23 October 2023
Every Monday I will be bringing you an interview with an independent band, duo or music artist. This week, I caught up with Shay from Brighton based band Hot Juice to find out more…
Who is in the band, how did you meet, where are you from and how did you come up with the name?
I’m Frontman and Rhythm Guitarist Shay Barker, I had the band up and running in Jersey since 2018, but in 2022 I moved to Brighton and met Bassist Joseph Butler, Guitarist Jude James and Drummer Alex Searle and took Hot Juice to the next level.
The name actually came about while working on site with my dad years ago, I won’t bore you with the explanation!
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
As a kid my first major musical influence was Robbie Williams, however I was introduced to the Beatles, Rolling Stones, the Clash, White Stripes, Hendrix etc. But when naughties indie hit with the likes of Arctic Monkeys, the Fratellis, the Enemy, the Courteeners and others then all I want was to be a musician.
How would you describe your sound?
Indie Punk Rock – I think we intertwine them all with a but of a modern sound.
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
Just a Little Bit – was softer than our usual sound – a lot more indie, it’s got fun lyrics about being in bed with a partner and that joy about not having to be anywhere or get up and do anything, just being able to enjoy doing nothing together.
What’s your local music scene like?
Since moving to Brighton from Jersey has blown my mind, there’s music everywhere, every day and night and just being able to be part of it has been amazing. The local scene has so many amazing musicians and it’s so good to be able to be part of it.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
We’re on Tour with Sabres in October. We have just recorded our new EP, so will be releasing that in November, and are playing a headline Single release show at Waterbear Venue, Brighton – 21st November.
October;
14/10/2023 – Rossi Bar (Brighton)
19/10/2023 – The Victoria (Birmingham)
21/10/2023 – The Trinity (London)
25/10/2023 – The Hobbit (Southampton)
26/10/2023 – The Washington (Sheffield)
27/10/2023 – The Cellar Bar (Bournemouth)
November;
21/11/2023 – Waterbear Venue (Brighton)
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
Jon Fratelli to teach me how to write such fun lyrics like the costello music album or Alex Turner to teach me how he plays on words and makes his lyrics so visual.
Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
Playing a gig in Blue Note (Jersey venue) and having local celebrity Mad Mark grabbing the mic to shout mid set and hype crowd (unplanned) and then letting mic stand drop very low (im 6ft5) and trying to bend to sing. or also in Blue Note Managing to silence a packed crowd with an awful joke!
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
We’re releasing our EP, starting with single ‘Beautiful People’ on 21st November and will be on Tour with Sabres through October.
You can find out more about Hot Juice on their website or via Amazon Music, Apple Music, Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, TikTok, X (Twitter)or YouTube.
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