There are some amazing aspirational things going on in Blackpool and the local area. Fylde and Wyre are stuffed with talent andย through various social tools, individuals can reach out via a number of means to raise their profile and communicate their medium of choice. Through localย artists, dancers, and music makers to broadcasters and writers, Blackpool is challenging perception and raising local talentย which in turnย isย pushing energy into our quirky seaside town. Last year I was asked to photograph the under 18s Battle of The Bands at Blackpool Sixth Form College. I wasn’t sure what to expect but was bowled over with all of the musicians there. One band, however, stood out. That band was The People.ย They won the competition and I sense some great things happening for them in the future. I was invited to a studio session to found out who they are and where they are going.
First of all, tell me who the People are?
Alex: ย The People are four 16 and 17 year old lads from the glorious corners of Thornton and Fleetwood.
Dec: We all met at school apart from Sam who we met at a gig and invited into the band.
Sam: Joe, Alex and Dec were already in the band, they met me through a mutual friend and asked me to join.
So what brought you together and for how long?
Alex: Two years ago, almost to the day, myself, Joe and Dec finally gave in to Sam’s constant texts to get together and jam. It’s the most beautiful annoyance I’ve ever encountered. I thank Sam for the eagerness to join.
Joe:ย ย In earlier years thereย were about five of us messing around. Weย were probably around 13 (#backintheday).
What are The People’s influences?
Alex: For me, anything British; Oasis, Arctic Monkeys. I adore Kasabian these days. But our upcoming E.Pย has blatant hints of our younger influences. Namely Blink-182. We’re a British Blink-182.
Dec: Anything from Oasis to The 1975 to The Clash.
Joe: Oasis, The 1975 , Blink-182, Editors.
Sam:ย Everyone will say different because we are all influenced by different groups. I am influenced by American punk bands and metal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IB7mRjKMk0
Who would The People like to be compared to, if anyone?
Alex: Oasis, Kasabian. They’re massive bands who can sell out Wembley at the click of their fingers. But in other articles we have been described as a mix between The Killers and The Strokes. Better still, altbackpool’s own Claire said she heard hints of The Stone Roses and Blur. It was a bliss comment for me and I’m sure it was to the rest of the band.
Sam:ย ย Everybody will want to be compared to different bands. I’d like to be compared to popular British rock bands like Oasis and Kasabian.
Dec: I think we would ย like to beย considered differentย more than anything, so I would have to say no-one, just to be unique. Aย collaboration of people with different influences that come together and create music with elements from genres ranging from dance music to reggae, pop, rock and punk
Joe:ย I like Theย 1975 currentlyย and feel their influences at the moment.
What are The People’s future aspirations?
Alex: We’d obviously love to do a headline tour in the next five years, who wouldn’t? But I’d be proper content if we got something like a support act for a signed and established band. Also, a couple of festivals, that’s be good if it was reality in the next couple of years.
Sam: To complete theย EP and pop it like mad. See who picks it up and hopefully play in front of some massive crowds.
Joe: Get people listening to our tunes and get a following.
Where can we next see The People?
Alex: No-one knows it yet.ย But we are theย headliners at Leeds Festival. Anyways, now that I’ve woken up – you can catch us at The Bay Horse on 22 February.ย We’d love it ifย people could attend The People’sย two E.P launch gigs. HMV Blackpool then The Blue Room. Both 22 March.
The People are:
Alex Brown- lead guitar/ vocals
Joe wood- bass guitar/ vocals
Sam Catterall – rhythm guitar
Dec Astin – drums
Forthcoming gigs:
Fri 21 Feb: The Cedar Tavern, Blackpool
Sat 22 Feb: The Bay Horse Thornton
Sat 1 March: The Tudor, Wigan
Sat 22 March: EP launch HMV Blackpool and The Blue Room
Photos courtesy of CJGriffiths Photography
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