mykindaplace.com - September 2000
INTERVIEW WITH J
Hello there. How are you?
"Very well. We've just been in South Asia doing promotional stuff. We came back three weeks ago 'cause we all needed a break and to think about the next album, which we're working on at the moment in Dublin. We'll be back for the mykindaplace party though which should be a laugh. We always enjoy doing parties. We do a lot of big shows and it's nice to have some variation and play more intimate gigs."
Do you still get nervous before going on stage?
"Nah, we never did. Performing's what we all want to do so we just go with the buzz. There are a few fans who can be a bit full-on, but the crowds are all usually great."
You're not scared by all those girls screaming for you then?
"No, we love it! I've had a few death threats over the Internet which is as far as scary fan behaviour goes. It was a guy in Italy who said I'd done things with his girlfriend. It was all rubbish. I'd seen him at some of our gigs."
Tell me about a good party you've been to…
"The most recent was during our last UK tour in Manchester. A lot of our friends were there and we all went to the hotel afterwards. After a few pints, one of my friends, Belly, starts losing his clothes! He always does it. I hadn't seen everyone for ages so I was buying champagne and reached over the table for a top up. When I turned round I'd got a bloke's bits near my face. Belly then walked around naked and got on the bar naked. I kept asking everyone if they minded but they were just laughing. It was highly amusing."
Bet it's nice to treat your friends and family…
"To me, treating them is the biggest perk of what I do. People hate me doing it though. The morning after the party I woke to find ?300 in my pocket that everyone had tried to give me. I wouldn't take it though, I dished it all back out to them."
What makes a good party?
"The people are the most important thing. You've gotta have people you feel comfortable with. You need good music - nothing too intrusive - and some drinks and scran you can just drag out the fridge."
If you had a party, who'd you like to play at it?
"This sounds a bit daft but I think Roachford would be good. I quite like his new stuff."
As a band you're well-known for talking about some risky subjects. Why are you so set on speaking your mind?
"Well, I am who I am. I always believe in telling the truth about stuff and I think that's the best way. If you start lying you can get yourself into a predicament that's just not worth it. I speak my mind because I think that's how everyone should be."
How bored are you on a scale of one to ten of talking about Mel C?
"Mmm, not bored…"
Annoyed?
"Not annoyed. I can take it, it doesn't bother me. I don't mind talking about it."
How difficult was it coping with your relationship being splashed across the tabloids?
"Well I hadn't really had that before, as I hadn't had a personal life for a while. But it was fine - I took it with a pinch of salt. I mean, if I was with someone and people were camping outside and looking in the windows, that would put me off but walking down the street and having people taking pictures I don't really mind. The worst bit is when people start making things up - like the stuff about Mel and I just being a publicity stunt."
How upsetting was that?
"It's just sad that people have to make things up. It hasn't put me off seeing people though. If I like someone, how the press are going to react isn't going to stop me doing what I want."
Good on 'yer. So what's happening with your love life now?
"I'm on my own again unfortunately, I'm on the lookout for someone nice knocking about."
Are you still friends with Mel C?
"Yeah, we're still in touch."
OK. Moving swiftly on. You're recording the new album (out next year, folks) and doing a big tour before Christmas. Are Five still having a blast?
"Yeah, things are great at the moment. Honest to God I try and make the most of every day. I feel really lucky. Like today we're just in a studio with top producers and it's amazing."
Anything else you'd care to share with me…
"Well, I've just bought a new house which is exciting. It's the first time I'll have a place on my own. I can't tell you where it is, but it's not in London. So a few trips to Ikea are on the cards. Life's good."
