Following the rapturous response to their much-loved debut EP 'Initiation' last year, Leeds-based outfit Sleuth Gang are back on the grind once again with their grizzly new single 'Safe Bet'.
Bringing back more of that raw and driven punk-rap aesthetic they are known for, 'Safe Bet' makes for a stellar return to form for the seven-piece. With its bold and explosive hooks, pulsing atmosphere, and stellar riffs layered throughout, they are returning to us with one of their more impactful efforts to date here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with the band's Sam Hunter to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was the electric guitar. I remember the year Guitar Hero came out on the Playstation 2, I would have been about 10, and I spent hours in my bedroom (playing on easy mode) feeling like a rock star. My parents asked me if i would like to learn the real thing and that christmas i got my first real guitar. It was a Fender Squire Strat from Argos with the world's smallest amp. I still have that guitar to this day and it is still my favourite to play!
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Answering these questions really highlights how much I owe to my family. In primary school we had a “Punk & Hippy” day, I guess we were learning about subcultures? Both my parents were Punks when they were younger, so my mum dressed me in ripped jeans, metal chains, and spray dyed my hair green. That point kind of started my musical journey. My Dad would play me his old records, and I started listening to bands like the Sex Pistols, The Stranglers and Talking Heads. As I grew older I started stealing my brother's CDs, and listening to (at the time) small bands like Kasabian and Arctic Monkeys. I was never really interested in what was popular at the time, so I guess I owe it to my family for creating a little hipster.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I wish I had a cooler answer, but I remember getting Busted's first album when I was really young. I always used to do the pop punk jump in my bedroom, so much so the album started skipping from the impact. The first album I really fell in love with was American Idiot by Green Day. I had no idea the context for any of the songs but the tracks were catchy and they looked cool, which was enough for me at the time.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
This is such a tough question. I think the band think I'm joking when I say Final Countdown is the best song ever written (I'm not). I guess I'm just a big corn ball because to be honest, My Chemical Romance are still my favorite band after 17 years of listening to them. Helena is a flawless track, and I don't care what anyone says. It must feel amazing performing that song live. So much angst and emotion!
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Song writing doesn’t come as naturally to me as it does for the rest of the band, which I'm not afraid to admit. The beauty of our band is we are all very good at specific things, and we try to nurture that as much as we can. Lewis is one of the best lyricists I have ever met. He is my housemate, and I have known him for nearly 15 years now. He is constantly writing lyrics, and I mean constantly. It never ceases to amaze me the dedication he puts into his craft. On the other hand, Jeremy is the best rapper I've ever met. So naturally talented, so hard working, and so charismatic. If I'm ever stuck, I know there is always someone there to help guide my hand, and I don't tell them enough, but I will always be so grateful for their help.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Turnstile's music has had me in a choke hold since I discovered them. The way they weave genres, from hardcore, to shoegaze, to funk, to pop, is just incredible; and they do it all really really well! They get a lot of stick from the hardcore scene for venturing into pop music, but I think it's great. You can follow their musical journey from album to album; each time staying fresh yet familiar. I know they're getting their flowers at the moment, but I'm here to give them more.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Frank Carter and any of his musical projects. He’s a musician I feel like I look up to, and relate to, a lot. He’s an out and out creative who has never been afraid to do his own thing. Sometimes in life, creativity is the enemy of success. I've learnt this the hard way. Since leaving uni in 2017, I've done nearly every creative job under the sun. Illustration, Graphic Design, Film, Social Media, Hand drawn animation, 3D Animation, Motion design… I’ve done a lot, and had some really good opportunities. I recently landed on Tattooing which I have been doing for the past 3 years or so. It's really hard to make a career out of one thing, because once you learn a new craft, it opens new ways to express yourself. But Frank does it seamlessly. If you look at what he's achieved, as a musician and an artist, it's incredible. I could gush about Frank Carter for hours, but proof really is in the pudding. Supporting him personally is a bit of a dream, and would be a huge honor. I do think I could give him a run for his money for the energy he brings to the stage though!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
It's the little wins. Since forming the band, I have spent every week with them side by side. We work really, really, hard. i'm so proud of every one of them. We have all grown so much together, as people and as creatives. We have two new members of the band, and getting to know them has been awesome. They bring so much to the table, and we all talk like we’ve known each other our whole lives. Without sounding soppy, i love these boys, and as long as i'm still able to shout down a mic, i will do everything i can do give them the recognition they deserve. And at the end of the day, if we never go anywhere, we will always have some awesome memories and good times to look back on, and no one can take that from us.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Personally, I can't stand being dismissed for annoying things like social media numbers, or streaming numbers, or X or Y. I get it, for the people who run the industry, musicians are an investment. Agree with it or not, that's just the game we're all playing. Don’t get me wrong, I don't think we are OWED anything, but at least give us a shot. Give us a chance to prove you wrong. Give us a chance to show you what we can do. Because we do prove ourselves, time and time again, and sometimes we struggle to even get promoters to read our emails, or open those DMs. We are active, tenacious, and we will keep on making noise until people are forced to listen.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Keep going. Just keep going.
-
Sleuth Gang's new single 'Safe Bet' is available to stream now. Check out the new video for it in the player below.