by Marija Brettle
— Senior Columnist —
Cited as ‘world shakers’ by Gibson Guitars, Liverpool based Xander and The Peace Pirates are creating a storm on both sides of the Atlantic and across the world with their unique brand of soulful, blues-based, acoustic Rock ‘n Roll.
Brothers Keith and Stu were discovered on YouTube by Gibson Brands CEO, Henry Juszkiewicz. During their subsequent performances for the company at numerous international events, the band caught the attention of not just an ever-growing collective of fans, but also industry legends such as Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Kiss, the Stones), who was so smitten by their music, he offered to produce the band’s first album.
2015 has seen the band’s revered and exalted status as a live-performance juggernaut evolve even further after concluding their 5-year tenure as the resident band at Liverpool’s iconic Cavern Club; supporting guitar royalty Joe Bonamassa and Joe Satriani at ‘Classic Rocknacht’ in Loreley. Playing sold out shows, supporting 60’s legend Manfred Mann and guitar blues legend Robben Ford across Germany, Xander and the Peace Pirates finally culminating in being personally invited to support ex-Whitesnake and Blues-guitar Hero Bernie Marsden on his UK tour.
With haunting riffs, genius melodies, and an irrepressibly infectious charisma, the band continue to share their musical passion to standing ovations, while spreading a universal message of peace, love and harmony.
Late 2015 sees the Pirates head to the world class Wisseloord Studios in Amsterdam to record their first full album with V2 records. This will be produced by an awesome mix of their mysterious friend and slide guitarist Mike Gay and school friend Mr. Paul Beard who has worked with James Blunt, Robbie Williams, Bryan Ferry to name but a few. This debut album will be a musical culmination of so much love, dedication and luck.
2016 saw the band release their debut album, titled 11:11, on V2 Benelux Records, recorded at the world-famous Wisseloord studios in Hilversum, outside of Amsterdam. The album went on to receive critical acclaim from the likes of Classic Rock, Planet Rock Radio and from BBC Radio’s Bob Harris.
Hardrock Haven caught up with the band’s charismatic lead singer and extraordinary guitarist, Keith Xander, to discuss his way of dealing with the current global pandemic, his experience of sharing the stage with the likes of 60’s legend Manfred Mann and guitar blues legend Robben Ford, about their new album; why they’re still waiting to find the appropriate deal to release it and lot more…
Hardrock Haven: Thank you Keith for taking the time to talk to us! What have you been up to lately with all these lockdowns and restrictions happening?
Keith Xander: Thanks for inviting us to chat. We managed to play a few Live streams on the first lock down and had a few gigs when the restrictions were lifted, but not much since then. I’ve been enjoying finding new music and getting inspired. I have written a few songs during the restrictions. One of them is called ‘We Will Be Heard’, and it is about how some politicians don’t seem to truly value the power of art and music, or maybe it is a threat to them? I posted a live performance of this song on our Band Page on Facebook and my Instagram which is keithxander11, as I don’t have access to the Peace Pirates Instagram at the moment. I’ve also been practising and writing using the Loop Pedal. I find the loop pedal to be a great tool for writing and experimenting. Joel, our bass player, has written an album and you can listen to some of his music videos he has created all by himself. Talented fella.
Hardrock Haven: As someone who is used to playing live shows/gigs, it must be very frustrating and tough on you as a band?
Keith Xander: It is frustrating sometimes because it is beautiful to play to people and make them happy, but having this time off has also made space for new things and interests, and inspired new ideas. Often during our darkest times, we are inspired by the light and inspiration in music and art. Music is like therapy for many of us, and can fill us with the inspiration, creativity… hope. Music points to the unseen realms of feeling and soul, it touches the heart and soul of what we are and often communicates through tingles (hairs standing up) and inspiration. It so often provides an opening to the unseen, and is an aid for cathartic release. It can allow us to feel and express our deepest emotions whilst listening, it is medicine for the mind, body and soul and can without a doubt inspire and influence positive change on this planet!
Hardrock Haven: Can you tell me more about the origins of the band?
Keith Xander: My Brother Stu and myself grew up mainly in Shropshire and before that we lived in Barking, then moved to Devon. I was born in Canterbury. Stu was born in Bridgend. Stu and I formed the band after we moved to Liverpool. After several years of playing in different bands, we decided to form a band together after we had moved into a flat and began to jam and share ideas of what we could create together. The first band was called Xander and The Smoke Pockets and eventually we changed the name to Xander and The Peace Pirates. It made sense, as the message in the music was all about finding inner peace and harmony, and I played guitar with a Hook, hence the Pirate bit. This early lineup included our friend Emily Jackson on vocals and keys, Emily’s father was the Keyboard player in Bad Finger and our mate Etienne Girard on Bass. Our other friend Jake Woodward on drums, Stu played rhythm on both electric and acoustic guitar. All fabulous players, and I was on Vocals and lead guitar. This lasted for a couple of years, then we decided to go our separate ways. Then we met a great Irish bass player called John Bird. John brought a great energy to the band. Also has a great voice and his playing worked really well with Jake on drums. Eventually Chris Howard, an awesome Keyboard Player and singer joined the band to complete that lineup. We recorded an album with Mikey G, now our current guitarist and producer. Together we created an Album called 11, with Mike engineering, mixing, producing and mastering it all in his studio.
Hardrock Haven: How did you meet Mike?
Keith Xander: We met Mike through friends and fellow musicians, and would often Jam together, as Mike lived close to Stu and I. Mikey (Mike Gay) lived in Exeter, before being offered a place at LIPA, where he studied, and he has lived in Liverpool ever since. After a number of different lineups, Mike joined the Band. It was an obvious choice as we were good friends and we all loved the same styles of music. He is without a doubt a wonderful asset to the band and has really helped shaped the sound of the band with his Production and engineering skills and unique Slide Playing. We developed a trio with three guitars, and I would create loops using The Boss loop pedal. I would manipulate the sound of the guitar using a Roland Gr55 synth pedal and had a synth pickup built into both my Fender Strat and Les Paul. This gave me the facility to create a multitude of sounds including, Wurlitzer, Fender Bass, Hammond, Classical Guitar, and many other sounds, all using this Roland Gr55 pedal. So, we were offered a support tour with Manfred Mann’s Earth Band and Robben Ford in Germany. The Tours we’re back to back and they were both great tours. It was great to be able to make such a big sound using the loop pedal and the three guitars. We later began playing with Adam Goldberg on drums, and then his brother Joel joined us on Bass to complete the current lineup. Adam and Joel are both from Liverpool, true born and bred scousers and are truly an awesome rhythm section, brilliant composers with a diverse taste in music and both multi-instrumentalists. They are the best rhythm section we have had the pleasure to play with. We have a great chemistry and are blessed to get to play and create with such gifted souls.
Hardrock Haven: So it was the case of meeting the right guys at the right time, then playing local gigs?
Keith Xander: There was not much opportunity to play gigs, although there were many pubs in Wem, few of them even had live music on. So after struggling to get local gigs, Stu and his band auditioned for The Liverpool Community College, and they were offered to attend as a band. I would visit Stu and his band would pass on knowledge they had learned during the course they were attending. We would Jam whenever I would visit. They eventually formed a band called Slide, with a great frontman named Neil Judic. This was an inspiring time for me musically, as I remember loving the music and being moved by the effect this soulful, bluesy, rock music would have on me and my inspiration to develop my passion for singing, writing, and playing guitar. Neil was a great frontman and a positive influence on them as a band, and my Brother Stu’s playing really developed during his experience working with Neil, and Stu really came to life playing in this band, it was very inspiring to me, as someone who had developed a deep passion for this style of music and the guitar. I was very influenced by Paul Weller, Kula Shaker and Ocean Colour Scene at this time. It was the 90s and some great bands were emerging out of British music scene. I could hear influences of both Paul Weller, Kula Shaker and Ocean Colour Scene in their music.
Hardrock Haven: How old you were then?
Keith Xander: During this time I was 17 and was obsessed with the guitar and music, and Stu was 20 and had an equal passion, which was clear whenever I would hear him play. I was studying Building Studies at this time, and was planning to Study to be an Architect. I worked in an Architects office in Wem at the time. After I had finished studying and working in the office I made plans to move on, as an office job just didn’t resonate with me at all. I was constantly thinking about music and wanting to play. I suppose you could say I was obsessed… I would go home after work and play until my fingers were red raw. So, I decided to attend Uni in Alsager, near Crewe. It was a joint B.A Honours in Art and Music. I stayed there for a year, but the course wasn’t really doing it for me and there was nowhere to gig. So I decided to move to Liverpool to Study at The Community College, I studied a Diploma in Jazz and Commercial music and was able to meet some awesome players and form my first ever band with Jay Irving on drums, the son of Sad Cafe’s drummer Dave Irving, Scott Brown on Bass, and Rob Jackson on Rhythm. All great players. I have lived in Liverpool ever since, as it is such a creative, insourcing energy here, and seems to create and attract so much talent!!
Hardrock Haven: Liverpool is well known for its live music and the legendary Cavern Club still remains the beating heart of Liverpool’s iconic music scene. So how did you manage to secure yourself ‘full residency’ in this world famous pub years later?
Keith Xander: We landed the residency at the Cavern after our neighbor and good friend Denny put us in contact with his friend Jon Keats, who booked the bands at the Cavern. We got the gig as we had a good reputation as an entertaining act. We were offered a residency there every Sunday and it lasted for 5 years until we could no longer commit due to gigs with Gibson and support tours. It was a great time for us and we met many people from all over the world who offered us gigs. The lineup changed a few times during our 5 years of playing there. It was an awesome place to play and it was always rammed, and the atmosphere was always electric. Good times indeed.
Hardrock Haven: Who were your earliest musical influences that got your heart set on rock music?
Keith Xander: My earliest inspirations to play guitar, and music in general included Artists and bands such as Prince, Paul Weller – mainly his albums Wild Wood and Stanley Road – Ocean Colour Scene, Kula Shaker, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Robben Ford, Gary Moore, Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Fleetwood Mac, Free (I love Paul Rogers’ voice), Whitesnake, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Pearl Jam, Sly and The Family Stone. I also loved listening to older Blues like Howling Wolf, Muddy Waters, Lead Belly, Buddy Guy.It was the 90s and some great bands were emerging out of British music scene. During this time I was 17 and was obsessed with the guitar and music, and Stu was 20 and had an equal passion, which was clear whenever I would hear him play. Later on after moving to Liverpool I discovered soul singers such as Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway and D’Angelo, who’s soulful singing and compositions moved me deeply. I was introduced to an array of music after attending the Liverpool Community College including more jazzy artists like Kurt Elling, and even went through a phase of listening to Chick Corea Elektric Band, and I still listen to these artists from time to time. I also Discovered Foy Vance and Jamie Woon, also great singers and Composers. Foy Vance has a very emotional sound and crosses over into different styles, which I love.
Hardrock Haven: I read somewhere that this year there was a strong possibility that Xander and the Peace Pirates might have been playing at Glastonbury and that the Glastonbury founder, Michael Eavis, wanted you to be up on the Pyramid Stage! Must be tough on you as a band to miss such an amazing opportunity…
Keith Xander: Yes, we were all really looking forward to playing at Glastonbury, but hopefully we will get to play at the Festival next year. Who knows? Time will tell. Being involved in the competition to play at Glastonbury was very uplifting, and the other contestants were so warm and friendly, and it was wonderful to get such a positive response from the very lovely Michael Eavis. He seemed very uplifted and moved by the performance. It was an overwhelming response from him. We received some very nice comments from everyone involved that night. I am not particularly disappointed as most people working in the music industry and many other industries are in the same boat during these crazy, yet exciting times… I say exciting as I feel it is an opportunity to go beyond a system that is not working for the whole.
Hardrock Haven: The Xander and The Peace Pirates’ debut album, 11:11 was released by V2 Benelux Records, at the world-famous Wisseloord studios in Hilversum, (where Def Leppard recorded the whole Hysteria album). How did you end up working with V2 Benelux Records?
Keith Xander: Whilst we were performing at Musik Messe in Frankfurt for Gibson Guitars we made connections with a lovely guy named Duncan Bloom from Holland. He worked for Koch guitar Amps and was demonstrating the amps with his wonderful playing. We got chatting and he put us in touch with his friend Frederic Gervais, who worked at Wisselord and worked with V2. He helped sort us a deal with V2 Benelux Records. He helped us plan to get our album recorded in Wisselord Studios. It was a great opportunity. So after many hours of Stu and our Manager Ross negotiating over the phone, we eventually signed a deal which worked for everyone. Our album 11:11 was then born over the few weeks we stayed there. It was a really powerful experience and an amazing studio.
Hardrock Haven: Your album 11:11 received great praise from fans and critics alike. What would you say you loved the most about the album?
Keith Xander: I love the message, as I feel our whole apparent journey as a human and the apparent experiences we encounter are all about seeking peace and wholeness. I feel that Humans long for the end of themselves deep down, as it can be painful being somebody and constantly seeking and not finding what we truly seek. Music can in some cases free us from that contracted sense of who we are, in those moments of deeply listening, we are free, free from the Me. I feel many humans feel lost in illusions that life is about something that they can know, and music, depending on the message, may trigger the realisation that it is ok to not know what this is all about. It’s ok to feel whatever arises, it’s ok to just Be with what is. After all, We are all winging it. We just like to act like we know what this is all about, and think we can know where we are going. Like John Lennon so wisely said, “How can I move forward, when I don’t know which way I’m facing?” We wanted to create something like a concept album… we love Pink Floyd and their powerful message, so wanted to create something that had a strong message too. Something that would communicate strongly to the listener and resonate with the heart and hit the core of who/what they are.
Hardrock Haven: I love the song “Dance with the Devil”, powerful and stunning lyrics, with a poignant message about the psychological impact of the war on civilians and soldiers. What was it in particular that prompted you to write this song?
Keith Xander: I’m glad you love the song. Our father fought in World War II and the short time he was with us growing up, we witnessed the negative effects that it had on his psyche and health. After his service he did not accept his medals and felt ashamed of his actions. There are clearly no winners in war… The trauma lived on within him and haunted him, until he passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 65. I was 8 years old and my Brother Stu was 11 when he passed. We were living in Ilfracombe in Devon at the time. Seeing the effects of War is horrific and it is clear to see that all involved are victims to their false beliefs. The belief that there is such a thing as an enemy, and the dividing and destructive actions that manifest from such damaging beliefs. It is in my view, that this dividing energy of me and mine, and you and yours, and the illusion of ownership is the only true Devil. The Devil is just a word to describe an energy of division and wanting to dominate and control whatever appears to be happening, it is a false experience and assumption of duality, of otherness. That contracted energy arises within each Human from a very young age for no known reason. Many humans are convinced that they are separate from the world and everything else. They live in a world of name and form that has no real solid foundations. So many live in a false reality of there being a world outside of themselves, that one must protect oneself from. When you ‘Dance with The Devil’, The Devil don’t change, he changes you. But when you Dance in the light, as the light, you live as the living truth, you live as the light and you see that the Devil was an illusion, a projection of the conditioned mind/self.
Hardrock Haven: In one of your earlier interviews, you mention how the political movements in the 60’s and Woodstock changed your outlook on life. Would you say that with songs like “Order Out of Chaos”, you’re sending a strong message of hope that everything is possible if we work together, with peace and love?
Keith Xander: Yes, the powerful wave that took place during the 60s is very much like what we are seeing now in a way. And I feel that music is the true power, not politics. I find politics to be ego-led and not heart-centered, hence why we often see deceit and manipulation, greed and selfishness in these mind-made constructs that we uphold through the belief in them as an authority, but there is no real authority. It’s an obvious illusion, and I feel we are beginning to see the crumbling of that illusion as dark secret are coming to light. I feel musicians and artists mostly speak from the heart, and to the heart, and will possibly one day be accepted as true leaders and healers, but still not an authority, as authority seems to be more about control. We can see examples of the power that music has to bring the masses together in amazing events such as Woodstock and throughout history. Music can unite us, if we listen deeply.
Hardrock Haven: Do you believe that there will ever be a day when music will prevail over politics?
Keith Xander: This is more than just a belief, it is a deep feeling, that if we are to truly stop being selfish, and realise that if the system does not work for the whole, then the system simply does not work. Our current system is very much about division and focuses on the ego structure, which is nothing more than a limitation of thought, belief and more and more experience, but the problem is, is that this structure we call ourselves, the Me and you, is trying to overcome experience through more experience… So it is constantly struggling and creating more problems, because what it doesn’t realize, is that it itself is the only problem. We all long to be free of this limiting system we have collectively created, as it is self defeating and is only really designed to benefit the few, not the many. “Order out of Chaos” is a cry out from the heart. This line makes it clear what the song is about “They’re making us turn on our sisters and brothers, Order Out Of Chaos, Killing Babies and Mothers, Does This Feel Right?” We create our own self-fulfilled problems, by believing what we are told is normal. But nothing about the way Humans as a whole behave is at all natural… It’s false. Our job is to see through the veil and realise that we don’t have a life: we are life, we are a living mystery, and our mind has been programmed to believe in the lies and divided thinking that has been conditioned into it. And that no one is to blame for what appears to happen. We all have the opportunity right now to sober up from the toxic belief that we are separate from anything, and to see that no one is to blame for this deep psychological and psychosomatic misunderstanding.
Hardrock Haven: Another song that stands out for me is “Let Go”. Love the guitar riffs and the amazing vocals… Tell me more about the making of this stunning track!
Keith Xander: Thank you very much. So glad you like it. “Let Go” was written whilst I was experimenting with the Loop Pedal, it was one of those songs that just seemed to happen without effort, as many of the best songs do. I felt moved to write a song about what truly letting go is, even though it is impossible to describe. Truly letting go is kind of like dying, yet we never truly die, death is an illusion, but we don’t know that until we die, or like I said It’s just a letting go of tension. When we truly let go, we let go of who we thought we were and who we experience ourself to be… so it is a letting go of letting go even. Kind of like entering into meditation. When we truly let go, and it is not the person that lets go, it is the person that is let go of, but in this spaciousness of being we are home. But the dilemma that many face is that they are terrified of losing themselves in the immensity of everything. Once I had a basic idea of a song, I brought it to rehearsals where the band brought it to life. Each one of us write music, so it is powerful to work with other players who are passionate about composing and arranging. The ideas for this song continued to evolve right up to the day we recorded it in Wisselord Studios.
Hardrock Haven: I also love your cover of the song “I Wish I Didn’t Miss You”. It’s so beautiful and so remote from its original form… Is there a story behind what made you want to cover this song?
Keith Xander: We have all suffered heartache and loss, and this song, like many pieces of music, may allow one to feel what one often doesn’t want to feel, the sadness of experiencing loss and missing that person that you loved with all your heart, and wishing you didn’t feel that way. But if we are to be stable, we can’t deny our feelings…our feelings and emotions are so often buried in distractions. I was moved to sing a version of this song that really captured the essence and feeling of loss and hoped that it would offer some emotional release to the listener.
Hardrock Haven: I hear you’ve been working for a while on a new album that is ready to go, but you are still seeking a record deal for it. Can you expand on that and tell us a little more?
Keith Xander: Yes, the album is done and sounding beautiful. The album has been ready for a while now, but we have still not found an appropriate deal. We will see what the imaginary future holds. With 2020 being such a strange and chaotic year the “perfect deal” for us does not exist, and never will exist, so there is a good chance we will just release the album independently in 2021.
Hardrock Haven: With the bands new music in the pipeline, can we expect more of the old Xander signature Classic Rock meets Soul & Blues sound with major riffs? Something that this band has become acclaimed for.
Keith Xander: Yes, I feel that this album has a more mature sound in many respects. It has a different sound, but it definitely sounds like us. The opening track titled “We Cry” has a big riff that plays out towards the end of the song, and a cool section where Mikey G and myself trade guitar licks. The album is a good mix of some Rock tracks, combined with some more chilled emotional tracks like, “Into The Water”. You can find us playing this live on YouTube. The album ends with a Rocky track titled “Heart Stop” and has vibes of Prince and Whitesnake in there.
Hardrock Haven: Who was in charge of the song writing and what was the general dynamic like during the process of working on the new material?
Keith Xander: It was a similar process as with 11:11, in that I brought songs to the table and we developed them in the rehearsal studio and worked on pre-production with Mike recording the rehearsals. Some of the songs were half written and completed as we jammed. Some of the songs like “We Cry” were written from scratch. As a band, Mike and Stu played some chords and I started singing a melody over the top and we just jammed it out until it was developed enough to record. This song came together fairly quickly and involves some fun fat riffs to play. Mike engineered the album with our friend Tom. Mike also produced the album and we recorded it in Parr Street studios, here in Liverpool.
Hardrock Haven: The Pirates sound is a seamless blend of blues, rock, soul and country with a strong rootsy vibe. What is it about Blues & Rock that speaks to your soul?
Keith Xander: I just love the feeling it creates within. I’ve always been drawn to soulful music, whether it be Jazz, Blues, Soul, Gospel or Rock. It’s all about capturing emotion in both the instrumentation and vocals. Rock and Blues are just styles. It’s not just the style that matters, it’s got to have soul, and feeling and make you feel something. It’s got to touch your heart. Some music doesn’t necessarily do that, but then that depends on taste too.
HRH: You have done a number of shows in Europe and the US. You supported and shared the stage alongside the likes of Whitesnake’s Bernie Marsden, The Hooters, Joe Bonamassa, Joe Satriani and Bon Jovi. If you can pick one, what would you say is one of the proudest moments for you guys, as a band?
Keith Xander: It was wonderful to share the stage with all of these great musicians. But I can’t say that any gigs were better than any others. Except maybe the gigs we played Supporting Bernie and Manfred Mann’s Earth Band. However, once you’re in the zone and flowing, the music takes over, and it doesn’t really matter where you are. The audiences in Germany have always been a joy to play too though. The gigs always seem to have a great energy. But out of all the gigs, our greatest moments as a band were supporting Manfred Mann’s Earth band in Germany, the gigs all sounded and felt amazing and the audiences were just so into it. It was a joy to play these gigs. And all the members of The Earth Band were so friendly and nice to spend time with. And the food was amazing too.
Hardrock Haven: Do you have any special messages for the fans about what they can expect from Xander and The Peace Pirates in your future shows?
Keith Xander: Firstly, I would like you all to know that I regard you all as friends, not just merely fans. Thanks so much for your passion and support. I am so happy that our music resonates with you if you are here reading this and are passionate about the music we create. Regarding the future, I can’t really tell you what to expect at the moment as I don’t know myself. But, I have always wanted to create something like a travelling show, a bit like a Circus without animals or clowns, well maybe clowns, with interesting acts and inspiring speakers combined with a Xander and The Peace Pirates show with strong visuals. It’s a dream of mine to create something along the lines of The Wall, by Pink Floyd, with a powerful message of unity and love. I’m not sure if I’m too lazy though, so I’ll need some help to make it happen. But it is a dream to co-create something like that, and obviously it will be costly, so I think we are going to have to broaden our followers, so please spread the word Brothers and Sisters.
Hardrock Haven: What’s the best and the worst experience you’ve ever had on stage?
Keith Xander: One of the best experiences I’ve had on stage was probably playing on the Gibson Stage at NAMM in L.A and seeing Simon Phillips, the drummer from Toto, Andy Timmons, one of my guitar heroes, watching and loving what we played. But there have been many great moments, including thousands of people singing along to songs such as ‘Searching for the Light’ and ‘Dancing in The Light’ at our support gigs. The worst experience was probably falling backwards over the drum kit whilst wearing Cuban heals on a very shiny slippery stage that had clearly been heavily buffed with some kind of polish. I fell over the drum kit and landed down a gap at the side of the stage. Everyone in the room was laughing, including myself, even though I felt like I had broken my shoulder.
HRH: Thanks’ Keith for making time for the Interview! It’s been absolute pleasure meeting and talking to you! Best of luck guys with your new album and upcoming shows!!!
Keith Xander: Thank you very much Marija, it has been a pleasure to chat to you too!!!
Xander Photo Gallery
[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”378″ display=”basic_thumbnail”]Special thanks to Ross Leslie (from Consolidated Artist Management) for the help with the interview!
Music Video of “Fire” Promo Video
Music Video of “Let Go”
Music Video of “Rain”