London indie-rockers Savage Nomads are quickly making a name for themselves as ones to watch in the coming months. Described by Q magazine as “one of the most glorious bands to come out of South London”, the band have received critical acclaim for their experimental sound and energetic live shows.
The five piece consists of vocalist Cole Salewicz, guitarists Josh and Benjy Miles, bassist Tom Williams and drummer Louis Lacoste. Since forming in 2008, Savage Nomads have performed alongside an impressive list of big names, including musicians from bands such as The Clash (Mick Jones is an advocate of the band), The Manic Street Preachers and Kitty, Daisy & Lewis. The band have been played on BBC Radio 6, BBC Introducing and have the long-standing support of Artrocker magazine. Clearly, they are destined for big things!
Frontman Cole Salewicz took some time out of their busy touring schedule to have a quick chat with us about the band and exciting things coming up in the near future…
Hi there, how are you and what are you up to today?
It’s been pre gig ritual today of cooking eggs benedict and watching some of my favourite episodes of Seinfeld. Generally just taking it easy and playing along to some songs on the radio. It was also sunglass-sunny today so I went for a little stroll in the park nearby. Nothing too strenuous as we are playing Hoxton Bar and Kitchen tonight, first show part of a little tour. Looking forward to playing in Sheffield on Friday, never been there before and it’s sold out so should be tops.
Tell us about how the band got together. How did you all meet each other?
We met on Tinder of course. Everybody’s looking for something. We had to find Louis (drums) on the French Tinder and that’s even steamier.
To those not familiar with you, how would you describe your sound?
We live by The Big Beat Manifesto = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpRZSPNZY7w
It’s an all encompassing philosophy and a creed. We try to make indie-rock-funk-pop but really it’s just a mess isn’t it. Frankly most of our rehearsals end with us completely incapable of retaining our motor skills and barely maintaining focus. Thank God for Prozac!
What are the 5 albums and artists that have influenced you the most?
Jon Hopkins – Immunity
Talking Heads – Remain In Light
Dr Dre – 2001
Cloud Nothings – Attack on Memory
The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds
What other artists and bands do you really like at the moment and why?
I’m really into Joey Badass and Kendrick Lamar. That’s basically me right now for hip-hop, absolutely cold verses! I wish Jay Electronica would put his album out but I think it’s a myth. I saw him play in Manchester at Warehouse projects though and he was incredible. I’m also very much into the composer Phillip Glass who has been bossing my early morning playlists. My friends are in this band called Movie, you should check ’em out. They’re awesome. oh and Longy has an incredible voice, like Rod Stewart meets Kasabian with extra trumpet. Watch out for Movie and Longy.
Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
I think we build up to it and get in the groove when we’ve been gigging lots and then start jamming in rehearsals. We’ve had this rhythm section for about 7 months now and they’re the best musicians in the world, basically. So we can jam out with them all afternoon and add to older songs. Josh and I will sit in front of a computer and hammer out a tune too if need be. I write the words down all the time, normally on my phone or my notepad at random times. I go missing a bit so I can do this.
You’ve played alongside the likes of Mick Jones of The Clash and James Dean Bradfield of The Manic Street Preachers. What’s the best gig you have ever done and why?
Those shows were pretty great but we played with Adam Ant in November just gone and that was incredible. We had a fun tour then, playing down in Bournemouth was awesome at 60 Million Postcards. For some reason the students in Bournemouth are always completely up for it and hammered and chatty. Might have to relocate.
What’s the worst gig you have ever done and why?
Ha probably when we were about 16 and playing any awful pub in Camden that would have us. I don’t think we had a clue really what we were doing and we probably played about 50 shows like that but they were crucial. Love to all those promoters that book awful teenage bands so they can get it out of their system. I suppose we never got it out of our system.
You’re performing at the Hoxton Bar & Kitchen tonight. What can we expect from your live show?
Shit is on!
If you weren’t musicians, what would you be?
I’d like to own a squadron of tanks. I’d like to live in India too.
If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would that be?
I’d like to collaborate with James Blake. He’s quite the talent, isn’t he? I wouldn’t mind learning a thing or too from Bon Iver too.
Finally, do you have anything coming up in the pipeline e.g. new releases, gigs or anything else you would like to tell us about?
Our new single is available to buy RIGHT NOW from www.savagenomads.co.uk . It’s called Rosy Tan and it’s borne out of The Big Beat Manifesto. We have lots of new songs, ready so keep it locked on our facebook and twitter. And instagram. I’ll also accept letters in the post.
Check out the video for Savage Nomads’ track “PORNO”.
Stalk the band via social media:
Official website
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Words: Donnay Clancy
