Saturday 22 April 2017

An Interview with The Blue Collars

After having “more comebacks than The Sugarbabes” the indie rock 5-piece from Stoke-On-Trent are back again! I walked into the Dingy Bad Apple Studios in Stoke-on-Trent on Chell Street, which consists of toilet doors that don’t’ lock, old fashioned sofas that are edging on 60 years old, with peculiar sheets draped on the ceilings - perhaps hiding the fact that it has no roof? Who knows? Anyhow after they rehearsed a few of their new tracks we got down to business.

First of all Adam and Simon are brothers, they met Rob at school and then shortly Jake joined the band – Jamie was a later addition. After being rather successful with their single ‘Happy Pills’ that has reached over 250,000 views and once beat The Smiths on iTunes, I’m glad they’re giving it another shot. At one point in 2015 they were also up against big acts such as The 1975, at an award event of the ‘Next Best Upcoming Band’ due to ‘Happy Pills’ being such a success. But even though they didn’t win that, they managed to win best band at the 'Staffordshire and South Cheshire Music Awards' back in 2013.

Amongst other crazy things that have happened to the band like being a part of a gig for Cass Pennant, receiving free ‘Peaceful Hooligan’ clothes, going to clubs with swimming pools, and being on Belgium radio; they have also had some global fans attempting to cover their songs and if that doesn’t prove that a name is going around about them, I don’t know what would. The Blue Collars have also had the opportunity to perform at bigger venues such as Britannia Stadium, and have performed almost sell-out gigs in Swansea and Manchester due to their earlier success.

Anyhow moving on to the more exciting stuff... the new EP. The band seem as though they have progressed in comparison to their old EP, and have matured a lot more. The new EP was described as "more rockier, faster and mature with more of a punk edge / punk bass-lines.” The new EP consists of three tracks; ‘Sex Drive’, ‘Miss Muck’, and ‘E.T.A’. In comparison to their old stuff like ‘Happy Pills’, and ‘Warning Sign’, which usually have a melodic lead, their sound has been altered a bit in comparison to their older songs like mentioned previously. The release should be expected within the next few weeks, but regardless it will be getting released before their comeback gig at The Sugarmill on the 2nd of June 2017, which is 30 tickets close to being sold out - so get your tickets now if you haven’t already.

Unfortunately I can assure you that we can’t be expecting an album anytime soon, but after having a preview of their new tunes when they were rehearsing, you’re in for a treat. Lead singer Rob Morris said “sometimes in an hour you’ve got a fucking song” and that is exactly what happened with ‘Miss Muck’ off their new EP. The Blue Collars all agreed that it is vital to have good chemistry within the band and it is undeniable that it has worked for them, since they’ve stuck together over the past 10 years; regardless of the breaks they may have had – a lot happens in people’s lives within a decade, going to University being one of them for guitarist Simon Taylor.

Their favourite songs that they have written, amongst the band consist of: ‘Warning Sign’, ‘Agree To Disagree’, ‘Change is going to Come’, ‘This Old Town’, ‘Happy Pills’, and ‘Cheater’. With Moz’s (Rob’s) creative mind, the bands careful ear and their sheer love for music and each-other, this five-piece have always been one to watch out for. Follow their social media accounts for updates on their EP release and gigs.

Facebook – The Blue Collars
Instagram - @thebluecollars
Twitter - @thebluecollars




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