Cut Capers have performed at Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party, Boomtown Fair, and toured Belgium, France, Holland and Ireland. Jimmy Cliff described them as "inspiring", and they've also shared stages with ska legends Neville Staple and Jerry Dammers. With their debut album planned for March, the band is bringing their vibrant sound to a wider audience both at home and further afield.
Debut album 'Say What' is released March 4
We got the opportunity to chat to the group about their music, future plans and more in a new and exclusive interview - read on to find out what they had to say...
For those who may be new to your music, how best would you describe your sound?
Festival music! A fresh and energetic take on combining swing, ska, hip-hop and everything in between!
What challenges have you faced in the music industry so far?
Mmm, not getting beer on the rider... Yup that's got to be the worst! (laughs)
How difficult would you say this career path is in terms of making a name for yourself?
There's a few parts to that questions really. Within our sphere of festival-going music fans it feels like everyone is so interested in new music that we've all heard of each other! Right now we're just really enjoying ourselves and any recognition is almost a bi-product of that. We are certainly very appreciative of all the support we get on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook etc., and from the crowds around the UK and Europe!
How important is it for you to have creative control over the work you produce?
Right now it feels pretty important. On the one hand we are always open to good new ideas and suggestions. On the other hand, as a band our music is everything so we'll always aim to retain that spirit we have which is at the centre of all this.
Where do you draw influence and inspiration from for your work?
Mostly from live bands that we watch. We go to a lot of shows and festivals and always keep an eye out for what works and why it works. We all have favourite bands like Cat Empire and Caravan Palace, but there's always that universal musicality to a good band which you can channel into and get something out of.
If you could collaborate with anybody going forward, who would you choose and why?
It might be different for each of us, but... Cat Empire feels like the ultimate!
Tell us a random, funny fact about you that not many people know.
Nick crashed the van once, nearly blowing up a petrol station in the process. Tom is younger than 'Hero' by Mariah Carey, Jane is 67% glitter, Matt has the softest voice in the world. Mark is allergic to peppers. Eloy is from Galizia - the most badass independent community in Spain. Angel is not angelic at all and Dan, our bassist, has four hands.
Do you have definitive aims or goals for your career?
To continue playing to bigger crowds on bigger stages, hanging out and drinking beer together!
What should we expect from you in the coming weeks and months?
Our debut album 'Say What' is released on March 4 on Two Wheel Records. The Bristol Launch is February 27 at The Fiddlers. Then we will be touring and promoting it with lots of other shows and festivals later this year!