Hotwired ***New Interview***

2010 will always be the year of great shows that brought great bands onto the stage and even greater bands back to the stage. One band that keeps the crowd next to and sometimes on the stage is Hotwired. Emma and Si know how to get the show going and they built up a great web following. After listening to their first album, I wondered why haven't I interviewed these guys yet. They have 11 years of great shows under their belt and a great discography. I would however like to see them do more shows with Abrasive Wheels, Deadline UK and Red Alert, add that show to your bucket list. I got Si to tell us their story, I did however forgot to mention their 'Bullshitter' EP, wow! that was awesome.

Introduce yourself...

We're Hotwired Emma- Vocals, Sir Paul - Guitars/Backing Vocals, Steve Contempt-Guitars/Backing Vocals, Si (me) Bass/Backing Vocals and Salty on drums.

How did the band start?

I started the band back in 1999 to be an active part of the scene and to try and give something back to a scene I take so much from.

How did you come up with the name?

Our original guitarist used to have to Hotwire his forklift .

Who would you say your influences are?

Everyday life and experiences and standing up for your own beliefs.

 What was the punk scene like back in 1999?

We've always a healthy punk scene in Norwich and some great bands have come from here like the Short n Curlies, Braindance, Goober Patrol, PMT to mention but a few.

How do you feel it has changed?

We still have a Healthy punk scene now and there is lot less violence and shit political views than there was back then, the scene in Norwich is still really healthy although there seems to be a divide between the old school punx and some of the younger punks its a shame coz in my book its all punk rock! Some recent great bands from Norwich are The Culprits, Washed Up, Mediatrocity and Lost In Plastic.

Describe the song writing process...

Me or Emma tend to come up with the lyrics then Steve and Paul come up with the music, then the whole band work on it till we're happy with it so a joint effort really.

You once decided to play at a talent show, tell us about the talent show...

We basiclly did it to take the piss and have a laugh but it turned out we got to the semi finals to be beaten by a crappy dance troupe lol.

Your first album was 'Pissed and Knackered', tell us about the album...

We pretty much wrote and learnt the songs in two months and recorded it in two days, the style of the songs on the album varied slightly due to the different influences of everyone in the lineup at that time.

How does 'Make it Count' differ?

Make it Count was a much stronger album as we had a new line up and had found the direction we wanted to head in.

As a band, you have been through a few lineup changes, tell us about the current lineup... 

We've had quite a few lineup changes which has been very frustrating but this is the best line up we've had and with a female on vocals has given us a great refreshing new sound.

Are there any plans for a new release with the current lineup?

We are currently working on a new album as we speak which we hope to release by the summer.

Where have you toured?

We've played all over the UK and Toured Romania, Bulgaria and Spain.

Who are some of the band you have done shows with?

We've done gigs with loads of bands over the years, here’s a few recent ones UK Subs, Lurkers, English Dogs, Peter & The Test Tube Babies, Vice Squad, The Restarts, Discharge.

Is there a favorite band you like to do shows with?

We love to gig with all the bands.

Is there a favorite place you like to do shows at?

Haven't really got a favourite but had some great gigs at Sawyers Kettering, The Man In The Moon Cambridge, The 12 Bar Club London and The Eddy in Norwich, Esquires in Bedford and the Dome in London.

What do you see is the future of Hotwired? To continue gigging , writing new albums and more touring abroad.

How can people contact the band?

Either Via our website www.hotwiredpunk.co.uk or by emailing si-bootboy@supanet.com Cheers for the interview and your support .