Last weekend we went along to Offset Festival to check out the 'New Bands' stage. Afterwards we managed to sit the Dead Kids vocalist Mike Title down for a chat. Here's what he had to say...
How did you land the gig?
Land it? Well i live in that forest. And i said if youre going tp have this noisy festival where I dwell then get us involved! No but seriously they just asked us. It's pretty ironic because we're not really a new band. We've been goin' for nearly 4 years! So I thought lets do it. I like offset and they gave us a wicked slot and everyone was up for partying by the time we played. you dont want to go on stage when people are digesting their food.
Lets go back...you're not particularly new. When did you form and how did it happen?
Well to be honest im the only constant member in the band. People leave, rotate, come back. It's like a holiday club for band members. It's a very dysfunctional family. But everyone plays with love. There's always different reasons why people can't do a gig so we get someone else in...
Did you hang around after the show?
Yeah! Managed to catch Bo Ningen a Japanese band that blew me away. Also Male Bonding were really good, but everything was OK. I love Metronomy but they were moved to the main stage which had less of a good vibe going on. I guess they are a victim of their own success.
Who writes the songs? What influences you?
I thnk with lyrics they need to be universal, they have to have made sense 500 years ago, and will make sense in 500 years time. If you can do that then you've got it down. Talking about kebabs and watching West Ham is only going to pidgeon hole you...the lyrics on this album is about heartbreak. Not just from a heartbreak in terms of a relationship but also the way you live - having a disjointed exsistance...failing to grasp things...
Whats' next?
The album coming out soon...though it's weird we've only really released some scratchy demo's and singles and that's about it! People know us for being a rowdy live band. A good live band.
Everything to now has been underground and unorganised. It's not been an assault on the record buying public...because there isn't one. There is a downloading for free public, but not record buying. I'm not putting this record out thinking people are going to buy thousands of copies, i'm putting it out because i'm proud of it. I'ts the best thing i've ever done - ever. I think people will take it to their hearts. I'll still be proud of this record in 20 years time. I am satisfied.
Where are your favourite party places in UK?
Maybe Soho? Definately East End. But it's all about house parties! This summer has been recession living. Drinking in the park and going to a house party or some warehouse has been the best thing to do. We want to do gigs outside of the traditional gig venue...like houses. More house parties!
What does fashion mean to your band?
I just wear things i like the look of! I shop in charity shops in wealthy areas...the clothes these people discard are great.
What does a 'Dead Kid' look like?
It's the person getting chucked out...
Have you ever witnessed' Dead Kids' live? Planning on going to a gig? If you've never seen them before, go over to myspace.com/youaredeadkids and check them out!