How would you summarise Birmingham?
It is a hugely creative and musical city, but the scene is very underground and hidden. Birmingham is as much of a hub for new talent as London right now, people just don’t know about it!
Do you remember the first gig you saw in the city?
Natalie: Alter bridge.
James: Swim Deep in 2013, a B town Bonanza.
And the last?
James: John Grant at Symphony Hall.
Natalie: Adam French at the Hare & Hounds Kings Heath when we were lucky enough to support him!
If you had someone visiting for 24 hours, where would you take them?
Natalie: The Lord Clifden pub, it has a really nice atmosphere.
James: Jewellery Quarter.
What would you say is Birmingham’s hidden gem?
James: The Hare and hounds in Kings Heath, it’s an old-fashioned pub in the suburbs of the city with two of the best venues upstairs. They have a lot of touring acts pass through on a regular basis and deal mainly with American bands, it’s great to see them in such a small, great venue!
The best for…
A quick pint? Sun on the hill, we cut our teeth playing there for several years.
A night out? Snobs, obvs.
To see new music? Hare and hounds or the Sunflower Lounge.
Grab a coffee? Second Cup is a favourite of ours for a band meeting.
Brunch? Spoons.
Dinner? Spoons.
Takeaway? Just Eat is always a winner.
Venue? Hare and Hounds, hands down.
Taking a time out? Cannon Hill Park is always nice on a sunny afternoon.
Clothes shopping? We’re currently sporting purchases from Birmingham’s infamous rag market.
Vinyl shop? Swordfish Records
See art? Walsall Art Gallery, 30 minutes away on the bus from Birmingham.
