The Uppercuts Q&A

Your name: 

Jamie Hall.

Where are you from? 

Essex and Hertfordshire, UK.

Name of band: 

The Uppercuts.

Who is in your band?

Jamie Hall - lead vocals & guitar

Wes Myers - lead guitar and backing vocals

Steve Dewis - drums and backing

Lee Head - bass and backing  

How would you describe yourselves and your music? 

Mix of rock, ska and punk. Energetic and upbeat with catchy melodies riffs a plenty and stomping drums. Rock with a bounce..!!

Who are your main influences musically?

Rancid, The Clash, The Jam, The Police, The Specials.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

The dream is to play music full time. It's what we all love. It's a drug ya know. Like you can't go a day without thinking about it and just itching to get on the road and hit them venues.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

Definitely supporting Rancid and Cock Sparrer at the Forum in London. What a night...!! Just spurs us on even more to make this what we do and who we are.  

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

Drinking far too much and putting on the worst set of our lives on headline slot to a full house at the Purple Turtle in Camden. Never again. We now have a no drinks policy before every gig. After the show? Fill your boots..!! 

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

That's a tough one. But maybe a track that's not yet release titled Don't Complain. It's a real upbeat bounce-along track with a positive message and I love it. Keep your ear to the ground for that one. It's coming 

Where can we listen to it?

You can't yet. But you can check out the double A side here - 

https://soundcloud.com/theuppercutsuk/sets/double-a-side/s-k26j3

Where can we find out more about your music?

Facebook

Twitter

Www.theuppercuts.net

And Soundcloud of course with the link -  

https://soundcloud.com/theuppercutsuk/sets/double-a-side/s-k26j3

Venture Q&A

Your name: 

Miles Burrows.

Where are you from?

Wigan, UK.

Name of band:

Venture.

Who else is in your band?

Lucy Burrows - Lead Vocals

Joshua Fairhurst- Bass

Michael Hargreaves- Drums

Thom Mutch - Guitar

How would you describe yourselves?

Acoustic ska punk with daft pop melodies and folk thrown in.

Who are your main influences musically?

The King Blues, Against Me! Lyrically we perhaps aren't as political as those bands, me and Lucy were raised on the Smiths, so I guess you could call them an influence as well.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

To make good music we would listen to and can be proud of. If other people like it too, then that's cool.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

Signing to ScreamLite Records.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

Being sick on stage. Ugh.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

Stay True.

Where can we listen to it?

https://soundcloud.com/miles-burrows/stay-true

Where can we find out more about your music?

www.facebook.com/VentureMusicOfficial

Lions Named Leo Q&A

Your name: 

Rob Saranpa aka "NohawkRob" (I used to have a mohawk, now I shave my head LOL).

Where are you from? 

Bakersfield, California, USA.

Name of band: 

Lions Named Leo.

Who else is in your band?

Joe Barry - Lead vocals and trumpet

Tee Stevens - Lead vocals/guitar and primary songwriter

Samuel McKinney - drums and vocals

And myself on bass guitar and vocals

How would you describe yourselves?

A very unique and refreshing blend of alternative rock/ska/reggae/punk. FUN!!!

Who are your main influences musically?

Wow! Um, too many to list, we all bring our own musical tastes to the mix.

We have been compared to so many...Sublime, RHCP, Reel Big Fish, Madness. One producer said, "sounds like Korn mixed with Bob Marley!"

What do you hope to achieve in music?

Make people happy, think, and enjoy and do this by doing what we love for a living. Leave behind something musically immortal.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

Personally I would say playing The Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood. This was a ReverbNation contest and there were some celebrity judges there; Aaron Rossi (Ministry drummer) Paige Montgomery - (music industry) and Dan Chlor - of the band Weapon X and a music industry professional.

Anyway, they told us at the onset to make sure we are 'creative'. After we were done one bartender just shook his head and said: "I've seen a lot of these and you guys are like the best I've heard and seen!". We did not win that night but we received a critique from the judges...they said: "Tight musicianship, great enthusiasm and stage presence but your genre is confusing."

WOW!!! We took that as a HUGE compliment!!! Especially after they told us to be creative.

We hear that a lot.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

Um...I forgot. LOL None really yet...love this group! We have our little issues like all but we are like a family. When we play in my town of Tehachapi,CA, my wife lets the whole band stay at our place. We dont like to party too much when we play so after the gig, usually at 2am, my wife Kit, makes us all shots and quesadillas and has all the bedding ready...she ROCKS!

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

TOUGH ONE! With two distinctly different lead vocalists and a trumpet so hard to choose.

Our lead singers Joe and Tee blend so well together I would have to say Can I Want the World There Too. Very upbeat, trumpet, dual vocals and FUN!

But it is amazing how different list different songs as their favorites...and there in lies our strength. It always comes down to the songs, and the ability to pull them off live!

Where can we listen to it?

www.reverbnation.com/lionsnamedleo

Where can we find out more about your music?

Our main site www.lionsnamedleo.com

www.facebook.com/lionsnamedleo 

www.reverbnation.com/lionsnamedleo 

@lionsnamedleo on Twitter

www.sonicbids.com/band/lions-named-leo

www.soundcloud.com/lionsnamedleo

 Anything else you’d like to say that I forgot to ask?

We now have an incredible management team led by Grammy winner Dennis Rubenstein, and they are polishing us up to present to major labels. I believe we will be signed soon...question is by who?

We also have major gigs coming up at The Mint in Los Angeles on July 11th and The House of Blues in San Diego on July 27th.

New EP and tour from New Town Kings

TRAD-ska collective New Town Kings have announced a new EP and summer tour dates.

Pull Up & Rewind will be released on July 13th through Bomber Music and is available for pre-order by clicking here.

It is the first release with new vocalist Dabs Bonner, who brings a stronger reggae - and more politically aware - vibe to the party.

To accompany the release, the band head out on tour at the beginning of July as they play Norwich, Nottingham, Newcastle, London, Bristol, a home town show in Colchester, and then Guildford.

They will also be playing a series of festivals in August including The Big Gig, Nozstock, Rebellion, Boomtown Fair, Summer Live, Concrete Jungle and then the Undercover Festival in September.

For more on the band visit newtownkings.com or facebook.com/newtownkings and here's a few bits from their back catalogue to whet your appetite.

Arkham Karvers Q&A

Your name:

Elliot Smith.

Where are you from?

Buxton, England.

Name of band:

Arkham Karvers.

Who else is in your band?

Greg Smith, Josh Reddy (also Buxton) and Dave Gash, Mark Lane (from Golborne).

How would you describe yourselves?

We're essentially indie, with reggae and ska influences. Someone once said it's music to listen to in the sunshine, which essentially sums it up quite well but we do have the odd night time number too.

Who are your main influences musically?

Bedouin Soundclash, The Police, The Clash, Milburn and Fat Freddy's Drop.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

Can't speak for the rest of the lads, however a small dream would be to one day be able to take it on the road and play to new people up and down the country at different little venues and show them what we've got. Also, to get some kind of backing and a full album released! 

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

We played a rooftop gig in our hometown of Buxton this summer, whilst around 300 people watched from a grass bank in front of us. It was a beautiful sunny day, and a perfect setting with the backdrop of Buxton's Crescent building. Brilliant! 

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

Not a thing! Even the shit gigs are great, we get along really well so even road trips playing to an empty bar in Blackburn are good fun.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

I'd have to say "The Road". It's not got that reggae/ska element that many of our newer tunes have, but it definitely has a characteristically catchy hook and summery vibe.

Where can we listen to it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZX9xSFOgbo

Where can we find out more about your music?

www.facebook.com/karvers

www.arkhamkarvers.com

twitter.com/arkhamkarvers

soundcloud.com/arkham-karvers

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?

We've got a few gigs coming up - 14th September Zanzibar Liverpool; and a huge one at O2 Academy Liverpool on 5th October! Ticket details are on the official site listed above, come and check us out!

The Longshots Q&A

Your names: 
Ben Hampton and Eric Johnson.

Where are you from?   
[Ben] The band was formed in Eugene, Oregon, and we’re now relocating to Portland, Oregon.

Name of band: 

The Longshots.

Who is in your band?  

[Eric] We've got myself on saxophone, Blake Hoshibata on guitar, Shane Connor on vox and keys, Ben Hampton on drums, Tom Wade on bass, Justin Canfield on trombone, and sometimes Ben Caiazza on trumpet 

How would you describe yourselves?   

[Ben] A handful of guys from Oregon who just happen to love ska and reggae. We all come from different backgrounds and are at different stages in our lives, but we keep playing shows, writing songs and meeting new fans. As our music keeps improving we seem to be finding out just how deeply we are connected to this music. This doesn't feel like a college party band any more, at least not to me.

Who are your main influences musically?  

[Eric] The Slackers and Westbound Train are the two big ones, but we all love the Aggrolites, Jimmy Cliff, Skatalites, Toots, Alton Ellis 

What do you hope to achieve in music?  

[Ben] To make music that we love and that our audience loves. We want to make people dance, we want to make people feel good, and we want to have songs that people can really connect to; songs that will stay with them and that they will want to listen to at home and connect with life events and all that goodness.
[Eric] Yeah, and make playing music our day jobs...haha.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?  

[Eric] Well a couple things stick out. The first is sharing the bill and hanging out with The Skatalites in Eugene, TWICE! Also, playing the Folk Life festival in Seattle was killer. Our last show in Eugene was great but the kicker was a guy in front that none of us knew was singing along to every song, THAT was cool! Those type of experiences make all the shows that weren't as fun worth it.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?  

[Ben] That gig at a Unitarian church that ended with us loaning out all of our instruments and then not getting to play.....we didn't get paid or anything either, it was bad. 
[Eric] Or that one night where a particular member of the band was quite intoxicated and decided it was a good idea to yell at the crowd while we were on stage, in particular telling people how hot his girlfriend was.
[Ben] Oh man.....and pointing at each girl in the audience.  “My girlfriend’s hotter than you, and you, and you.....”

If you had to choose just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?  

[Ben] Act Right. It was an indicator of the direction that the band’s music and songwriting would go in the next two years, and we still consider it to be one of our best songs.  
[Eric] Yeah, definitely.

Where can we listen to it?   

http://thelongshotsska.bandcamp.com/ It's the first track you can play, and you can hear our whole album here.

Where can we find out more about your music?

http://thelongshotsska.bandcamp.com/ 
https://twitter.com/thelongshotsor
https://www.facebook.com/thelongshotsska
https://soundcloud.com/the-longshots-or
http://www.reverbnation.com/thelongshotsska

Anything else you’d like to say that I forgot to ask?

[Ben] We are raising money for the release of our third studio album. You can pre-order your copy of the album and help us get the production done by visiting this site:   
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/be-a-part-of-the-longshots-3rd-studio-album#share    
We have roughly 14 new songs to record, and I think it’s easily our best material yet.
Los Angeles producer Brian Wallace will be producing the album. We couldn't be more excited to be working with Brian.  He produced one of our absolute favorite albums of all time, Westbound Train’s Transitions, and also produced the Western Standard Time-A Big Band Tribute to the Skatalites album that came out last year. 

The Naughtys Q&A

Your name:

John Bailey - he sings.

Where are you from?

Stretford, Manchester, England.

Name of band:

The Naughtys.

Who else is in your band?

David Beaven - bass guitar. Lee cole - lead guitar. Michael fletcher -drums. Andrew bailey (baileyz) - Guest MC.

How would you describe yourselves?

Indie ska rap. It's a new top of the tree genre.

Who are your main influences musically?

The Specials, the Beatles, Dr Dre.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

As many people as possible to enjoy our music and dance... That's right, dance. 

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

Neville Staples getting on stage with us n doin "monkey man"... That was ace that. Oh and doin this blog ;)

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

Our last gig. Pissed drummer. Enough said.

If you could choose just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

Nevermind is our latest so probably that cos it shows where we are at.... Now. 

Where can we listen to it?

http://www.soundcloud.com/the-naughtys/nevermind

http://youtu.be/ZVJq13TK8ac

Where can we find out more about your music ?

Twitter @thenaughtys.  Facebook and Soundcloud.

Avon Junkies Q&A

Your name:  

Adam Tilzer (lead vocals, guitar).

Where are you from?  

Staten Island, New York, USA.

Name of band: 

Avon Junkies.

Who else is in your band?  

Stefanie Azzarelli (trumpet, vocals), Anthony Napoletano (trumpet, vocals), James Castoro (trombone, vocals), Julian Salvador (bass), DJ Andersen (Trombone),  Danny Bradley (drums), Vadim Sarma (organ).

How would you describe yourselves? 

We're a diverse punk/ska band.

Who are your main influences musically? 

Pink Floyd, Sublime, Pennywise, Reel Big Fish.

What do you hope to achieve in music? 

We hope to achieve at the least, a level of career where touring is enough that we don't have to have day jobs.  At best, be the biggest band in the world.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?  

Releasing our third album "The Lesser Evil" was a huge accomplishment. All the hours and work we put into it really paid off with an amazing finished product. Opening for Less Than Jake at Starland Ballroom was pretty amazing as well.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

None, every bad thing that's happened in this band has either helped us learn or is a reminder of things to never do again.

If you could choose just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

"Worth The Fight" from our recent release "The Lesser Evil". It has so much diversity to it and it really displays everyone's individual talent.

Where can we listen to it?  

You can hear our entire catalog on Spotify as well as buy it on iTunes and Amazon.com

Where can we find out more about your music?

www.AvonJunkies.com

www.Twitter.com/AvonJunkies

www.Facebook.com/AvonJunkies

www.YouTube.com/AvonJunkies

iTunes.com/AvonJunkies

Anything else you’d like to say about your band that I forgot to ask?  

Our live shows will kick your ass.