Interview: Patriot Rebel

It’s safe to say that there has been something of a buzz around the Nottingham music scene in the last three or four years, however the city has been turning out some great bands far longer than that and one such area in which this is evident is the rock-metal scene where the likes of New Generation Superstars, Spirytus and, the now sadly defunct Iluminatus we’re all putting on great shows back in the mid-naughties. Among this group of bands was PATRIOT REBEL, formed back in 2007 the band have been steadily growing stronger ever since. But how did it all get started for the band?

“The band formed after Paul and Dave received great responses from playing ‘open mic’ nights in and around Nottingham in the summer of 2007. This led to them finding the remaining members of Patriot Rebel.”

Of course, as with many a band, it took time to find the right line up and they went through several changes before finding the line up that still remains today.

“The band really started gelling after Will joined in 2011. Since then, the band has just continued to get stronger and stronger.”

Since 2011 the band has been made up of Paul Smith on lead vocals, Dave Gadd (Rhythm guitar and backing vocals), Danny Marsh (Lead guitar), Will Kirk (Bass Guitar) and Aaron Grainger on drums and in 2013 they released their debut EP ‘Two Worlds’ which received brilliant feedback from fans and music press alike. EP number two, it seems, is on the way.

“We have got plenty of songs written and ready to be recorded so are looking to be recording a new EP in the upcoming summer.  Hopefully the upcoming EP will be just as well received as “Two Worlds” was.“

It is safe to say they have come a long way from their very first gig, way back in the early days of the band, which they themselves described as “nerve wracking”.

“It was in the corner of a pub but was a starting point for the band. It’s those sorts of shows that set things in motion.”

Since then the band have grown and played some of the best venues across the city leading to some really memorable shows.

“Headlining Rescue Rooms in Nottingham twice have both been amazing shows. It was great playing on such a big stage with such great crowds. It’s always such a good feeling after playing shows like those. Also our previous Rock City shows have always been amazing with packed out crowds.”

Talking about Rock City the band will be back there this Friday for a showcase event, the band will top the bill for this line up making it even more special.

“It is going to be awesome playing a headline slot at such an iconic venue. We have played there multiple times before but only as support slots. So it’s going to be great to finally play a headline slot at such a legendary venue.”

This being the bands first headline slot at the iconic venue what can those that go along expect?

“As always, the Patriot Rebel set will be energetic with plenty of fan favourites in there. Expect the room to be very hot and sweaty after we have played. We are going to be playing a very high energy set with plenty of sing-alongs.  There is going to be a song in the set that we have only played a couple of times before live so the fans will have something fresh to enjoy.”

Determined to present a set to remember the band have, unsurprisingly, been hard at work preparing, we wondered what went into preparing for a big show like this?

“As with all the shows, we rehearse the set through repeatedly to try and perfect any flaw in the set. It’s always worth it when after practicing the set relentlessly to play a great show and for everything to go as planned.”

Friday’s show is being run by IKE Productions, the hardworking folks who put on some of the best rock and metal shows in Nottingham, and a group with whom Patriot Rebel have worked with numerous times before and have nothing but praise for.

“We have a great relationship with the IKE Productions guys. They are such a hard working promotions company who are always trying to push the music scene as much as possible. The work that is put in for Macmillan Festival is always extraordinary and has clearly paid off with the successful festivals year after year.“

The band are equally complimentary of the current state of the Nottingham music scene, describing it as being “alive and kicking” with one band in particular catching their attention.

“Three Thirds Below are a band we’ve shared the stage with numerous times and always have a great show with them. Also Theia look to be doing really well and we’ve played a few shows with those guys. It’s always been a great show with them as well.”

The band are keeping pretty busy at the moment with plans to release a music video for upcoming single ‘Propaganda’ in February while they’re also booking dates for their planned UK tour, but when they’re not busy working away how do the band like to relax?

“We all like a drink so can generally be found around places such as Pit n Pendulum, Tap n Tumbler and The Salutation Inn.  Drinking is always a good way to unwind and chill out”

We can totally agree with that and we’ll be enjoying a drink while checking out Patriot Rebel this Friday at Rock City, and we hope plenty of you will be there as well as we reckon it’s going to be a great night, as the band themselves say “it’s looking like one not to be missed”.

IKE Productions present Patriot Rebel, Hellbound Hearts, Lock Up Laura, Empire 35 and Paradise Pill at Rock City on Friday 23 January, for more information click here.

For more on Patriot Rebel check out their Facebook page here