We’re running our Unsung Heroes of 2014 competition and Kastella have been entered for this. Head to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHeLBsHZRPU to view their entry and like the video to vote for the band. Here’s some info about the band below.
Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your band?
The band is called Kastella, and we’re comprised of Jake Hudson and Jay Stevens on Drums and Bass, Daniel Taylor and Mal Bradd on Guitars and Jack Newbold on vocals. Jay, Mal and Jack are an immature 22, whilst Jake and Dan bring experience to the set-up – being 25 and 33.
We all range in influences and styles, so we try to incorporate this into the music we play. As a result, we’ve heard our music bare similarities to anyone from The Police to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The goal is often to combine a solid, dance-inducing groove with emotive, impassioned sounds and lyrics. We feel our sound is something new. But we wear the badge of our influences openly, and as a result; people tend to find they can relate to our music.
When did the band form?
The band formed in August 2012.
How did the band form?
Being friends foremost, we’d always been in contact. However, it was only when Dan and Jake decided to call it day for their previous band, did the opportunity to get together present itself. Jay, Mal and Dan met for a jam and it was immediately obvious that there was an understanding, ideology and style emerging – the inclusion of Jack and Jake only helped to develop this.
Who are your biggest influences?
We try and listen to everything, but here’s short list.
Stone Roses
The Killers
Tame Impala
Polica
Kings Of Leon
Arctic Monkeys
The xx
Peace
Red Hot Chili Peppers
What’s the biggest show you’ve ever played?
Hard to say, but it’s probably Rainbow, Birmingham. An awesome venue we were regularly at for House nights, but when we got the opportunity to play it we couldn’t resist. We had an awesome turn-out and managed to throw in a cover of a well-known house tune in homage that got people going crazy.
How would you describe your live show to someone who hasn’t seen you yet?
Expect to move. We’re not about having a crowd in front of us that doesn’t feel or reflect what we’re trying to convey, so we try to create an energy and atmosphere whereby people feel the need to dance, or shout, or sing, or hug, or whatever they want. What we do means a lot to us and people tend to see this and respond well to it.
