Your new album Slings & Arrows is out now – was it fun to write and record?
We had a great time making the record. We were recording all throughout the summer and the songs seemed to go down really easily.
Who were your main influences on the new album?
There are loads of musical influences on there! The main ones that seem to shine through above the rest are The Jam, Stereophonics, Oasis and The Rifles.
What was the first album you ever bought?
The single-album version of Familiar to Millions by Oasis. It would have been around 2001/02, which was when I really started getting into music.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Another tough one, there have been so many! I’d have to say Stereophonics at the Roundhouse in London, which was about four years ago today. Fans voted for the setlist and it was a great night. Any Weller gig is always a good show as well.
What’s your favourite venue?
We’ve always wanted to play the 100 Club in London due to the history and bands that have played there over the years; we’ll be playing there on 27th April so we’re REALLY looking forward to that one. The best venue near us is The Wedgewood Rooms, Southsea, where we launched our album in January. Probably one of the best gigs we’ve done.
Can you talk us through your songwriting process?
Generally I’ll start with some chords and a melody. I’ll then work out the rest of the song and the arrangement before starting the lyrics. The music comes easier to me than the words. I’ll have a few song titles or lines noted down that sometimes just fit with a song.
What’s your favourite summer track?
There are so many… Eddie’s Dreaming by The Small Faces, Above The Clouds by Weller, Millionaire by Beady Eye was the one last summer… The list could go on!
What are your plans for the future?
We’re busy rehearsing and planning really… The plan is to tour in the summer and start on a new record at the end of the year, so I’ve started writing for that. I’m really happy with the new stuff so far.