"We played six shows naked": The Heebie Jeebies Talk to Skiddle

The Heebie Jeebies is a term often used to describe a feeling of anxiety or apprehension; it’s also commonly referred to as ‘the willies’. Apparently that was more than a coincidence for three lads from South Yorkshire in need of a titular.

The Heebie Jeebies create lo-fi guitar music with a tropical beat, and they’ve received high accolades from ex-Pulp members Richard Hawley and Jarvis Cocker.

But you wouldn’t know it by talking to them. Full of self-deprecation is a band that decided to give their 2010 EP away for free. 2011 is a different story though; it’s all about the recording of the debut LP, and as we speak studio time is in motion where guitar riffs are being lovingly readied. 

Jasmine Phull catches up with drummer Thom for a light-hearted yarn about the art of the live gig: something about performing naked and Italian sportswear.

You guys are doing a pretty extensive tour of the UK this month. What’s the one thing you do directly before going on stage?

We hold hands, sometimes say a prayer depending on what part of the country we are in. In Europe we played six shows naked but when we did that in Korea on our far East tour Del ended up getting arrested, even though we’d eaten the dog they had put on our rider… strange really.

Do you like to interact with the audience or keep it more elusive?

We don’t mind talking to anyone, we're not into acting like rock demi-gods like some people I know. It’s all about being down to earth. When you’re naturally as cool as we are, then our ‘aura’ can be felt by everyone in the venue anyway.

How about on-stage attire. Do you try and create cohesiveness on stage? Anything that’s a no-go? Open-toe shoes, perhaps?

Del’s dress sense is something of an eye-opener. We were once into the idea of ‘anti-fashion’ due to pricks like Miles Kane, so we started playing some shows naked but now we just wear Italian sportswear and cycling stuff.

Did you have to experience ‘struggle’ to get to where you are today? Is that an important factor in making a ‘great’ artist?

Every day is a struggle when the majority of your peers are jealous of your lifestyle. Lucky for us we do not find it hard making new friends. It doesn’t matter how hard the struggle is as long as you maintain your integrity.

The first album you bought?

Appetite for Destruction – Guns ‘N’ Roses.

Are you collating songs for an LP as we speak?

Collating? We are in the studio doing our first album. Owen is putting guitar down as I write this. So that’s an exclusive right there.

Watch the video for The Heebie Jeebies 'In Silence' here: 

One track that makes you feels elated? Why did you choose that particular song?

'Straight Edge' – Minor Threat, because it’s so cool to be un-cool.

Which do you prefer: studio or stage time? Why?

They’re both different; we love creating in the studio but nothing can beat having your arse sucked out by a bunch of talent-less fans that want to either be you or fuck you...

What should the crowd expect from your gigs?

Imagine Mr. Blobby playing Deal or No Deal, then Noel gets pissed off with his attitude and all hell breaks loose...

One great - recently deceased - artist?

Captain Beefheart, the only true artist who died maintaining a level of integrity.

Interview by: Jasmine Phull

Twitter.com/j_fool

Catch The Heebie Jeebies (hopefully with their clothes on) at York's Stereo on February 15th. Tickets are available through Skiddle below:

 

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