Heavy Lungs interview: 'massive shame Idles didn’t win the Mercury Prize'

It's a very exciting time to be Bristol post punk outfit Heavy Lungs - with a second E.P, Measure, due for release 10th October and a run of U.K dates to support it, the band are in prime position to turn things up a notch at a time where their genre is well and truly at it's most popular.

The band's ties with a band at the forefront of the post punk movement, IDLES, is extremely evident, with Heavy Lungs' singer Danny Nedelko name checked in one of IDLES best loved tunes, while the two have appeared on the same live bills on plenty of occasions. 

With a similar on stage ethos, and typically pummelling music to match, Heavy Lungs are set to make their impression felt as they come to Neighbourhood Festival in Manchester on October 12th, along with dates at Sheffield's Record Junkee and Stoke on Trent's Sugarmill. Ahead of this, we caught up with the band. 

Sum up your 2019 in three words...

We fucking goose

How do you monitor your progress as a band - do your goals change all the time? What's the main focus now?

Just trying to consistently improve as song writers, performers and curling enthusiasts.

I believe you've worked with Alex Greaves on production duties? How important , especially to a band like yourselves, is it to try and get over the energy you give off at a live gig, into recordings? 

Alex is an incredibly talented person and the recordings would not be what they are without him. He is a 5th Lung.

At what point would you want to record your debut album? With another E.P coming, you're obviously not jumping the gun too early?

An album is obviously on our minds. Stay tuned. 

Describe performing live for KEXP - how did you get given that opportunity?

It was an honour to perform for one of the greatest radio stations in the world. The universe.

Were you disappointed not to see either IDLES or Fontaines D.C scoop the Mercury Prize - do you think their music needs to be validated by awards? 

It was a massive shame Idles didn’t win or Slowthai or Little Simz. However don’t think any of them need that praise to change the world.

Danny it's very obvious you guys have a great relationship with IDLES... How long have you known them, what have been some of your best memories of playing with them or watching them live? Do you feel proud to watch them achieve what they have so far?

I’ve been friends with the boys for a while yes. They are a continuous inspiration. Idles for presidents. One of personal favourite Idles shows was at Thekla’s relaunch few years back. Every time I see it just gets better.

Outside of your own work / gigs, what have been your favourite moments in music / releases of the year so far?

Skepta’s new album. Slowthai’s debut.  Crows’ Silver Tongues. Can’t wait for John’s album to come out this year nor Giant Swan’s debut full length. VTSS’ boiler room set. Denzel Curry ‘ZUU’. Sugar’s Crack magazine mix.

What other types of fruit / items can we expect you to destroy with your head for gig promo videos? In a dream scenario what would be your top choice? 

An anvil.

Aside from your good selves, what is Bristol's best export?

Giant Swan. Scalping. Black Flies. Wych Elm. Langkamer. Kinlaw & Franco Franco. Benjamin Saunders. Slonk and milos planes

Find Heavy Lungs tickets below.

Neighbourhood Festival tickets - Manchester, Saturday 12th October

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Heavy Lungs Sheffield tickets - Record Junkee, Sunday 10th November 

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Heavy Lungs Stoke tickets - The Sugarmill, Thursday 14th November

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