Interviews: Sweet Houdini

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Alternative Rock band Sweet Houdini from the UK. Check out this band and follow them on their INSTAGRAM PROFILE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or did it just come out like that?

We struggled for a while to come up with a name, I was talking to a friend of mine around the time about lesser-known albums from the 90s, and “Houdini” by Melvins came up, and “Sweet Oblivion” by Screaming Trees. It just made sense. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

It just feels right. I think it comes from my childhood, the good times always seemed to have 90s alternative rock playing somewhere.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

The Summers brothers met as DNA, and I met Wayne when we worked in a retail job, we would listen to music in the stock room, and kick around like Beavis and Butthead. 

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Tom - Pearl Jam

Wayne - Manchester Orchestra

Gary - Foo Fighters

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I think our situation and surroundings. It’s pretty grey and boring where we grew up so that’s been a drive for us, music was always the way out. But the more I think about it, I realize it’s second nature to create and it’s too deep to understand. It’s a compulsion.

6. Where was your last gig?

Chinnerys in Southend.

7. Where would you like to play?

Everywhere but I’d love to play at Shepherds Bush Empire. I’ve seen a few bands there but I recently got to see Jerry Cantrell, and I loved how tight and hot it was! It’s a big venue but still feels personal.

8. Who would you like to support?

The ultimate goal would be Pearl Jam for me. But out of the newer bands around I think we would like to support October Drift or Tiger Cub, I think our sound would work well together. Don’t forget Mudhoney, that would be wild!

9. Who not?

At this point, we would support anyone, but on the spot, I would say most Emo bands.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

It’s never really been a problem, if I had any advice, I would say before breaking into a song create some noise and get comfortable.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

I think for me most of the 90s Seattle bands, mainly Pearl Jam, but I also think Bowie, Mark Bolan, and Iggy Pop. There are probably too many to mention. QOTSA creep in a lot too.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Never really been asked for a weird thing but when I was in a previous band with Wayne a fan brought us a bag of homemade cheese. Our bassist at the time took it all and the fan ended up sleeping on his floor for a while and they went to a few cheese markets together. He was pretty tight-lipped about it.

13. What do you think of your fans?

 It’s too early to say.

14. What do you think of our site?

I like it, there’s lots to discover.

15. Something to add?

Thanks for having us, we hope you enjoy our debut. Keep in touch at https://www.instagram.com/sweethoudiniband/