Interview: Josh Wheatley

This Friday Nottingham singer-songwriter JOSH WHEATLEY will headline The Bodega with his brand new band, ahead of the gig we spoke to Josh about what has been, to date, a remarkable year for the youngster.

Hi Josh, how’s it going?

Good, thanks for asking! I hope you’re well

This Saturday you play a headline slot at the Bodega, how you feeling going into this gig?

Very nervous. There’s quite a bit at stake because we’re taking a slightly different sound to people. My style has changed, or progressed as I like to think, since I first started.

Would you say this is your biggest headline gig to date?

Definitely! I mean the only other headline I’ve technically played was my EP launch at Pepper Rock in January.

You’re performing with your band, what was behind the decision to form a band having previously performed solo?

My main thinking was to try and get some bigger gigs under my belt really. There’s only a certain distance you can go solo. I started toying with the idea a good 6 or 7 months ago. So I spoke to some friends and we started rehearsing a little around March/April but then left it for a while before coming back to it.

What difference has being a part of a band made to your music and performances?

In a sense it has taught me to consider every single aspect of the track before taking it to a rehearsal. That means planning out drums, bass, keys and guitar beforehand.

Can we expect some new tracks this weekend then?

Yes! It’s pretty much a whole new set because there’s a good 9 or 10 new songs out of about 40 new tracks I had.

You’ve had a pretty good year so far, with your EP launch going really well at Pepper Rocks and the FSN final, you must be really happy with how things are going?

Very happy indeed! It’s been an awesome year. All I really have to do now is keep going the same way.

The EP was really well received, how happy have you been with the feedback?

I am. People were very kind to say it was my first release. Though to be honest I utterly loathe on of the tracks. I just refuse to play it.

Are there any plans for a follow up, or maybe even an album?

Not sure whether to tell or not so I may keep it under my hat for a while. Just wait and see what happens…. but hopefully I’ll reveal a little more soon.

You reached the FSN final this year, how did it feel performing on stage at a legendary venue like Rock City?

Amazing! Though I couldn’t walk before I went on stage. It was one of the most tense experiences of my life, but as soon as I went on stage it kind of all bled away and I just loved it.

What have your other highlights of 2014 been so far?

Tough one really. I got played on BBC Introducing a few times. I’m also an enormous fan of a musician called Sivu and I covered one of his songs and posted it on facebook. He actually saw it and when I saw him play at Dot 2 Dot he dedicated the song to me when he played it.

You’re quite active on the Nottingham music scene, getting out to watch, as well as play, gigs, what do you think to the strength of the music in the city?

It’s incredibly strong. There are a lot of gigs happening across the city meaning many people are spoilt for choice musically. It’s quite hard to judge at a time of year like this though, mainly because there are a large proportion of people on holiday or at festivals.

Who are your favourite fellow Nottingham acts at the moment?

Got to be Field Studies. I love their sound! GEORGIE as well! I felt like I was opening for them at FSN. As soon as I came off stage Georgie (Rose) gave me a hug then they all went on stage and smashed it! Tom Ash too, wonderful folk-goodness and an incredible guitar player. Jamie Moon also released an amazing EP! Trekkah’s EP is phenomenal! There’s way too many for me to name!

There is a definite comradery about the Nottingham music scene, with bands and singers happy to work with each other and support each other, how important do you think that has been to the success of the music scene in the area?

It’s been vital! Without other musicians to hang around with at gigs and cheer you on it’s quite lonely really. Lots of Nottingham musicians share other peoples music and spread the love in a sense. On of the best example for this is Josh Kemp. The man spreads so much love its unbelievable!

If you could play at any venue where would it be and what would be your dream line up for the show?

Wow. That’s a really hard question. I’d love to play either the Brixton Academy or KOKO in London. As for alongside who it would have to be Ben Howard, Amber Run, Luke Sital-Singh, Sivu and James Bay. Literally some of my inspirations. I’m not exactly one for older music (although I can appreciate it), I like to go and find something new on You Tube or Spotify.

When you’re not playing, or working on your music, how do you like to relax?

There’s really not much. I think about music a lot. If I’m not playing or writing I’m listening to music which then gives me further production ideas or an idea for a music video or something. I find it quite hard to stop working.

Where are your favourite places in Nottingham to relax and chill out?

The Rescue Rooms for definite. The acoustic rooms on a Monday night is perfect!

Following the gig this weekend what’s up next for you music wise?

Just working on things I’m going to try and keep under my hat for a while. *wink* *wink*

Finally, anything else you’d like to say to the readers of NottinghamLIVE?

Yes, get out to bars in Nottingham! You’ll find something you didn’t set out to find! I recommend the Acoustic Rooms on a Monday night at the Rescue Rooms. Also, please come to the Bodega. It’s going to be lots of fun!

Josh Wheatley will play at The Bodega on Friday 29 August with support from Field Studies, Frankie Rudolf and Tom Ash, for more information check out our Looking Ahead guide.

For more on Josh check out his Facebook page here

Interview by Darren Patterson