Interviews: Regal Cheer

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Span Punk band Regal Cheer 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, did you plan it or come out just like that?

Max: Harry came up with the name so I'll leave that to him

Harry: I wanted to use the word Regal as I couldn't think of any other bands that already had, and I was listening to Drug Church loads at the time, that album rips. Also, it turns out it's the name of a racehorse! Who knew?

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Max: We're into all sorts, but the thing that we have an attainable shared love for is punk. We both had a few skeletons for songs when we started and they kind of just fell out like this.

Harry: I think our preferences are a great mix. Max is more into indie stuff, I'm more into punk and heavy stuff and I think this band is a really good mix of the two, and it's fun to experiment in that space.

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

Max: We'd known each other for a good few years before, Brighton's not the biggest place in the world with a fairly close-knit scene, but we'd been friends outside of that. We moved to the city at around the same time and were part of the same friendship circle. When Harry told me he wanted to start a band and that he was into Dogs on Acid and I Think You Should Leave I was all in.

Harry: Yeah all of that, plus I'd always been a fan of Max's previous bands and his songwriting, when the opportunity arose it seemed like it was worth a try!

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Max: I'd say the band I've listened to the longest that I still listen to most days is the Cribs, but I've considered Silver Jews a strong favourite for about a decade now.

Harry: My taste is really a mixed bag, but bands like Cancer Bats and the Bronx have always been biggies for me, also Steely Dan, bloody love me some Dan.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Max: From the regular everyday banalities to things that catch you off guard like changes in situations. As long as it's something that's authentic it's fairly easy for inspiration to come naturally.

Harry: yeah I think it really is any experience that sparks a genuine emotion, whether that be fed up, angry, sad, happy, content etc.

6. Where was your last gig?

Max: We played at the Hope and Ruin in Brighton for local legend promoter Sugar-Free's birthday, big up Chris Childs. Loads of Brighton essentials on the line-up, H_ngm_n, Claw Machine, Prom, Orchards. The room was sold out and we drank a million beers. It was the first show we played in about 7/8 months, the perfect setting to dust off the cobwebs.

Harry: Yeah, after breaking my wrist in the summer and being forced into having time away it was really good to get back to it, especially as I wasn't sure for a long time if we'd ever be able to!

7. Where would you like to act?

Max: It'd be really cool to play some shows outside of the UK, seems in reach too. Going on a fat Europe run or to the States would be a dream.

Harry: Yeah I agree, anywhere outside the country would feel like a fever dream to us.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Max: We've had friends feature on Cans from bands like Chalk Hands, Really Big Really Clever and Big Slammu, and we've got another feature on Quite Good too. I also sang on a Dribbler track for their album Big Life, they're some of my oldest friends so it was a total breeze. It's easy working with people who know what you're about. I'd be keen for more of that.

Harry: I'd love to do some aggressive guest vocals with a hardcore band or something, just shouting loads I think would be a laugh.

9. Whom not?

Max: Gríma Wormtongue.

Harry: Paul McCartney

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Max: The reality is, you're probably going to be shite when you're finding your feet and that's totally fine, just go in the full pelt and give it everything and you'll have a good crack.

Harry: My only tip for this would be to be prepared. Things will go wrong, that's inevitable, but being able to play it off and have a joke at your own expense makes any of that feel part of the fun. Also, I never play in my Glasses so I can't really see the audience anyway so that helps haha.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Max: For me, I'd say the Bronx and the Cribs.

Harry: Yeah I'd say the Bronx too, Cancer Bats as well. A good and energetic live show can really make you fall in love with a band and they both have that in spades.

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

Max: I can't think of any mental requests, it's normally setlists or guitar picks. Feel free to ask for something nuts, don't ask, don't get and all that.

Harry: I was asked to sign someone's chest after a not very well-attended show in a weird little town. I did not feel comfortable but they insisted, to each his own I guess!

13. What do you think of your fans?

Max: Anyone who takes the time to listen to us is a total hero, whether they like it or not. We're hardly massive but it blows my head off that people spend their time travelling to see what two idiots living in Brighton have farted out and spend their hard-earned money on merch.

Harry: Yeah same, anyone who gets what we do or spends any time out of their day to fuck with our music we appreciate endlessly. Very cool behaviour.

14. What do you think of our site?

Max: I love that you do a Bandcamp compilation, taking people right to the source.

15. Something to add?

Max: There's going to be a band in your local area that really hits the spot for you, you just haven't found them yet. If you've done your homework and they really don't exist, start that band. Support DIY music and get involved with or start a scene.

Harry: We worked really hard on this new record of ours and are self-releasing it, so any support is welcomed and greatly appreciated. If you dig it, tell your mates, drag them to a show and see if you can't have a nice time with us as the soundtrack. That would be real groovy.