Idlewild guitarist and songwriter Rod Jones is back with a new project – The Birthday Suit. Formed with a selection of friends and local musicians, The Birthday Suit’s debut album The Eleventh Hour showcases some of the most passionate, fiery and powerful songs Rod has ever written.

We caught up with Rod to find out more.

Stop or confirm (or start) a rumour about yourself...
I invented the strapless pant.

Do you remember your first ever gig?  What happened?
I do. It was at a club called Subway in Edinburgh. I was so nervous my left leg wouldn't stop shaking and I kept missing my distortion pedal.

 "I guess I fell out with folk music and wanted to make noise again. I read somewhere that it sounded like Idlewild being chased down the road by Sonic Youth and Bruce Springsteen. I like that."

Do you have a funny/crazy tour story to share with us?
I was once punched in the face by a German man at a club in Cologne after our show.  He was shouting at me for some reason and I had no idea why, so I tried to pacify him with the only German I knew, which, as it transpired, translated to "you are beautiful".  Not sure why but he didn't take it well.

What's in store for the crowd at one of The Birthday Suit's live gigs?
Fun times, loud music and possible nudity - not really. Well, maybe.

Tell us a bit about The Birthday Suit's debut album The Eleventh Hour - what can we expect?
It's a noisy indie rock record, really. I guess I fell out with folk music and wanted to make noise again. I read somewhere that it sounded like Idlewild being chased down the road by Sonic Youth and Bruce Springsteen. I like that.

What are you most proud of about the album?
It's hard to pinpoint one thing but I'm just really happy with the way it turned out as a whole - from the sound of it and the songwriting, to the inclusion of some new friends and musicians.  It's just been a really enjoyable process right through. I know everyone says this, but I really do think it's some of the best music I've made.

"I know everyone says this, but I really do think it's some of the best music I've made."

What was it like to record?
Quick fire! We tracked most of the record in five days, which was a new experience for me. It had a really live feel, and we just set up and played right through it. It was made possible obviously by my new band, who are a very talented bunch of musicians. It was also pretty cold due to the nudity.

So, when did you first realise you had musical talent?
Both my parents are classical musicians, so I was made to learn violin, trombone and piano from the age of four onwards - it was just something I was always going to have in my life.

Who were your childhood musical heroes?
I think when I was little, probably my parents, but as I started to rebel I moved from heavy metal to grunge to indie, etc. Probably the people who had the most influence on those years were Bob Mould of Husker Du/Sugar and Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
If in doubt, talk it out.

Finish the sentence: A good night out starts with...
A taxi.

It ends with...
A taxi

It's our round - what are you having?
What time is it?  Morning - Bloody Mary. Afternoon - Guiness. Late night - red wine.

What's the best thing ever invented?
The strapless pant.

What are your plans for the album and beyond?
I really just want to get on the road and play it to people. Frustratingly, we have had to cancel our first tour due to a shoulder injury, but we are rescheduling for February.  I'm also starting to write again and I'm looking at going in to record another album in the spring/summer. 

Anything to add?
Come and visit us at www.thebirthdaysuit.co.uk. We don't bite.

The Eleventh Hour, the debut album from The Birthday Suit, is released on 11 November 2011 on Sing It Alone Records. Find out more at www.thebirthdaysuit.co.uk.