Introducing Interview: SUSPECTS

Cool Thing Records are proud to present the latest addition to their musical family: Suspects. The punk-inspired duo from Southend have been creating music under the radar for a while, but they recently premiered their debut single ‘Innocence’ online with the almighty Kerrang! Radio X are also big supporters of the pair, so we suggest you make yourself familiar with Suspects by reading our interview with them below…

Who are SUSPECTS?

Thomas Prescott and James May (Jaff)

Describe your sound…

We are an out and out punk band with sounds ranging from the sludge and grit of the early 90s grunge scene, to the raw stripped back power of the early millennium garage rock scene.

As a duo, we thrive on the live show. We want you to come intrigued, and leave enlightened and sweaty. We want to remain in people’s minds long after they have seen us live. Our influences include: The White Stripes, Pixies, Black Sabbath, Queens Of The Stone Age, Nirvana and Black Flag.

What’s your debut single ‘Innocence’ all about?

‘Innocence’ is about how in the modern age we are so dependent on one another, that life is virtually impossible on your own. It’s a song of unity. It’s about letting love in and appreciating all you have, although the fight for happiness can be difficult sometimes.

How did you come to work with Cool Thing Records?

From an early stage in Suspects development, we were brought to the attention of Cool Thing Records. We’re close with everyone at Cool Thing, in particular Kana Waiwaiku – someone who has helped the band sonically and visually We have both respectively been in bands in the past, but have had little experience in just how much is involved with running and maintaining a band and we are learning all the time.

It is also a fantastic opportunity to work with some of the other fantastic bands on Cool Thing including: Asylums, BAIT, The Horse Heads, ACID, Petty Phase and Beckie Margaret.

What do you have coming up for the rest of 2017?

After our single release of ‘Innocence’ on 7th July, the next day we have our very first appearance at Village Green Festival. Coming from Southend on Sea, this is by far our biggest moment – not only this year – but as a band.

We have more recording sessions with Thomas Mitchener (Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes) planned, and We’ll be touring, and will have at least one more release before the end of the year.

Thanks to Thomas and James for answering our questions. Follow Suspects and Cool Thing Records on Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: Kana Waiwaiku

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut