Noughty Thursdays are back and better than ever. Over the last month, we at ICM have been thinking how can we improve this feature. We have decided to interview bands about the artists they reminisce with and what caused them to get into music. The first band are JUDAS.
JUDAS is an emerging four-piece based in London. Over the last two years, they have managed to gain a huge following as well as bagging Main Stage slots at Reading and Leeds. They have also played at some the UK’s biggest festivals from Isle of Wight, Kendal Calling and Tramlines. The band have managed to gain their fan base through relentless gigging across the UK, an old fashioned method but shows they are willing to graft to get to the top.
ICM: Tell me a bit about JUDAS, how did it all start?
JUDAS: Feels like a time ago now. John moved down from Liverpool to London, to find a band, and found me (Sam) online! I knew the other lads through College. Three years later, we all live in Camden together and are all best mates. It’s carnage really, 4 lads with Camden on your doorstep.
ICM: What band inspired you to start making music?
JUDAS: All have us have different inspirations. For Todd and I, it was all the classics really. Led Zep, AC/DC, Hendrix etc. Jay, our bassist absolutely loves the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and John is a huge Arctic Monkeys fan. I think all of these different influences help us when we’re writing tunes.
Their ranging influences span from the Rock God’s Led Zeppelin and AC/DC, who are branded for their simple rock’n’roll aura. AC/DC alone have sold 200 million records and have the second highest selling album in history, Back In Black. You can see why a band of that stature is inspiring. Arctic Monkeys are renowned for their riffs and dirty rock’n’roll tracks, lets hope John has an award winning speech like Alex Turner’s BRIT awards speech. All in al, you can take the classic and modern to create their modern blend of golden indie-rock.
ICM: Is there a song which reminds you of the days when you had just formed?
JUDAS: The Less I know the better, Tame Impala and Peanut Butter Jelly by Gelantis
ICM: When growing up what were the tracks which defined your adolescence?
JUDAS: For John, it was Crying lightning, by Arctic Monkeys. James was Hallelujah by Leona Lewis Todd was You shook me all night long by AC/DC, Mine was probably an Eminem track, I have a complete love for Rap and I used to be obsessed with Eminem. Probably Loose Yourself.
ICM: A look into the future, Whats up next for JUDAS?
JUDAS:Well we’re super excited for Reading and Leeds Main Stage, which is tomorrow!!! We have a new tune dropping on 15th September, headlining O2 Academy Islington on 18th, then are supporting The Sherlocks on the 22nd in London. The Diary is jam packed so excited for the next few months! Plus it’s my 21st in a couple of weeks so it’s bound to be a huge one.
JUDAS are definitely one to keep an eye on, if they keep grafting like they are, they will become regulars for Main Stage slots at all the UK’s festivals.
