The Savage Nomads speak to Stereoboard about their Debut Album (Interview)
Monday, 28 November 2011
Written by Rob Sleigh
Earlier this month, South London’s The Savage Nomads released ‘What the Angel Said’, the latest single to be taken from their debut album ‘Coloured Clutter’. The album has already earned the band a great deal of attention and even gained them a number of well-known admirers, such as The Clash’s Mick Jones. Ahead of The Savage Nomads’ upcoming live dates in London, singer and guitarist Cole Salewicz spoke to Stereoboard to tell us more about the band’s music and why they sound like “Yasser Arafat wrestling six alligators.” Intrigued? Read on…
Your debut album ‘Coloured Clutter’ was released earlier this year. What has the response to the album been like so far and how have the band been feeling about people’s reactions?
We are feeling very happy about the reaction the record has had. We were confident that it would receive a good response, but we didn’t exactly expect Artrocker to proclaim it the best debut album this year. That’s dope. We can’t wait to put more music out.
You’ve received a fair bit of support from a number of British music legends, including The Clash’s Mick Jones in particular. What was it like to have the backing of such an influential figure?
It’s awesome, man, what do you think? Mick is just a fantastic bloke, end of. The guy understands the natural flow of things and uses his special powers for good, not evil. We were chuffed to support him on the Big Audio Dynamite tour earlier this year and now we are super-psyched for the show at Scala with him in two weeks [Thursday 8th December].
How important has this experience been for The Savage Nomads?
Crucial, baby. Completely crucial. Mick gave us our first ever shows at Carbon Casino back in February ’08, and playing to proper crowds like that so early on in our careers filled us with confidence. The kind of confidence you need to climb this mountain.
When did the band start out and how did you all meet?
Billy [Boone, drums] and I have been jamming together since we were about 15. We met Josh [Miles, bass] through mutual friends of another band that I was playing bass in briefly. Joe [Gillick, guitar] joined us about a year later, probably. You know, usual band meeting stuff. There were no tigers involved.
What was it that made you all want to form a band originally?
We just wanted another place to talk football without the oppressive eyes of our schoolteachers. That and the urge to make lots of noise in a small room, which is about as primal as a girl’s first period. It’s messy and uncomfortable, but we all get through it.
How have the band’s shared ambitions changed since then?
Not really. Let’s make fucking big songs and play them to as many people as possible. That hasn’t changed at all.
You’ve previously mentioned that your influences are quite diverse. Do you all share similar musical tastes or do you each bring different influences to the group?
We all like Prince first and foremost and that is the crux of the band. Prince and Grover Washington Jr. Without them, we’d be nothing.
Are there any specific influences that The Savage Nomads have drawn from in their songs?
You know Houdini never revealed his secrets, right?
How would you describe the music of The Savage Nomads?
Like watching an oiled-up Yasser Arafat wrestle six alligators whilst old Karasawa movies play in the background.
How did you find the experience of recording your first album?
Awesome. It’s fantastic fun, that recording lark. We were lucky enough to have some brilliant musicians come in and play on it too. Dave Coulter did a magnificent job on the violin and saw, as did Terry Edwards on the sax and trumpet.
Where did you record the album and who else did the band work with during that process?
We recorded it at our label’s HQ, Alaska Studios in Waterloo. We worked with Bob Earland (Clor, Roots Manuva, Wiley) and Mike Crossey (Arctic Monkeys, Foals). We got really close with Bob, to the extent that I live with him now.
Being a relatively new band that have just released their first album, how have you found the experience of entering the music industry at this early stage of your career?
It’s alright, man. You know, just like entering any business in 2011, really. It’s tough, but what did you expect if you’re not playing easily-digested, watered-down bullshit?
What have you learned so far and how will this affect the next phase of The Savage Nomads?
We’ve learnt lots and all it’s done is make The Savage Nomads a well-oiled, mean, lean, unbeatable machine. The next record will be even better and our live show will continue to shock and amaze ya like Ali knocking down Joe Frazier.
What have you enjoyed most from your experiences so far?
Well, the Shepherds Bush Empire shows with Big Audio Dynamite were pretty fucking weapon. But just generally hanging out with my three best mates and writing songs with them is the most enjoyable factor.
Is there anyone in particular that you’d like to work or perform with in the near future?
Yes, we’d like to work with Prince, Black Milk, Mick Jones, Bruce Springsteen, Sly & The Family Stone, Joanna Newsom, Jeff Mangum, Big Boi, Bonobo, Four Tet, Andreya Triana, Matthew Herbert.
How have the band’s recent live shows been going since the album’s release and what have the crowds been like?
The crowds have been fantastic. It’s amazing to see people going wild to your music. It’s pretty rare for English people to actually let loose unless they’re incredibly pissed, so it’s nice to see people enjoying themselves at our shows.
For anyone hoping to catch you live in the near future, what can they expect from a Savage Nomads live show?
Really tight trousers.
Do you have many more dates planned for the next few months?
Thursday 1st December, we’re headlining the Lockstock Festival in Camden. The following week, our monthly residency at The Notting Hill Arts Club commences on the 7th . The night after that, we’re supporting Mick Jones at The Scala as he plays Clash songs for the first time since 1982 in aid of the Justice for Hillsborough Campaign. We’re really excited about it. The likes of Bobby Gillespie and James Dean Bradfield are also playing and I think it’s going to be a fantastic evening. What can people expect next from The Savage Nomads?
Even tighter trousers and doper songs. And more fantastic content on thesavagenomads.com, Facebook and Twitter. We’re having a serious love-in online. Come join in.
The album ‘Coloured Clutter’ is out now – Watch the video for new single ‘What the Angel Said’ below.
The Savage Nomads UK Live Dates are as follows:
Thursday 1st December 2011 – Lockstock Festival, London
Wednesday 7th December 2011 – Notting Hill Arts Club, London
Thursday 8th December 2011 – Scala, London (Hillsborough Justice Campaign with Mick Jones)
For more information on The Savage Nomads, visit the band at their website or their Facebook and Twitter pages.
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Where did you record the album and who else did the band work with during that process?
