One day I decided to send out one of my random MySpace bulletins asking for bands to step forward for interviews. On one particular occasion, a rock band from Nottingham replied. That band was Sideshow...

Lou: Hi Sideshow, thanks for agreeing to this interview. Please could you tell me a little bit about the band and who is in the band?

Sideshow: We are a 3 piece rock band from Nottingham (that's right the gun capital). The band consists of, James Carson - lead vocals/guitar, Chris 'shep' Shepperson - Bass/screaming and Clive Downing - Generally hits things and gets angry a lot!

Lou: How long have you been together? Have you experienced any line-up changes in that time? How have they affected the sound of the band?

Sideshow: We have been together in the current line up for 2 and a half years with no line up changes! I say this because sideshow have had a lot of members over the years. Originally forming in 1998, the band was always a 4 piece so the last 2 years or so have seen a big change in the band dynamically. This has led to a much tighter agressive sound to the band but still allowing enough space for the more musical, melodic passages.

Lou: How would you describe the music that Sideshow creates?

Sideshow: How would we describe the music? good question. I would say that we are a heavily rhythmic rock band that mixes light and dark moments to keep the listener enthralled. We have melody, we have power and conviction but we have an introverted side to us as well.

Lou: Which bands have influenced you? Which albums have had the greatest influence on your music?

Sideshow: We are influenced by a lot of bands but I would say that the biggest influence is probably Tool. Now I know at the moment there are a lot of bands name dropping Tool at the moment but without sounding pretentious we have been into that band for a long time. I went to see them on the Undertow tour in 1994 and am amazed at how popular they are now! I had ticket 83 i think:S Other bands that we like would be Deftones and Nine Inch Nails.

Albums that have influenced our music? good question again. I think what we try to do is take stuff that we like and twist it to become 'sideshow' We are into how albums are produced more than going, lets copy that. I think Andy Wallace is a genius! The production on Toxicity and Perfect Circle albums is awesome! That definately influences us in the studio.

Lou: I've read (in a message you sent me!) that you are due to release an EP fairly soon. Has work started on this and what can we expect from it?

Sideshow: We should be heading back into the studio later this year, hopefully to do an E.p (5 tracks) and do songs like Breathin' some justice. It will be the best stuff that we have done! some of the new tracks that are in the pipeline we are really excited about. It will be heavy!!

Lou: From the tracks on your MySpace page, my favourite is "Breathin'" - it's got a fantastic energy to it. Which is your favourite Sideshow song and why (this doesn't necessarily have to be one from your MySpace page)?

Sideshow: Favourite tracks of ours at the moment are probably 'Still Waters' for the pure live energy, and a new track called ' The vultures are circling' which is one for the critics;)

Lou: Do you have any plans to tour soon?

Sideshow: We are always looking for gigs so any promoters please get in touch!

Lou: Which venues have you played in? Which have been your favourites so far?

Sideshow: Our favourite venues that we have played? well the best has to be this year:) We played main stage at Rock City, Nottingham with Reuben and Capdown! It was a blast! Such a great venue.

Lou: Are there any venues that you are keen to play in the future?

Sideshow: We would love to play Birmingham or Manchester academy!

Lou: Which bands have you played with (oo-er! hehe) so far? Anyone we should check out?

Sideshow: Bands that we have played with that you should check out are -Aphemia- and -Pariahonfire-

Lou: Do you prefer to be in the studio or playing live?

Sideshow: AH....studio or live?! we would have to go with, live i guess....only just though.

Lou: What's the weirdest thing that has ever happened to you at a gig?

Sideshow: Weirdest sideshow gig was probably in Soho, London. We spent £300 on a bright yellow bus to take all of 12 people to London from Nottingham (inc parents) for a talent showcase. yeah right, biggest con ever, no scout turned up, everyone was stung for £6 and played to the 12 people that we brought. lesson learned!

Lou: If there was a Sideshow cocktail, what would be in it?

Sideshow: Sideshow cocktail would probably have lots of Southern Comfort, jack daniels and coke.

Lou: I've noticed on your MySpace that you were recently in a Battle Of The Bands. Has that finished yet, if so where did you finish? Did you win?

Sideshow: We are in the semi final of the battle of the bands at junktion 7 which will take place in August:)

Lou: What's next for Sideshow?

Sideshow: Next for us is working on new songs for the competition and recording. Watch this space......thanks for your time.
Sideshow


More Links: There are currently no Sideshow related links on Loucifer Speaks. Please feel free to start your own thread in the forum.