Quickfire Questions: Aerial Salad.
Since the release of their debut album ‘Roach’ in 2017, we’ve been anticipating what would come next from Aerial Salad. They’re one of the most talented and important punk bands in the UK at the moment which they’ve proven once more with the release of ‘Dirt Mall’ which was released on their own Roach Industries imprint via Wonk Unit’s Plasterer label at the end of March.
We caught up with Mike from Aerial Salad to get to know more about him and his bandmates. We also shared some of their tracks including the newest release, the quarantine-suitable ‘Lazy’ and our favourite track from the album ‘Such A Pity’.
Like a lot of bands right now Aerial Salad were supposed to be on tour. For most bands touring and playing shows is their only source of income. So, more than ever if you like what you hear, check out their store HERE and consider buying their new record or some merch.
Who are you?
I am Mike from Manchester punk band Aerial Salad, I play bass and sing a bit too. Also in the band is Jamie on lead vocals/guitar and Matty who plays drums.
Where are you from?
We’re Manchester based. I’m from Rochdale, Matty lives just up the road in Oldham and Jamie hails from Salford.
How did you meet?
I met Jamie when I was about 12 or 13, I’d seen them play at a gig they put on at a sports club in Bury. I’d gone being told it was an indie gig and with that being the cool music at the time I agreed to go, I’d just got into punk at the time and it was amazing seeing a band so close to my age playing this music no one else seemed to like. From there Jamie and I became mates and played a little bit with each other but nothing proper, fast forward a few years to 2016 and Jamie comes back from The Fest in Florida itching to get a band started to ideally play Fest (which we achieved as our 9th gig... and played awfully!) and I couldn’t think of anything else going on so I thought sod it why not, now here we are!
I knew Matty through mutual friends and when we needed a new drummer I knew Matty played so I hit him up and low and behold we had a new drummer.
How are you coping on Lockdown?
Aye decent, we’re trying to keep busy getting our 1-hour government allowance of outdoor exercise in every day and not go insane I guess. Staying positive through trying times though!
What are your influences sonically?
Our influences from the get go have definitely been Wonk Unit, Jawbreaker and The Stone Roses. I think those three bands are a huge part of the sound we’ve managed to achieve. Also, a lot of 90s punk bands like Snuff and Leatherface too, a lot of bands from that era are phenomenal.
And we’re all big Oasis fans, kind of the law if you’re manc init?
We are absolutely loving Dirt Mall. How was the songwriting and recording process for the album?
The songwriting process we have is pretty easy, Jamie will come up with something and bring it to practice and the three of us will jam out whatever comes to mind I guess. We’ll then take it to Alex Wonk and he’ll have that third party view on it so will give us pointers on how we could make the songs really come out of their shell.
With the three of us all being into different styles of playing it really comes together, Matty’s a big metal/hardcore fan so he just likes to do anything mad he can pull off that isn’t a blast beat.
I saw you in Watford supporting Wonk Unit about three years ago, you've supported some great bands in the punk scene over the years and played some great shows. Are there any shows that really stand out for you?
Yes, that was a great gig! For me personally, I loved the headline gig we did in January at Yes in Manchester. We managed to sell it out and it was amazing to play a blinding set in our home town in front of our friends and people who were all there to just see you.
Other than that I’d have to say Boomtown last year cause that was just insane or supporting Subhumans at New Cross Inn in London in April last year too!
Do any of you have any other talents?
We do actually! Jamie is actually a great breakdancer, believe it or not, they can also roll a cig behind their back (video evidence of this exists). I dabble in skateboarding and Matty is just good at skinning up.
Favourite movies?
Clerks. Quadrophenia. Robocop. To name a few.
4 essential items you have to take on tour...
Phillips one blade electric razor
One of them portable phone chargers.
A good pair of sunnies.
A solid jacket.
If you were curating a festival, who would your three headliners be?
Ooo for me I’d have Gary Numan, Squeeze playing Cool For Cats for 2 hours and The Replacements just because they’re the best band ever.
Where in the world would you like to perform most?
Probably Manchester Academy, me and Jamie saw Rancid there at our first proper gig when we were younger and it was amazing, being about 14 at a gig like that just makes you want to be up there yourself. That or somewhere ridiculous like on top of Knowl Hill in Rochdale.
The best gig you've ever been to?
Probably The Stone Roses at the Etihad because their songs mean so much to me and getting to see them live when you never thought they’d get back together was massive! Either that or Wonk Unit at The Fest 2016.
What new band would you recommend we listen to?
Check out Triple Sundae, their new EP is amazing also Witch Fever.
How can people listen to you & support you?
You can find us on pretty much all streaming services and on Bandcamp. You can head to our website aerialsalad.co.uk to buy records and merch!
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