"We are a completely young band. Manic Street Preachers are all under 20, it is al our first band. This when we got offered a chance to record a single cheaply (the producer recognised public demand)We naively took it totally unprepared. But I think it is no great shame to grow up in public. In any case as we were not 100% behind the single we sent it to only a few people.
As yourselves, Kevin etc. The vast majority we sold around here - we sent no singles to any record companies, press etc. Hopefully we are going into a studio soon to record some new songs so obviously when we do I will send you a tape. But basically at the moment we need a van. Once we have we can get out of wales and dispel any myths people have of us as revivalists. But there is one vital point which I totally believe in and that it to affect any worthwhile kind of change we have to condition our guitars to be atacking.
Things have progressed to such an extent that nothing else will bring change. We could write slower songs but right now that is not what is needed. We just want 1005 speed, youth, vigour, attack, attack, anger. On Stage we are the greatest band ever.
Apart from clash, the clash, and some skids singles no music has made any impact in my life. The music press just uninspired. June Brides changed all that and tho it was obvious from the start that most c86 bands were worthless mcCarthy and wolfhounds shone through. God at one point in my life I would have died for those bands. 'me' by the wolfhounds is still one of the most deeply personal songs for me. I still cannot understand how these bands have been ignored. On a op and political level. 'red sleeping beauty' 'frans hals' and then the album were so fucking brilliant. For me the article with wolfhounds/mccarthy in underground remains timeless. That had such an immediate effect on my life - it made me what to form/join a band.
I guess this letter is not very good. But I just wanted to clear up a few points. Like I said, once we get a van, we can take our suicide beat - beat of desperation, beat of violent sensitivity, awat from the insularity of wales. Once you see us things will fall into place. Take care, richey
Drop your life and pick up your soul."
