Starting a successful solo career is not easy, but former SpaceHog frontman Royston Langdon is giving it a shot. After more than seven years as the leader of a popular British rock group that dominated the alternative radio airwaves and toured the nation during the mid- to late ’90s, Langdon is working on a new album, creating a new and fresh rock sound.
In support of his solo career and to rehearse his new songs, which include the upbeat fast track "Love is a Gift" and the hit single "Cool Water," Langdon is touring the region through the end of the year before going back to the studio to finish his first solo album. In addition to his Maxwell’s show in Hoboken on Oct. 24, he will play at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City on Nov. 5, the Saint in Asbury Park on Nov. 7, Lake View Links in Chicago on Nov. 14, and Arlene’s Grocery in New York City on Nov. 21.
"I’m going out there expecting people to like what I’m doing. A lot of it is new and fresh, and it’s what I want to get out there. And when they see me live, I want them to feel a connection with the music," Langdon said during a recent interview. "SpaceHog reached the end of its life cycle. It was time to come out with something new."
The Oct. 24 show will not be the first time Langdon performs at Maxwell’s. With SpaceHog, he played at the club several times, and continues to visit the town regularly.
"Hoboken is special town. It’s so close to New York City, yet it runs on a different pace. The sense of community is alive in Hoboken," Langdon said. "The people there have really supported my music and I hope to see them at my next show."
Throughout the’90s, SpaceHog was a Brit-pop favorite in the rock scene. The single "In the Meantime," off their first album, was a commercial success, and helped launch the band as a formidable and talented group. Eventually, the band went on to release two more albums, and they toured nationally with major acts like the Black Crows and Brit-rock superstars Oasis.
"We went everywhere as a band. So after the breakup, it feels like I have to get the ball rolling again. This is starting again," Langdon said. "I’m touring major cities to see how people respond to my new songs."
Helping Langdon out with his solo career will be accomplished New York City drummer Nir Z, who has played with Genesis and John Mayer; innovative bass player Conrad Korsch; New Orleans keyboardist and vocalist Jon Spurney who has performed with Jewel; They Might Be Giants and Hedwig; and well-known rock guitarist Zak Soulam.
"The band is good. We are creating a new sound I think people will dig," said Langdon. "The new album is 70 percent done. We have to make some final touches."
Seeing Queen
The charismatic and charming Langdon was born in the mid-’70s in Leeds, England. The first concert he attended was Queen, when he was 12. And after the show, Langdon said, he knew right away what he wanted to do with his life.
"It was so real watching Queen hit the stage. The concert changed my life. I wanted to do what they were doing," he said. "After the show I took music more seriously and began writing tunes."
In addition to Queen, other musical influences include the Talking Heads and several British bands.
At 19, Langdon moved to New York City to live with his brother Anthony to work as a recording engineer at Baby Monster Studio, where he first met legendary engineer/producer Bryce Goggin, who has worked with acts like Phish, Evan Dando (The Lemonheads), and Trey Anastasio. Goggin produced "In the Meantime," which became SpaceHog’s platinum recording. Langdon teamed up with Goggin for his debut-solo project, and the synergy and trust the two had developed over time was irreplaceable. Guitar sessions with Rich Robinson from the Black Crows and live recordings with his new band made Langdon one of the hottest acts in New York City. So far, magazines have called Langdon’s new sound as "From Cream to Queen," with references to a young David Bowie. The forthcoming solo record will be released early next year.
Langdon does not see his band as a return to rock and roll, but admits that his band, as well as several other rock groups like the White Stripes, the Vines and the Strokes are out there being true to rock music.
"Music goes in cycles," he said, "and for the past five years we saw pop dominating radio and TV. Now I’m sensing a shift to rock music. Rock and roll is about turning up a guitar and saying ____ it."
With almost a decade involved in the rock music scene, Langdon said he feels like a veteran in the industry. He is evaluating offers from record companies, and is waiting for the one that will best suit him.
"When you sign with a label you have to make sure they support you. Sometimes they promote you and leave you hanging on a pole after a while," he said. "It’s about who has the best infrastructure and support."
Langdon will perform at Maxwell’s Bar and Restaurant on Oct. 24 at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $8.
Maxwell’s is located at 1039 Washington St., in Hoboken. For more information on the show call (201) 653-1703 or visit www.maxwellsnj.com. For further information on Langdon visit www.roystonlangdon.com or email Suzanne Hilleary Management at shmgmt@aol.com. q