Arts & Culture

After a loss at a Eurovision Song Contest slot Frome-based duo, The Real Cheesemakers, have taken political matters into their own hands with their tongue-in-cheek debut single.

United by Cheese is a ridiculously fun and witty antidote to a somewhat dismantled and segregated social outcome implemented by the Brexit result - needless to say, it’s a very relatable, and bold, subject matter.

Describing themselves as “purveyors of nonsense” The Real Cheesemakers are made up of David Evans (guitar and vocals) and Greg Stoner (drums, bass, backing vocals, percussion) with the helping hands of Rewire the Time Machine’s Dan Stoner and Rob Pellow to polish off the sound and include extra backings on the guitar front.

Greg Stoner explained: “By way of background, we decided last summer to take advantage of the relatively recent opportunity offered by the BBC for members of the public to enter songs to be considered for the shortlist for the Eurovision Song Contest.

“As a band we have always been keen on trying new things and pushing boundaries of musical creativity. We’re entertainers who cross musical genres and add in elements of comedy and variety. We felt that we were a good fit for Eurovision, and when we saw that the BBC was looking for acts that were bold and different, we had to give it a go.

“As fans of Eurovision, we felt we knew exactly where to position the messaging. The song, United by Cheese, is a bit of an antidote to Brexit. At a time where the country is as divided as it has ever been, we wanted to put forward a positive message of unity and togetherness. After all, what unites people more than cheese; something people from all nations love.

“Suffice to say, we didn’t make the shortlist. However, we thought, with a few days to go until Eurovision, we’d release our rejected entry anyway. We’re really proud of the song and would love it to be heard far and wide. We’re hoping Graham Norton might hear it. I reckon he’d be a fan.”

Despite the fun-loving demeanour United by Cheese is really quite poised and executed on a level which acknowledges this multi-talented unit’s instrumental capabilities. The song, and duo’s attitude, is really uplifting with a good amount of cheeseyness which enables them to not take themselves too seriously whilst producing, at the end of the day, a well constructed song - it is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

“We had a blast making the video, which we wrote and directed ourselves, with help from some wonderful friends who came to shoot the video on their phones, and follow our daft directions without question,” said Greg. “The premise of the video is simple: If the Eurovision doesn’t want us, we’ll make our own Eurovision.

“We found the perfect space, a party room at Jester’s Adventure Play in Calne, and got to work entertaining the largest crowd we’ve ever played to (albeit they’re all soft toys). Interspersed between live shots, we see people of various Eurovision nations having their viewing experience rudely (and inexplicably) interrupted by our own broadcast.”

Without diving into my own political views, United by Cheese is a catchy and harmless feel-good single for those feeling a bit down and out about ‘that’ Brexit result. It’s well worth a listen!

Check out United by Cheese:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHW0cWxGsSA&feature=youtu.be

For further news, music, and information on The Real Cheesemakers head to their Facebook page @TheRealCheesemakers

The Real Cheesemakers will be supporting Mr B Gentleman Rhymer at Trowbridge Town Hall Arts this Friday. For tickets click here.