How best would you describe you and your music for those who are new to Blitz Kids?
Blitz Kids
We're four friends from just outside Manchester playing music that we love and we are lucky enough to travel the world doing that. We're just four normal lads trying to have as much fun as possible basically.
When did you realise that music was a passion of yours and a career route you'd like to go down?
I think I've always known. The fact that I'm fortunate enough to be in a position to make it a career still blows my mind when I stop and reflect. Sometimes I'll be writing a song or warming up for a show and think 'Oh s**t, this is actually my job!' It's a bit of a laugh that's got out of hand really.
Where do you draw influence or inspiration from for your work?
Mostly through film and travelling. I listen to music constantly, but the music I create isn't necessarily a direct result of that. Whereas my day to day experiences, and putting myself in the position of other people definitely sparks inspiration in me.
What difficulties and challenges have you faced in your career so far?
Too many to name. Honestly. I'm incredibly fortunate to do this for a living, but the sacrifices I've made to get here have been a bit of a struggle at times. I've put relationships, friends and sometimes even family through some very strenuous times while they persevere with my choices. My family especially have been incredibly supportive and I appreciate that more than anything.
Do you think it's more complicated for groups to succeed in the industry?
I don't think it's a case of groups vs solo artists. Obviously you have to maintain relationships within a group and that can be hard, but having this brotherhood around me has definitely helped during the tough times. If it was just me on my own, it would have been much harder!
You recently released the music video for your new single 'Keep Swinging' - what was that whole experience like?
Flying to LA to film a music video is something that is still so bizarre for me to think about. But we did it, and it was so much fun. It was the 4th time I've ever been to Los Angeles, so I've got some favourite bars and restaurants that I can go back to now and I kind of feel at home. We're always looked after really well by our team over there. So it was a completely painless experience. We just showed up, played the song a few times and then went out in Hollywood. Actually, I was pretty savagely hungover on the shoot, but that was my own fault as is always the case.
Brock O'Hurn features in the video, how did that collaboration come about?
I honestly have no idea. The director did all of the casting. We just turned up and there was this Norse god standing there bare chested, making me feel like an actual pie. He was a great guy. Really humble. And those abs. Jesus Christ.
Who would you love to work with in the future if you could choose anybody, and why?
Beyoncé. Because it's Beyoncé. She's the Queen.
You've seen some great success in the UK to-date, what have been some of your highlights?
I think having the opportunity to tour and meet so many people is the real highlight. Sure, we've played sold out arenas with some of our favourite bands, but it's the friendships I've made along the way that are the biggest highlight. I'm so fortunate to have some incredible people during my time on the road who I am grateful to call my friends.
Do you have definitive aims or goals for your career going forward?
I think my main goal is to carry on making music and having fun with my mates. I've got no outlandish ambitions to headline festivals. I just want to make the most of the opportunities that I'm granted day to day. Whatever happens, happens. But I'll keep working hard to make my tiny little contribution to this crazy world we live in to be a positive one.
What should we expect from Blitz Kids in the coming weeks and months?
I'm on a plane to New York right now to do some press, then we fly back to the UK and immediately hit the road with our friends in Young Guns. After that, there's talk of touring in places and continents that I've never visited before. I'll probably write another album at some point too!
Blitz Kids are to support Young Guns on their forthcoming UK tour, kicking off in Oxford tomorrow - Friday March 27.