Sleaford Mods Interview

The  rise of Sleaford Mods  in 2014 was the cause of much debate amongst music fans, Critics of the band were quick to label their music simplistic drivel with a short shelf-life. What they fail to acknowledge is that whilst Sleaford Mods are a band firmly based in the present, themes of politics and everyday life explored in their songs will endure, and in that sense it is timeless.  

There is nothing grandiose or flamboyant in the nature of Jason Williamson and Andrew Fearne, unlike those seduced by the coin, selling their souls for a step up the ladder or an extra slice of publicity.  Speaking of which, Noel Gallagher's appearance on Gogglebox (watching X factor with Kate moss and Naomi Campbell) was more than Williamson could stomach: "He's a turd.  It would of wound me up too much.  I heard he acted like a cunt."

In a world ruled by greed, where people idolise reality stars, it is refreshing for a musician to draw attention to the stark realities of life and wave a UV light over the stains most choose to ignore.  Right now there are people living on the street, and many depending on food banks for survival.  We shouldn't give a shit about Bobby Norris' (of TOWIE fame) latest ball-covering invention on a beach in Marbella, but unfortunately some newspapers deem his hairless bean-bag more newsworthy.  What we desperately need are more dissenting voices raising the concerns of the everyday man, musicians who take a stand by pointing out the absurdity of celebrity culture and the pompous elite.  It may not be the catalyst for world peace but at least they are saying something worthwhile and drawing attention to issues that matter, rather than gleefully ignoring their surroundings.  Too Many misdirect their anger, Sleaford Mods unload double-barrelled rage on a range of targets, many justifiably so. 

They do not appear to seek approval from the mainstream press or pander to popular opinion. Grounded by the daily grind, both have worked shitty jobs and tasted the bitterness of failure. Consequently their music is based around the stark realities of working class life: The dole queue, know-it-all managers, weekend piss-ups (and all that entails), the threat of violence on the streets. Inspiration struck in 2006 for Williamson, when he decided to write about the monotony of daily life. 

In a previous interview he said he wasn't eating just doing drink and drugs, getting sacked and moving from job to job when it clicked: "And that's when the psyche of Sleaford Mods started to form.  I was taking note of the fact that I was failing, and taking mental snapshots of it: remembering all the times that I fucked it up and went even lower...I started to get curious about why I was doing it. I started to view the situations I was in as inspiring." 
A perfect shit storm of enlightenment, if you will. 

Minimalist beats provided by Fearn are supposed to reflect the bleak subject matter.  Stark, bass heavy, and uncompromising, providing the perfect backdrop to Williamson's words.  By placing the vocals centre-stage it forces the listener to absorb Williamson's confrontational barrage. 

It took time to break through but they gathered momentum through a dogged approach to touring allied with a need to consistently create and release new material.  They have squeezed their heads through the arsehole that is the "modern music biz" and miraculously escaped without faecal stains attached, for now at least.  By creating a modicum of space in which to manoeuvre within a music industry over-saturated with pop propaganda their voice has eventually been heard. Now old enough and bold enough to avoid the pitfalls of inflated ego and hangers-on that inevitably soften the edge of hungry musicians.  

Empathy with the ordinary working man is what sets them apart right now.  It isn't high-brow or even intellectual at times, but it is always insightful, and the ability to draw humour from the most bleak of surroundings is inspirational.  In modern music they are unique, unequalled right now in terms of social commentary.  Aside from the music, taking time to interact with fans at shows and through social media shows a touch of class.


I decided to ask Williamson a few questions about the bands recent trip to Ireland, their path thus far, his general views and the next plan of action.

"Cardboard heavies,
drones to the delusion of a never never land,
where the cross rings out the orders,
don't let the mechanics of beer,
trick you into thinking you are some kind of warrior,
eating barbed wire on the wave of violent disorder,

Three words:

Cage   Wheel    Hamster

'Ere, here's a piece of cheese,       nibble the bastard!" - Under the Plastic and NCT.

Has all the recent attention been welcome and to what do you attribute the sudden rise to fame/infamy over the last 6 months or so? The band has been around for a while, did you ever think it wasn't going to happen?

Not really, not towards the end of say 2009. I just thought I'd finally managed to find a co-writer in Andrew and that was enough.  The success took us by surprise totally. I think the reason we have got somewhere is because the songs are good and they connect with people because they are as fucked off as us. 

Have you been to Ireland before, either visiting or performing, if so what did you make of it/if not, what do you expect from an Irish audience?

I love Ireland it's a beautiful place and Everytime I come I have a right laugh. I played in Derry (Beatnik Soul show) back in 2009 I believe or 8, yea I had a right laugh. The Irish audience is very appreciative and mad at the same time. 

Are there any Irish bands you have been/are a fan of, past or present?

Not really no. The obvious, Thin Lizzy, I suppose. 

As is the case with most bands, Sleaford Mods have been compared to others. Have there been any names dropped that you agree with, and how would you personally describe the band?

It's nice to be compared with big names but I've not listened to any of these people really so I'm not fussed. I would describe the band as a punk band. 

Does the live show differ much from the records in your view?

No it's pretty word for word. I make sure it is, it's what people expect and it's also good business to deliver 

You have been quite outspoken about English politics, and I read an interview which suggested you were a supporter of Scottish Independence.  Are you disillusioned with politics as a whole throughout the world or do you see any glimmer of hope?

Well the Greek situation looks promising, we shall see.  On a whole though, our country is rotten to the core.  We have an elite who are fully ingrained, not only in the mechanics of government but also in our psychological state of being.  They are fucking cunts, destroying lives. 

The subject of politics or at least the human experience as a by-product of decisions made by politicians filters through a lot of your songs. Would Sleaford Mods as we know them exist without bad politicians? 

Yea of course.  Always something to moan about. 

Do u think the music translates well in other countries and cultures? And if so where has it been received best and why do u think that is?

It's been recieved well in Europe because it's good music I suppose because it's answering a lot if people's frustrations with the majority of shit bands about and also the political climate which is pretty similar almost everywhere with the exception if a few countries where it's almost medieval. I wouldn't say anyone country gets it more to be honest. In Germany we are very popular And I think that is because of their history of punk.

Some people see the current format of Sleaford Mods as restrictive,  do you ever see other members/instruments being introduced?

People make you laugh. Is it not enough to come out with something solid?  The format is restrictive of course, it has to be. We don't wanna 'jam' with people and all that shit we just wanna demonstrate a series of blunt songs that's the point.

It'll change or stop. 

In what way do u expect Sleafords to evolve over time?

All bands need to evolve we are no different. Is it something I worry about? Yea of course. 

I've no idea (how it will evolve).

Certain people have been dismissive with regards to Andrew's role in the band, as the other half of the band how do you feel and how integral is Andrew to the Sleaford Mods sound?

Andrew is the other half of Sleaford mods, the rightful partner. His sound is crucial.

Aside from politics, what inspires/angers you?

Music, humour, deffo humour. Haha.

Who do you admire in life?

My wife. My daughter. Family, good mates. 

You have been quite forthcoming in your distaste for modern musicians, it is refreshing to hear someone express an opinion, do you think the music industry would be a better place if more musicians weren't afraid to speak their minds?  

Yes constructive critque is always attractive it shows that people aren't afraid of airing frustrations. It's not fucking hard these days to find justifiable fault with most musicians.  The whole thing is shit, a mess.

Do you think there will ever be a movement to shake the industry up again like punk seemed to?

A movement like punk, Dunno.

In your recent Big Issue piece you highlighted the need to acknowledge/promote the everyday man, do you feel musicians or anyone in a position to do so carries that responsibility?

Not really, most are sucked in straight away and refuse to change.  Luxury can be very powerful. Who's gunna remember Rita Ora in 5 years or Shite like that?  They take the money and run and it consumes them.  

You have recently left your job to pursue music full-time, are you regimented when it comes to work, Nick Cave says he treats music like a 9-5, by writing at a desk all day. What is your approach to making music?

Yea the same. You can't fuck about when it's your job, don't get me wrong, I fuck about but not like a pill popping 25 year old ya know.

Did you get a chance to catch Noel Gallagher on Gogglebox, watching the X factor with Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss?

No, he's a turd. It would of wound me up too much. I heard he acted like a cunt 

Mark E Smith is a musician who's lyrics have been littered with references to popular culture over the years, similarities can be drawn from some of the Sleaford Mods witty put-downs, do you think it is important to be aware of popular culture as a musician?

Yes , I'm naturally drawn to it, to observe it and try to figure out why it's so shit

Is there any danger of Sleaford Mods embracing the celebrity lifestyle, attending fashion shows with a pair of red leather trousers à la Alex Turner or landing to Ed Sheeran's for an orgy?

I'd go to an Ed Sheeran orgy. Imagine the material you'd get.

Where do you see Sleaford Mods going from here, is there a new record in the pipeline for 2015?

New album out in May. It's good. 

Are u able to expand on the new album at all, will it tackle new ground now your circumstances are a bit different?

It was written whilst I was still at work but it's more experimental.  The A-side is classic Sleaford but stronger I think and the B-side is more experimental.  It covers politics obviously and experiences from the last year or so. 

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