GULZ

Who are GULZ? Where you’re from, how you met, how long have you been playing together, etc.

GULZ started as a one man bedroom project of a singer-songwriter/producer from Newcastle Upon Tyne, and has since evolved into an irresistible four-piece that can’t stop selling out shows across London and the North East. Proud residents of pirate studios in Camden, the band have spent the last year fine-tuning their sound. It’s loud, it’s pop and it’s sweeeet.

Gulz (singer/guitar) , Andreas (guitar) and Jordan (Bass) met at med school in London (not a glamorous nor a particularly interesting tale). Charles (drummer) joined the band when he got chatting to Jordan at his weekly pub quiz nights at the union after our last drummer walked. It was sort of like when the Beatles recruited Ringo to replace Pete Best except there is no way we’re letting Charles near the mic; not even for a yellow submarine number.

We’ve been together for a year and a half and they say time flies when you’re having fun which is weird cause it feels like we’ve been together for ages and we’ve gotten to know each other far more than we’d probably like to…

Who came up with the band name and does it have a story or any meaning behind it?

Gulz’s parents, when they named him. It was a toss up between: GULZ/ JORDAN (taken already by Katie Price)/ ANDREAS (there’s already a far more musically successful Dr Dre) / CHARLES (we didn’t go with Charles for obvious reasons)

If you had to describe the band using just five words, what would they be?

Fun pop sweet stupid antidisestablishmentarianism

Who are your biggest influences musically?

Tom Zanetti, 50 Cent, Glen Campbell, The Wiggles,

What’s the band’s biggest claim to fame so far?

Jordan saw Harry Styles once swimming in Hampstead Ponds and they both recognised each others musical talents and embraced one another in love and respect. They exchanged numbers and Jordan called him to ask if he’d like to open for us at the Camden Assembly. Sadly the number went through to an Indian restaurant in Hounslow.

What’s your songwriting process?

Chords, melody, tik- tok-dance-crazeability, lyrics

If you could go on tour with any current band or artist, who would it be and why?

Slipknot or Ellie Goulding.

How would you describe your live show to someone who has never seen you perform before?

It’s exhilirating. Like watching an early, raw Oasis or Rolling Stones with way less drugs, sex or backstage antics. A bloke came up to us after one of our shows and said it was the best experience of his life. He was later seen begging for water from the bar as ‘he couldn’t see or walk straight’ but his complement stands nonetheless.

Do any of you have any pre-gig or post gig rituals? If so, what and why?

A pre-gig soundcheck: where we convince ourselves after playing for 30 seconds that we’re suitably prepared. We’ll then go for a long pre-show meal where we write down a well-thought-out setlist that gets forgotten as soon as we get on stage. Post gig is fairly straightforward- get on the same level as the crowd and make some awful life decisions in a shit night club.

What would your ultimate rider be if you could have anything without being accused of being a diva?

Probably every volume from the last five years of the ‘good housekeeping magazine’. And an organised snake vs mongoose fight in the green room.

This question is for all band members. If we were to browse your music library what is the most embarrassing song we might find? Or who is your guilty pleasure artist?

We don’t listen to anything embarrassing apart from our own music.

Tell us one thing your fans would be really shocked or surprised to hear or learn about the band

You can learn anything you want to know about our band by looking at us. There are no surprises or shocks. God we wish there were.

Finally, What does the future hold for the band?

Coachella? The Pyramid Stage at Glasto? Your nan’s living room?

At least for now we’re headlining ’The Grace’ on July 29th. Get your tickets now.