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Sunderland based indie-rock & roll outfit Docksuns have just released their latest single ‘Dancing On The Radio’. We caught up with vocalist James who talked us through the formation of the band, as well as what people can expect when they check out Docksuns.
DGM: What are the origins of the band, and how long have you been playing together?
James: The band is made up of myself (vocals), Neil (lead guitar), Adam (bass), Steve (rhythm guitar) and Glenn (drums). All of the lads are from the North side of Sunderland, except for Glenn. He lives on the dark side!
The band has been a five piece for around 16 months now; however, Neil and I have been writing songs together since 2013. Steve, Adam and I have been in the same bands from a young age and Glenn had also been in a band previously. We haven’t been together long, but we believe our first year has been an achievement.
DGM: What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe yourselves?
James: They should expect five lads, who grew up together, writing real music, getting your feet tapping!!
DGM: How did you feel performing your first gig? And how was it?
James: We put huge pressure on ourselves to deliver on our first ever gig. We knew a lad who owned a bar in Sunderland town and we invited over 150 people, most of whom turned up. The pre-gig was nerve-racking, but once we were up there we had a class night. It couldn’t have gone better.
DGM: The new music scene is bursting at the seams with fresh talent. In what ways do you feel a band has to stand out from the others trying to build a name?
James: Our music is different to anything out there at the moment. It’s sort of a combo of a few great bands; Blossoms crossed with The Smiths with a seasoning of Foo Fighters in places!
DGM: What are you working on at the moment that people can check out?
James: Our brand-new single ‘Dancing on the Radio’ has just come out and we are proper proud of this one. We took our time producing it and I feel it shows in the track.
DGM: What band out there at the moment do you feel that you would be best suited to open for?
James: Hmm… I feel we could open a DMA’s show and we wouldn’t look out of place.
DGM: Who do you feel will be the next band to break out?
James: Obviously, I would have to say Docksuns. If this new single can find the right ears then we could be on to a winner.
DGM: What are your first musical memories? And what was the light bulb moment that made you go “I want to do that!”
James: My first musical memory was my Grandad playing the piano at a family gathering. He played this old 60s honky tonk groovy melody and my ears pricked up. I just wanted to learn how to play music. From then I’ve always tried writing music.
DGM: What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
James: Liam Gallagher at The Hydro, Glasgow. The man is biblical, and one hell of a performer. He always delivers confidence and puts on a great show.
DGM: What is the album that you have in your collection or Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
James: Pretty. Odd. by Panic! at the Disco. It’s so underrated, but the melodies of the vocals are unreal.
DGM: What are your plans for the remainder of 2020?
James: 2020 was all about growing our fan base. We’ve just released a new single as mentioned, and we also have another single out in late August / early September to keep the momentum going.
DGM: How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
James: Social media is huge for us, we try to engage with our audience whenever possible. Check us out on Facebook / Instagram / Twitter and YouTube.
