INTERVIEW: Broken Witt Rebels - Backstage at The UMAs

The first ever Unsigned Music Awards was held at The Troxy last night, and it was a glossy exciting affair.

Sponsored by Liquiproof and due to be broadcast at 9.30pm on Monday 31st October 2016 (on Sky, Freeview and Freesat), The UMAs awarded 16 trophies to acts across numerous categories, and the winners included Brother and Bones, AKS, Elle Exxe, and Jerry Williams.

The evening was packed with performances from the talented nominees, and wise words of love and support from the winners. Gigslutz spent some time backstage with Birmingham lads Broken Witt Rebels, nominees (and now winners!) of the ‘Best Rock Act’ award…

Hello Broken Witt Rebels! You’ve been nominated for two awards this evening (‘Best Live Act’ and ‘Best Rock Act’) – aside from each other, can you remember who was the first person you told when you received this nomination?

Danny: I told my Dad, but he was asleep…

James T: I told my Tinder date, and she didn’t really care…

Luke: I told my parents and they were like “what’s that then?”

Danny: We’re pleased to be nominated. It’ll be better when we win though…

You’re performing live tonight at the ceremony. Do you have any pre-gig rituals to get rid of nerves before going on stage?

Danny: A few lagers…

James T: Well, a lot of lagers tonight. Apparently they’re free?

Danny: We’re confident enough. This is our job, and this is what we get out of bed for every day and we’re very fortunate, we’ve had a great year so far.

James D: Before a gig I might warm up a little bit, but nothing too strenuous. Bit of stretching…

A few lunges?

James D: Oh yeah, definitely.

You invited your fans to star in your music video for track ‘Georgia Pines’ earlier this year. Whose idea was this, and what was the reaction like from your fans?

Danny: It was our idea really. We just thought the fans had given us so much and we wanted to give something back. To involve them in the final single on the EP was the best way to thank everyone.

We also played at loads of festivals this year (Isle Of Wight, Leeds, Y Not?, Latitude) so we wanted to celebrate that too, and show everyone what a great summer we’d had.

Finally, have you prepared a winning speech or a consolation faces depending on the awards outcome for tonight?

James T: Didn’t we talk about a speech in the car?

Danny: A little bit, but we haven’t really thought about it that much. But if we don’t win, we won’t play. We’ll smash the whole gaff up.