Swears are fuzzy alternative rock band originating from Middlesbrough, drawing influences from grunge, punk, doom, and pop. The band consists of Joel Clayton, Cypriot brothers George and Stephanos Louca and Craig Hughes. Every member of the band has been gigging and touring for a number of years and after a lot of spontaneous jamming on stage and collaborating in numerous side projects.
Even though the band only officially launched in July 2017 for a support gig with Yorkshire favourites Allusondrugs, they have already managed to play and book gigs around the country and in some of Teesside’s best venues, including The Georgian Theatre and the Westgarth Social Club, and are looking to book shows all over the North-East region and the rest of the UK.
The band headed into the studio in early July and recorded 5 songs with Steve Hoggart and their long-time brother from another mother Benjamin Taylor.
Their second single Lame Wizzard is out now and has already been played on BBC Introducing. It tells the story of an individual living in isolation, alienated and ostracised from society, slipping into a state of psychosis. Their delusions of grandeur and need for acknowledgement gradually lead to a false
belief in supernatural abilities, and a desire to commit acts of violence and atrocity (and/or to move objects with his mind) as they become the Lame Wizard.
We managed to catch up with the band as they talk about their latest single and more!
So how has release of Lame Wizard gone down so far?
So far the release is going really well. The response has been really positive and we’re happy with how it all turned out. We had our single launch on the 2nd of March which ended up being a total mates-fest. We had our mates’ bands Casual Threats and Heel turn play for us, we had our mate Benjamin Taylor from Taylor Illingworth Brewery Company provide the beers and our mates at Stoked UK (who designed our logos/t-shirts/cover for first single) selling their merch and other rad gear. And then we got drunk and had fun.
Can you tell us something about the song, no one else knows?
It is meant to mirror all the mass shootings that have been happening in America. It tells the story of an individual living in isolation, alienated and ostracised from society, slipping into a state of psychosis. Their delusions of grandeur and need for acknowledgement gradually lead to a false belief in supernatural abilities, and a desire to commit acts of violence and atrocity (and/or to move objects with his mind) as they become the LAME WIZZARD. It refers to a man, but it could also apply to a woman, although to be fair it is pretty much always men doing this type of shit.
What’s it like being supported by the likes of BBC Introducing?
They played our song on the radio a couple of weeks before the release and then gave us a shout out about our single launch. It was really cool of them to give us a bit of hype. It’s always nice to get support and recognition for doing something that you enjoy doing.
Is this track any different to Faith in the Nation?
It’s definitely a darker song, less upbeat and heavier as well as less in-your-face politically.
Will you be releasing an EP/Album at all this year?
We recorded a bunch of songs in the romantic summer of 2017 that we are planning on releasing as an EP later on in the year.
If you could work with any band in the world on a new song, who would it be and why?
John Barrett from Bass Drum of Death because he knows how to write a banger, and Josh Homme because he’s an amazing guitarist/musician/songwriter/artist, so we could steal his secrets.
What’s the alternative scene like in Middlesbrough at the moment?
The alternative scene in Middlesbrough is pretty small but really supportive, so it’s a really good place to start out in. There’s a lot of awesome, varied music coming out of working class areas in the North of England at the moment.
What do you get up to in your spare time while not working on music?
Stephanos likes to smoke cigarettes and pet dogs. Craig likes to plot world domination. Joel likes to be mysterious and put on gigs in Middlesbrough and within the wider region. George likes to play guitar and watch the Rush Hour trilogy.
What was your first gig you ever attended?
Craig’s first gig was KISS. George went to see Blink-182 with Craig in Aberdeen. Stephanos went to see Foals with George in Leeds. Joel saw Guns n Roses and they didn’t play Paradise City because someone threw a quid at Axl Rose’s head.