Roll up, Roll Up, The Electric Swing Circus are coming to Manchester!

CN - Hi Tom! Thanks for taking the time to talk to us!

TH - No worries! My pleasure!

CN - Tell the readers a little bit about yourself, and the band.

TH - We are the Electric Swing Circus, 6 piece band fusing the sounds of the 1920s with moderns bass and beats. We do everything live, and for us it's all about the live show, high energy and great tunes to get your feet moving.

CN - If that doesn't sound amazing from the get-go, I don't know what does!
How did you all meet each other and decide to start a band?

TH - We were all friends jamming together, and then one day we started playing something a bit different, and thought this is fun, lets do more of this, 5 years later here we are....

CN - You're signed to Ragtime records, which is the label of Prohibition fave, C@ In The H@ ... how did you guys meet and start working together?

TH - I've known The C@ in the H@ for about 10 years now ? we met when he was putting on drum and bass events while I was at uni. Since then we have played in another band together too. Working with Rich is great, and he has been really supportive from the start. Along with being a resident DJ at our events, he also has scratch DJ'd on our tracks, given a lot of advice on production for the new album and if that wasn't enough, he programs the DJ side of things at our event, Swingamajig too.

CN - Although Birmingham based, your tour dates are pretty international, with gigs booked in from Scotland to London. ...I know its hard to pin point a place as your "fave"... but name a few places you've had real fun playing, and always enjoy coming back to?
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TH - Our New Zealand tour was pretty fun. We really enjoyed traveling around the south Island in a caravan. We played Bahrain too which was amazing, and getting out of the UK to play your music in front of people who know the words, in a country half way round the world is a surreal, but amazing experience. UK festivals have a special place in our heart though as there is nothing quite like them...

CN - New Zealand sounds amazing. A place i'd love to visit too!
You're really busy touring, but somehow have found the time to be pretty prolific in the studio, with a new Album out...

TH - Its not too bad actually, we are doing something we love, and have really enjoyed the whole process. It has been a long time coming though. We've recorded and scrapped songs, tweaked things, as well as tried new recording techniques to attaempt to capture the energy from the live show on to the record. We are really happy with it and hope you guys enjoy listening to it too.

CN - I'm sure we will! I've always said, that when you fall in the love with the process, being busy is no longer a chore... and you can tell that shines through certain people's music, as it does with yours!
For those that don't know the connection, tell us a little about "Swingamajig"

TH - Its our very own festival. 4,000 of the best dressed ladied and gents descend on Birmingham to dance until the early hours. 7 stages of live bands DJs burlesque, dance, magic, circus, and vintage inspired delight, set against the backdrop of Birmingham's industrial heartland. Its a one day festival like no other. Come down, it is so much fun and it is truly like nothing else!!

CN - I noticed on Youtube, you've had an interview with Offbeat, who recently played for us at Prohibition. He's a lovely chap, and a great artist eh?

TH - Yeah Oli is great, and doing really great things for the scene. I'm a big fan but also he is an all round top gentelmen too. His work with Extra Medium is superb.

CN - Who would you say your main musical influences are...
Top 3 past artists... Top 3 current artists...

TH - We all have very different musical influences, and with all of us writing everything together I think that's what makes the ESC sound unique. For me though, Fletcher Henderson, Sindey Bechet, Jimmie Hendrix as past influences, Crystal Fighters, Caravan Palace and Jurassic 5 for current artists.

CN - Thats a solid set of names! I'm a huge fan of J5 (Especially Chali 2na! The guy is just outstanding!)
...Slight change of pace, question-wise...
Name 3 things you never leave home without, for a gig... (Wallet, keys, instruments dont count!)

TH - Towel ? Because otherwise I get too sweaty on stage ? yuck.
Music - to keep us entertained in the van.
My Top Hat - because I don't know if I can still play guitar without it!!

CN - hahaa.. I love asking that question. Always THE most random selection of choices!
Whats the top piece of advice you could give to young musicians that are inspired by electro-swing?

TH - Do something that is different, the genre is so vast there is so much to explore, don't just make another ''hit the road jack'' cover ? we have too many of those already. Be yourself, and be unique!

CN - Great piece of advice. And something I think comes with experience. So..what was the top piece of advice YOU were given by a mentor...

TH - "Its all about the music!" (Nick Hollywood)

CN - And what a great reminder, and place to end our chat I think?

TH - Indeed!

CN - Thanks for taking the time to chat to us. ...and I look forward to your performance on 3rd March at Prohibition Manchester!

TH - And we look forward to playing!! See you then!!

CN - For those that haven't already, link up with Electric Swing Circus, on the below...

FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/electricswingcircus/
WEB - http://electricswingcircus.com/
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Tickets for Prohibition, ft Electric Swing Circus, available below!

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