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| (c) Louis Smith |
1. Who are Harry & The Gondolas and where did the name come from? Any Venetian/rowing links in the band?
Unfortunately not, however we did have a go on a gondola in Oxford one time. The name came from a drunken conversation after much thought. We see it as ‘art for art’s sake.’
2. How long have you been making music together, and are there any particular musical influences on the band?
We have been a band for nearly 2 and a half years. We all have different inspirations, but our favourites at the moment would be; Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats, The Lumineers, The Dunwells, and Bears Den.
3. This is where I’d usually ask about a recent or upcoming release - anything to tell us about, something in the pipeline?!
We are working on a new single called ‘Free Your Enemies,’ with a music video - not sure when it will be released, but hopefully before Summer.
4. You’re playing your first UK tour this month, including a couple of shows for us in Oxford and Brighton. How are you preparing for the tour?
We’ve been practicing with a new set up, and got some new songs in the set. Other than that, we aren’t really the most prepared…
5. What can we expect from the shows?
There will be parts for everyone to sing and join in with us… we are very fond of getting the audience involved as much as possible. We also have a good selection of songs, ones to make you jump and smile, and ones to make you a bit teary! Bubba has good commentary on stage as well… we tend to make fools of ourselves!
6. Who is your audience and how do you connect with your fans? Any crazy, fun, exciting stories are very welcome.
Our audience ranges from all ages, and backgrounds. We do encourage people to dance, clap and sing so they can have fun with us. We did play at a dance festival, with house and dubstep called Love Saves The Day in Bristol, and being a folk band we didn’t really fit in - although we did get a crowd. I don’t know whether they were confused or genuinely enjoying the music.
7. What would your dream gig entail? Any particular cities/venues you’re desperate to play or artists you’d love to play alongside?
We’d love to play alongside with Matthew and The Atlas, or Bears Den … there are many more! I think we are very keen on going to America, and playing in Boston, or Chicago… that would be cool.
8. After the tour this month, what does the rest of 2017 hold for you? Festivals?
We have a few festivals coming up that will be announced after the tour, we’re also looking into going to Canada in August for a couple of weeks - for a holiday... and to play some music.
Harry & The Gondolas play Brighton's The Blue Man (free entry show) and Oxford's Jericho Tavern this Thursday and Friday - info/tickets here!
