 20-something year old Geordie lad living the rock and roll lifestyle, I did get into some scrapes here and there. I’ve calmed down a bit.
What have you got coming up in the future?
I’ve been handed the role of musical director by Jimmy Nail for his new play which is being staged at the Live Theatre in January and February 2024. Another hero of mine I’ve been fortunate enough to work with. He’s written 30+ songs for it, there’s some absolute gems in there. Jimmy is an incredible songwriter.
Where can people find out more about you?
