10 Questions with Pills, Weed And A Few keys, we got the change to have a quick chat with the lads about all things music!
1. You’re playing #360RAW8 in a few weeks, what can you tell us about your band?
We aim to be the band people see on a poster for a gig and tell their mates, “Hell, PWK are playing – them lads put on a proper good show”. I see loads of amateur bands who are musically brilliant, but the entertainment factor is lacking. The songs aren’t catchy, they take themselves way too seriously and it’s like ‘please chill the heck out, gigs are meant to be fun’. We want people walking away from our sets having had the best time, eager for the next gig and with our songs stuck in their head.
2. What can the audience expect from your set?
Energy, catchy choruses, good fun and great music.
3. How would you describe your sound and who are your influences?
We are mix of melodic rock and rap music, like the Beastie Boys over new metal and indie music but with a northern accent. Between the four of us we have a wide range of influences including Eminem, Tupac, The Cure, The Stones Roses and Vola.
4. The #360RAW nights have been pretty rowdy and memorable so far; have you had any particularly memorable gigs in Yorkshire?
We haven’t been around long so it’s nuts we are getting gigs like this at this stage, but our first ever gig was ridiculous. We’d literally never performed before as PWK and we managed to score Lending Rooms in front of 100 people supporting Mr B the Gentleman Rhymer. He was touring nationally and the whole thing was so random, people normally do their first gigs in some shitty pub in front of 5 people. It’s good to be back in the Lending Room!
5. What do you think about the Yorkshire music scene? Are there any bands or artists we should be looking out for?
Well there’s no shortage of awesome musicians on our doorstep, especially with the Leeds College of Music being based here. There’s a band with two drummers our drummer likes called Vipertime.
6. Your sound is inspired by ‘Northern angst’; what do you find particularly inspirational about the North?
There’s something especially real and gritty about the North. We don’t suffer fools but at the same time, we are amongst the friendliest and most up for a laugh in the country. I don’t want to over generalise and, coming from Blackburn I’m obviously biased, but even in Game of Thrones the Northerners are the best.
7. You’re also inspired by Gangster Rap; is there a Gangster Rap scene in Yorkshire?
Being totally honest, I’m not well versed in the local rap scene, so I couldn’t comment. I know Don’t Flop had some great west Yorkshire based rappers and obviously Weezy Jefferson who’s playing #360RAW8 with us is mint.
8. Going forward, when can we hear new music from PWK and what are your goals for the future?
We have two songs recorded and we are just applying the finishing touches, so soon! Our goals are to keep taking steps forwards. As time goes on we just seem to be moving in the right direction, getting bigger and better gigs. We just love this stuff and hope it goes on as long as it can. By next summer, I want us to have recorded a handful of songs, have a sick video and be playing festivals.
9. Curveball question now – would you rather have a dragon or be a dragon?
I already spit fire!
10. #360RAW8 … last chance to plug your set. Why should people come down to check you out?
Because everyone needs their fix of Pills, Weed and Keys… 😉 You should watch us because there’s no one like us. There are so many great bands out there but 99% of them lack that unique character that makes you remember them. They fall into a bland hipster void and become indistinguishable from everyone else. That’s not the case with PWK. Whether you think we are totally gash, or you love our music, we are undeniably unforgettable.
