After his dramatic exit from family band The Fighting Bulls, Teddy Flint gives XLR an insight into his new and exciting solo career. Being the temperamental young chap he is, life is never dull. From mad female fans to midnight backstreet bar scraps – this raging bull is all over it.
When we met Teddy on a drizzly east London morning in Bow it’s fair to say Teddy Flint’s face did not show the greatest enthusiasm – a mood that seemed to reflect the weather. It turned out that the poor bloke had not even been home yet with bags under his eyes bigger than your average weekly shop. “Have you got any paracetemol? My nut is in bits.” He complained from underneath a New York Nicks cap as if we were a chemists. The cheek of it?! But bless him, everyone has been there so we took the sympathetic approach and treated Ted to a strong coffee which seemed to perk the half asleep party goer up a tad. On the walk to the grotty cafe, Ted explained his exhausted state. Something along the lines of “on the lash with some of the lads” was mentioned which seemed to be typical of the 21 year old. Desperate to know the root of the split from his brothers and a slight glow in his previously lifeless eyes, we got down to business.
So Teddy, you look like you have a new lease of life as a consequence of leaving the band?
“Yeah man definitely. There was so much stress being in such close contact with people who are meant to be the most important to you for such long periods. Family is a tricky one sometimes. When you’re in a band with three of your brothers things get bitchy and argumentative. Being the youngest I don’t think I got enough recognition or input which caused rows. The fact I got out when I did is such a relief and a weight off my mind...if I’m being honest it done my head in. I won’t lie, I love the attention and now I’m doing it all on my own, I feel as if I have recreated myself”
What actually was the final straw for you in leading you to leave the band? There was a rumour on twitter of a punch up in Camden...Is this actually true?
“ Sometimes I hear stories that are total bollocks which really piss me off. But that one is in fact true. It all started when Gary thought he would smash up my favourite guitar after a small gig – being the unintelligent mug that he is. I really loved that guitar. So in the rage and through the confetti of wood I flipped. We always had fights growing up but that was nothing compared to this. It probably got way out of hand but it was a signal that I had to leave. I couldn’t put up with Gary’s shit anymore. You hear of the Gallaghers arguing a lot but they look like some kind of fucking angels compared to us.”
That’s not the only bar fight you’ve had though is it Ted? Something about you and Ed MacFarlen from Friendly Fires having a strong rivalry or just another few too many Strongbows…
“Ok since I’m being honest, I bloody hate that bloke. I think it’s his dancing. Just makes him look a bit like a dad that’s got pissed at a wedding and has got up on the table for a laugh. I’ve got news for you Ed – you look like a right drip. Poor lad. Doesn’t realise that I don’t think. It really is tragic. He also has a really big mouth which clearly lands him in the shit sometimes with the wrong people.”
Ed Macfarlen aside, what’s the latest with the dames? You seem to always have a lovely looking girl on your arm...
“-chuckles-. I’m not a bad looking lad am I so why put that to waste. Being young only happens once so I’m trying to make the best of a good situation. Girls, mates, music and drink – it doesn’t get any better does it?. But ladies be warned I am not house trained. I’m a bit of a mummy’s boy. She still does my ironing. But to be fair, I’m not looking to settle down anytime soon unless Pippa Middleton comes knocking. Somehow I think I’m a bit too, as they say ‘common’. Il have Pip know that I am waiting for that knock at my door. I do a quality pie and mash.”
So what’s the latest on the music front Teddy? Is it a very similar style to the Bulls or have you done your own thing?
“The album which is out in February is a bit of everything and full of surprises. Just like me of course –grinning like a hyena-. The guys I’ve been recording with are such a breath of fresh air as well. And on a positive note; they don’t smash up my bloody guitars and I’m able to do what I want. I think I’ve been blessed with music and I can now show what I can do on my own. Hopefully everyone will buy it; otherwise I’ll have to move back in with my parents. That’s a depressing thought – Sunday dinners with the rest of the happy Flint family. I think in my mind though that the album will outsell their band in its first week. Watch this space.”
Do you think your music is better with just you Ted? Or is that a bit of sour grapes?
“I’m not a bitter person…actually I am. But regardless I will outsell those bellends. I’m not just here to make up the numbers and keep myself afloat. It is all material I have been sitting on for a while which I wasn’t given the chance to show with the Bulls. I love music and hopefully that will show on the album. I genuinely think Teddy Flint is better than The Fighting Bulls hands down. No word of a fucking lie.”
So, can you let us in on any secrets or funny events during the recording of your first album?
“Well that would be telling...but there’s a range of instruments on it from a harmonica to a didgeridoo. Obviously there are the old-fashioned drums, bass and guitar. But there’s a twist round every corner. I think it reflects me quite well in a way. None of that boring shit though. Not for me mate. I’m the sort of lad that does things his own way. I create the flow, I don’t go with it. There is no point in being in this world if you don’t impact on it in some way…I intend to in a massive one.”
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