Air Traffic Signing

Quote & Image: © 2006 www.airtrafficlive.com
Written by Jonny G

Not many bands have an interesting story behind ‘their name’. Air Traffic, however, do. These four members formed and rehearsed in an old aircraft hanger. Signals from the local air traffic control would invade their amplifiers, hence the name was born. Air Traffic are originally from Bournemouth and started making their mark in 2004. They played mainly across the South Coast before taking their unique style to London in 2005, seeking that elusive butterfly 'fame'. With their music described as ‘piano-led indie rock’, Air Traffic comprises Chris Wall (piano, guitar and vocals), Tom Pritchard (guitar), Jim Maddock (bass) and Dave Jordan (drums). Air Traffic’s main influences are founded on bands such as Radiohead, Muse, Keane and Coldplay, yet they bring their own unique style into the mix. Driven by “a blinding compulsion to write good music, and even more so to deliver it in explosive performances to as many people as possible,” the attitude and the music was obviously right. In 2004, Southampton’s Factory Road studios hosted and recorded Air Traffic and five of their songs. These songs obviously found their intended mark. 2006 brings the news that Air Traffic have signed to EMI and labels don’t get much bigger than that. With the signing so fresh that EMI don’t yet have Air Traffic listed on their website, we can only wait to see what this move will bring. Maybe the swap of an upright piano to a Steinway will be the first sign.