Who are Rebel Soul Collective?

Ant: We are five like-minded musicians who like making proper big indie/dance tracks. I am the lead singer, and we have the usual other counterparts, you know pretentious guitarists, and a drummer and all that. We smash it with a Mac on stage so there is no limit to what we can produce live. We use a lot of electronic sounds, fat beats – you get the script.

You are playing this year's Waterfront Festival. Are you looking forward to it?

Matt: Very much so, the festival actually falls in the middle of our latest recording sessions, so we're coming back from Doncaster (Axis Studios) especially for the gig. Should be one of the highlights of the summer.

Tony: Yes, some good bands in the line-up and if it sells out again, it'll be a big, sweaty, awesome, canal-perfumed knees-up.

Are there any other acts you are looking forward to seeing?

Matt: Harleighblu because I think she has an amazing voice, Baby Godzilla because I've heard a lot of crazy things about their live show and Royal Gala, to see if they've got any new songs.

Jim: Will Jeffrey.

You recently made through to the sem- final of the future sound of Nottingham competition. How was it getting that far?

Tony: Really pleased to play Old Market Square in the blazing sunshine.

Pete: It was cool getting that far, but the main thing was playing Old Market Square – it was a first for us, and the weather was awesome.

Ant: I got to wear my sunglasses, 'cause it was outside, which is rare for musicians who don't want to look stupid all the time. That made me happy so I didn't really care if we were any good or not.

Were you were gutted to miss out on the final?

Tony: Gutted, of course. We don't have enough Facebook stalkers to win competitions like that. So if you're reading this and you're a young, impressionable internet user, go to... etc etc

What is your guilty music pleasure?

Matt: Well-written pop songs from the early 90s, stuff like Would I Lie To You? by Charles & Eddie and Sleepin Satellite by Tamsin Archer.

Tony: I didn't initially get the memo that Kings Of Leon were now a no-go band, so I foolishly enjoyed their last album for a few months.

Ant: I like a podcast called Soul Dwelling that my mate does from South Africa. It's soulful house music, proper lazy sunny day stuff, loads of vocals!

Where's your favourite place to play in Nottingham?

Tony: I like the Maze and I think I'd like Nottingham Arena.

Jim: Stealth's a laugh – we played there a while back, The Horrors where playing next door in Rescue Rooms and I ate some of their food thinking it was for us. Don't think they were very impressed!

Ant: I have always wanted to do a gig outside at Saltwater. I think that would be boss. I love it there but they don't put bands on. Maybe they should.

What was the first and last gig you attended?

Ant: First was Suede at the Royal Court. My last was Two Gallants. I love that Steady Rollin' tune which is out of sorts for me because I am not really into folky singer/songwriter type stuff, usually bores me to death. I really like their lyrics, though.

Tony: I saw REM supported by Radiohead when I was 11. They were touring The Bends. Also supported by the Cranberries. Oh my God, I'm old. Went to Truck Festival recently and saw loads of fresh bands. And Graham Coxon, the tightest guitarist ever.

Jim: I can't remember my first gig. Last – I went to Y Not Festival last week, so it was that, I suppose.

Pete: First gig was Gino Washington and his Ram Jam Band at the King's Lynn festival when I was about 12.

Bizarre, I know, but it was an eye-opener for me. Last gig was Fresh Eyes For The Dead Guy at Amp Fest at the Maze last month. Tiny room, horrible sound, stupidly hot, but they played well.

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