Local lads Sancho Panza have got an exciting week ahead of them - they'll be performing at The Chapel above The Angel Microbrewery two nights in a row for their double party, supported by some of Nottingham's finest bands. We caught up with them ahead of the event...
Firstly, how has the reception on the new single been, are you happy to be releasing new music again?
Yeah we’re happy to have released a new tune, we’ve had some radio play which we are always thankful for and it seems to have been coming off well in the live shows, too.
What was the creative process like for this new single, in comparison to Sheikhdown, which was released just over a year ago?
I remember there was a leaflet on a table in my house a while back and it was screaming at me to buy whatever it was offering which I, like many others, probably have no interest in. I just picked up the guitar and the gist of it came together in a few minutes. Sometimes it just happens like that. It’s a similar thing with Sheikdown, the idea was there but with both tunes I had to sit and hash the words out. That’s how a lot of the tunes are done.
Nottingham is a city with a rich cultural underbelly, are there any hidden gems whether that be music venues, places to eat etc. that you think more people should check out?
Loads of people know about the South Indian spot Kayal on Broad Street but not so much of their ‘Business lunch’ offer. It’s like seven or eight quid for a platter of curries, a bowl of rice and a dosa, no brainer. Another that comes to mind is Kofuku house, it's a Cantonese restaurant with a drum kit and a keyboard. We’ve put a few open mic nights on there and it's always good fun.
You’re set to headline The Chapel on the 12 and 13 October for your double party, have you guys got any interesting pre-show rituals?
We don’t do anything strange really. Gigs for us are about having a good time as much as anyone else turning up to a show. We usually just have some beers and enjoy the time socialising and watching the other bands.
To follow up, what are the essential songs for a pre-gig playlist?
Heard a tune recently by the South London band Yowl called Saturday Drag which is really good. The Magnificent 7 by The Clash gets us in a good mood, too. And Palco, by Gilberto Gil.
Which songs of yours are your favourite to perform and which tend to get the best reaction from audiences?
We have an unreleased song called Your Place or Mine which is my favourite to play because its catchy and funky and I get to sing it in a daft voice. Hydro Hotel is one we all have fun playing as well, it’s the rhythm of it we all like playing to and its something people can dance to.
Are there any other emerging artists from Nottingham that you guys are excited about right now or have been listening to?
Wizards Can’t be Lawyers, Sobscene, Soaphead, Sex Toy Vending Machine, Otala, Marvin's Revenge, Skitz Wizards, and The Avion.
What can we look forward to from you guys towards the end of this year, any projects currently in the works?
We have a whole album of material recorded which we plan on releasing in the new year. We’re wrapping up the finishing touches and then it’ll be set free!
Sancho Panza's double party at The Chapel will take place on 12 and 13 October 2023. Get your tickets here.
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