I had the pleasure of chatting with Tom Ogden of Stockport-based band Blossoms this week. Blossoms are beginning to earn themselves an impressive following, after supporting The Courteneers on their recent UK tour as well as their massive Heaton Park gig last Friday and gigs with the likes of the Charlatans, the five-piece are looking set for a bright future. Here's what Tom had to say...
1. Who are Blossoms?
Tom, Charlie, Joe, Josh and Myles, all born in Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport. Formed an SK supergroup after being in previous bands over the years, and named themselves after the Robinsons Pub 'The Blossoms'.
2. Who are your biggest musical influences?
The Doors via Abba, right through to Arctic Monkeys.
3. You supported The Courteeners at their Heaton Park gig on the 5th June. How much of a privilege was that for you and how did it go?
It was an honour, exposure for us at such a massive show is great. This is a band I used to walk to school listening to when I was 15, now we've supported them at their biggest ever show, madness.
4. How would you describe Blossoms' sound?
As familiar as the Coronation Street theme tune, with just enough mystery, melody and hooks to keep you the latter.
5. You're hitting the road in October, embarking on a new tour. Are you looking forward it and where's your favourite place to play?
We can't wait, it feels we have a holiday booked months in advance, whilst still being on holiday. We're looking forward to King Tuts in Glasgow, the first date of the tour. It was the highlight of the previous tour, so to start there is going to be great. And of course, The Ritz in Manchester.
6. Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Still enjoying this as much as we have been doing since we jammed in the office cos the rehearsal room was too cold.
7. We saw you perform a fantastic set at Live at Leeds in May, how was that for you?
That kick started our buzz for all the summer shows, we'd just come back from a massive UK tour, Texas and Tokyo, this felt like the start of the summer for us.
8. You've got a few festival slots booked for the upcoming season, most noticeably Reading and Leeds. Are you looking forward to getting out on the fields?
Heaton Park with Courteeners had a festival vibe so we can't wait for the rest now. It's nice to play to a foreign crowd too, the fear of the unknown.
9. What's next for Blossoms?
The Blown Rose EP, we're very excited about this release.
10. Where can we find out/hear more from you?
Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, sometimes Corrie.