INTERVIEW:
Ciircus Street
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THANKS to Ciircus Street...
for telling me about their track, Broken, and how it came together. I was keen to learn how they formed and whether Sam and Jim share similar musical tastes – they reveal some rising acts we need to keep an ear out for.
I ask whether tour dates are coming and which albums strike them hardest; if they have anything they especially want for Christmas and what next year holds – they each select a cool track to end the interview with.
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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?
Hey! We’re good thank you. We’ve just finished two weeks on tour with Coffee House Sessions, so recovering from that and preparing for our headline show in London next week.
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?
Sam: Hey. I’m Sam and I play guitar and half of the vocals. I’m a big fan of olives and a nice cup of tea. Pretty much sums it up.
Jim: I'm Jim. I play piano, the other half of the vocals and occasionally an egg shaker!
When did Ciircus Street form? How long have you been playing together?
We formed about three years ago - this month is actually our anniversary! We used to perform solo music and one day went to go see Saint Raymond in Oxford; had a few beers and decided to make a band! Actually got up the next day and did it as well! (After sorting out our hangovers).
Broken is your latest track. Is there a story behind it?
Yeah. Broken is more written from a hypothetical perspective, rather than anything we are currently going through. It’s about someone who has finally got the strength to leave a relationship they weren’t happy in - and the relief that came from them actually doing it.
Is there going to be more material next year? How far ahead are you looking?
Yeah. For sure! We definitely want to release more next year - as we waited a year in between songs. Now, we're excited to get some more ou; hopefully before the summer.
Do you share similar tastes? Who are you inspired by?
We do and we don’t…
Musically, we love a lot of the same things, and then we have some things we prefer more. However, we both agree crumpets with Marmite are banging. I think we draw inspiration from a lot of places. Listening to a lot of different genres of music, we take it all in. When writing Broken we had been listening to a lot of Lewis Capaldi, so I think that had some input on the end product.
As Christmas is coming; what one present would you each like if you could have anything?
Sam: I actually love Christmas and start getting excited by it in January, so the fact it’s coming round is enough for me. But, If I could have anything, probably a new guitar. Mine’s doing alright, bless it, but it was cheap when I bought it and I’ve been banging it around for years.
Jim: I'd have a new keyboard. I've always fancied a Nord but maybe that's a little unrealistic; mine is just so heavy!
Do you already have plans for 2019?
At the moment, we have some basic plans but we’re having some meetings at the moment to see where we really want to go with the year. We’re definitely excited!
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
We went to Dublin earlier this year and we've got some really fond memories of that. We had a good laugh and played some cool shows, so that was pretty sick.
Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)?
Sam: In Utero by Nirvana for me, for sure! I was the first album I listened to. I remember playing it in the car on the cassette player and just sitting there listening over and over.
Jim: I have absolutely no idea. I really like Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park. It reminds me of when I was a teenager and didn't have any responsibility!
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
Jim: I'd love to support Muse! Mainly because I'd love to see them live. Rider would probably include some beer and a burrito each. Nothing too fancy!
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Work hard, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Sometimes, there are going to be really hard days but that’s cool. It’s okay to have them; just enjoy it and be yourself. Don't take anything too seriously.
Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?
We have our headline London show on 27th November at the Servant Jazz Quarters in London which we’re mad-excited about. It’s going to be really fun.
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
Sam: Yeah. I enjoy playing games. There are a lot of games for the Switch coming out, so that’s going to be a laugh.
Jim: I'm pretty basic. I enjoy stuff like cooking and a few beers with friends down the pub.
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
We have listened to Ocean Wisdom since he dropped his video for walking and have been massive fans since. If you’re into Hip-Hop or Grime, go have a listen if you haven’t heard him already.
IN THIS PHOTO: Ocean Wisdom
Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Sam: Ahh. Wicked. My song choice would be Fake Happy by Paramore. I have been listening to them again a lot recently and that song is sick.
Jim: Cowards by Raleigh Ritchie is an amazing song, I love it at the moment and more people should listen to him!
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