Arts & Culture
NEW MUSIC ALERT: Q&A with The Sulks

Last month Swindon boy band The Sulks recorded their first EP Silence Is Only The Start.

The news is exciting within its self, but these guys definitely weren’t sulking anymore when they hit the studio to record with Strokes producer Gordon Raphael. The Ocelot caught up with the lads for a nice Q&A. What was it like recording your first EP, and with Gordon Raphael?  He really pulled the best out of us. His honesty and clear direction really challenged us, but consequently brought the best out of us. It was just what we needed, we all feel like we’ve developed so much as a result. All in all, it was a load of fun, and hopefully look forward to working with him again in the future. What’s your song writing process? Is there a designated song writer or is it all very collaborative? The songs are mostly constructed either from Rhys or James coming up with a seed and then helping one another to finish the idea. However, taking it into the rehearsal room with the band to figure it out together, sometimes brings out new and exciting ideas. But mainly James and Rhys are the main composers, meeting up regularly to exchange ideas, as we all know… two heads are better than one. How long have you been playing together?  We have only been working together for about a year now. Although, we’ve only being playing live as a band for about 6 months, but have recently got a new rhythm section, so looking forward to performing with them in the near future. If you weren’t playing the instrument that you play now, what would you rather be playing? James has always dreamed of one day maybe getting the opportunity to demonstrate his prolific abilities on the triangle… Maybe he’ll get his chance on the next EP. Who’s the sulkiest in the band? James is without doubt the most stubborn human being we have ever met. However, get a couple glasses of wine down Rhys, and you can assure yourself that you will be getting an earful. What lazy musical category can we put you in?  Contemporary funk punk/prog jazz fusion, with reggae elements. Music wise, I’m in love with Patti Smith. Who are you guys in love with?  Obviously we all love the Beatles. What’s your guilty musical secret? Who do you like that isn’t cool? We won’t tell anyone (we will tell everyone)!  We could never say no to a little bit of Michael Bublé’s Christmas Album or Take That. What sort of activities does your music best suit? For instance, New Order’s Blue Monday is my cleaning go-to - it changed my life. Sexual activities… If you catch our drift… Would you allow any of your songs to be played at a Tory Party Conference, if the money was right? Well we need to pay for our bus fares somehow. What’s your dream venue to play at?  Obviously the big UK venues and arenas are the obvious answers, however Glastonbury would be pretty cool! Where’s the weirdest place you’ve woken up after a gig? An abandoned building somewhere in Croydon… don’t ask. As Swindonians, what is the worst and best thing about Swindon? It’s a town where nothing ever happens but the M4 is only down the road, so escape is never far away. The grass is always greener on the other side of the M4, as the saying goes. There’s top class musicians around town though, that’s for sure. And finally, tell us about what’s coming up next for you guys! Rhys and James are moving to London, to join the rest of the band. We’ll be releasing our debut EP in the early parts of the new year and we’re also playing Paris this month (which will be very special), plus loads of other shows we can’t talk about yet! The Ocelot will defintely be keeping an eye out for these guys and look forward to seeing them in action (I wish, but probably not, in Paris). You can pledge for the new EP at PledgeMusic by clicking here, plus loads of other cool stuff. You can keep an eye on The Sulks via Facebook.

  • NEW MUSIC ALERT: Q&A with The Sulks
  • NEW MUSIC ALERT: Q&A with The Sulks
  • NEW MUSIC ALERT: Q&A with The Sulks