In the second of our series of interviews with the bands appearing on Februarys ‘Stop, Drop, Rock’ tour, say hello to Bentley Park. This York based five piece are a still relatively young band but with loads of shows and 2 singles under their collective belts they are definitely going places.
They play a heavy blend of pop/punk/rock with soaring vocals, catchy melodies and crunching, powerful riffs with a distinctly British edge. We caught up with the band to ask them some questions.
Can you introduce yourself?
I’m James and I’m the singer and frontman of Bentley Park
Where did the bands name come from?
We had some terrible names in prior bands, so we decided to settle on something simple, the name of the industrial estate in which we practice.
How did you get started?
We drank (a lot) together and decided that forming a band, probably whilst drunk, would be the best idea, ever. Turned out alright!
What have you got going on at the moment?
Literally just finished our biggest project yet, recording our 6 track E.P with Joe and Sam Graves (With One Last Breath). It’s taken us about 6 months to perfect and record. It’s quite a drastic change of style to the current stuff we have out, but we are really happy with the outcome and can’t wait to release it!
We’re also going out on the February Stop, Drop, Rock tour with a sweet selection of bands, which we’re all stoked about. We’ll be playing a couple of new tracks from the EP on tour.
Favourite music and why?
Anything! On my playlist at the moment is The 1975, Mallory Knox, Gallows, Heart of a Coward, Architects and Jónsi. I’m a sucker for a catchy melody and clever lyrics.
Favourite book and why?
I’m a massive comic nerd. I love Watchmen, it’s genius!
Favourite film and why?
Star Wars hands down. If I wasn’t in Bentley Park I’d be a Jedi for sure!
Best experience in the business?
We played O2 Indigo last year and that was pretty mind blowing!
Why should Soundscape readers care?
Because they’re probably reading this article to find out about new music and it just so happens that we’re new and we play music!
Tell our readers an interesting fact about yourself?
I seem to be indestructible. I’ve had 3 near death experiences, including rolling my car 4 times into somebody’s house. I don’t want to test this theory anymore though!
What’s the best and worst things about touring?
Best thing about touring is definitely playing the live shows and meeting new people every night. The worst thing is either not being able to shower (I’m such a clean freak) or having to put up with Oscar’s (guitarist) insanely loud snoring. I am the worst person when hungry or tired.
Most embarrassing thing to happen to you while in the band?
I was really ill on our last tour and I decided to go all out on our last show (Bristol). I got to the third song in our set and threw up just as the chorus kicked in. I managed to catch the sick in my t-shirt and take it off in one swift movement, without getting any on myself. I don’t think many people saw but those who did looked horrified!!! (Sorry!)
What inspires you?
Taking showers, I seem to write most of our songs in the shower, so I always have my phone nearby to write down ideas. I should look into getting a waterproof guitar…
What’s your writing and recording process?
We pretty much wait until the last possible moment to write anything. About 2 weeks before we’re due in the studio I lock myself away from the world and write a load of demos. We then jam them as band and change bits and bobs. Then smash them out in the studio, changing bits as we go along. As for lyrics, I just have extremely long showers!
Best thing about playing in Wales?
You know what, I’ve never been to Wales! Our last gig there was cancelled, but I really want to play/visit this year.
Who are your role models/idol?
I look up to James Veck-Gilodi (Deaf Havana) as a singer and songwriter. I was lucky enough to meet him last year and he is such a down to earth, kind person. What a legend.
Hardest thing about the current business?
Getting that break. There are so many bands trying to ‘make it’ these days, competition is tough, and in this current economical climate many people don’t consider music to be a necessity. That makes it much harder for bands starting out with no financial backing, trying to get on the right tours and gain exposure.
Favourite Batman actor?
Adam West. Old school Batman is proper jokes!
So, thats’s Bentley Park, definitely a band you should check out. The ‘Stop, Drop, Rock’ tour hits 9 cities in the UK in February and with the 4 great bands playing defintiely makes it a no brainer, see you there.
