You've got a fair few shows coming up in 2025, even going to Germany! How are you looking forward to and preparing for these support slots?
We've been very lucky to play some great shows in the UK and in Europe. Germany is always fun and the hospitality is great. But travelling around the UK is always fun and great to see friends. Prep wise is running through the set to make sure we’re happy with the flow, it’s good to chuck in a few different songs every now and then too!
ItchFest is coming up at The Flapper (Birmingham) in June, what is it like booking in and promoting your own festival?
We’re very big into the DIY ethos so we do everything ourselves. The first Itchfest was 2015 and every one brings its own highs and lows but it is getting harder to get through the crowd - we have so much respect for promoters who have to do this every week as it’s not an envious task.
Your self titled album came out last March. How do you feel that has been received since the release?
We worked with Dan Willet who recorded and produced our previous releases (Champanzee 2015, The Prickstarter EP 2018) and nailed the sound we wanted again. We’ve had some great feedback and has helped us attract new fans and gigs.
It's clear to see what fueled the inspiration to the album. Why do you think it's important to use music to get your message across?
There’s some scary shit going on in the world right now. From the Middle East, Trump in the US trying to disregard LGBTQ+ community and abortion laws to the Ukraine/Russia conflict and so much more. And if we can inspire one person with our songs to open their ears and eyes to this fucked up world then that’s a win for us.
Can you tell us an interesting fact about the record?
The song Duckshoot was originally written before the band even existed, probably 10 years before by me and Ric. We found it and had to tweak the lyrics but it’s pretty much like the original!
It was a long 9 years between your debut album 'Chimpanzee' and self titled, how did you find that the song writing process differed?
We didn’t want to put out the same type of album, a lot of this record was written on acoustic and then we put it all together at practice. Remember that Covid hit right in the middle, so perspectives changed, I quit the booze and had a couple of kids so I think that changes you so and it’s more self reflective in places.
What are the plans for the next 12 months?
We’re currently working on some new songs, we have itchfest with the potential to follow up in 2026 and we’d like to go play places we’ve never been before, in the UK and Europe (so get in touch!)
What do you think about the Birmingham punk scene?
The Brum scene is ace, we have a lot of great bands and so many great pockets of scenes starting up!
What would be your dream festival/venue to play at?
We’d pick one where we’d get to watch our favourite bands as well as play so I’d have to say Rebellion Fest or Download
What is the most unique situation you have found yourself gaining inspiration for a song?
We were at a services on the M6 and I was waiting for the guys to return from the toilet when a famous darts player from the 80’s and 90s Eric Bristow walked by, i called his name several times and he turned round and said ‘fuck off I heard you the first time’. I told the guys and ‘the Bristow disco’ (from champanzee) was born and written that very next practice.
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