This Is Live: Stuck In 2nd
Ben Smith, Sam McKenzie and Nathan Simpson appear on the latest edition of This Is Live.
They explain how a passion for taking surf trips in their camper van inspires them to write happy, feel good music about enjoying life and spending time with friends.
As a group, they listen to a wide range of music from Bob Marley to Skindread.
They can be seen spreading their summer vibe at various van festivals across the country.
You can catch them next at the Bus Stop Over van festival at Wymeswold, near Loughborough, on June 19-20.
Watch them chatting to This Is Live's Zoe Kirk and performing upbeat summer song, Reggae Heat.
And you are?
Ben Smith (vocals, guitar), Sam McKenzie (vocals, guitar, djembee drum), Nathan Simpson (bassist)
History?
Myself (Ben) and Sam have been good friends since we were around six years old. After being in various different bands we came together three years ago and started making acoustic music. We gelled well and had a good sound. Sam was the singer and I played acoustic guitar. I helped teach Sam the guitar and he helped me sing and then it really set off. Our influences started showing through with our sound moving towards reggae, surf music. Roughly four months ago Nathan joined us to add bass guitar which allowed us to evolve the reggae sound and we now have a huge djembe drum. We make happy, feel good music that seems to please all audiences.
What's with the band name?
It's just about taking it easy, you shouldn't rush through life.
Describe your music and influences.
Our lyrics are mainly about having a good time with friends and family and things we enjoy doing like surfing and holidays. Other songs are about simple things like coconuts, beaches and the sea. We usually listen to Bob Marley, Newton Faulkner, The Rocket Summer, Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, Natty, Mistabishi and Skindread.
What are the day jobs?
Nathan is in his first year at Confetti Institute of Creative Arts studying music technology, I have just finished my degree and Sam has just finished his degree in forensic science.
Claims to fame?
Played with Gabriella Cilmi and also Dave McPherson from InMe.
Which other Notts bands do you rate?
Jimmy The Squirrel, The Amateurs
Next gig?
The Bus Stop Over van festival at Turnpost Farm, Wymeswold, Leicestershire, June 19-20.
Music for sale? (CDs/downloads available)
Soooo many people ask us! We're just finishing our album at Confetti Studios so we should have around 14 tracks that we can sell at gigs, on MySpace and through iTunes hopefully.
Web address?
www.myspace.com/stuckin2nd">www.myspace.com/stuckin2nd
Click here for the This Is Live archives (found in Entertainment > Local Bands)
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