I had the pleasure of chatting with Luke of The Struts this week. The quartet from Derby released their debut album, 'Everybody Wants', last year and have recently announced their slot at this summers Reading and Leeds festivals. Here's what he had to say...
1. Who are The Struts?
The Struts are a four piece rock and roll band that started in Derby (UK). Ultimately a band that prides themselves on putting on great performances and writing unforgivable anthems. Taking influences from bands like Queen, The Rolling Stones and Muse.
2. You released your debut album, 'Everybody Wants', last year. How has the response been between then and now?
It has been great. I've noticed the live shows have become so much more exciting now that all the kids know every song we play, not just the singles. They almost sing as much as me now!
3. We saw you play at Hull's 'Freedom Festival' back in 2013, where your performance and stage presence were both brilliantly entertaining. Do you find it important to engage with the crowd when you play a gig?
Yes of course! I don't know how to really perform any other way. It's been 10 years since I started to sing in bands and I've always approached a show that way. It's the only way to really do rock music.
4. For those who are yet to listen to yourselves, how would you describe your sound?
Its rock. But melodic. We take influences from an era where melody was still a huge part of hard rock. Where bands were not as self conscious in themselves or with their music as a lot of bands are now. It's bold and different. I love that no one really sounds like us at the moment. I would hate to be part of something that everyone else is doing. I always have.
5. What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Hmm quite a few. Supporting the Rolling Stones was massive. Doing an album with Mike Oldfield was very interesting. But watching the album grow and grow has been the most exciting. The highlight has yet to come. I'm not easy to please. In fact I wonder if I ever will be satisfied with where the band is. But that's a good thing to never be "big enough".
6. You've recently been announced to play Reading and Leeds this year. How excited are you for this?
Yeah I am excited. We went to Leeds two years ago for the weekend and it got messy. We are playing on the BBC Radio 1 stage which I find very funny and ironic as they wouldn't play our music. But I ain't gonna turn them down. I'll just dedicate 'Could Have Been Me' to them when we play.
7. Where do you enjoying gigging the most? Where has the best crowd that you've experienced?
France has always been fantastic to us. I love them so much. England has also been wonderful and both of the last tours were fantastic. I don't have a preference to where we play, it's who comes to see us which is important to me.
8. Where do you see yourselves in five years time?
I'd love to get my clothing line off the ground. It's important to have your own life/interests in this business other wise people will run you to the ground. So I'd love to be working with great designers and running a full scale store. I've been working on a musical for two years. I hope I would at least finished it by then haha! But I want it made into a film. That's the goal. It's such a great outlet and creating it is a refreshing process at times compared to The Struts. I'm very excited about it. At least another two albums by then from The Struts. With as many great songs that can be churned out. A bit of cash would be nice too.
9. What's next for The Struts?
America America America then world domination.
10. Where can find out/hear more from you?
All the usual places (Facebook, Twitter etc.) or.. Come to a show! X