Beans on Toast has been making music since 2005, and has released 5 albums since. His latest album, Giving Everything, was released on the 1st of December last year and since then the man has been on his own solo tour around the UK. He is also about to embark on Frank Turner’s arena tour as support, alongside Flogging Molly. I asked Beans on Toast if he had time in his hectic life to answer a few questions, and this is what the incredible musician had to say.
How are you doing?
All good my man.
First things first, what was the last song you listened to?
Kids on the run – The Tallest Man on Earth
It’s the last track on the Wild Hunt album, which I listened through this morning. It’s fucking epic.
You released your latest album, Giving Everything at the start of December, how has it been received?
Seems to have gone well, once it’s written and out it doesn’t really feel like I have much to with it to be honest. I guess how’s it’s received is up to everyone else. But I’ve read some nice things and what not.
How do you find motivation when you write your music?
I smoke weed and pick up my guitar, I get bored of songs I’ve written, find it hard to sing other people’s songs so end up singing new ones.
Who would you quote as some of your biggest influences?
My favourite songwriter is a guy called Todd Snider, although I would say that life and everyday stuff is more of an inspiration than other bands, musicians and what not.
How did the track Death of a Festival with Slamboree come about? It is quite different from your music.
I saw Slamboree play at a festival at the start of the summer in 2012 was amazed by the gang mentality of it all, went up and asked if I could join the band, at the time it was a bit of a joke but me and Mike (Slamboree’s main man) became close friends and naturally did a tune together. Although it may seem that Beans on Toast and Slamboree are very different – for many reasons they are very similar as well.
Just for the record it was Mike from Slamboree that produced the new record as well.
Are you a fan of dance music?
Yes of course. And a fan of dancing in general. The idea of dance music as a genre is an odd one, surely you can dance to Jazz music if you were so inclined.
Do you have any dream collaborations?
I’ve been lucky enough to work with amazing people in the past, from Kate Tempest to Frank Turner to Slamboree. I’m happy I guess my dream collaboration will be whatever my next one is.
I think it’s fair to say that you speak your mind, but what’s the biggest trouble you’ve ever got into for voicing your opinions?
I’ve never been in any trouble for voicing my opinions, and rightly so.
What’s the most fun you’ve had at a gig?
Difficult question to tackle, although it’d probably be playing a Secret Garden Party, I’ve played there for years and the shows are always a massive highlight – it’s such an amazing place.
Any plans to return to the dance studio at Exeter Phoenix in the foreseeable future?
Hopefully yeah, I enjoyed that place – although next time we’re gonna pull back the curtains so there’s mirrors all around – that’d be odd.
Do you have a favourite story to tell about your antics?
I have loads, but they never seem right written down I’m afraid.
Have you heard about Russell Brand’s revolution, and do you think you could do it better?
I’m a big fan of what Russell Brand is saying / doing – turn out for the books cos I never saw that side of him before. I wouldn’t want to try to do it better and don’t think he’s in it for personal gain – the whole idea behind it is that it’s working together so trying to better someone is missing the point.
What was your favourite moment of 2013?
I played 101 shows in 2013 which is more than ever, it comes with a price though, I’ve forgotten most of the year probably including my favourite parts.
Any new music you’ve been listening to?
Tallest Man on Earth, Will Varley, Slaid Cleaves, Dizraeli and Downlow
Are there any questions you wish I’d asked?
No mate, I’m good with that.
You can find him here:
Nilla Reviews 