With over 700,000 views on their video for radio smash and rock n’ roll anthem “Could Have Been Me”, a legendary opening for the Rolling Stones in front of 80,000 people in Paris, and a number of sold out shows under their belt, Made in America is just a teaser trailer for U.K’s glam rock band, The Struts. Made up of Luke Spiller, Adam Slack, Jed Elliott and Gethin Davies, these musicians have been bringing us 70’s rock n’ roll nostalgia since 2012, when the band was formed out of Derby, England. Now newly based out of Los Angeles and gearing up for their first stateside tour ever where they’ll be performing their new EP Have You Heard for the first time ever, we talk to the Struts about the misconceptions we might have of their beloved England, what nostalgia means to them and kicking off their tour in the perfect place, alongside none other than Beyonce and Meek Mill. If the “Could Have Been Me” video sets any precedent for their Made In America performance, the Struts won’t be one to miss.
But it’s more than just 70’s glam. It’s about doing what you want to do. Being yourself. Creating what makes you happy.
First of all, is it kind of funny to be playing “Made In America” festival when you guys are London born-and-bred?
Not at all! It’s brilliant to get out and see the world. Since touring the states we really see that the world is bigger than London or the UK..
But you guys are now LA-based, correct? How’s LA treating you?
LA is brilliant. The weather for a starter is a real highlight. The general vibe is quite inspiring. We have been in the studio quite a lot since arriving there. People are nice as well.
Watching your video for “Could Have Been Me” there’s so much energy, is that something you want to bring to your MIA performance and the rest of the tour?
Of course. We always try and bring a high octane performance to every show and I assure you MIA is no exception.
It’s very easy to create to people please. But as soon as you do, you find yourself forgetting what it is that made you want to do this in the beginning. Being true to yourself is the most important thing.
The video has such a kind of 70’s feel, just this giant party, but it also has a very English vibe to it and not just because of the city. Is that kind of carefree nostalgia a big part of the music for you guys?
I love nostalgia and being nostalgic. It’s really always been a part of me. I have classic taste in many of areas of my life. I own a classic car. I listen to classical music. I long for a Georgian property. I’m just ..classy like that.
Do you feel like you guys are very inspired by 70’s and 80’s rock ‘n roll, like you’re keeping that genre of kind of raw glam rock alive? Because it is something, at least in the US, that is slipping from mainstream.
Yes I love all of that. But it’s more than just 70’s glam. It’s about doing what you want to do. Being yourself. Creating what makes you happy. It’s very easy to create to people please. But as soon as you do, you find yourself forgetting what it is that made you want to do this in the beginning. Being true to yourself is the most important thing.
It’s great to be an individual on a bill. Rather than being part of a collective sound for that festival.
Speaking of mainstream, do you guys feel about sharing the stage with huge artists like Meek Mill and Beyonce? I mean, you’ve opened for The Rolling Stones in Paris before which is HUGE, but it’s different in many ways as well.
It’s all the same to me. Of course it’s an honour every time. But im not satisfied. I want to be bigger. Until that happens, it’s just another day winning people over.
It’s also interesting because your genre from that of Beyonce or Meek Mill’s is so opposite but at a festival that amount of variety is what brings such a different crowd together. Are you excited about playing to such a eclectic audience?
Variety is truly the spice of life. So I’m all for it. It’s great to be an individual on a bill. Rather than being part of a collective sound for that festival. It’s also a great way to reach out to people who don’t know what to expect.
Have you guys toured in the US before? If not, what are you excited about? Or not excited about?
Never toured here before and we bloody can’t wait! We get to see most of the states via a little van so that will be interesting.
What’s one misconception people have about England? The U.K. music industry?
Hmm, that they like the struts maybe? Believe it or not our shows are always sold out but UK radio and press hasn’t done a sweet fuck all for us in the last 4 years. That’s why we love you guys.
Made In America is just the beginning of the tour for you, do you think this is the perfect place to get that kick start?
Of course. You’re the much needed injection of pure success that we need in order to succeed and for that, we thank you.
This post, The Struts May Not Be Made In America but They Sure Are Made For It, by Erika Flynn, appeared first on Galore.