Beans On Toast – Interview

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:

http://www.beansontoastmusic.com/

https://www.facebook.com/beansontoastmusic?fref=ts

This Wild Life – Interview

This Wild Life have an interesting back story, starting out as a four piece pop-punk band the boys quickly ditched this format for a two person acoustic group. The band have seen increasing successes as time is going by, largely through videos of them performing tracks on YouTube. Pair have recently been very busy in the studio, adding the finishing touches to a full length album. In January the band are visiting the UK and Ireland, doing a tour covering all four corners of the country, including Plymouth. I very much recommend you check out their music and their tour early next year. I got the chance to interview the singer, Kevin Jordan, and this is what he had to say.

How are you?
Doing well! We’re home for the holidays so we’re just decompressing before a busy tour schedule next year.

First things first, what was the last song you listened to? “Connector” by A Lot Like Birds. First time listening to them actually!

You’ve released two EP’s to date, and are currently in the studio writing you first full length, according to your blog, when do you expect to release it?
We’re finished recording the full length, and it’s currently in the mixing stage. It will be released sometime early next year in correlation to our tour schedule.

You are embarking on a UK tour in January, is this a first?
Yep! It’s our first time playing out of the country as a band. It’s also our first time leaving the country in general, so that should be interesting.

What was the main reason for choosing the acoustic line-up over your original four piece band?
The acoustic songs were just stronger in general, and my voice is better suited for it.

Have you considered releasing an EP made up only of covers?
Yeah, we’ve discussed it. Maybe sometime in the future, but right now we’re just really focused on the full length getting finished.

How do you find motivation for your music?
I’m motivated by other music, and life experiences. I’m always listening to new music and finding different ways to approach song writing.

You are compared a lot with City & Colour, how do you feel about that?
I honestly don’t listen to a whole lot of City and Colour, but Dallas has an incredible voice. I take it as a compliment when I hear it.

The acoustic market is a difficult one to enter, what with so much competition, what do you think was most valuable in finding your success?
There’s a massive scene for singer songwriters, and there are so many talented artists out there these days. We try to stay clear of the typical “singer songwriter” world. We prefer to play with pop punk, hardcore, and even metal bands. It helps us stick out more, rather than falling in line with hundreds of other acoustic artists.

Can you see yourselves ever playing arena sized venues, or do you prefer a more intimate gig style?
We’d love to play some support shows in arenas someday, but that’s up in the air for now. At the moment, we’re happy to play anywhere. We’re never too good for a venue, and we’re not above playing house shows.

Between the both of you, how many /how much money have you spent on tattoos?
I just have one sleeve, but Anthony has a ton. No way of counting Anthony’s cause they all connect haha. It’s probably not a small fortune, but considering how poor we are it’s probably a depressing number.

Have you been listening to any new music recently?
Not necessarily new records, but two bands I really got into this year are All Get Out and From Indian Lakes. Very cool bands!