In the generation of reality shows, very few Pop artists can say that they learnt their trade the old way through years of touring and living out a van. Natives however can proudly say they’ve earnt success the hard way as they now enter their fifth year as a band yet are playing the biggest shows of their career whilst gearing up to release their stunning sophomore album. Before they head back out on a headline tour in May, which features a stop at The Bodega in Nottingham on 18th May, we had a chat with the quartet about what to expect.
Hello Natives! We’re looking forward to welcoming you back in May for a headline show. This isn’t your first time at our venue, are there any special memories that stand out from playing in Nottingham before?
Hello! The show we played earlier this year at Rock City really stands out. It’s one of those iconic venues and was our first time on that stage, it definitely felt like a special moment.
We love what we’ve heard so far from the second album! What can we expect from the rest of the album?
Thanks! The album is quite diverse so there are definitely some elements which we haven’t shown yet. There are some dance music influences and a lot of new sounds which haven’t really come out yet. Also, the whole album tells a narrative, which is something you obviously can’t get a sense of until you hear the entire thing in sequence. We’re excited for people to hear it.
You’ve recently travelled the country as support for Busted, how has that been? Any stand out moments for you as a band?
The tour was great. The standout moments were getting to play to huge crowds in towns and cities where we wouldn’t normally have that opportunity – it was amazing to playing to thousands of people in Folkestone and Southend, for example, where tours of this size don’t normally visit.
2016 was a very busy year for you with non-stop touring and recording the new album. How’s 2017 looking?
Busier than the last! It’s pretty much 50/50 between studio time and live shows (and preparations for the live shows). Absolutely no complaints about being busy though, this album project is the best thing we’ve ever been a part of and the ambitious nature of the idea will make it all the more satisfying once it’s out! I think towards the end of the year and into next year we’ll be much more focussed on the touring side of things, to give us a little creative break before we start work on the next thing!
You certainly bring a party vibe to your shows, how would you describe your music to someone that’s yet to hear you?
We get asked this a lot! The best thing we’ve come up with is “Tribal Pop”. We always encourage people to have a listen or come to a show and make up their own mind though.
Finally, if you could just play one song at one venue for the rest of your careers, what would you choose?
“We Are The Champions” at St Mary’s Stadium!
Natives play The Bodega in Nottingham on 18th May – TICKETS
Listen to ‘Chasing Lions’ here