Interview with Slater
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
A school mate came over one day and played me Tenacious D and it literally changed my life, I knew I wanted to play guitar, grow my hair and make tunes! I honestly have no idea what I would be doing now if I didn't get into music. I kinda dread the thought to be honest
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
I'm a bit of a weirdo who walks around the house with a guitar, so not entirely sure what I do when im not playing music. Mostly sleep and dream about being spiderman or something. Maybe that can work its way into a song!
How long has your band been around?
The band has been through a few formations but really its been about 2 years since things got fairly serious amongst the group.
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
I'm a Suffolk boy but moving to London for a while really changed things for me. I found the scene I didn't know I was looking for out there which is now the sorta music I write and Ive honestly never felt happier in my own sound.
How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?
My old PR guy suggested I call it SLATER over the apparently awful name I already had… its always been somewhat of a solo project and it's my last name. But in all honesty, it has no relevance to me. It's just a little name which represents the shows we play and the music we make.
Tell me about your most memorable shows.
I think my most memorable show was either the Camden Assembly back in July 2021 or Retro Bar in Manchester. The Camden show was the first back since the pandemic and just radiated this energy that I’ve never felt before and probably never will. Having not played in almost 2 years then suddenly being back was crazy and you could tell people were hungry for it. The Manchester show was the first time I'd seen people that far from home come out to watch us and sing back my songs. Was a dream!
What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
My fave place I’ve played has probs been Roadtrip and Workshop in London. Tiny venue, room full of people all sweaty and loud which is honestly my ideal gig. Id say Omera is a place I wanna take this band. That or Sheppads Bush Empire as so many of my fave bands have played there and its iconic!
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
Thats a hard one… I think id like to get up on stage with Sam Fender just because we’d end up having some proper banter and forget theres an audience. Plus we share a lot of influences so I’d love to dig deep and chat music with him.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?
Work out what you really wanna do. If you want to be in this band for the long haul, figure out how to write some songs and literally go for it. It took me a while to find my sound and that's the only part of this i regret along with floating around not 100% where I wanted to go. Id have started the band right where I am today if I knew what I know now.
If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?
Doesn't matter what other people think, make sure they know your name whether they love you or hate you.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
Winston means the most to me as it simply says everything I wanted it to. Its got such energy to it as well which proper reflects on me as a person as I'm pretty intense at times.
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?
Ive started opening the set with Boyfriend as its our most popular tune, people really got behind that song and its just proper fun to play!
What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?
Im talking about this as I actively wonder how to go about writing the next songs… Honestly I have no idea. Its like riding one of those mechanical bulls. Kinda gotta go into hoping for the best and see what happens! Most of the songs Id written before started one way and came out in a totally different place. I guess the key is to be able to let go of things and let the creativity sort of guide you where it wants to go.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
We are all the same, have been through the same things and it sorta doesnt really matter what other people make of you. Just gotta go on being you…
Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?
We are all human… Best thing to do is gently remind them that I am right… lol I think the key is to communicate properly. We all want the same things, being able to listen and compromise for the sake of the music really helps.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
Got some really decent gigs coming up which I am buzzing for, plenty more tunes too. I guess the real plan is to keep touring, tryna write bangers and hopefully get big enough to hire a roady to carry my guitar for me. Tramlines is a real highlight for me, literally speechless getting the chance to play that festival!
Social Media Links
https://www.facebook.com/SLATERTHEBAND