Essex five-piece alt-rock band Nothing But Thieves have been on fire since their formation back in 2012. Consisting of singer Conor, guitarists Joe and Dominic Craik, drummer James and bass player Philip, the band is a rarity in this day and age – a project with the talent, integrity and vision to create heartbreakingly beautiful music entirely on their own terms. Recent endeavors have included the boys performing at several festivals this summer as well as supporting Muse on tour and performing at the Versus Versace Fall Winter Collection, for unexpected super-fan, Donatella Versace! After their self-titled debut album was recorded at Angelic Studios, Little Drummer Boy and Hits & Arts Studios, mixed by Cenzo Townshend (U2, Florence + The Machine, Thirty Seconds to Mars) and Adam Noble (Placebo), their first single, ‘Trip Switch,’ accumulated more than 1.4 million views on Vevo so far. With the ever growing list of accomplishments this year, we spoke to lead singer Conor nearing the end of their UK tour before the Christmas break.
KALTBLUT: How would you describe your band in three words?
Conor: We are trying.
KALTBLUT: You’ve received lots of coverage through BBC Radio, how did you guys come into contact with them?
Conor: They found us! We put our song ‘Emergency’ online and one of the producers contacted us about playing it within a couple hours. Pretty decent.
KALTBLUT: What have been some of the more memorable moments during festival season this year?
Conor: Rock in Roma with Muse was unreal, 40,000 people losing their shit is quite a site. Lowlands in Netherlands was unexpected, we headlined a 1500 cap tent so didn’t expect anyone to be there. Turned out it overflowed the tent!
KALTBLUT: Did anything come close to the Versace performance? Did you get to meet Donatella?
Conor: Got some free clothes which was nice, a free party that night haha. Yeah, she knows all the words to our songs. Quite odd but awesome!
KALTBLUT: How long have you been touring for?
Conor: About 2 years now. It’s pretty much been 2 years non stop. I’ve forgotten my cats names.
KALTBLUT: Is there a point where you get fed up of each other when you’re on the road constantly?
Conor: Not at all, we’re all best mates and smart enough to know where the line is with each other. We give each other space when we need it and we’re here for each other if a problem arises. Moral is high so far.
KALTBLUT: Who has the worst habits out of all of you?
Conor: I don’t think any of us are particularly bad. None of us are unclean or smelly, all pretty courteous. Dom has a habit of missing every gear load in and out! Little shit haha.
KALTBLUT: How do you all know each other?
Conor: Joe and I met at school, the others are just from the local area and have played in bands for years.
KALTBLUT: Would you ever relocate for your music?
Conor: We relocated to London, everything’s there, rehearsals, managers, labels and venues. Had to be done! And it’s fun there.
KALTBLUT: Do you see yourself doing music still in 30 years time?
Conor: I think so, no idea on what format but we all love it more than anything.
KALTBLUT: What is next in line?
Conor: Next in line is more touring. All through the the new year, America, Australia, Japan and back to the UK and rest of Europe again.
KALTBLUT: Your last date for this year is in my hometown Liverpool, what does it feel like when you go back to play at yours?
Conor: Actually quite emotional. Did very nearly tear up whilst playing village green in Southend. Seeing that many people come to check you out and just back you as one of their own.
KALTBLUT: Will you be performing there for Christmas/New Year?
Conor: Hopefully Jan, figuring it out at the moment.
KALTBLUT: You had to cancel Berlin’s date this year due to your voice, will you be back to make up for not getting the chance to perform?
Conor: Again, working on it. Bloody hate cancelling more than anything.
The self-titled debut album Nothing But Thieves will be released 5th February on RCA Records. More information on their 2016 UK tour can be found by clicking the image below
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