Turtle Tempo Live Music // The Scruff // Revolvers // Sugarthief
Live music is important to the independent music industry, and London-based webzine, Turtle Tempo, understands this fact. Nexus Music Blog and Turtle Tempo have collaborated to bring you live music nights, along with introductions to the amazing bands performing! Here we present The Scruff, Revolvers and Sugarthief, all performing on June 30th at The Finsbury Pub, London. Doors open at 7:30 pm.
The Scruff
The Scruff head into 2018 as the ‘ones to watch’, following on from what feels like a breakout few months for the Bedford natives. A somewhat turbulent start to last year saw a member emigrate, a rebuilding process and a new outlook on their sound as the band regrouped with a new guitarist, Jack, to release ‘Her’ – the anthemic single inspired by the passing of drummer Omar’s mother. The single was swiftly picked up by the Radio One team, who made it BBC Radio One Introducing’s ‘Track Of The Week’, as well as receiving support from Steve Lamacq at BBC 6Music.
If you had to introduce yourself as a band, in one sentence, what would the sentence be?
The Scruff: “Hi, we’re The Scruff. We’re rubbish at formal introductions, so just come and see us play.”
Why do you think live music nights, like the ones Turtle Tempo put on, are important to emerging artists?
The Scruff: “Promoters and independent grassroots venues are the lifeblood to the scene, you’re not going to get artists reaching that next level without them. We’ve been lucky enough to work with many supportive promoters in our time, and can’t wait to get on the stage for Turtle Tempo for the first time. We love The Finsbury, too!”
If you could perform with three other independent artists, who would they be and why?
The Scruff: “A toughy to be able to choose, we’ve come across loads of great new bands while on tour. We recently did a jaunt with our now good friends, The Surrenders, in May. They’re probably the best of the bunch, and always good for an after-hours party too.
There’s a shit-hot new group called Sarpa Salpa from over Northampton way who have everything they need to go big, and we always have a lot of fun playing with our hometown buddies, The Wholls, too. You wouldn’t be able to print half the stuff that happens behind the van doors, but it’s always a pleasure to play bands who share a similar vision and appetite to push on.”
What, do you think, is the most challenging aspect of performing live?
The Scruff: “Knowing us lot, just making sure the van isn’t broken before we set off! Playing live is what we do this for, so on stage is where we’re most comfortable.”
Do you have a lot planned for the rest of the year?
The Scruff: “The last few months have felt like a huge stepping stone for us – a first headline tour, and ‘Her’ getting the Radio 1 Introducing TOTW. We’re just ready to push on now. Summer is looking crazy, with the Isle Of Wight just gone and some bucket list festivals like Truck, Y-Not, Standon Calling and more to come. We’re releasing a new single around early September, which is sounding massive, so we’ll be going back out on the road around that time too, chipping away at this thing they call the music industry!”
Revolvers
Revolvers are a four-piece indie rock band from London, England. Formed in October 2016 at the University of West London, the band’s current lineup consists of James Thurling (vocals and lead guitar), Will Oliver (BV’s and rhythm guitar), Josiah Mortimer (BV’s and bass) and Rhys Kibble (drums), all originating from different parts of the UK. The band released their debut self-produced EP, ‘Your Indie Heroes Will Betray You’, in January 2018, and have played at numerous venues including Nambucca, O2 Academy 2 Islington, Dublin Castle, The Monarch, Camden Assembly, The Troubadour and many more. The band are releasing newly recorded tracks soon, which they went into the studio to record!
If you had to introduce yourself as a band, in one sentence, what would the sentence be?
Revolvers: “Who said rock ‘n’ roll was dead? ”
Why do you think live music nights, like the ones Turtle Tempo put on, are important to emerging artists?
Revolvers: “They’re a great way for unsigned musicians to gain access to the live music scene in London, even if it may be hot and cold in terms of turnout. The gigs, in general, are fun more than anything, and give the opportunity to bands to experience playing on stage to a live audience. London is such an enormous city, and arguably the music capital of the UK. With that being said, the number of bands that want to play here and get noticed need promoters like Turtle Tempo to give them a stab at showing off their music. It’s grand. ”
What, do you think, is the most challenging aspect of performing live?
Revolvers: “Turnout and professionalism. We’ve gigged a lot in and around London this past year, and we’ve seen the differences in venues and turnouts. Half of us go to university, and even pulling our crowd to gigs can be a struggle. It is an expensive city, so it is understandable people may be deterred from going out and spending money here; but, going to see live music in London today has changed remarkably to what it was like 20-30 years ago. Some venues are better than others. We’ve played with awful sound guys and amazing sound guys, so you always have to be prepared for the worst, unfortunately. At the end of the day, as long as you have a drum kit, amps and decent PA system at the venue, you’re sorted. ”
Do you have a lot planned for the rest of the year?
Revolvers: “This will be our last gig for a while – we’re taking a little break over the summer. We’ve pretty much been gigging constantly since June last year. We went into a West London studio earlier in June to record a new four-track EP, and these four tracks are all new songs you’ll hear at the gig. The producer we worked with was brilliant, and we had the best four days of our lives being in that control room. The music is currently being mixed and will soon be mastered. All we’re going to say is, it sounds mega.
We will be releasing these songs soon, but we don’t know when and we don’t know who through. It all depends on a number of factors. Honestly, it’s rocking, it’s guitar driven, it’s got a distinct sound belonging to us, and we’re very very proud of it. So, over the summer you’ll see us focusing on promoting this new music. Whichever way we do, keep an eye on our social media accounts. Apart from that, we’ll be regrouping for gigs in September. ”
Sugarthief
Sugarthief is an unsigned Birmingham foursome that has been described as indie, but would rather say that they “create the music, and then let others create the pigeonholes.” After performing several high-profile events, including the Isle of Wight (check out our feature), Jordi, Jack, Reece and Luke continue to entertain their fans in venues of all sizes. Their latest is the Turtle Tempo live music night in London.
If you had to introduce yourself as a band, in one sentence, what would the sentence be?
Sugarthief: “Kind of just happy, nonchalant noise.”
Why do you think live music nights, like the ones Turtle Tempo put on, are important to emerging artists?
Sugarthief: “It gives us small bands a chance to play to people who are fans of live music and independent artists, which would otherwise be hard to do by ourselves.”
If you could perform with three other independent artists, who would they be and why?
Sugarthief: “Violet, because they’re great mates of ours, but also amazing musicians. Always a party with those guys!
The Cosmics. Also, good friends of ours who we just spent the weekend boogying to Chic with at the Isle of Wight.
Drop Gloss. They supported us in Birmingham recently and blew our minds. They’re just about to go on tour with The Magic Gang too, which is pretty sick.”
What, do you think, is the most challenging aspect of performing live?
Sugarthief: “When there are no beers on the rider. *hint, hint*.”
Do you have a lot planned for the rest of the year?
Sugarthief: “We’re playing a few more festivals, which will be crazy as always, and then releasing an EP towards the end of the year.”