News

A Quick Chat With Imperial Leisure

• 30th Mar 2015

We caught up with London alt ska band Imperial Leisure ahead of the release of their new album ‘Lifestyle Brand’ on 6th April with FXD Records and their album launch show at The Lexington in London on the same day to find out more.

When I first started playing music…
I had no clue, the songs I wrote stank. Thankfully, I met some talented men who stopped me from writing shit songs ever again. Many years passed, we had fun and we laughed. Try to get famous…? We couldn’t be arsed. We just played our songs whether they liked it or not, in the venue, the pub or the parking lot.

If I had to choose a new name for the band it would be “Imperial Leather”, the number 1 tribute band to Imperial Leisure because…
Firstly, every radio presenter who ever played us thought it would be funny to confuse us with the soap, so if you can’t beat them join them – and because tribute bands sound better than the originals, in most cases, I expect this due to age and drug addiction. Not sure what our excuse would be, but something to look forward to in our old age, should our careers ever reach a level to justify it.

I knew I was on to something when…
I had sex with a girl while she was wearing an ‘Imperial Leisure are average’ T-shirt. Despite the slogan I wasn’t put off, in fact it made me try that bit harder, angry inch and all that, still pretty average though but God loves a trier eh?

My biggest non-musical influences is…
More of an alcoholic influence, Stones ginger wine. Many say it’s a grannies drink, well stuff you granny, hands off my Stones! When I take a swig of the bottle, it’s a little like when Popeye chumps down on some spinach and smashes Pluto in the chops, then gets to cop a feel of Olive. I’ve never beaten up a big, hairy, over weight sailor or made out with a weird lanky American cartoon women, but after Stones, the intensity is certainly matched.

I’m most proud of…
Playing a gig in front of my mum and dad. Despite their differences they managed to get along and have a good time thanks to us lot! I think they actually really like our music which makes me very happy.

My ideal support slot would be…
Second fiddle to the Titty Twister and The Generous Ham Sandwich, it’s where we belong, it’s where we’ve always belonged.

Something I haven’t achieved yet which I’d like to is…
Build a spaceship, fill it with all my friends and blast off to distant exotic lands, partying in the stars all the way. We won’t know where we are going or how to get there, but we’ll have a damn good time trying. “All aboard the party ship to Altskatica”

My favourite places to hang out are…
The park with Skrink-Le-Dog my fury 4 legged companion. She’s a Staffy – very cute and lovely. This might sound a bit sad, but she’s my bestest pal in the whole world. Sometime she comes on tour with us to, i think she likes the music.

I can’t stop listening to…
Lazy Habits. We’ve known them since way back, but even after all this time I still go back to their tunes, awesome brassy live hiphop. James has got great voice, great lyrics, can’t fault them, we’ve always got them on in the tour van. I always end up going back to Turbowolf too. I just love the sound, great rock and roll vibes, sounds retro but still very current. Those lads are some gifted fellows in the studio for sure.

I’m not ashamed to admit that…
I am over 30! Feels weird sometimes to still be playing and partying on the circuit after all these years, but its so god dam addictive. I just can’t put down the mic. My mum wants me to settle down and get married. I might just do that some day. I hope I do but it’s too much fun right now to think about that. Roll on the good times where ever they may lead us.

If I could wave a magic wand and make anything in the world happen it would be…
That clothes would be banished. Everyone would have to be naked. Have you ever tried to get mad at someone that hasn’t got any clothes on? It’s really hard. You just can’t take them seriously, right? So no clothes, no agro! Might be a bit cold though… hmm maybe i need to think that one through.

Someone you might not have heard of that you should check out is…
Cut Capers and Mad Apple Circus. Both awesome up and coming bands from Bristol, both bands are out at festivals this year. If you like to feel good after a gig then these guys are a great shout. Really nice bunch of people and their good vibes shine through their music. Cool brass lines lot’s of jumping around and singing.