Tying in with their new single / video release today, we have a chat with the boys in Basement League…
Simple things first ā where are you guys from?
We are from southern England, but based in London.
How did you meet?
We actually met through Join My Band, James and Nathan (Bassist and Drummer) were looking for a new singer and we ended up with two, Cameron and Izaak.
How long have you been playing as a band?
Together weāve been playing for the better part of 18 months and weāve just recruited a new guitarist whoās been with us for a couple of weeks.
Before you get sick of being askedā¦ where does the band name come from?
Soā¦ on tour weād often be a bit overzealous with our alcohol consumption (as you do) and something we kept doing is wrestling each other. So much so, that we actually ended up having a ranking list. Our bassist James, would scarecely get involved and when he did he would often lose. So while we all had our positions, Izaak (being from Birmingham where this is a noun used to describe low league football teams) would constantly say that James is āBasement League.ā One night, while we were mostly in bed, Nathan (drummer) sends a message on Facebook suggesting that we needed a rebrand, and that amazingly the best name for itā¦ Was Basement League.
What are your influences?
Kinda pop-punk normies really! Weāre heavily influenced by bands like Neck Deep, The Story So Far, Trophy Eyes, Boston Manor and The Wonder Years. Theyāre our influences but between us we probably listen to most music out there. 3 of us are quite big Post Malone fans.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
We call ourselves pop-punk because itās probably what weāre closest too. But Basement League is big riffs, relatable lyrics and a large focus on harmony. We really think the 3 vocals we have will set us apart and opens lots of avenues when weāre demoing new tracks.
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
We donāt technically start writing with something particular in mind. We like to keep them non-specific for the most part – so that people can fill in the gaps themselves. But it’s mostly depressing stuff at the moment. Break ups, grief, the struggles of the world. Luckily got some happier tunes in the pipeline – gotta stay tuned for those.
Whatās your live show like? How many shows have you played?
Our live show is probably what weāre quickest to praise ourselves on. We do like to toot our own trumpet. Cam knows how to work the crowd and the rest of the boys only further elevate off. Whether were first, middle or headining a bill. If itās London thereās a high chance weāll have the biggest (and most energetic) crowd of the night. As Basement League itās probably been close to around 12 shows, with maybe another 10 under the Priests to Pilots name.
Whatās the wildest thing youāve seen or done at a live show?
A few of us went to Reading last summer and during the Foo Fighters 3 hours set, some dude with a can of beer in his hand somehow managed to get to the top of the speaker tower and, even more amazingly, managed to keep himself up there for the duration of the set.
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
We use 2 electric guitars with bass and drums but our big thing is the three vocals. Real emphasis on harmonies at our shows.
What, if anything, are you plugging/promoting at the moment?
We just released our debut single, Juniper, on 5th March so currently gonna do the promotion cycle for this one to see where it goes and what the response is. And then on the 7th we have a headline show at The Slaughtered Lamb in Farringdon to celebrate.
What are your plans for 2020?
We want to take over! Only jokingā¦ sort of. The plan is to hit the ground running on Basement League and hit it hard. We really want to make a thing of this and the plan is to use 2020 to give us as strong a base as possible moving forward.
If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!
Thatās a tough question! Opening the bill would definitely be either our buddies at Erica Drive or A New Hope. Theyāre two criminally underrated bands and weāre got the joy of a weekender with them in April! In terms of headliner though, Don Broco would be class and who wouldnāt want to open for Green Day?
From previous Band of the Day, Khaidian: Do you believe metal should challenge the listener?
We think people should make their music how THEY want. What THEY would want to listen to. If that challenges the listener – great. If not, thatās fine too!
From another BotD, Not Ur Girlfrenz: What was the first concert you ever went to?
And from She Burns Red: What is the one thing that really annoys you about being in a band? Honestly? Playing a show and have bands leave early or not watch anyone. We get that sometimes people travel far and have to duck out. But leaving 10 minutes after you finish just aint on. Especially if youāre headlining. Weāve had so many headline bands turn up, sound check and leave until their set. Really grinds our gears.