THE SANDINISTAS

Introduce us to The Sandinistas... who is in the band?

Dan: guitar and lead vocals; Slim: bass and backing vocals and me Scott: drums and definitely no vocals.

How would you describe your music to the uninitiated?

If The Beatles and The Clash had a one night stand we’d be their illegitimate child.

What is your earliest musical memory?

Christmas time dancing in my pants to Shakin’ Stevens. I was three, so I guess that’s excusable.

Who was your earliest musical influence?

Not Shakin’ Stevens. I remember my friend in school lending me Nevermind by Nirvana and it blew me away. My dad was into Phil Collins when I was growing up so it was a welcome change.

What made you want to pick up an instrument and play?

I remember watching Paul Weller on Top of the Pops 2 singing Beat Surrender directly into the camera with a dodgy polo neck on and thought ‘I want to do that’.

What was the first record you bought?

Catatonia – Mulder and Scully from Woolworths in Tredegar on cassette. I think I bought it out of my weekly pocket money off my grandfather. You’ve got to support Welsh bands haven’t you.

What was the first gig you attended?

The Manics New Year’s Eve 1999 gig at the Millennium Stadium – another reason why I started playing an instrument.

What’s the best gig/s you’ve been to?

I loved seeing The Strokes in Cardiff just after they released their first album as it was so influential to me as a youngster getting into the ‘new’ bands at the time. They didn’t play an encore too which angered all the fans, but I thought it was one of the coolest things I’ve ever witnessed.

Who would be your dream artiste to work with?

Mick Jones, Paul Weller or Morrissey. Obviously not at the same time because I heard a rumour that if they’re all in the same room at the same time the earth will spontaneously combust.

What’s for the future?

We’ve confirmed a big open-air show with The Hives and The Fratellis in Audley End, Essex, next July. For the gig we’re supplying a deluxe coach to and from the gig plus a ticket for the event for a staggering £35! Find out more on our Facebook page. We’re also chuffted to announce that we’ll be playing Focus Wales in Wrexham next May.

Where can we find out more about you?

Facebook.com/Thesandinistas Twitter: @Sandinistas ■■ If you have a gig coming up or are releasing material and would like to be featured in this column, email Dave Owens at david.owens@ mediawales.co.uk, call 029 2024 3628 or tweet @asoundreaction