Delgados a very human group

When bassist Stewart Henderson, drummer Paul Savage and guitarist/vocalist Alun Woodward got together in 1994, they decided to name their group The Delgados, in honor of Spanish cyclist Pedro Delgado.

The lineup was solidified when singer/guitarist Emma Pollock climbed on board just in time to wrap up recording the band's debut album "Monica Webster," which was released in early 1995.

That started the band on its lo-fi style and crafty songwriting.

Earlier this year, The Delgados released "Universal Audio" and embarked on a world tour, which includes Salt Lake City on Saturday.

Deseret Morning News: What were the band members' individual musical influences that got them interested in making music?

Alun Woodward: Emma's would be Joy Division and New Order. I think Paul's would be his dad's Motown records. (And) that pivotal moment for Stewart was probably Joan Jett or Saxon, and for me it is Anne Briggs and the Stray Cats.

DMN: Once you decided to get a band going, did you have any goals for your own music? What did you want the Delgados to accomplish?

AW: Initially we were fueled by hate as we had been ejected from another band. (Eventually,) I wanted us just to sound like we were four pieces of the same puzzle.

DMN: Lately, what has been the hardest part of being in the band? What kinds of challenges have you faced?

AW: Learning to play the songs from the new album was punishingly hard — so many guitar lines whilst you are singing harmony. As far as challenges go, we are wonderfully flawed people so problems come easy.

DMN: On the flip side, what have been the highlights and rewards of being in the band? Was there a band you toured with that you looked up to? Or was there any particular city you loved playing?

AW: There is no better thing I could do. Whenever I am (ticked) off I remind myself I play in a band that I love dearly and then I calm down. I remember playing a festival and Dinosaur Jr. vocalist J Mascis was on just before us, but I was too scared to say hello because if I started I'd never have stopped. It would have turned into a stalker-guy alert.

DMN: Going into the studio to record "Universal Audio," were all the songs written before the recording sessions?

AW: Yes but they weren't worked out for the whole band.