If you could introduce Miles and the Chain Gang for us, who are you?We are a band based in York, UK. We play original songs. It’s guitar pop stuff – nothing too heavy. We like old school rock n roll – Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison, Rolling Stones – that sort of thing.
How did you all meet?
It is a long story but York is also a small town. As long as you’re out there talking to people, playing open mics, you’ll find other musicians. The trick is to find people who are good and local and good natured. The current line up has that – Mat Watt on bass, Steve Purton on drums and Daniel Bowater on keys. A good band, we sound really good. We all live in York.
How long have you ben playing and what are your musical influences? The band started in 2018, so we are four years old this autumn. Influences: your Dad’s record collectcion – everything from Blondie to Pink Floyd, but really we’re about the songs. A bit of soul, a bit of blues, a bit of country, a bit of pop. Good songs – that’s what we are about.
What three words would you use to describe the music you play? Rock and roll.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen during a Miles and the Chain Gang show? At one gig, I man took his clothes off and poured lager over his chest. Can you believe that? I can’t!
Being away from the stages in the last few years, where was the first place you visited when the restrictions were lifted? We’re just playing gigs in the Yorkshire area – York, Doncaster, Harrogate, Helmsley… we want to go further afield when we can, but for now it’s best to keep it local.
What’s the one record you own but wouldn’t ever admit to owning? Ah! Well, I could mention it, but unfortunately I won’t admit to owning it.
What have you been listening to in the last few weeks? Sam Cooke – awesome voice. Amy Winehouse – awesome voice. The Springsteen at Hammersmith 1975 album was on in the car the other day – love that. I like listening to vocalists, how they phrase things, how they can charge a song emotionally. The other night ‘Queen at Wembley’ was on TV. Roger Taylor – what a drummer!
Are there any releases you have planned in the near future? ‘Love Is Blind’ came out in May and it has had over 400 plays on radio stations, mostly smaller independent places – so that has been a buzz. We are recording a song in September so hopefully that will come out soon.
Check out Miles And The Chain Gang below.
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