Sara Bills & The Hasbeens have been invited to play the first Mad Hatters Live night, which offers the act the opportunity for acts to stamp their identity on the evening, by choosing the support, DJing and of course playing.
It’s been six years since the band first formed and it was way back in 2011 when their last recording “Spill the Beans” was released.
The tracks have lost none of their poignancy over the time, with one reviewer noting;
“In a sea of generic indie pop, this band retreat from lazy comparisons to Belle and Sebastian and the like, with their true creativity and local charm.”
The band have been recording some new material, so we took the opportunity to catch up with the to see how the new tracks are progressing and what tracks might be played as they take to the decks of Mad Hatters live.
You’ve been doing a bit of recording for your second EP, hows that coming along? and what the plans for it’s release?
We’re hoping to finish our first full album, aiming to be released early summer. We have the pleasure of working with an awesome engineer who knows us well and really let’s us do our thing how we like it! This recording is much more punk and back to our roots, we’re excited, we’re sure our Hasbeenies are too!
Can you tell us a little about The Travels and in particular why you picked them to play at Mad Hatters with you?
The Travels are from Glasgow and I’ve loved them ever since I caught them on the off chance at the Market Bar. We’re always blasting their EPs in the car – songs like “Welcome to Glasgow”, “Lately” and “Your Accessory” are real diamonds.
I was absolutely delighted when Steve Robertson kindly asked us to support them last time they played Hatters and we can’t wait to gig again with them – top lads!
If you were offered another slot and you could invite anyone ,free from the restraints of reality, who would you have?
Brody Dalle! Although we’d have to play first, I’d collapse having to follow her! Hands down she’s been one of my biggest inspirations, I love the fact her youngest is ages with my son and it’s inspiring to see another mum out there rocking it! After sound checks we could go for a “play date”!
Your also taking to the decks, can you give us a taste of five of the “must play” tracks for the evening, and why?
Brody Dalle – ‘Don’t Mess With Me’ That one’s obvious.
The Blockheads – ‘If I Was With A Woman’. A highlight for us at Bella. I was brought up listening to this kind of thing and it always gets ya dancing
Rancid – ‘Timebomb’ A great punk/ska track, makes ya feel good!
Morcheeba – ‘Be Yourself’. Another great tune to dance too! Morcheeba are a real favourite of mine and one of the best live bands I’ve seen.
The Clash – ‘Rock the Casbah’ Another band I was brought up listening to and this track is just a dance floor classic!
Sara Bills and the Hasbeens, supported by The Travels, play Mad Hatters Live on the 27th of February , 2015.
