The Magic Numbers

Name   
Romeo Stodart

Where are you from?   
Who knows? Trinidad and Tobago originally, it's where I was born and lived for the first 11 years of my life.   

Describe your style in three words?  
Dishevelled Snuggle Bear  

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
It’s so difficult to choose the best gig I’ve ever been to so I’m going to say my first ever live experience which was Guns N Roses at Madison Square Garden when I was 12. Having only just moved to New York everything looked and sounded like it was in 3D. My mind was truly blown watching them and hearing that huge crowd singalong, I actually remember crying. It was demystified somewhat returning to the scene of the crime two consecutive nights and discovering that they weren't superheroes but just mere mortals who were essentially putting on a show. Axl Rose would have a rant about journalists at a particular moment in the set, Slash's roadie would put a cigarette in his mouth during certain songs, pre guitar solo of course. It was total showbiz really. I went from pure fan worship to 'I could do this.'

'Rocket Queen' is still a firm favourite. 

Which subcultures have had an enduring effect on you?  
Music has definitely informed the path in which I’ve walked throughout my life. On reflection, it’s kinda funny as at the core I’ve no doubt just been a hippy throughout, but I was a heavy-metaller prancing around with a goth heart beating loudly in my chest throughout my teens. To be honest, had I been a skinny rake I probably would have worn makeup and dressed more outrageously as the posters on my wall were all of Bowie, The Cure, Brett and Bernard of Suede but then I was into the slacker vibe too, loving Pavement. I was all over the place, still am a bit like that really. 

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I would have to have my guitar in hand as I can be pretty shy without it. I wouldn’t say no to an hour with Jimi Hendrix, the two of us jamming round 'May This Be Love' or something, cop a few tricks.   

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
I still think Judee Sill is criminally overlooked. Her story is incredibly tragic, with bouts of armed robbery, ill health, drug addiction and even prostitution but the biggest tragedy is her music going unnoticed. ‘The Kiss’ really is one of the most beautiful songs of all time, and there's something really beautifully unique about the mood she creates with her weaving arrangements and choral harmonies throughout. Her album Heart Food is always close to hand.

The Magic Numbers emerged in 2005, signing to Heavenly Recordings for the release of their eponymous debut LP, which went on to be nominated for the Mercury Music Prize. The band have now returned after a four-year hiatus with a new album 'Outsiders' and a headline tour of the UK and Ireland.

'Outsiders' is out now on all formats - find out more here.

The first track you played on repeat?  
Patsy Cline - 'Crazy'
I grew up in a household where my uncle's record collection was predominantly country music, loads of Kristofferson and Cash. I was really drawn to the sadness in Patsy’s voice. I would play this old 45 he had along with ‘I Fall To Pieces’ over and over.

A song that defines the teenage you?  
It'd have to be 'A Forest' by The Cure. I listened to The Cure religiously all throughout my teenage years, I know every single album inside out. It was always The Cure or The Smiths. 

What was the last piece of music you bought?  
'Belladonna' by Masahiko Sato on Finders Keepers, it’s the soundtrack for the Japanese witchcraft animated film Belladonna of Sadness. It’s so beautifully out there, psychedelic, sexy and strange.  

One record you would keep forever?  
Neil Young - 'After The Goldrush'
This record opened a lot of musical doors for me as a kid and has remained a constant in my life. It just holds a lot of memories of me learning to play the guitar and write songs.

A song lyric that has inspired you?  
"What good am I, if I’m like all the rest?" - Bob Dylan - 'What Good Am I?' 
There’s something within the pull of this song that just stays, it makes you ask yourself questions that he’s asking. The feeling it conjures up, the stirring inside that wants you to be a better version of yourself. I find those kinda songs to be really inspiring if you can get a message like that across without being preachy.

A song you wished you had written?  
I find I’m always really drawn to the opening lines in a song.
’I wish I had a dime for every bad time, but the bad times always seem to keep the change’ 
Guy Clark - 'Anyhow, I Love You'

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?  
Barbara Streisand - 'Woman In Love'
I do love a big diva voice; if this ever comes on in a taxi I always get the driver to turn it up... 

Best song to end an all-nighter on?  
'Looking For Another Pure Love' - Stevie Wonder or 'Love In Outer Space' - Sun Ra  
Depending on if you've managed to find love at the end of the night or you're still happily spacing out unsteadily on your feet.   

Any new bands you are listening to right now?
Penelope Isles - These guys are coming on the road with us in May and if you’ve not seen them live before you’re in for something special, they’re amazing and there’s some brother/sister rock n roll action which rules for me. Check out the track ‘Round’.

Ren Harvieu - Ren's an absolute icon waiting in the wings but hopefully not for much longer. Unbelievable voice, tonnes of style and actually something to say. ‘Do Right By Me’ is one of my favourites from her first album.

The Goat Roper Rodeo Band - These guys are the real deal, three really distinctive voices singing cosmic country harmony, everyone who sees them play falls in love with them. I dare you not to love ‘Old Heart Ache’.

Trudy & The Romance - Really loving everything I’ve heard of these guys so far, their artwork and look of their videos are really cool too. There’s an old-time romantic feeling within their sound that draws you in especially on ‘Is There A Place I Can Go’.