We’re not simply featuring this band because they come from the greatest city on Earth. That’s just a coincidence…
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
(Doogy) Geordieland. Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
How did you meet?
(Mat) Doogy and I have known each other for years. He grew up with my brother and after I finished university, I heard that he was on the lookout for a drummer for a previous band we played with. Eight years later and he hasn’t been able to get rid of me!
(Doogy) Then we met Wig via an online music forum. We knew right away after jam one that he was the perfect fit.
How long have you been playing as a band?
(Doogy) We had our first session in April 2019 and it’s been pretty much non stop since then. Everything seems to just flow and sit right. It’s been an amazing ride so far.
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
(Mat) We liked the term Nomad. It kind of fit with how we’ve all moved around but continued playing music. And then Anthem because when we thought of the Pop Punk sound, its very anthemic and feel good. So we stuck them together and Bob’s your uncle.
What are your influences?
(Doogy) So many for me. I’m a big fan of Nicke Borg and Backyard Babies. I have been since the 90s. Dave Grohl is also a bit of a hero of mine.
(Mat) Taylor Hawkins and Dave Grohl are absolute rock drumming Goliaths. Also Travis Barker. Not just as a pop punk player but he’s a bit of a chameleon. Depending on the project, he’s constantly evolved his playing and I really love that.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
(Mat) I think what makes us unique is our positive outlook and view. Every song has that hopeful uplifting tone. We want people to enjoy themselves and have fun. I think we’re really fortunate with Doogy’s lyrics too, because he’s a tremendous songwriter, and can take the most personal of subjects and turn it in to a song that anyone can relate to.
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
(Doogy) One of the main themes that’s reoccurring is the desire to want to better ourselves. Pushing forward through setbacks and coming out on top. Our two singles (“Endeavour” and “Heartstrings”) both tell stories of music related setbacks and about coming to with daunting roads I’d personally found myself on. There’s quite a lot of soul searching hidden within.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
(Doogy) We’ve actually only played live with Nomad Anthem five times so far. We didn’t get playing shows until late July 2019. A combination of regional shows and a summer festival in Yorkshire. We’ve plenty more in the pipeline, in particular in 2020!
(Mat) our shows are like a good night out with your pals. There’s plenty laughs, plenty beers and plenty of good music.
(Doogy) They’re pretty energetic too, a lot of raw and sweaty vibes.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
(Mat) As soon as something wild happens I’ll get back to you! Although recently there was a very flexible older guy in the front row…I’ll leave that to your imaginations.
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
(Doogy) I currently play a Fender Telecaster through a Vox Valvetronix amp. I’ve always been a huge Fender fan though with my other go to guitar being a Stratocaster. D’addario strings and Jim Dunlop pics.
(Mat) Mapex drums, Evans coated heads (toms), heavyweight reverse dot batter side, clear Evans genera snare side. Zildjian cymbals, Pro Mark Shira Kashi Oak 5B sticks and Mapex hardware.
What, if anything, are you plugging/promoting at the moment?
(Doogy) We’ve got two singles available, (“Endeavour” and “Heartstrings”) the latter being our most recent release which we’re currently plugging. You can or stream both via Spotify, iTunes and the likes. And we’ve got a couple of North East UK regional shows coming up in November which have got some smoking lineups. Check out our Facebook page and give us a like for all the info.
What are your plans for 2019?
(Mat) Other than the two live shows in November we’ll be hitting hard with rehearsals and continuing to nail down our growing set for bigger shows next year.
(Doogy) We’re currently in discussions with our booking agent about a set of tour dates for the late winter/spring and we’re hoping to start work on a new studio project before the end of 2019 to coincide its release.
If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be ing and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!
(Doogy) That’s an awesome question.
(Mat) Yeah, that’s a fantastic question! I saw a local band recently who were part of the fireball fuelling the fire tour, Thieves of Liberty, I think they’d be great fun to play with, so I’d like to get the crowd going for them!
(Doogy) I’d love to warm up the audience for Foo Fighters. I’ve followed them since day one and Dave is absolutely 100% the coolest guy in Rock n Roll. We’ve got so many friends doing awesome music right now. I’d love to name them all but if I can only pick one to open for us, check out Ben Catley who’s based in Perth Australia. I’ve known Ben a long time and his writing just gets better and better as the years go by. He’s like a really good bourbon. We were lucky enough to open for him at a show on his recent European tour in August. Check him out!
Header image by Lang Shot Photography
Nomad Anthem: facebook | twitter | instagram | youtube
