The Claremonts-Interview
From strong friendships to headlining Night people, The Claremonts are an excellent young band on the rise, not only are they musically talented but also know how to choose music legends. On the night of their biggest headline show to date, I interviewed them about their experience so far, what’s to come, and the inspiration behind their newest release, ‘Surprise, Surprise’.
This is your biggest headline show to date, what was your first like?
Nathan: It was sick, it felt like a huge milestone, it was like 11 months after first practice and it was a pretty packed show that night.
Imogen: there was a great, relatively small crowd, and it was a really fun gig to play, this gig will most likely have a different atmosphere to our first ever headline show.
What is a must have for gigs for you?
Nathan: Earphones so Taghd can get pumped up to lose yourself by Eminem.
Tadhg: Array of picks because they always break.
Special trainers because I can walk around better in them.
Finn: Vocalzones because they make your voice sound good.
'Surprise, Surprise' is your most recent release what was the story behind it?
Lyrically, it was first about a guy from the place I worked who came in after getting drunk the night before and the basically the condemnation people get when they get a little too drunk, this was changed a bit in planning, the second verse was written when I did something stupid and the verse was the result. It's really about the idiot inside of all of us.
You're in the zombie apocalypse and the last band you saw live are your survival crew who are they?
Imogen: The last band I saw live was a uni band called Porij and they're lovely but are pretty much out of it most of the time, so it would be fun, but we wouldn't last long.
Finn/Nathan: IST IST because they could blind the zombies with their lights.
Tadhg: malishi I think was the last band I saw live.
What album means the most to you?
Dolittle by pixies because the guitar filler in 31st second of Mr grieves.
Nathan: Second coming by the stone roses or queen is dead the Smiths.
Imogen: musically, Corsicana lemonade by white denim and emotionally American football's self-titled album.
Who is your Manchester music hero and why?
Nathan: Finn from The Claremonts
Finn: Nathan from The Claremonts because he got me into the music scene.
What is one Manchester Venue you would love to sell out?
We would love to sell out Gorilla because it's always got good gigs and its overall a great venue.
If you could swap lives with a musician for one day who would you swap lives with?
Snoop Dogg because he probably lives a good life, I feel it would be extra-terrestrial to be him for a day.
What's next for the band? Any new releases?
Imogen: Playing in Liverpool next month however, tonight's Night People show is the launch of our new single. After our next show we'll probably be writing new songs and building up to some new music, I've been recording drums for a new song.
Finn: Imogen has been recording drums at Vibe Recording studios.
You can listen to 'Surprise, Surprise' by clicking the image below:
Photo Credit: Jessica Draper Mann
