Glaswegian upstarts The Begbies have recorded their very own soundtrack to the summer this year, with brand new single 'It's Just The Way', out now via Choose Rude Records.
The Begbies
We got the chance to put some questions to frontman Gary Ovens all about the band's style, plans for the future and more! Read on to find out what he had to say...
For those who may be new to your music, how best would you describe your sound?
We have a unique blend of indie and ska. The perfect way to describe it would be to say we were 'Skindie'. All the best bits of ska combined with modern indie guitars and vocal hooks.
What challenges have you faced in the music industry so far?
It is very difficult to get your music heard in the correct places, by the correct people. Networking is a huge part of the game and sometimes it is difficult to know who to reach out to within the industry.
How difficult would you say this career path is in terms of making a name for yourself?
It is almost impossible to make a name for yourself within this industry, which is why we focus purely on making the music. As long as we enjoy it and get fulfilment from it, then job's a good'un. If you keep producing good music then people will start to take notice.
How important is it for you to have creative control over the work you produce?
You need to stick to your guns. People will always try to give you advice about the best direction to go. It's your idea and your creativity, so ultimately, you know what best represents the point you're trying to put across. We are very lucky to work with producers (Rocket Science Studios) who 'get us' and share our ideas about what works best for us, that is very hard to find.
Where do you draw influence and inspiration from for your work?
I love music that is politically charged. Music that challenges social injustices and doesn't accept the established order. I grew up listening to my dad's punk records. The raw emotion that comes through from those records is what drove me to start a band. I feel that is something missing from music nowadays. No one makes music that people can identify with. People used to wear their favourite bands as a badge of honour, they'd challenge anyone who didn't believe in their message. That's gone from music now.
If you could collaborate with anybody going forward, who would you choose and why?
I love John Lydon. I'd love to work with him purely 'cause he will take on anyone. He comes across as just a loud mouth gob sh**e, but he is a very intelligent man capable of going toe to toe with anyone, about anything.
Tell us a random, funny fact about you that not many people know.
I used to want to be a London boy. I got my dad to make me a little leather waist coat and he put chains on it so I could perform dance routines for my family.
What should we expect from you in the coming weeks and months?
We are just about to go out on a run of festival dates. We are playing at Belladrum with Madness, Two Door Cinema Club and The Darkness. We have a huge headline show in Glasgow at Broadcast in September and have plans for another single before the end of the year.
Keep up-to-date with The Begbies on their official website www.thebegbies.co.uk, on Twitter @TheBegbies or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheBegbies