The Stopouts: once got groped by a skinhead in Chester

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The Stopouts have been playing striking ska-punk and 2-tone around the North West since 2006, and went on a full cross-country, multi-date tour in 2008 to promote their second EP.

With a full-length debut on the way, singer Tom spoke exclusively to Nomad Radio about television, touring and fun-time music…

Tell us a little about yourselves
There’s myself on vocals, Dejan on guitar, Rob on drums, Andrew on bass and Anna on Sax. We’re just five people who love ska and fun time music and also have a chip on our shoulder regarding how the world is being dominated by the wrong kind of attitude.

What inspired your sound?
Issues such as the wars in the Middle East, the daily erosion of our civil liberties, the rise and domination of a media culture that has literally created a vacuum of apathy through the UK. These things make me want to stand in front of people and shout. I can’t speak for the whole band, but that’s definitely my inspiration.

Did you enjoy your first big multi-date, cross-country tour last year?
We played some great shows like in Manchester and Nottingham, and some real stinkers – I won’t name any towns! It’s definitely something we’re going to do again, probably in October. We’ll not be making the same mistakes again though, like sleeping in a damp and cramped van.

What have you got against television?
Switch on the TV today and you’re immediately hit with images of sex, violence, trash and other brain dead materials which are broken up by adverts telling us how pathetic our lives are without the various “Social Cures” that are being sold to us. It only creates low self esteem in our population which then leads to the various social ills we see reported on the news or other “Britain Binge” type shows. It’s a cycle we cant get out of it seems and we call it entertainment.

What’s the most unexpected thing to happen to you while gigging?
Andrew once got groped by a skinhead at a gig in Chester.

The most bizarre thing to happen on tour?
We’re perhaps the most un-rock and roll band going. Dejan and Rob had chess tournaments while we were on tour. Seriously, it was that embarrassing. Andrew bought a copy of Zoo once, that was a giggle… sad.

You seem to revel in quoting bad reviews…
Dejan and myself are particularly critical of some other bands so I guess if we can’t take bad reviews then we have no right in expressing negative opinions about anyone else! But mostly we put those less than savoury reviews on our site for a bit of fun… The Stopouts the pinnacle of professionalism.

Are you recording new material?
Our debut full length album is being written at the moment. We’re aiming to record in the summer so again watch this space.

Favourite gig?
We supported The King Blues in Liverpool. We’re massive fans of the band so to be able to support them was a real privilege. The Dead Class also played, who are good friends of ours which made it even more fun. It was in aid of the Big Issue as well so the motives behind the gig were spot on.

What do you think of podcast/internet radio stations?
I think it’s really positive, radio stations such as Radio 1 and 6 Music are not representative of what the public want to listen to. There’s no variety and it’s killing creativity in my view. An avenue for independently minded people to put on their own shows and tunes can only be a good thing.

Do you mind if people file-share your music?
The people that get the biggest hit from “illegal” downloads is the record companies and the suits at the top of the food chain. We want our music to be enjoyed – or hated – by everyone, not just by those that can afford it.

What are ska fans like?
No attitude, no cliques, just a straight up personality and a willingness to dance. The good thing is Liverpool is growing in terms of a ska and punk scene.

Is your love of 80s ska sufficient that you’d have enjoyed actually living through Maggie Thatcher?
Hahaha. No. Maggie is scum.