Music > Interviews
Beans on Toast
27/04/15
Meet Beans on Toast; a folk singer from Essex who tells it like it is. From sex to politics to drugs, he’s 100% honest with his opinions. With an incredibly strong fan base and six studio albums he’s riding high, and having had support from Frank Turner amongst others, is well on his way to a solid and long career in music. Beans visits Norwich this month alongside banjo player Bobby Groves, so I caught up with him to find out just why he’s called Beans on Toast. And others facts.
You played out and about a lot during 20015 and 2006 and got a really good following; then you opened Glastonbury in 2007! What was that experience like for you?
Bloody hell, that was ages ago! It sure sounds like it was fun, but I can only remember it in flashes. But yeah I've pretty much been playing non-stop since 2005. It’s been a great 10 years.
How do you think Glastonbury has changed since 2007?
In some ways shit loads, in some ways very little. Everything changes over time, and it would be a shame if it didn't. I've got lots of love for Glastonbury. It’s one of my favourite places in the world.
You’ve supported some big names including Kate Nash and Frank Turner, who also produced your third album. How did you come to work together?
Me and Frank go way back. We are friends first and foremost. I lucked out on the fact that he's thrown me so many opportunities; he's a good friend to have.
Your debut album had 50 tracks on it; did you have to write any especially for the album or were all 50 sitting there ready for you to record?
I think I had 49 tunes when I counted them so bashed one more to make 50. Again though you’re testing my poor memory; this was many moons ago.
Why are you called Beans on Toast?
It's a good description for what I do. It's simple, cheap, English and it does the job.
Who or what influences you as a songwriter?
Drinking, dancing, living and loving.
You sing about subjects that most people might be too scared to talk about; politics, sex, drugs, etc. Do you consider yourself a ‘voice of the people’, as the folk tradition?
I think anyone who considers themselves a voice of the people is an idiot. I consider myself a drunk with a guitar.
What’s your favourite lyric that you’ve written?
"As the Sunday sun sets down on Reno Nevada " That’s just ‘cos it's from my latest tune though, it'll change come tomorrow.
You toured the States last year for the first time. Did they ‘get’ you?
Sure they did, I love it out there. The name doesn't translate so well. I'm considering calling myself hot dog when stateside, as the name confuses them.
The covers for your albums are very simple. Is that just because it’s easier than deciding on an image?
I think it's ‘cos I like the continuation and I also like simple things. I’ve never really put much thought into it though. It just feels right.
Are you ever tempted to get a band together?
Yeah, I've done a few stints with bands. My second album was with a seven piece backing band and I also put a little band together in 2013. Beans On Toast is me and whoever I'm playing with at the time. Right now it's a duo, me and Bobby Banjo.
What are your plans for 2015?
I’m off to South Africa next week which is a first for me. I’ll come home, vote, then kick into the Bending Over Backwards tour for the whole of May. Then festivals, then tour for a new album out in December.
What one thing could change the world and make it a better place, in your opinion?
Switching greed with generosity.
Beans on Toast plays at Epic on 8th May. Tickets from www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk