Following their latest release 'Changed Days' and a successful jaunt south of the border, The Nickajack Men are about to kick off a mini Scottish tour. We caught up with frontman and lead guitarist Lewis White to discuss band dynamics, unusual facts and the trauma of being a Falkirk fan...
Q. With a busy week ahead, how excited are you for the Scottish Tour? (Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh)
Yeah we’re really looking forward to getting out and playing a couple more places we haven’t played before. We’ve never been in Aberdeen or Dundee for a show we can’t wait to get back on the road.
Q. For those who aren’t aware, who are The Nickajack Men? Tell me an unusual fact about each member!
We are Jamie Burns (bass), Michael “Rattlesnake” Garner (vox/guitar), Lewis White (vox/guitar), Matthew McAlister (Drums) and Lewis Rolland (Keys).
An unusual fact hmm that’s quite a hard one. Jamie’s unusual fact is probably he slaps a lot of bass with a pretty messed up hand/finger after he broke it last year. Matthew supports Motherwell, Lewis Rolland eats fucking Tuna on pizza, and I get ill like every time we ever go to record music!
Q. Early influences growing up? How does that differ to current influences?
I personally grew up listening to lots of different stuff. Mostly American music to be fair. I would say my main influences when I was younger would of been Kenny Rogers, Deer Tick, Glen Campbell and Dawes. I would say I’m definitely still inspired/influences by those artists but I’ve probably widened the spectrum even more now. We all listen to different music so it’s good hearing a mix of stuff.
Q. Forming almost 4 years ago, how has the band developed over that time?
I think we have developed quite a lot in that time. When we first formed it was more of an acoustic idea we had but it soon grew arms and legs. I think we’re just trying to become better musicians and songwriters as we move forward. I think it’s important to always be improving.
Q. You released 'Changed Ways' earlier this year, how did this track come about?
That song is actually the first song we wrote the music for all together. Usually Mikey or I will have an idea/song pretty much figured out and then take it to the rest of the band who put their own spin on it. With 'Changed Ways' I had an idea for the main part of the song but we worked it all out from there together.
Q. Anyone who has seen the band live will agree that you are a tight outfit, how much practice time do you get during a standard week? Is it difficult to balance work life and band life?
Thanks a lot, we’re glad you think so!! We try to practice as much as we possibly can which is usually twice a week. Work permitting we will get a third in there somewhere. Having our own practice space really helps, it relieves the pressure of being on a time constraint when trying to be creative. So we’re never really being rushed about!!
Q. Favourite gig to date? Ultimate venue to play one day?
Another hard one this, I’m sure you would get a different answer from all of us for this one but I’m gonna say playing with The Districts last year in Caves, Edinburgh was a real dream come true getting to playing with my favourite band. Also Tenement Trail was class last year getting to open up the O2 ABC and then hearing the devastating news of the Art School fire affecting the O2 ABC made it that bit more special! I would love to get the chance to play at Red Rocks in Colorado or The Troubadour in LA!
Q. What should we expect from you guys over the next 6 months to a year?
We have a nice video to put out real soon, a lot of shows, a lot of rock n roll and plenty new music.
Q. Your sound differs from other emerging bands, at the moment - Do you see America as the ultimate goal?
That’s the dream for us for sure! I think our demographic is harder to crack over here but if we can keep improving and writing better music then hopefully we can get there!
Q. As a fellow Falkirk fan, are you also terrified at how this season is going?
Awww man. This is a tough one, I’m seriously terrified. Probably never been this terrified. Probably won’t be ever again.
Q. Also, your greatest moment as a Bairn?
Probably also the biggest anticlimax ever also but when we won the league at Brockville in 2002/3 but never went up. What a team to watch. Those are definetly my best memories as a Falkirk fan!!
These guys continually impress us live, but don't just take our word for it, The Nickajack Men will be live across Scotland this weekend, grab your Tickets here
Live Dates:
14th, Cafe Drummond, Aberdeen
15th, The Mash House, Edinburgh
16th, Church, Dundee
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