Interviews: Basement League

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Pop Punk band Basement League from the UK. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

It kind of just happened to be honest. We were originally called, Priests to Pilots but we decided, with two new vocalists, that it was time for a change. Basement League in Birmingham (our vocalist and rhythm guitarist Izaak's hometown) is a term to describe a low league football team and he would continually refer to our Bassist, James as being basement league. Nathan, our drummer, really liked the name and suggested we use it. Thus, Basement League was born.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We didn't really want to set a genre for the band, we kind of just wanted to make music that we would want to listen to. Naturally that seems to have drawn us towards the big riff and fast paced pop punk sound.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Nathan and James were founding members of Priests to Pilots and they met on Join My Band. Izaak and Cameron were then later additions, both joining via Join my Band as well.

4. Each band member favorite band?

There's a real range. Our Drummer, Nathan's favourite band is You Me At Six, James (Bassist) is a huge blink-182 fan, Cameron (Vocals) is a huge fan of Enter Shikari and our other Vocalist and Rhythm Guitarist Izaak will listen to a whole host of bands.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

We find that we're super inspired by our past experiences. That's what we seem to gravitate towards.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was in London where we played at The Engine Rooms in Bow - it's a cracking venue and where we rehearse.

7. Where would you like to act?

A big festival is top of the list. Something like Download or Slam Dunk would be incredible but a tour across the states would be amazing as well.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

We'd love to do something with the big bands in the scene, Neck Deep or State Champs. But if we're looking broader, getting Mark Hoppus doing a verse would be ace.

9. Whom not?

We're pretty open to be honest, wouldn't want to sell out and get a pop artist on a record though.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

I think we've all been there at various points and at varying degrees. The big thing to remember is that Fear and Excitement are very similar kinds of energy. When you're feeling scared, it's because you're excited. Trust in your preparation and turn the nervous energy into excited.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Trophy Eyes, Boston Manor and The Wonder Years are probably the ones our sound is closest too and incidentally we're all big fans so it'd probably be them by default!

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

To be honest, it was probably at a show in Bournemouth we were asked for our autographs. This really threw us, we had no clue we'd be asked that and had to work out what our autographs we're - didn't want to give out our signatures!

13. What do you think of your fans?

To be honest, they're mostly our friends at the moment! But at every show we play, the people watching bring the energy! They're so open and so energetic, really motivates us to put on a show.

14. What do you think of our site?

It's great! Such an amazing platform and showcase for up and coming bands!

15. Something add?

Just want to say thanks for having us, if you're reading this - thank you for reading! If you want to keep in the loop with the band just search, Basement League on socials and streaming services and keep reading Breathing the Core! It's a really great site!