Toploader Interview

Recently, we were lucky enough to chat with Toploader ahead of their performance here on the 7th December…


Just to start off with, what are you listening to at the moment?

“I’m listening to the new Cure stuff. So far so good. The album is out next month so I’m super excited. I’m a life long Cure fan. They are the big reason why I fell I love with music and picked up a guitar. Their melodies are so layered and complex.”

How would you say your music has evolved since Onka’s Big Moka?

“When you play an instrument you never stop learning so it’s natural that your styles will change. We’re also much older than when we wrote Onkas. Back then we were beautifully naive, I’ve always said that if you can bottle that nativity it would be worth a fortune. You should trust your instincts when making music, frustratingly the music industry can jade those instincts. Fundamentally we’re still the same band we were back then, our music is still positive and loaded with messages of hope.” 

Do you have any particular processes as a songwriter, and is there new music in the pipeline?

“Our singer Joe is the songwriter so I can’t answer that question. From a band point of view Joe plays us various song ideas and we work from there.” 

You’ve been gigging for a while now; do you still get the same buzz as you used to?

“Yes, absolutely! I think it’s more precious now as we understand and are grateful for how lucky we are to be able call this our job!”

What’s your pre-gig routine/ritual?

“Never eat dinner within 2 hours of the show. Never nice to play on a full stomach. Then you have to pace yourself so that you get into your perfect headspace just before the show. You don’t want to peak to early. We’ll have a beer but not too many, that comes after!” 

What’s your most memorable gig moment – for better or worse!

“For better it will probably be Glastonbury or Wembley stadium (not that I can remember much of the latter such was my nerves on the night) The reasons why speak for themselves. The worst were probably at the beginning of our journey when there were often more of us on stage than off it. Our record label boss used to tell us to work equally hard at empty gigs to make sure those who are there come again and bring people with them the next time. I think the art of honing your skills is lost a little these days. There isn’t a quick fix to getting good at what you do.”

If you could work with any artist – dead or alive – who would it be?

“I’d love to hear Stevie Nicks singing with Joe. I think they’d sound great together.” 

You’re going on tour with James Blunt next year – how does playing in a venue like The Grand, with a 400-cap compare to playing in arenas?

“The arenas are bigger 🙂 Not much about the show changes to be honest. The biggest differences are that you need to use the space more on a larger stages and work the crowd harder. At smaller shows it’s easier to connect with the crowd I guess. We like both to be honest. Each have their own merits.”

What can fans expect in terms of the setlist when you play here?

“We’ll play the hits, a couple of new ones and maybe a surprise here and there.” 

We run a lot of projects here that help young musicians either hone in on their craft, or work together as a band – if you could give one piece of advice to them, what would it be?

“To be yourself, trust your instincts musically, work hard (really hard) and don’t take no for an answer.” 

When you started out, did you think you’d be where you are today?

“I hate to say it as it sounds arrogant but we did, we really believed in ourselves. The ultimate goal is longevity. We are aware we are not at the absolute peak of our powers, but 30 years on we are still making audiences happy, enjoying ourselves and making a living. That’s really all we can ask. I think we put on better shows now than ever before. Age and experience has helped us understand what our job is and we now do everything we can do to deliver an entertaining show.”

Toploader will be performing here at The Grand in Clitheroe on 7th December 2024 and will be supported by Callis.