Hello Beachcomber! First of all, for any Exposed readers out there who are as of yet unacquainted, could you tell us what you’re all about?
Hello! We’re a band born out of Sheffield’s very own Kelham Island, combining a mixture of styles to create driving rhythms with dreamy intertwining guitar lines. We’re just doing our thing and hoping people like it!
More importantly, why should they catch a Beachcomber live show at the next possible opportunity?
The combination of our influences makes for a captivating show, we’ve had such a vast array of comparisons, such as The Smiths, DIIV and Sam Fender to name a few. Our shows oscillate through stages of high energy into floaty dreaminess with plenty of audience participation and interaction throughout. Plus, we’re always writing and recording new music, so a live show is often the first chance to catch an earworm early. Most recently, we’ve been invited to play gigs around the country – London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool etc., but we’re looking forward to booking in a hometown gig again soon!
Congrats on being nominated as ‘Best Unsigned Band’ in the recent Exposed Awards. That must’ve been a nice feeling?
Absolutely! Thanks to everyone that voted for us. It was an honour to be involved in such an amazing local award and to be named alongside some very talented local bands. It’s nice to be recognised for the hard work we’ve put in, particularly getting back into the swing of things post covid. The night itself was good fun too.
You’re based in Kelham Island, which is of course teeming with musical heritage from the bands who’ve practised and recorded there over the years. Does that influence/inspire you at all?
Well, until recently we were practising in a certain Arctic Monkeys’ first practice space. The one from the cover of the ‘When The Sun Goes Down’ EP. Maybe we’ve been passed some inspiration by some of the old posters they left up. There’s some Richard Hawley guitar tones which make their way in every now and again too.
Even today, Kelham is a fantastic spot for creatives of all creeds. Being based there, it definitely feels like we’re a part of a vibrant community, and it’s great to feel inspired by all the artwork on display while walking through its post-industrial backdrop. Not to mention receiving nourishment from its many great bars, restaurants and cafés. The area’s scenery featured heavily in the music video we released last year to support our track ‘Deep Blue’ from our first EP ‘A Sea Above’.
What are your thoughts on the current music scene in Sheffield?
There’s some amazing music being created and gigs happening if you go out and find it, as well as some wonderful production work happening; David Glover at Tesla Studios, for example. Grassroot venues such as Yellow Arch Studios, The Leadmill (Let’s make sure we don’t lose it! We were last there supporting Toploader), Sidney and Matilda etc. are so important to the music scene as a whole. The range of quality music festivals on offer in Sheffield is also something worth shouting about. Sheffield is a great city for music.
Your new single ‘Flowers’ is out now. What can you tell us about the track?
‘Flowers’ was released in early June (go listen on Spotify, Apple, Amazon etc…). Recorded at Tesla Studios by the incredible David Glover. The track uses vibrant, dizzying colour, haunting synth sounds and expressive, brooding vocal delivery to paint a futile attempt to persuade somebody who already has contradicting preconceived ideas. It focuses on the emotional position it creates because of the resistance to having your voice heard.
We’ve also got a music video coming out for it, which we worked with James Ayliff from Jayliff Design to shoot across various locations in Sheffield including Parkwood Springs, Grenoside Woods and Kelham Island Museum (of course).
Finally, tell us an interesting fact about the band or one of its members….
I guess an interesting music related fact is that our drummer Liam’s uncle was the original bassist in Dr. Feelgood (John B. Sparkes). “My uncle’s music career had a big influence on me getting into music. As a child, I would always hear stories of the band from my dad who was a roadie for Dr.Feelgood at their peak. I was once given a brass plaque from their original practice room door and still have it to this day. It’s currently hung up above my drum kit at home as a momento” – Liam Sparkes, Drummer. Still patiently waiting for our invitation to go on tour with them…
