There was more than one band of brothers from the North of England with epic tunes in the 90s. And unlike Oasis, Embrace are still going strong. On the eve of their headlining performance at Dunfermline Live, we caught up with drummer Mike Heaton to talk to him about his influences, inspirations and bizarre sights at festivals…
Hello Danny. Where are you and what have you been up to this week?
I’ve been at home, clearing my loft out and finding very early Embrace demos that I’d forgotten we’d recorded, and flyers for gigs that I don’t remember even playing!
You’re headlining Dunfermline Live on 18 October – what’s the most bizarre thing you’ve seen or experienced at a festival?
Hultsfred Festival, 1997. We were on before Dark Funeral, who covered the stage in Visqueen [polyethylene plastic sheeting] and stuck severed pigs heads on poles along the front of the stage. Then during the set proceeded to cover everyone in blood…
Nice. Other than clothes and musical instruments, what are your essential items to take on tour?
My bitch, bananas, beer and bongos.
What did you think about U2’s new album being dumped on anyone with an iTunes account and the backlash that followed?
Well, you don’t HAVE to listen to it! They’re not coming round to your house and putting your headphones on for you…
Tell us one thing that’s great and one thing that sucks about being in a band with two brothers?
Bad: They both believe they are right!
Good: The sibling rivalry fuels competition for the best songs and lyrics.
You’ve covered songs by D12 and De la soul – which other hip hop songs would you like to do a version of?
I’m afraid that’s about all the hip hop I know. My musical background is punk and metal.
What was the first album you bought, when and where did you buy it, and do you still listen to it?
I’ve just found it again in my loft clear out. It was called Disco Fever and it’s a compilation of the best disco hits from 1977. Bought from Track One Records in Heckmondwike. I intend to listen to it again just as soon as I’ve found my record player!
What have you been listening to recently?
Royal Blood, Pulled Apart by Horses, Manchester Orchestra and a lot of my old Zeppelin albums.
Other than music, who or what inspires you to write songs?
Films and life… And films about life…
Finally, what’s next for you after your UK tour in November and December?
Christmas and New Year with my kids and gorgeous girlfriend and then back to conquering the world with Embrace…
Dunfermline Live takes place on Saturday 18 October, with headliners Embrace, King Creosote, Eugene McGuinness, Hector Bizerk, Dexters and AMWF alongside new bands including The Merrylees, Vigo Thieves, Scary People, Neon Waltz, Modern Faces and The Moon Kids. Tickets are £20, further info here: http://www.dunfermlinelive.co.uk/
Paul Sng
Paul Sng
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