ALL MUSIC MAGAZINE UK INTERVIEW NORTH WEST BAND STANLEYS

 

 

INTERVIEW BY JANET HARDING

 

Stanleys Interview, November 2022

 

 

North West based 4 piece band, the Stanleys, are taking the UK by storm. The latest to emerge from the vibrant and talented music scene in Wigan, these guys offer crashing indie at its very best. After performing at the sold out 02 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester with fellow Wiganers, the Lathums, and a sold out 02 Ritz with Jamie Webster and the Lottery Winners, the Stanleys then went on to sell out their own Manchester headline in a matter of minutes. After recently touring the UK, finishing in style with a home- coming headline in Wigan, They have now been added to the line up for the brilliant North West indie festival The Neighbourhood Weekender.  I caught up with front man, Tom Concannon for some quick fire questions.

 

 

JANET (ALL MUSIC MAGAZINE UK)

Thank you so much for finding time to answer a few quick questions for us today…So how was the tour?

TOM (STANLEYS)

The tour has been amazing, it’s been everything me and the lads expected and more and we now can’t wait for the next one.

JANET

For those who haven’t seen you yet, what can we expect at a Stanleys gig?

TOM

Energy and passion. The fans have made every gig on the tour so special with their enthusiasm for singing and it’s so clear on stage that the gigs have a lovely atmosphere.

JANET

Is there a buzz you get from gigging?

TOM

The buzz is always a 2nd hand effect of how the crowd feel, so we’ve felt very special and grateful this tour.

JANET

How do you guys prepare for a gig?

TOM

We have a routine and pattern before gigs in order to get ready to perform which includes eating well, relaxing and enjoying some of our favourite music.

 

 

JANET

What’s been your favourite place to perform?

TOM

As always Wigan is our home town and our most treasured place to play, full of family and friends. However London has become a 2nd home to us and we can’t express our gratitude enough for always being welcomed like family down there.

JANET

You play the Neighbourhood Weekender festival in Warrington next year, how s that gonna be?

TOM

It’s always been a massive event that was gossiped about in school and college, so to play it will be a real achievement for us lads. We’ve seen some of our favourite artists there and now hope we can fill those big boots.

JANET

So how was the hometown headline?

TOM

Wigan was probably the best gig we’ve done so far. The energy, the buzz. It was a night to remember.

JANET

And the after party at Indiependance?

TOM

The after party as always was a blast, I’d love to give you details but I’m afraid I’d have to kill you afterwards!

JANET

Who should we be checking out from the local Wigan music scene?

TOM

Facades, Garden Party, Rivver, Flechettes, to name but a few local bands doing Wigan proud.

 

 

JANET

What’s it like being a part of that scene?

TOM

There is no secret to the fact that the solidarity between the Wigan bands is something that is pushing us all to better stuff. We inspire and drive each other.

JANET

What’s been an inspiration to you, growing up in Wigan?

TOM

Music has always been a part of the DNA of Wigan and you don’t have to look far to see such inspiration including Northern Soul, Wigan Pier and even the MADchester bands.

JANET

What else inspires you?

TOM

I think the biggest inspiration for me is my family, especially my parents. They have full faith and support for me which is key to everything I achieve.

JANET

Favourite song lyrics and why?

TOM

“Does the body rule the mind or does the mind rule the body, I don’t know” – Morrissey. I’ve still yet to decide myself!

 

 

JANET

Any advice for bands starting out?

TOM

Do it, and do it unapologetically. You only have one spin on the wheel, so don’t waste it.

JANET

When did you start singing?

TOM

I have to admit, singing is the easiest instrument to learn in the band, but I suppose I’ve always been a bit obsessed with it.

JANET

Was there a pivotal moment when you knew music would be your life?

TOM

Listening to the Stone Roses debut album when I was around 12ish, I just thought “yep! That will do.”

JANET

Most surreal moment so far?

TOM

Meeting some of the heroes I grew up watching including Sean Ryder and Liam Fray was pretty special.

JANET

Most random fan/crowd encounter?

TOM

Hearing that Blossoms members were in the pub in the Castle, Manchester whilst we played was pretty wild and random.

 

 

It’s abundantly clear that the Stanleys are very proud of where they are from. Tom is so down to earth and is just loving his musical journey and has massive respect for his family, his peers and his fan base. I can vouch that Wigan is a hive of musical activity and that the Stanleys are must see, they’re explosive live and Tom’s vocal is incredible. It’s so good that the Stanleys embrace their background and local inspirations, and that they’re bringing it for the rest of the UK to experience.

 

 

 

 

 

FOLLOW STANLEYS

WEB SITE

 

 

 

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA