Interview Runaround Kids
Camille Ainsworth meets the Wakefield band set to play this year's Leeds Festival
Interview: Runaround Kids
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In their own words, Runaround Kids play “fast, noisy pop songs”.
“People mention punk rock and shoegaze,” says bassist Jack Winn, “but I don’t think it’s a conscious thing for us. We just write the stuff that we like.” And the stuff they like is new bands like Johnny Foreigner and Los Campesinos!, but also the 90s melodies of Radiohead and static of Sonic Youth. They also have an affection for the raucous side of the 80s punk scene. “We take a lot of DIY ethos from 80s punk,” says Winn,” but I think you have to with the music industry these days.”
The three piece, which also includes George Garthwaite on guitar and vocals, and Rob Burnell on drums, met in their hometown of Wakefield, a place they’ve got strong opinions about.
“We’re in a band because Wakefield’s shit and there’s nothing else to do,” explains Winn. “There’s a very supportive scene here as well, incredibly supportive. But there’s nothing but places to drink, no culture, transport’s too expensive to go very far. Everyone has something to do with the music scene in some way or another, though. I think it helps keeps us sane, too. You can let an awful lot out on stage. It’s really therapeutic. And, however basic it sounds, playing gigs and making records is really, really fun.”
The band have been nurtured by local label Philophobia Music, arguably the hub for the Wakefield music for the past few years looking after groups like The Spills and The Compression. Under the Philophobia umbrella, Runaround Kids have developed a strong following and a vibrant live show.
“I think it’s as much the crowd that does it. We rely solely on our songs and how well we play them. We’re serious with it but we still want to make people dance,” says Winn. “The best bands are the ones who are the most proactive with their fans. I know I appreciate it as a fan.”
And the fans returned the favour turning out for their Futuresound Competition gig and securing the band a spot to play at this summer’s Leeds Festival BBC Introducing Stage, ahead of the release of their single ‘No Dreams’ in September.
Posted on Wednesday 18th August 2010
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