Showcasing the best music that everyone should know about. Nothing is off limits, if we love it we'll let you know about it. As well as regular news updates, reviews & interviews.
Florida instrumental post-rock outfit Tides of Man recently released their incredible new album ‘Every Nothing’ (which we can’t stop listening to since it’s release). They have just kicked off their UK tour and will also be appearing at ArcTanGent festival too. We caught up with them for some Quickfire Questions:
Who are you?
We are Tides of Man, an instrumental band. Josh Gould drums, Spencer Gill and Daniel Miller guitar and Alan Jaye bass.
Where are you from?
We are from Clearwater, Florida
How did you meet?
Through mutual friends and jamming together. Alan and Josh were playing together first and Spencer joined them to create an older band which then turned into Tides of Man, which Dan joined a few years later.
Who are your favourite bands and influences?
We all love Radiohead. My personal influences range from Mars Volta to Zepplin to OutKast.
Do any of you have any other talents?
Holding my breath for 2 minutes.
Favourite books?
The Old Man and the Sea, Jonothan Livingston Seagull.
Favourite movies?
The Big Blue and Pulp Fiction.
4 essential items you have to take on tour...
A pillow, a pillow case, a spare pillow and a neck pillow.
Check out Tides Of Man on these dates:
When not writing music or performing, how do you spend your free time?
Free diving and traveling.
If you were curating a festival, who would your three headliners be?
Radiohead, OutKast and Bon Iver.
What's the best tv series?
Rick and Morty?
Where in the world would you like to perform most?
Japan or Iceland
The best gig you've ever been to?
Bon Iver or The Rolling Stones, which was one of the first concerts I ever went to.
What new band would you recommend we listen to?
The Lemon Twigs
How can people listen to you & support you?
We have a new album out Aug 3rd which is being released digitally at tidesofman.bandcamp.com and our Merch store: https://athousandarms.store/collections/tidesofman
What do we have to look forward to from you?
Other than the album, we have some shows and festivals in Europe and the UK in August. And we’ll hopefully be announcing some US tour dates soon too!
Check out more from Tides Of Man here:
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God Alone may be a new name to many but the artists that make up this collective are definitely not new to the game. God Alone is a side-project featuring The Devil Wears Prada frontman Mike Hranica and guitarist Kyle Sipress. God Alone however, shows a new experimental side to both of these artists and allows them to explore ideas that they usually can’t. We caught up with Mike for some Quickfire Questions.
Who are you?
Some dudes from around Lake Michigan.
How did you meet?
We met through friends.
Who are your favourite bands and influences?
We like The Jesus Lizard - that’s a band that gets thrown around with what our sound is like. Which is cool, they’re very great.
Do any of you have any other talents? (cooking, skateboarding, juggling, magic etc.)
All of the above.
Favourite books?
Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre
Favourite movies?
Beginners, a film by Mike Mills.
4 essential items you have to take on tour...
Books.
When not writing music or performing, how do you spend your free time?
Working on my house and cooking.
If you were curating a festival, who would your three headliners be?
Nick Cave, Shellac, The Jesus Lizard.
What's the best tv series?
House of Cards was a favorite of mine before Kevin spacey being an asshole ruined it.
Where in the world would you like to perform most?
Anywhere is cool. Whoever will have us.
The best gig you've ever been to?
Nick Cave/Chicago Theatre in 2013.
What new band would you recommend we listen to?
We’re playing shows with Fever Blush right now. I’m not sure if I’d consider them new, but i would recommend people to give them a listen.
How can people listen to you & support you?
On the Internet.
What do we have to look forward to from you?
Hopefully more shows.
Check out the new album ‘Bent Shoulders’ and more from God Alone here:
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They released their highly anticipated sophomore record just a few days ago (27/7), which has already had a really great response. The Canadian punks are currently on tour with the boys from Seaway and will be on tour in the UK in March supporting As It Is.
In between touring and the madness of an album release, guitarist Greg Hall found some time to answer our Quickfire Questions.
Who are you?
My name is Greg and I play guitar in Like Pacific.
Where are you from?
I live about 40 minutes west of downtown Toronto where the band is based.
How did you meet?
I actually didn’t know anyone in the band before I joined. I was trying to join my other friends’ band and a friend of mine told me to just audition for LP since they needed a guitarist. The rest is history!
Who are your favourite bands and influences?
I really love The Starting Line.
Do any of you have any other talents?
I actually am a cook! I’ve ran a few kitchens with friends and written menus and that sort of thing. Definitely my other passion.
Favourite books?
I like reading Stephen King novels however I am really not good at reading so I usually don’t end up finishing anything haha.
Favourite movies?
Anything old, Happy Madison!
4 essential items you have to take on tour...
Headphones, multiple phone chargers, all my toiletries that I like and my camera.
When not writing music or performing, how do you spend your free time?
If I can manage to keep a job, I usually work as much as I can. The rest of my time is spent doing band things, playing guitar and seeing my girlfriend. Even when we’re not on tour there’s lots of stuff to keep me busy.
If you were curating a festival, who would your three headliners be?
The 1975, Don Broco and The Maine in the UK.
What's the best tv series?
The Office.
Where in the world would you like to perform most?
Japan/Australia for sure!
The best gig you've ever been to?
Watching The Maine everyday on Warped ‘16.
What new band would you recommend we listen to?
Between You & Me.
How can people listen to you & support you?
By spreading the word and coming to shows!
What do we have to look forward to from you
Lots of exciting announcements and fun stuff. The record comes out in 7 days and we go on tour in 6 days. Keep your eyes peeled for more!
Having formed in 2015, Wolf Culture have now played alongside some great bands including Trophy Eyes, Weatherstate & Funeral Shakes.
A few days ago (11/5), these guys released their debut EP ‘The Devil's Plans for Idle Hands’. It’s a great collection of tracks which really showcase Wolf Culture’s talent and intent. They already look to grow into one of the best new rock bands the UK has to offer. We caught up with the dudes a couple months ago to get to know them:
Who are you?
We're Wolf Culture, a band from Bournemouth (UK). We've got Max Dervan (guitar and vocals), Jay Dervan (guitar), Jake Daniels (drums), Josh Halbert (bass).
How did you meet?
Jay and Jake had messed about in a couple bands before but wanted to split off and try writing new stuff. When they decided they needed a singer, it only made sense to get Max involved (as Jay's known him since birth).We then played a few local shows, which went down well and when we decided to make a go of things we recruited Josh to play bass.That's about it really...
Who are your favourite bands and influences?
We all grew up on the Pop-punk classics. These days there's always a genre with a band that's setting a new scene and doing something different. We like that a lot.
Do any of you have any other talents?
Well, Jake has a severe nut allergy and Max is wheat intolerant...does that count?
Favourite movies?
Land Before Time: The Secret of Saurus Rock
4 essential items you have to take on tour...
Toilet Roll (incase things get emotional), a sound group of people, beard grooming kit and a Maroon 5 CD.
When not writing music or performing, how do you spend your free time?
Max is always writing new stuff, Jake has his parkour, Jay does photography and Josh is a full-time student. We all have day jobs too, so that keeps us pretty busy.
What's the best tv series?
The Walking Dead is back on again. Spoiler alert. One of the main characters gets #WRECKED. Jake doesn't get a say, he spends his time watching Tipping Point, like an old lady.
Where in the world would you like to perform most?
Probably California, that's where all the famous live, right?
What new band(s) would you recommend we listen to?
We're loving Small Talks and Glacier Veins at the moment, who we found through our label. Other than that, we've been listening to a fair bit of Microwave and In Her Own Words recently.
How can people listen to you & support you?
Hit us up on any of our socials, it's always great to hear from people who've heard of us. You can also listen to our music in all the usual places like Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music etc.
What do we have to look forward to from you?
There is definitely stuff on the way that we're excited about. *Wink* *Wink*. That's all we can say.
Check out ‘The Devil's Plans for Idle Hands‘ here: https://open.spotify.com/album/2RpXBZX6dEe5mtoZBmfojX
Perth, Australia's newest export are catching a lot of peoples attention at the moment and rightly so! With two incredible singles already released including the brand new single ‘Midland Line’, they’re set to be one of the next biggest bands in rock.
The Faim are also set for a series of UK summer performances at the Sound City, Great Escape, Slam Dunk, Camden Rocks and Download Festivals. In August, the quartet will also play the esteemed Reading and Leeds Festivals and are touring the UK currently with Lower Than Atlantis.
Before you catch them this summer we had a catch up with the band and got to know them a bit better:
Who are you?
What you see is what you get with us, we’re a group of mates that love playing music.
Where are you from?
We’re all from Perth, Australia
How did you meet?
Josh, Michael and Stephen met at high school, then found Sean a few months after the band began through his YouTube covers.
Do any of you have any other talents?
Stephen can pull off a novice-level card trick, Michael is an avid FIFA enthusiast and Josh is good at impersonations.
Favourite books?
Cthulhu by H.P. Lovecraft
Duma Key by Stephen King
The Canterbury Tales by Henry Chauser
All the Harry Potter Books
Favourite movies?
All the Harry Potter movies
All the X-Men Movies (or basically anything Marvel)
Lord of the Rings
EuroTrip
Anchorman
The Room
4 essential items you have to take on tour...
Posturepedic
Tea
FIFA
A positive attitude
When not writing music or performing, how do you spend your free time?
Hitting the gym, reading books, playing FIFA, eating, bantering in the band group chat.
If you were curating a festival, who would your three headliners be?
Green Day
Coldplay
Twenty One Pilots
What's the best tv series?
Little Britain
Where in the world would you like to perform most?
Brazil
The best gig you've ever been to?
Fall Out Boy live in 2018!!
How can people listen to you & support you?
People can listen to us on Spotify and YouTube (and basically every other streaming service) and support us by coming to our shows and wearing our merch!
What do we have to look forward to from you?
You can look forward to plenty of tours, big shows, and lots of new music!
Check out more from The Faim here:
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Spanish bands have been killing it for a long time, it’s become increasingly noticeable in the past few years. Madrid in particular has such a strong underground DIY scene, full of great punk/indie/emo bands. Elena Nieto has been in different projects for years now, previously she was in a garage/shoegaze group called SPPPACE based in Salamanca, Spain before starting her current project Yawners.
We got in touch with Elena for some Quickfire Questions:
Who are you?
Yawners is a duo project that I've been bulding for the past 3 years. I write poppy sometimes punk sometimes emoish songs for guitar and drums and I really enjoy doing it. 'Dizzy' was the first album which was released in 2015 online and in cassette and now we're about to record and tour the second one. The project has had several changes on its drumming lineup during the years, but currently the drummer is Martín Muñoz. The Leicester-based label Punk Fox Records released a 7" single and that was really cool. Other than that, I've worked with Spanish small indie labels like Sello Bramante and Monasterio de Cultura but for the rest of it I do everything DIY by choice. We've toured Spain several times and I've also played shows in Germany.
Where are you from?
Madrid, Spain, but I'm originally from Salamanca and Martín is from Navarra.
Who are your favourite bands and influences?
Right now I'm really really into bands like Pavement, Weezer, Pixies, At The Drive In, Slowdive and also 90s emo chill bands. And many other genres and bands I guess.
When not writing music or performing, how do you spend your free time?
I work at a label and I'm also doing a masters degree in music business at university here in Madrid, so I don't have much time left for anything else which isn't really a problem for me anyway. Martín is a music producer.
What's the best tv series?
Game of stranger things.
Where in the world would you like to perform most?
I'd love to tour Japan or the US.
The best gig you've ever been to?
Maybe My Bloody Valentine at OFF Festival Poland 2011.
What new band would you recommend we listen to?
For new Spanish english speaking bands I would recommend you Vulk, they're really cool.
How can people listen to you & support you?
Spotify, iTunes etc. or Bandcamp. If you buy the record on bandcamp or put up a show for us in the UK that'd be really nice.
Back in 2016 the band Super American caught my attention with their brilliant and incredibly fun track ‘Sloppy Jazz’ from their also amazing release ‘Disposable’. A couple years later they kicked off 2018 with two acoustic releases in ‘Samantha’s Song’ & ‘Good Boy’ which I haven’t been able to get out of my head. We decided to contact Matt Cox & Pat Feeley for a catch up and get to know these talented lads a bit better.
For our readers that don't know - How did you guys meet, I believe you’ve had some other projects before Super American, can we have a brief history of Super American?
COX: Um, it’s tough to say when we met exactly. But yeah we’ve both had a few different things going on individually in year’s past, but this is the first collaborative crack at spitting a bullseye. We had been working on tracks for a minute but we didn’t really get moving until we went to this punk show with a pineapple and took photos of people holding it with disposable cameras.
We’re absolutely loving those two new tracks - when I first heard you guys I couldn’t get Sloppy Jazz out of my head and now I am constantly singing Samantha’s Song.
COX: Always a sense of relief in letting a track see the light of day so I’m glad to hear that people dig.
What’s changed between the two releases? Have your influences changed with these two new tracks?
COX: Honestly, just playing with a bunch of people and staying aware of the shit that’s going on in the art and music communities. It sounds stock, but it’s true. We’re fortunate to have a handful of friends who get involved when we play shows and frankly they’re all really good. In that sense, we’re spoiled to get hands on touch and perspective. But influence wise, we’re always all over the map and that hasn’t really changed.
Where are you from? What are the best things we can do in your area?
COX: We’re from the dirty dirty – Buffalo, NY. We’re essentially Canadian so top social activities include getting smashed and going to Horton’s. But to be honest, Buffalo is a nice place to live – the city of good neighbors. I’m not going to go full diplomat but, yeah it’s cool. The music scene is interactive and everyone chills with everyone. It seems that in some places, the scene become segregated dependent upon what style music you play. How stupid.
Quickfire Questions
4 essential items you have to take on tour…
FEELEY: a good attitude, instruments i’m excited to play, a toothbrush, some good mates
If you were curating a festival, who would your three headliners be?
FEELEY: frank ocean, kanye west (DJ set playing only demos, no hits), lany
The best gig you've ever been to?
FEELEY: impossible to say because the term “best” in my mind is always changing. i’ve been feeling most alive at smaller DIY events that feel really rogue and punk.
Do any of you have any other talents?
FEELEY: thinking too much, being attracted to people that are bad for me, nhl 17, spending money
Favourite movies?
FEELEY: wayne’s world, buffalo 66
Where in the world would you like to perform most?
FEELEY: a small room full of 690 Super American fans
Finally, what do we have to look forward to from you in 2018?
COX: We’re going to start rolling things out for this year soonish. But yeah, we’re going to rip the gigs, get yoked, stay healthy, and release a lot of music. We’re excited to participate. Spin “Good Boy” & “Samantha’s Song” in the in-between.
Thanks for having us – pints on us when we come to the UK.
Cheers lads, go here keep up to date with Super American:
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After following The Xcerts for years it finally seems that they are getting the recognition that these guys deserve. Their new album received great reviews and love from all around. We thought we’d catch up with lead singer Murray Macleod to discuss our love of The Xcerts and they’re stunning fourth album.
Hello guys! I can’t seem to escape The Xcerts at the moment, there’s just so much praise and love for you everywhere. The album is truly amazing.
There’s always so much excitement with all your releases but it seemed like this album was going to be the biggest one yet, was the feeling slightly different with you guys this time round as well?
Absolutely! The excitement surrounding the band and release has absolutely made it's way into the inner circle which is something we haven't experienced before, well, not to this extent. We are incredibly grateful for all the love and support we are receiving that's for sure. This is our 4th record so we are very privileged to feel this hyped about a release.
I can’t deny, we’re a bit obsessed with the sax solo in Drive Me Wild. Have your influences changed with this album? You’ve said that you wanted to replicate the feeling of the final scenes of The Breakfast Club?
Yeah I guess they have changed somewhat. Although, the musical reference points for this record are artists and bands that we grew up listening to. My mum is big on Bruce Hornsby and Tom Petty and my dad is a Bruce Springsteen fanatic. These influences seeped into our music very organically because that music has been ingrained in us from an early age.
In regards to the Breakfast Club comment, we want the listener to feel invigorated by the end of the record. Every time i see Judd Nelson punch the air, i get an overwhelming feeling that everything is going to be ok. Life can be tough but life can also be supremely beautiful, you've got to go through the dark to truly appreciate the light.
You’ve been doing this for a while now! It’s almost 10 years since your debut was released. A lot of the bands that started when you guys did are no longer around. What’s the key to you three sticking it out for all these years?
There is a real fire in our collective belly that has never died and fortunately for us, we have always retained the same hunger and desire to succeed. There is a a lot of self belief within the band and we have always believed we could create something truly great so we've kept working because we constantly believe our best is yet to come.
My earliest memory of you guys is of one song in particular - Aberdeen 1987. Which has now become a real fan favourite and an amazing moment at your shows. How does it feel having huge crowds singing a song that you wrote all those years ago back to you?
Pretty surreal! I started writing that song just before we moved to Brighton and then finished it once we were settled. I was 17 years old at the time and I really didn't think much of it, as in, i didn't think it would connect with people the way it did / has done. I'm very thankful that it's continued to resonate with people, I still love that song and i'm very proud of it.
You’ve obviously got some huge venues on the upcoming tour, we will be seeing you at Heaven in London for sure, which is a great venue. Have you got some exciting things up your sleeve for this tour?
We may have a little something up our sleeves on this run. At the bigger shows we are going to have extra production which is going to be a treat. One step closer to our Aerosmith daydreams.
What are 4 essential items that you have to bring on tour with you?
Phone, headphones, toothbrush, notebook.
Apart from the album release and the tour, what else can we expect from you guys this year?
A lot of shows, dancing and hip shaking....we're also going to release more music.
For more, including tour dates etc. follow these links:
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We recently caught up with four-piece Trash. They produce incredibly catchy shoegaze/indie tunes and know how to put on a great live show. You’ll be seeing loads of these young men in the future, they have upcoming headline shows and a support slot on the upcoming Jaws tour. So, we wanted to get to know them with some quickfire questions with entertaining lead singer Daniel:
Who are you?
Hi, we are trash. That's also the name of our band. Ha ha ha. We come from the historic market town 'Chesterfield'. Loads of the buildings still look Tudor-like. The locals give it grief but i think they should cut it some slack for crying out loud.
They've just opened a massive Greggs in the town centre and there's even tables and chairs outside so you can sit and watch the world go by whilst scoffing a steak bake. I'm thinking of going there for my 21st birthday for a sit down meal. Sorry, i got sidetracked. Yeah the band's alright. It includes me (Daniel), bassist Tom, guitarist Evan and drummist Bradley. We make fuzz-based indie pop with a twist. Crooked Spire pun intended.
How did you meet?
It was a huge coincidence actually. It was the release day of 21st Century Breakdown by Green Day and we all happened to be in HMV at the same time, buying said album, but that’s when it got ugly. There was only one copy left so after a lengthy scrap and subsequent banning from the shop we decided to form a band as a way of making up.
Who are your favourite bands and influences?
I can't speak for everyone else but i'm gonna say shoegaze stuff like Cheatahs and Yuck and some Alternative Pop-punk stuff like Zebrahead and New Found Glory and Weezer and the Scuzz TV music channel.
Favourite books?
Jamie Oliver's Ministry of Food.
Favourite movies?
Knock Knock and School of Rock.
4 essential items you have to take on tour...
Phone charger, deodorant, humour, sausage rolls.
When not writing music or performing, how do you spend your free time?
We first interviewed Fresh back in 2015, shortly after they’d released their debut EP Gewingchum. Since then there has been relentless gigging, line up changes, more EPs and a debut album released on Specialist Subject just last month. Since 2015 I have kept in contact with Kathryn and we caught up for another chat two years on.
First of all, congratulations on the album! It’s honestly incredible. We already know from ‘Get Bent’ that you appreciate Brand New. However, how much do you appreciate those wonderful dicks releasing their album on the same day as your debut?
I fully take back my appreciation for them! Nah just kidding. I STILL haven't listened to Science Fiction because the length has put me off, but it really didn't bother me at all.
It's quite cool that my album in which I talk about Brand New came out the same day as their (probably) last ever album. Feels like poetic justice. And this is a bit of a brag, but to have Science Fiction and our album reviewed on the same page and with the same number of Ks in Kerrang was quite fucking cool too. Lots of coincidences!
But I'm not really being serious in that line anyway. I used to love Mixtape and Your Favorite Weapon in general - and I still do I suppose - but the way he talks about women on that record is reductive and boring, so that line is a criticism probably more so than it is an homage.
Yeah, that brag is amazing though I agree! Are you telling me you're not a HUGE fan of The Story So Far either? I've always loved the way you've written 'Get Bent' and it makes sense that it's become a bit of a favourite at your live shows.
Haha, yeah fuck The Story So Far! I did see them at Reading once though. But Get Bent purposely name checks these very masculine bands and then kind of proposes an alternative - or that's what I intended.
I think it's one of our favourites to play too because it's fast and so fun! Maybe everybody can sense that.
It's bands like those two that I'm sure 'bros that love emo and pop punk' have tried to 'teach' you about in the past as well? Which is why the song makes so much sense, it's so entertaining and powerful while being so fun and fast as you said.
Yeah I was always having people in my class and my older brother trying to make me ashamed of the bands I liked or just the stuff I did in general! But fuck that, if you're not hurting anyone, you shouldn't be embarrassed or ashamed of anything you love or create.
And clearly you shouldn't be embarrassed of anything you've created because you’ve received an awesome amount of support and positive feedback on social media from people clearly enjoying the album on the day and ever since it’s been released! All I've seen is positive reviews and love for Fresh!
It's not anywhere near perfect but I'm very proud of it! It's the album we wanted to make. I try not to read reviews or look into what people are saying but it's amazing to see people enjoying it!
Especially on Twitter - that's the place I pay attention to. I see pictures of people playing the album on their turntables and saying nice things and it's so unbelievable I never thought we'd have our album physically pressed and sent out to so many people!
Are you going to have to start exclusively playing at venues that have big enough doors to fit your head through with all this love and positive feedback or are you staying pretty modest about it all?
Haha, we're a small band who just luckily get to play with other great DIY bands and have a great label, that's all. I am surrounded by way too many talented people to get a big head!
As for venue size - Small venues are always better, so no to that too.
Mentioning the label - Specialist Subject, who really are great as you said! You got to join an incredible roster of acts with those guys when they released your album. How did that come about?
Well I met Andrew and Kay when we played with Shit Present at Power Lunches. That's when I met you too. They were nice and really helped us get into playing outside of London, and they asked us a little later. Of course I said yes. I am a huge fan of the label and the bands on it - Doe, Muncie Girls, Shit Present, The Smith Street Band and Great Cynics in particular
So it's a dream come true to be putting the record out with them. They're really lovely people. I'm really excited to visit their new Shop in Bristol too.
Those are some of the best bands around at the moment so I can see why you could never turn down an offer like that. There was some great acts that night, which was organised by the incredible Iona.
We still joke about us embarrassingly fan-girling over Thom from Shit Present (and Gnarwolves) watching and clearly enjoying your performance that evening and now 2 years later you've been personally asked to perform at Gnarwolves’ big hometown show/party this weekend. Is it things like this, that make you feel like you're definitely heading in the right direction or at least a good direction?
Yeah and I think the key is to remember that I'm doing this because it's fun! I never expected to play with the bands I love, so when we do (like we are this Saturday!) it's amazing and it's already far exceeded anything I had in mind.
I remember hearing Gnarwolves' CRU EP when I was 17 and just being hooked. I would skate around to Funemployed and stuff, they have incredible songs.
And I had, and still have, so much admiration for Shit Present because it's purely Iona's thing. Her songwriting is so honest and forthright and it's wonderful hearing those unfiltered lyrics. I remember it was her songwriting that really struck me when I first heard the EP.
Both of the Shit Present EPs are great! You really are surrounded by some great bands. It's hard to define what genre you and some of the aforementioned bands fall under but the punk/emo scene gets a lot of slack (rightly so sometimes when it comes to certain acts!) but it seems like you are in an umbrella of bands that love and support each other, do you feel that too?
Yeah I really do, and I feel like emo has been reclaimed by bands like Shit Present, PUP, Modern Baseball and the like.
It was always pop punk that had masculine and sexist connotations, and bands like Moose Blood and Neck Deep are perfect examples of that. I think that the bands that we play with and admire are so far away from that toxic scene. I feel like everyday, I'm discovering new inclusive DIY bands and communities. It's so great. That's what I'm most looking forward to for our September tour incidentally, we've made some of our closest friends and discovered some of our favourite bands by meeting and playing with them on tour.
It's so refreshing to see you and the bands you play with on completely the opposite end of the spectrum to that toxic scene, your upcoming tour with Jesus & His Judgemental Father and some of the support acts just shows this. How are you feeling about this upcoming tour?
I think it's important to remember that predatory and abusive behaviour is everywhere though, and we've always got to be mindful of it. Like, PWR BTTM were the last band you'd expect to have an abusive member, but it happened all the same. It's definitely a problem everywhere.
I'm excited for the tour! I've been away and at work so much lately that I haven't been able to see my band that much, so I'm looking forward to spending time with them again and getting to know JAHJF. I'm also nervous because we're playing a lot of new places and it's the longest tour we'll have ever done by far, but I think it's gonna be a really good experience.
100%, it was a real surprise to so many people, so as you say we do need to be mindful of it, call it out and support each other when necessary. We will definitely be heading down to the show at DIY Space for London. So, apart from this tour, what else do we have to come from Fresh in the future? Did I see some European dates?
Yeah! We're going to Europe in October with Happy Accidents, another amazing band. Europe has always been a distant goal/impossible dream thing, so it's wonderful that we get to go there.
Hopefully Fresh's future will be a shit ton of really good shows!
That is going to be amazing. Well we can't wait for these upcoming really good shows and congratulations on the debut yet again, see you in Brighton!
Check out the tour dates below for Fresh’s upcoming tour with Jesus & His Judgemental Father.
Weirds’ debut LP is set to be released on 12/05 with the awesome Alcopop Records, who they signed to at the end of last year. The band really have got better with every single release, especially with their HUGE new single ‘Phantom’.
Listen to ‘Phantom’ here:
Their debut, ‘Swarmculture’ is set to be an incredible release, so we decided to get to know the four-piece with some Quickfire Questions.
Who are you?
Hey we're Weirds! Aidan, David, Zachary and Matthew.
Where are you from?
We're originally from a small town in Cheshire called Nantwich but we moved up to Leeds a few years ago. Nantwich is a small kind of one horse town, theres a few clubs that put cover bands on and stuff but no real music scene whatsoever. Moving up here was definitely the best thing we ever did.
How did you meet?
We all met at school and have known each other vaguely since we were about 11. It wasn't until we were about 14 that we really got to know each other though, definitely through our shared taste in music. There was a group of us that used to sit on top of two giant swan things in the playground and talk about music, fuck know knows why they had them there; I think they got them from Alton Towers when they had no use for them. Looking back, God knows why we chose two old rusty boats in the shape of swans- we must have thought we looked cool but we definitely didn't, Haha!
Do any of you have any other talents?
Matt is a great classical musician, he used to play violin for The Travelling Band when he was about 15. He never told us though, it wasn't until years later that it came up in conversation, he was proper blasé about it which we obviously found hilarious. Maybe we'll go and write some kind of John Williams-esque thing next, who knows.
Favourite books?
The Saga of Hawkwind by Carol Clerk is something i've read quite a few times, the stories in that book and things that actually happened to that band are insane. I've always been massively into Hawkwind.
Favourite movies?
I must say i'm a sucker for a feel good film from time to time, I watched Cheaper By The Dozen 2 last night; 9/10.
4 essential items you have to take on tour...
1) Equipment
2) Clothes
3) Toiletries
4) In our case, a used fucked up drum skin with terrible drawings of us on. Don't ask.
If you were curating a festival, who would your three headliners be?
Day 1: Sleep
Day 2: Radiohead
Day 3: Kyuss (we can have one reunion can't we)
Where in the world would you like to perform most?
We'd love to go and play in Japan.
The best gig you've ever been to?
It's a tough one, that. We've been to countless shows and it's really hard to pick one out. A really great one that sticks out has to be Foals at Rock City (Nottingham) in 2010, we'd have all been 16 & 17 and the excitement of it all was great, it was the first real show we'd all gone to together and we were really into those guys at the time. Everything was so unplanned and we didn't even know how we were gonna get there so when we finally did, we were over the moon. Foals played a blinder too as always.
Matt is off to see Primus in June though so that might top it for him.
What new band would you recommend we listen to?
Josefin Ohrn + The Liberation. I went and saw them twice the other week.
How can people listen to you & support you?
Just by coming to our shows and by getting a record. It's also great to speak to and hang out with people that have come down to see us after the show
What do we have to look forward to from you?
Our album is out in May and we're itching to get it out and for people to have the chance to hear it. We worked so hard on it and everything has turned out just as we wanted it so we're extremely excited! In terms of shows we're off our on tour with The Wytches which is going to be a blast. Then comes Festival season so there’s no rest for us but we thrive on that. We want to be playing shows as much as possible and it's something we've aspired to be able to do so with it all in the diary, it definitely couldn't come quicker.
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After years of relentless touring and awesome tracks, The Winter Passing are already regarded as a really impressive act. Now with their sophomore album out next month they have many eager eyes on them.
The Irish quartet have spent the last year and a half touring internationally, sharing stages with Touché Amore, Modern Baseball, Gnarwolves, Balance and Composure. So, in the run up to the release of what is looking like an incredible album, we caught up with the band for some Quickfire Questions:
Who are you?
I'm Rob, I play guitar & sing in TWP, Kate also sings & plays organ, Jamie plays guitar, Neil plays bass & Kev plays drums.
Where are you from?
We're from Tipperary in the middle of Ireland but are currently based in Dublin, Ireland.
How did you meet?
Well Kate & I are siblings so we've known each other forever and we grew up with Jamie & Neil so we've all been friends for over 10/15 years now since we were in school together, we all grew up in the same town & have been playing music together in various projects previous to The Winter Passing throughout our late teens/adult life! Our friend Kev joined the band playing drums this year.
Who are your favourite bands and influences?
My favourite bands are The National, Jimmy Eat World, Brand New, Mac Demarco, The Replacements & Smashing Pumpkins. TWP's collective influence stems from bands such as Sonic Youth, The Cranberries, The Breeders, My Bloody Valentine, Weezer, Fugazi, Guided by Voices, 90's alternative acts such The Anniversary, Bad Brains, Bikini Kill, The Get Up Kids, Jawbreaker, Hole, The Gin Blossoms, Sunny Day Real Estate, Sleater Kinney, American Football
Do any of you have any other talents?
Neil & I skate a lot especially on tour, I also cut hair for a living so I guess that's a talent? Jamie is super creative with media stuff like video editing & Kate is pretty good at baking!
Favourite books?
Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire
Favourite movies?
Donnie Darko, Wayne's World, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Wedding Singer & Sing Street.
4 essential items you have to take on tour...
My phone charger, my own pillow, my ear plugs & a spare guitar. I've learned from previous touring to always bring a second guitar. Just in case!
When not writing music or performing, how do you spend your free time?
Adventuring with my girlfriend & dog and being creative in the barbershop!
If you were curating a festival, who would your three headliners be?
Cool question! I'm gonna go with Oasis, Weezer & Bad Brains.
What's the best tv series?
Sons of Anarchy.
The best gig you've ever been to?
I have more than one best gig I've been to! The National in Marley Park, Dublin summer 2016 was pretty special for me. The Gaslight Anthem at The Olympia in Dublin in the summer of 2014 and Have Heart's last ever Irish show in 2012 I think. There the ones that stand out a lot to me!
What new band would you recommend we listen to?
Brand New Friend, some lovely friends of ours from Belfast, they're an awesome band. Also our US label mates Culture Abuse, I'm a big fan of their band!
How can people listen to you & support you?
By coming to the shows and reacting with us.
What do we have to look forward to from you?
We're excited to release our new record 'Double Exposure' on April 21st of this year & hopefully people are excited to hear it! We've also been working hard changing up/revamping our live set so we're excited to perform the Double Exposure era of TWP.
Wallflower are ready to become one of the UK’s next breakthrough alt/rock acts. They have the songs and the live show sorted, it’s only a matter of time for these guys.
Recently they’ve been relentlessly touring and supporting some great acts as well as already being announced for some amazing festivals in the UK; Download, 2000 Trees, Great Escape & Washed Out Festival.
At the beginning of the year we caught up with Vini from the band:
Can we have a brief description of the start of Wallflower, how did the band come together?
We started just through wanting to play music together for a long time. We'd all played shows together and had been friends for a while and it ended up being a 'right place, right time’ kind of thing.
The Boston Manor tour at the end of 2016 looked liked a bit of a game changer for you guys, with the size of the venues and crowds, how was the tour for you?
The BM tour was a lot of fun. We’ve always enjoyed touring regardless of the size of the crowds but being able to play to sold out venues and getting a great response from people was really nice for us. Every show people were turning up early and catching all the bands which was lovely, and the people in Boston Manor and Can't Swim that we got to hang out with every night made us feel extremely welcome. It was all round an amazing experience.
You guys clearly have a range of influences in your music, do you all have some individual and joint influences?
We definitely all take a little bit of influence from different places. There's a few bands like Paramore, Radiohead, Brand New; where the songwriting really stands out for all of us but we look to a lot of different places as we prefer not to limit ourselves when we are writing.
What influences the lyrics in your tracks and have your influences changed from the ‘Summer Daze’ EP to your recent releases?
A lot of what I write is quite personal to me and is generally inspired by different obstacles I've had to face over the last few years. If people can make their own meaning out of what I write and make it mean something to them, that's a good feeling for me. It's quite a cliche but naturally the way I write lyrics has changed just as much as the way we write music does.
You are already being recognised as incredible live performers and you clearly know your way around a pedal board. How do you insure that you put on such a good performance?
At this point, it's probably no secret to anyone that knows us that we love our gear. One of the main reasons this band even started was an excuse to try out new pedals and experiment with sounds. We are always trying to evolve our sound so these elements are important to us, and I think that's what really shows in our live performances.
‘Mas Eu Quero Mais’ is in no doubt one of our favourite tracks of 2016, what was the songwriting process for that song and your general songwriting process?
Thank you! We generally start with a couple ideas and share that around with each other until it turns into a song. ‘Mas Eu Quero Mais’ was a perfect example of this, as myself, Jake and Sam all wrote some ideas and when we showed them to each other they all turned out to work really well together. There's something very satisfying with working with each other's ideas, and this process seems to work pretty well for us.
With the bands you’ve toured with and are associated with it’s clear that there is a strong alternative rock/emo/punk (whatever you want to call it) scene in the UK at the moment which are all supportive of each other, how do you feel about the bands around you and the scene in the UK?
We are always extremely grateful to have the opportunity to tour with bands we love both musically and personally ever since we started. I can honestly say there has not been a tour we have been on where we have not ended up really getting along with our tour mates and that's a great feeling. It's so easy to become cynical about the arrogance and two faced nature that comes with a lot of 'scenes’ and cliques, so it's extremely humbling to have the opportunity to grow with other bands who are endlessly selfless and all support each other.
What do we have to look forward to in 2017 from Wallflower?
We are playing quite a few shows this year. We might even end up releasing some new music.
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Beginning at Brighton’s Hope & Ruin, Broadbay started a short run of shows this weekend to celebrate the release of their EP ‘Long Term Plan’. Supporting them on the run were the equally brilliant Beachtape.
We decided to catch with both acts in the run up to this tour for some Quickfire Questions, starting with Broadbay:
Where are you from?
Northampton
Who are you?
I'm James and I try to play the guitar, Angus tries to play the bass and Bill tries to play the drums. We all try to play in Broadbay
How did you meet?
Me and Bill met being naughty kids, hanging about, boozing and smoking weed. We started playing music together when we were like 15 I think. We met Angus a few years later through going to shows and stuff. Last March we had a bass player leave unexpectedly mid-tour, luckily we were in our hometown Northampton and Angus was at the show. He offered to step in for the rest of the tour and saved our asses. He learnt the songs on the way to the show the next day and played that night. He played amazing (actually better than me) and we asked him to never leave. So far he hasn't left.
What are your favourite bands/influences?
The New Tusk, Birdskulls, Gnarwolves, Moodhoover, Muskets, Beachtape, Woahnows, Bloody Knees, Abattoir Blues, Bruce Willis, the list goes on.
Do you have any other talents?
I wouldn't call it a talent but I skate regularly. Angus is really good at loads of things, football, golf and chess come to mind. Bills pretty good at being an idiot. He can make a bong out of anything.
Favourite books?
I know it's some sort of hipster stereotype but I really love Bukowski. Somehow it helps me when I'm bummed out. I've also gotten really into Stephen Fry's novels recently, the bloke's obviously a genius.
4 essential items items you have to take on tour?
Like loads of socks, enough for like 2 changes a day minimum.
A sleeping bag.
Enough weed to last until you're sure you can get more.
Skateboard.
When not writing music or performing, how do you spend your free time?
Yeah mostly skating, hanging out. Avoiding working. We mostly just play music though. We all do separate projects from Broadbay so it takes up most of our time.
If you were curating a festival who would your 3 headliners be?
Radiohead, Black Sabbath, Fugazi
First 3 that come to mind
What's the best ever tv series?
Bill would definitely say "it's always sunny in Philadelphia". Currently I'm rinsing Rick and Morty again. Those guys need to step up their game and get season 3 out asap!!
Where in the world would you like to perform most?
I don't know like a specific venue or anything. Any busy show's good to us. We really wanna get overseas soon so I'll just say anywhere out of the UK. We ain't looking to headline Glastonbury or anything.
The best gig you've ever been to?
Once again an impossible question but I'll go with first show both me and Bill attended. Green Day at the Milton Keynes bowl 2002?
What new band would you recommend we listen to?
Gender Roles! They just released their first E.P. And it's a straight banger
How can people listen to you and support you?
Come to a show and hang out.
What do we have to look forward from you?
We're releasing an E.P. On the 24th of February and playing some shows around that on the 23rd, 24th and 25th in Brighton, London and Northampton with Beachtape. We've got a load of new tunes as well so definitely some more new music this year.
Check out ‘Long Term Plan’ here.
Beachtape.
Where are you from?
Brighton
Who are you?
Rory, Daniel, Leo & Andy.
How did you meet?
I (Rory) met Leo in a pub in Brighton and we bonded over 1.50 pints of flat Carling. We had a few jams and later recruited Andy then Dan came in later on about a year ago. we all went to the same uni but didn't actually know each other through that.
Who are your favourite bands and influences?
Mostly Neil Young
Do any of you have any other talents?
Leo makes a mean carbonara, Dan is a pro Reddit user
Favourite movies?
Karate Kid, A Bronx Tale & Cat in The Hat
When not writing music or performing, how do you spend your free time?
3 of us work in a call center and one is about to finish a degree in circus arts, you can decide who.
If you were curating a festival, who would your three headliners be?
Pavement, Neil Young, Lil B
Where in the world would you like to perform most?
Going to Asia or America would be sick
The best gig you've ever been to?
Dan went to a Mumford & Sons gig once and swore it was the best gig he's ever seen
What new band would you recommend we listen to?
Abattoir Blues, State Funeral & Our Girl
How can people listen to you & support you?
Soundcloud, Bandcamp we've only got 4 tunes up at the moment so there pretty easy to find/download
What do we have to look forward to from you?
We're just about to start recording some new stuff, we have loads of songs written so maybe an EP or another single, we'll see what happens when we're done but definitely plenty of new music in 2017 and hopefully some more tours/world domination.
These brothers have certainly been turning heads over the last couple years, with them gaining more and more fans and attention with every release and live performance. Having recently signed to Big Scary Monsters, it looks like Cassels have got a big year ahead of them.
We caught up with Cassels and got to know the two piece with some Quickfire Questions.
Where are you from?
Chipping Norton. A horrible little cul-de-sac of a town with a reputation for wealth and prestige which couldn't be further from the truth.
Who are you?
Fraternal Alternative Punk Rock Beat Combo. Members include Jim & Loz Beck.
How did you meet?
In a hospital a few hours after Loz got out of our mum's womb. As soon as we got chatting we knew we'd start a band.
Do any of you have any other talents?
Yes. Jim is good at doing comms for an arts charity and Loz is good at poker, although he doesn't really understand the rules.
Favourite books?
Jim: A Clockwork Orange, Steppenwolf, Lord Jim, The Demon (Hubert Selby Jr), A Brave New World.
Loz: Mr Nice, The Golden Fountain.
4 essential items you have to take on tour...
Bramley apple pies, Dairylea Dunkers, instruments, a mode of transport.
When not writing music or performing, how do you spend your free time?
Jim: on the sofa, in bed, or at other people's gigs.
Loz: at Wetherspoons.
If you were curating a festival, who would your three headliners be?
Crash of Rhinos, Dananananaykroyd, Flats.
What's the best tv series?
Peep Show. We speak to each other almost exclusively in Peep Show quotes.
What new band would you recommend we listen to?
Vincent Vocoder Voice.
How can people listen to you & support you?
The internet. Pay attention, come to shows, have a chat, buy some stuff, say nice things, give a shit, etc.
Starting 2017 how we intend to continue, great interviews with even greater bands. We caught up with Max from Taco Hell, who were one of our favourite discoveries of 2016 (and obviously the best band name of the year).
They’re looking at a big 2017 with the quality of their debut EP ‘Breathe Deeply’, so we decided to get to know them with some Quickfire Questions:
Where are you from?
Nottingham by way of Birmingham, Chesterfield, Liverpool and Peterborough!
Who are you?
We’re a sad punk band from Nottingham! Max plays drums and fills out interviews, Joe sings and plays guitar, Connor plays guitar and Eleanor sings and plays bass.
How did you meet?
Me and Joe have been friends for about 4 years, I think we met first week at uni. We met Connor at a pub quiz, and I met Eleanor at an Anti-Flag show! A real mix.
Who are your favourite bands and influences?
The Menzingers, Joyce Manor, TWIABP, Hop Along, Brand New, Tigers Jaw, Kermes, Jimmy Eat World, Against Me!
Do any of you have any other talents?
I guess I’m alright at wrapping presents!
Favourite books?
Catch-22, anything by Vonnegut, books about North Korea. I know Eleanor just re-read all of A Series of Unfortunate Events…
Favourite movies?
Pride, Interstellar & the new Star Wars is cool!
4 essential items you have to take on tour…
Sleeping bag, air bed, drumsticks, other band members!
When not writing music or performing, how do you spend your free time?
Doing our degrees/masters degrees, working at Debenhams. We’re a fun bunch. I do put shows on under Seeing Your Scene too which is fun.
If you were curating a festival, who would your three headliners be?
The National, Brand New and The Clash.
What's the best tv series?
Lost, undoubtedly.
Where in the world would you like to perform most?
Japan or Fest!
The best gig you've ever been to?
The National at Latitude in the summer.
What new band would you recommend we listen to?
Kermes! Go see them live if you can. They are amazing.
How can people listen to you & support you?
Our bandcamp is HERE. Our music is on Spotify, Apple Music etc! We have tapes and stuff.
What do we have to look forward to from you?
We’re releasing a couple new tracks and then a new EP on Circle House Records very soon! Close to announcing a huge Nottingham show too!
Montana describe themselves as a 2 Piece Doom-Pop band and they produced an incredible EP ‘Still Here’ back in October, we caught them back in April at The Victoria pub in Dalston and were blown away.
We decided to catch up with the boys with some quickfire questions and find out a bit more about them.
Where are you from?
We live in south west London, reppin sw9. But we both grew up on the Isle of Wight, so we're not real Londoners
Who are you?
My name's Charlie and I play drums, Tristan plays guitar and sings. We've both been playing in bands together since we were about 15. The most recent one before Montana that no one's ever heard of was called Godard.
How did you meet?
We met in high school (Isle Of Wight schools were shit and had some weird 3 school system up until a few years ago) when we were 13. Tristan was jealous of my quicksilver and converse swag so he knew we had to be best buds from that point on.
Who are your favourite bands and influences?
Ah man that's really hard. We're both influenced by so so much, not just the standard "Title Fight" or "we grew up listening to Blink". All of our mates in bands are pretty big influences. In terms of bigger picture stuff I guess putting it down to 3 bands it would be the Get Up Kids, Minus The Bear and Turnover.
Favourite books?
Game of Thrones! Tyrion's our home boy
Favourite movies?
Troll 2. But seriously, we could (and Tristan probably has because he studied film) write an essay on this.
What's the best tv series?
Game Of Thrones, True Detective (season 1 obvs), Peaky Blinders, House of Cards
The best gig you've ever been to?
In 2012 I saw Spraynard and Gnarwolves at the Green Door, that was pretty mad. Last non local show Tristan and I went to together was Minus The Bear playing Menos El Oso in full, it was sick.
What new band would you recommend we listen to?
You guys should listen to Murderhouse, My Great And Worthy Opponent, The Caulfield Cult, Wallflower, Pet Grief, The New Tusk, Fresh, Sad Blood, Big Bug and a load of other bands I've probably forgotten to mention.
How can people listen to you & support you?
You can listen to us on pink tapes that Sorta' Lonely have put out in Brighton. We're also on Spotify, sharing our name with a rapper.
What do we have to look forward to from you?
New music maybe, some shows at some point. We don't really have any grand plans, just want to play as much as possible, so if anyone wants to put us on get in touch.
Stay cool x
