In a this segment All Music Magazine UK/Europe we will be spotlighting some of the bands and artists that we think are going to get people talking in the next 12 months; bands and artists we think you should check out to stay ahead of the curve.
We would like to introduce you to BLANKETMAN, we recently reviewed there debut EP “National Trust”, this is what we thought of them then,
“Here, are widely lauded Manchester four piece “Blanketman” who, full of confidence, release their hugely impressive 7 track debut EP “National Trust” on PIAS recordings as a statement of intent. Make no mistake about it…Blanketman are the real deal here. Brilliant and concise, urgent and engaging, Blanketman epitomise the very best that the great indie-pop racket mobsters of our times stand for”.
So with all that said, Desh Kapur Editor/Photographer at All Music Magazine UK/Europe decided it was time to have a little chat with them to see where they came from and what they have been up to and what their plans for the future are.
Firstly, who are Blanketman?
They are a Manchester-based four-piece consisting off Adam Hopper – lead vocals, guitar, Jeremy Torralvo Godoy – bass, backing vocals, Ellie-Rose Elliott – drums, backing vocals, Daniel Hand – lead guitar. First grabbing everybody’s attention with the indie fantastic debut track ‘Taking You With Me’, and then releasing their debut EP ‘National Trust”, Blanketman received their first taste of airplay on Radio 1 in 2019 in unexpected circumstances when Blossoms frontman Tom Ogden selected their song as one of his choices on Huw Stephens’ show. In fact, he even likened Hopper to Ian Curtis and revealed that he stumbled upon a video of them performing at Kendal Calling, which caught his attention. The singer then used his platform to give some love to a new band, which helped Blanketman at such an early stage in their career.
For fans of The Fall, Wire, Lou Reed, The Pretty Things, Vampire Weekend.
Due to lockdown face to face interviews are a not permitted so email was the medium of choice.
What is the story behind your name?
It was one of the first names that was put forward in the list while we were trying to come up with a band name, I think it was disregarded at first, but we never thought of anything better. I think Dan had watched the film ‘Hunger’ recently, about the Blanket Protests. Jeremy wasn’t into it at first, being French, Blanquette means meat in sauce.
What first got you into music? or Who inspired you to make music?
I think the usual way really, parents who used to listen to a lot of music and go to gigs, tends to feed down through the family doesn’t it.
How did you all meet?
We all met in Manchester when I posted an advert looking for band members on the website joinmyband.com. They all got in touch and we met for a few drinks and to jam and it all clicked pretty quickly.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Rock and Roll music.
What is your creative process like?
One of us, typically Dan or myself brings an initial idea, lyrics, melody, and a rough structure, then the rest of the band put their mark on it, it becomes Blanketman that way.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
I think the Parquet Courts are a band that the whole band would enjoy opening for.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
If you can dream it, do it!
What is the most useless talent you have?
I can blow air through my eyeballs.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
Probably the same day jobs that we are all currently working alongside our music career and probably drinking less.
Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
We haven’t performed much outside of Manchester yet besides, Kendal Calling Festival, the Social in London and the Trades Club in Hebden Bridge. I think my favorite so far would be The Trades Club, great independent venue, good people and lovely food. Don’t have a least favourite really! We’ve just announced a UK tour in August which we’re very excited for.
What is your favourite song to perform?
We quite like playing one of our older songs “5 Days A Week” its good fun to play and have a boogie to.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
Elton John, what he did on The Lion King was superb.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
Never been in trouble, I am a saint. I once ran off the top of a Roman wall by accident, luckily my fall was cushioned by bramble bushes, that was a close call.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Don’t play cards with Satan.
What’s next for you?
Our debut EP National Trust is released on vinyl in July which is very exciting, it’ll be our first physical release. Then we’re heading out on tour in August. New music is also on the way, hopefully due around autumn time fingers crossed. Mostly just looking forward to playing live again!
Blanketman are also announcing a headline UK tour for August. Full run below.
Aug 03 – The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham, UK [buy tickets here]
Aug 04 – The Prince Albert, Brighton, UK [buy tickets here]
Aug 05 – The Windmill, London, UK [buy tickets here]
Aug 06 – Crofters Rights, Bristol, UK [buy tickets here]
Aug 11 – Future Yard, Birkenhead, UK [buy tickets here]
Aug 12 – Trades Club, Hebden Bridge, UK [buy tickets here]
Aug 13 – Yes (Pink Room), Manchester, UK [buy tickets here]
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My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago and married my childhood sweetheart and life is good.
