Tomer Danan | My West London Life

Treetop Flyers band member Tomer Danan on why he took up the drums, memorable west London gigs and his local pub

Posted on 2/11/09

Who or what inspired you to take up the drums? 

I took up the drums because it was the instrument I got stuck with in the school band and roughly around the same time my neighborhood friends and I decided to start a garage band.  One guy had his dad’s old Fender Stratocaster and the rest chose their instruments before I got a word in! I had a snare drum already, so it made sense. 

Where do you live and why?

I live in Shepherds Bush, mostly due to convenience, but also because it’s fairly laid-back compared to a lot of other areas.  I lived in Hammersmith in a shared flat with my wife in one tiny room when I first moved to London, but after a year there we decided we needed our own place and found a great flat here.  My bandmates are nearby, so it’s a great location. 

What are you working on now?

I’m constantly writing, rehearsing and gigging with the guys.  We’re going to be doing a lot of home recording with some great new gear we bought very soon, so we’re hoping to have a new record ready by the summer. 

How would you describe Treetop Flyers?

A real band, making honest music in a lost era for music – but that’s not to say we take ourselves too seriously. We’d love to make a living out of making music because music is something we’ve all been passionate about for most of our lives, and I’m extremely lucky to find such amazing musicians who are also such great people.

What’s been your most memorable west London musical experience?

That’s a toughie.  I’ve seen a lot of great gigs but in terms of west I might have to say Iggy Pop at Hammersmith Apollo – he just owns the stage and has so much energy.

What’s your favourite west London venue?

Shepherds Bush Empire.  I would love to play there.  It’s got such a great vibe and the best sound of any of the large venues in West London.

What was the last gig you saw in London?

A friend’s band at the Slaughtered Lamb in Clerkenwell.  It was their 7-inch single release party, but they had no records to sell because the lorry that was carrying them was involved in a collision earlier that afternoon which killed someone, so their records were impounded while the accident was being investigated!

Who are your musical heroes?

The Band, The Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival – to name a few – but also more modern artists like Built to Spill and John Vanderslice for carving out their own niches, keeping true to their roots and for both being around over a decade and still being successful. 

What local shops do you rely on?

There’s a lighting store right around the corner which is great because my flat is fitted with lots of small, annoying, insanely expensive light bulbs.

What’s your philosophy on life?

My latest philosophy is that life begins at 30 (as I’m nearing it). Also, I found that no-one takes you seriously until you get to a certain age – at least now they’re starting to pretend to!  In all seriousness though, if you aren’t completely honest with yourself you’ll never be happy, know much about yourself or be able to truly enjoy the time you’ve got.

What are you currently reading?

Sadly, nothing at the moment. The last book I finished was The Fortress of Solitude by Jonathan Lethem. 

How would you spend a lost day in your neighbourhood? 

I’d probably chill out on beanbags in the back garden of The Eagle all day with many pints of beer and some good company.

Check out Treetop Flyers and the forthcoming gigs at www.treetopflyers.co.uk;
www.myspace.com/treetopflyersband