Interview: Josh Griffin - The Velcro Teddybears

 

The Velcro Teddybears, you run a pub as well as partaking in the band, how does that work?

 

The pub is a blessing and a curse. It's a blessing in the way it gives us a constant job so we can gig whenever we can. Also, we get the opportunity to put other bands on and we are able to give them a chance to progress, but also we can learn from other bands in the scene who play here. However it's a curse in the sense that the pub always comes first, which will pay off in the long run, but that can get frustrating!

 

Your ‘Coming Back for More’ E.P was released recently, how’s that going for you so far?

 

It's great, we've had an amazing feedback, but as a band we progress constantly. Recently we've been developing a new sound and adding some more depth and sounds to our sets, with a bit more of an electric feel (which we will be recording in March with Steel City Sessions).

 

You have recently been in transition from acoustic to electric in your performances, why and how has that come about?

 

As I mentioned before, we always like to progress. We decided to add some electric to keep our sound fresh, and stop our fans from getting 'used' to our shows. We are also influenced by such bands as Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Rolling Stones, The Black Crowes, Black Sabbath, and loads more. We want to be able to emulate a sound reminiscent to them all, but still keeping our own sound and feel for our songs.

 

You’ve played a few gigs outside of Sheffield, which one stands out in your minds?

 

My favourite gig personally was at the Islington O2 academy, we took a few minibuses down of our fans (which we do whenever we play away) but this one definitely was the best for me due to the atmosphere and venue.

 

Aside from yourselves, who have you enjoyed watching at your own pub, The Royal Standard?

 

We put so many gigs on, every Friday and Saturday. But the ones that spring to mind from Sheffield are Curry Quiche (excellent live local band), The Downtown Roots (geniuses) and O' Captain (who haven't actually played at ours yet). A band that really sticks out that are actually from down Kent way are Maker, an absolutely amazing band keeping the bluesy psychedelic sound alive.

 

Who would you say your main influences are, both acoustically and electrically?

 

Personally my favourite influences are; Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Black Crowes, Kula Shaker and Eminem (yes Eminem, fuck you!!).

 

Where can we catch you playing next?

 

We're constantly playing at the Royal Standard as it's our gaff, but apart from that, look out for us maybe at Plug, The Greystones on Friday 7th march (acoustic) and I think at Mosborough festival in the summer time. But for more details, check out our Facebook/reverbnation page.

 

And what can we expect from that?

Some innovative, drunken, ‘for the people’ rock n roll music. We have a no nonsense mentality to our gigs, we play how we want to play, if you don't like it, then listen a bit harder, or drink a bit more!

 

 

Lots of love to Steel City Sounds, the city's been waiting for something like this!

Josh, The Velcro Teddybears