Music > Interviews

Sleaford Mods

15/09/17

 

When last Outline spoke to Nottingham’s finest, Sleaford Mods back in May 2015 they were about to headline a show at the Waterfront. Their album Key Markets had just been released to critical acclaim and the word on the streets about this hard hitting, politically outspoken, intelligent, brutally honest and real duo was just starting to spread. It wasn’t long after this gig that Jason and Andrew really hit the big time – sold out tours, accolades from the likes of Iggy Pop, signing to Rough Trade, playing Glastonbury and two documentaries about the band happened like lightning. They’re hitting Norwich up again this November, this time at the LCR. I caught up with lead singer and lyricist Jason to see how they’re coping with being thrust into the limelight and what he thinks of grime.

 

When you broke out in 2013, Britain was in an austerity state - these days it’s a hugely complex worldwide political complex system. There are hints of Brexit in the tracks Cuddly and Dull, but in general you’re still writing songs about the state that Britain, in particular northern Britain is in. Has anything changed for cities like Nottingham in the past few years?

It's got worse for most low wage families or individuals earning nothing and other social groups such as the disabled. There has been no major shift in Tory policy. These people are still at the mercy of it all. Lyrically, it's always been about the immediate environment with a few other irritants thrown in for good measure, whatever they may be. 

 

Your latest album, English Tapas was the first full length release for you on Rough Trade. How come you chose them for a label and how have you found working with them?

They asked us and we said yes. It feels right to be working with them. They understand real music and don't tamper with the set up - it's a great honour really. Geoff, Jeanette and the rest of the Rough Trade office and indeed Beggars in general are all good people. 

 

Do you ever want to write song about love, and children, and happiness and joy?

Love comes into it a lot I guess, in its own way. The rest of your question? No, I tend to keep those emotions firmly out of work. 

 

 

There seems to be a theme of people trying to avoid reality through alcohol and drugs. Are there people in your life that you see regularly trying to drown their sorrows, and to what extent do you think it’s their responsibility or the government/council’s responsibility?

Yea. I come from the clubbing generation, when it wasn't questioned. People do move on but a lot of people don't. They can't - it's hard. When I started earning money from Sleaford Mods I got help but most can't. You can try and do it through help groups and the doctors but if you're trying to hold down a job at the same time or not and say, claiming, it's just hard. I didn't have the stress of that anymore when the band took off - I could pay money to see someone. That helps. There's no clear answer though, each person is different. 

 

You were expelled from school but retuned to study English and Drama. What books and plays have stuck with you through the years?

None really. I was too young to appreciate Brecht and Artaud. It flew over my head. 

 

Do you feel like you stand beside the working class as much as you ever have done?

No, I never did anyway. I stood by what I felt. I recognised my roots and that's fair enough, why shouldn't I? It's me. The class thing’s a ball and chain. Damned if you do. Damned if you don't. 

 

 

There have been two film documentaries about you in the past few years. How do you feel about them and what they say about the band?

They are good, especially Bunch Of Kunst. I'm really proud of that film. 

 

How do you feel your sound, lyrics and delivery has progressed since the earliest incarnation of the ‘Mods?

More confident. More intelligent. All the good things you would want. 

 

I Feel So Wrong is the final and most melodic song on the new album. You were a singer before Sleaford Mods. and you sing on this one. Does this hint at something similar in the future?

Possibly, if it works, yes. If not then I'll find something. 

 

 

There have been a lack of bands coming from working class backgrounds of late – do you think grime and UK hip hop are making a difference in terms of voices?

Yes I do, but they are getting eaten up too now, especially grime. It’s getting a bit fat mainstream wise, clique ridden and arrogant. It's peaked again, hasn't it. 

 

You’ve always seemed to have a bit of a beef with the way the music industry stands in 2017 –now that you’ve been on tour internationally and are signed to a major label, have you seen a different side to all that, as a successful artist?

No not really. I understand why bands and artists have to play the game obviously. The internal workings and that, but there's no excuse for shit tunes from these scumbags playing rock stars. 

 

You recently went on your first tour of America  - were you concerned that there would be a kind of social barrier as your songs are so much about England, and likewise when touring other countries?

No, not really. The shows were all full and we knew that before we went so I wasn't worried. 

 

 

Iggy Pop is a massive fan, you’ve done a single with The Prodigy and your live gigs are selling out all over. How has this turn in your fortunes made you feel, and was it a surprise?

I feel good – we just want to keep going in whatever capacity. Get the tunes done, make sure they are solid. A surprise? Ha ha. Course it was! 

 

You hosted Iggy’s R6 show with Andrew – how do your tastes differ and converge?

Andrew likes lots of stuff I don't, really, and vice versa. I guess that makes for interesting work. 

 

You seem sadder and a bit less angry on this album – would you say that’s the case?

Yeah, a bit. It always changes though.

 

 

 

Sleaford Mods play at the LCR on 8th November. Tickets available from ueatickets.ticketabc.com.