The Ruckus

The Interview: Kill it Kid

I saw this young band at Blissfields festival earlier this month, and despite knowing very little about them, I was impressed. Then they were announced to play the Communion Flowerpot Takeover, so I got to speak to Kill It Kid during a very very exciting week. The Takeover is pretty much Ruckus heaven - many of our favourite International musicians were taking part, such as Lissie, The Ryan O'Reilly Band, members of Mumford & Sons, Alan Pownall, Mt Desolation, Matthew & The Atlas etc etc. During the day, the musicians came together to collaborate recordings and then performed the music in the evening at The Flowerpot, mine and Sheena's favourite pub. Kill it Kid, signed to One Little Indian, are an awesome Americana/Blues band. I adored their guitar numbers mixed with excellent fiddle playing and keys at Blissfields, and so I sat down with them on the roof of the Flowerpot pub, next to a tortoise, for a chat to introduce the band to The Ruckus readers. As I was introduced to the band, the guitarist, Chris recognised me and it took us a few minutes to realise we went to school together - ah the life and times of living on the British Isles...

The Interview: Local Natives

If you read my posts on here you have no doubt heard me mention Local Natives, and if you know me in real life I have more than likely dragged you to one of their gigs or made you go to one near you. I am unashamed in my love for this band, and so when their lovely PR lady gave me the chance to catch up with Kelcey (vocals, keys, drums, guitar), Andy (bass, vocals) and Matt (drums) from the band I jumped at the chance.

And so before their sell out Shepherds Bush Empire show in London, I found myself sitting in an empty backstage bar, with these lovely boys and their pre-show food, chatting about music, their home state of California, and Guinness.

The Interview: Pete Roe

Ever since their compilation was announced, Communion really has been responsible for most of my musical listening. One of my favourite artists is Pete Roe, whose EP "Merry-Go-Round" was released on 7 June. Originally from Bristol, Pete moved to London in 2008 and has built up a firm following, not to mention working with artists like Laura Marling. We sat down recently over a pint of Guinness for a chat.

Did you have a musical background? Were your parents musical?

My dad, I was going to say played but he's started up again, plays Irish folk music. His band were quite big in the London Irish scene in the 70's and he's just put his band back together.

Are they doing like a little reunion tour?

Yeah, they did another record and kind of like a Buena Vista sort of thing. A load of old boys getting back together. They couldn't find their fiddle player, no-one had a phone number for him and he didn't use email, so they went over and thought "Right, where did we see him last?" and went to the West of Ireland, to Galway, and walked into the pub where he used to drink and he was sitting there at the end of the bar.

How long was it since they'd seen him?

20-30 years. So yeah, my dad played and there was always music in the house. My mum plays a bit of piano and guitar and my brothers and sister play. There's always been music.

The Interview: Thao with the Get Down Stay Down

I am sad to say that I only recently discovered Thao with the Get Down Stay Down. As soon as I heard their latest album Know Better Learn Faster however, I fell in love almost immediately. A catchy, upbeat album with relatable, sometimes melancholy lyrics, it has definitely become one of my favorites from 2009. You can imagine my excitement when I found out just a little while later that Thao was coming to town. This tour is a collaboration between her and Mirah, in which they have combined forces to share a stage while alternating between their songs. Luckily, I had the chance to talk to Thao before the show in Detroit, Michigan.

You're about halfway through your tour, how's it going so far?

It's been really great. It's been a lot of fun. It's been significantly warmer than anyone could ever imagine. We went through the Southwest and then through Texas for the first week, and then through New Orleans and up the coast. We were in Florida as well. I know we named it the Heat Tour, but there's no way we could have known. The rest has been great though.

Five Questions for Kurran and the Wolfnotes at Latitude

Five more questions in prep for Latitude Fesitval. This time, it's Kurran and the Wolfnotes' chance to answer five questions. It's almost criminal but I don't think we've featured these guys on the blog before, the London contingent saw them play Communion a while back and I want to see them again. These aren't folksters so to say, Kurran sings with an American twang; more like alternative folk mashed up with Americana and it's happy, summer festival music.

1. When you think of Latitude what 5 words spring to mind?
Trees, forest, bushes, bitches and families

2. If you could only see one performance at this year's festival what would it be?
The Maccabees

3. What 5 items will you be bringing to Latitude?
Guitars and 4 socks

4. Do you have anything special planed for your performance at Latitude?
A massive coffee because we're on so early

5. Latitude is 5 years old, how did you celebrate your fifth birthday?
Buzzing on sugar like every kid should.

Had to add in this video, acoustic perfection AND Raybans. So much love for these guys.

Kurran and the Wolfnotes from Ray-Ban Rooms on Vimeo.

Catch them on the Sunrise Arena at Latitude.

The Interview: Lauren Pritchard

Lauren Pritchard is what mainstream media would probably call a 'songstress' - lots of piano driven melodies and big sweeping, haunting vocals. Although I feel genres can be really restricting sometimes, she produces beautiful piano melodies, pop-like with a touch of soul and rock.

When I sat down with her on a window ledge at Scala in London, I was excited to talk to such a gorgeous and talented artist. But as I chatted to her, I realised that she is ridiculously down to earth - to the point that she still has her MySpace URL taped onto the front of her keyboard. You would not know this is an artist who is signed to Island (the same label as Mumford & Sons; a subsidary of Universal), has appeared on BBC Radio 2 and that she was an Original Broadway Cast member of the beautiful, harrowing, and Tony award winning musical, Spring Awakening. She has, therefore, mixed with some of the most talented musicians and actors today (like Jonathan Groff and Lea Michele of Glee fame for example). As we sit down to chat before her gig, the first thing I notice about her is that she's an absolute stunner, and then secondly, I notice a very charming British accent slicing through her native Tennessee twang.

The Interview: The Dufflefolks

We discovered The Dufflefolks at Up All Night in London, and they have quickly become one of our favourite local bands. I was instantly taken in by their outfits (they dress in badger, fox, rabbit & owl hoodies), and when they produced a distinct sound of folk-electro-pop, I was sold. We had them play our first ever Ruckus Presents evening, and I sat down with all four Duffles for a little chat to help you all get to know the Hertfordshire boys.

The other exciting news is that the boys are up to play Greenman Festival, and they need your vote to get through to the next round! So vote for them in the Greenman Festival Poll, kids.

Now sit back, relax, grab a cup of tea and read on to find out what the Duffles have to say (we know you'll enjoy their musical knowledge and their biting wit).