CLEAN BANDIT A British group formed back in 2009, they released the single ‘Mozarts House’ , in March 2013 which reached #17 on the UK singles chart, making it their first top 20 single in the UK. Here we catch up with the drummer of the band, Luke Patterson. By Nadia Shaikh & Gemma Elliot What/where is your hometown? Do the people back at home support you? Before moving to London I lived in a small seaside town called West Kirby near Liverpool. We haven’t had the chance to play up there yet but hopefully when the time comes people will show their support! How long have you guys been in a band together? The bands been together for about 5 years now but I’ve only been a part of it for 4. My brother started it when he was at university and began by adding electronic beats to samples of classical music. When I got an electronic kit for my 17th birthday I was introduced as the drummer and started playing the beats live! What’s the hardest thing about being in a band? Hmm good question. I guess the transition from acoustic kit to electronic was pretty hard. Also having to play to a click had its difficulties. I wasn’t used to having to play in such a regimented way with no freedom to change tempo. Who are your idols and why? Geoff Rowley. He’s just a cool, down to earth scouser with radical moves.
Who/ What are your guilty pleasures? I’m a bit of a sucker for The Vengaboys. We supported them once at a may ball in Cambridge and It blew my mind. Syrup waffles are pretty good too. If you guys were to describe yourself in one word, what would you say? Innovative. Do you guys have any other hobbies besides, obviously, making music? Well I’ve been riding a skateboard ever since I learnt to push. And as a band we make all our own music videos so I guess that counts as a hobby. Aside from that I’m into art and sailing whenever I get the chance. What’s your most embarrassing experience? Dropping a stick on stage is always bad but I haven’t done that in a while. I guess the worst was having the power cut out on my kit during a gig as then I was completely helpless. Yeah, that was pretty bad. Are you touring at the moment or in the near future? We’ve recently come off supporting Disclosure on their UK tour but right now we’re just doing the festival circuit. Once our album’s out I’m sure we’ll be back on the road again!
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