GOING OUT

“The reason behind it was that for bands to play gigs in Barcelona is pretty difficult,” explained John. “They charge a lot of money, you have to rent facilities... you’re talking about maybe paying up to €600 to do it, and then you have to bring people in to make your money back.” As such, the band has always played with at least one other group to pool resources and share costs. The BCN Music webpage is a way to expand this system to a bigger scale and there are now around 450 bands listed there.

Of course, it’s taken time for the band to get to the point where they can help others. “At the beginning it was difficult for us... and we’ve played a few shit places that’s for sure,” admitted John. However, their experience should inspire even the most down-hearted muso. From a first concert in a small venue not geared up to electric bands where they had to finish by midnight (but was cheap and a good option for bands looking to get experience), they’ve worked their way up to bigger venues, including Razzmatazz, Sidecar and Sala BeCool. They also have “a good album’s worth” of songs, so are planning to do some recording in the new year.

Despite all the effort involved, John and Chris agree it’s worth it. “I enjoy playing here more [than at home],” commented Chris, “because you get more of a reception from the crowd.” “We didn’t get into it with the idea of being famous or getting a record deal,” said John. “We just kind of got into it with the idea that we enjoy playing and we get on well together.”