Meet Brighton based punk rock/post punk band The Stealers. They draw influences from bands like Idles, Slaves, Shame, Lady Bird, The Chats and The Streets.
Formed in late 2019, they are comprised of Alex Roberts- Anderson (guitar/vocals), George Hart (guitar), Junior Vieira-Dawes (bass) and Noah Longhurst (drums).
Their Debut EP “Pretty Killer” was released in late 2020 and recorded at Cherry Tree Studios by Don Bird from Lady Bird.
Please tell us a bit about the origins of the bands. How did you all meet and who came up with the band name and what is the meaning behind it?
Noah: So we started the band in 2019. The band was originally Alex and I. We had gone through a few members until we found George and Junior. Alex, Junior and I went to the same college together in Brighton and had always been mates and George was brought to us by Alex after saying his mate was sick at guitar and wanted to be in a band.
After first meeting on the train, Alex and I came up with our band name, The Stealers, after a few weeks of being together as a band. There is no real meaning behind the name. We just thought it sounded cool so we decided to use it and it has stuck ever since.
You formed the band before the pandemic hit – how did you stay motivated through all of it and what effect did it had on you?
Noah: I guess we stayed motivated by doing regular video calls together as a band to make sure we all were in touch with each other and knowing that there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Knowing that everyone in the music industry at the start of the pandemic was in the same boat made it somewhat bearable. I think knowing it wasn’t just us that couldn’t go out and gig made it a bit easier, you know?
Since the restrictions have lifted it has impacted us more as a band I would say as we have had to cancel many gigs due to members of the band catching Covid.
You stated that one of your musical influences is Lady Bird. You ended up working with Don Bird on your Debut EP? What is the story behind that?
Noah: Yeah so, I initially messaged Don asking if he had any tickets left for a Lady Bird gig. Then we spoke for a bit about each other’s bands. One thing led to another and later in the summer of 2020, we went in to record a 3 track EP with him. Which was very fun indeed.
Have you always been interested in music? Was there a particular song/performance that made you say “Woah! I wanna so that.”?
Junior: The minute my dad showed me Rage Against The Machine was the moment it all clicked, I was four or five at the time and ever since then, Music has been the dream for me.
Noah: There is no stand out moment for me that I remember thinking ‘Whoa I want to do that.’’ Music has always been a huge part of my life and is something that I have always wanted to do! I remember getting a drum kit one Christmas when I was 4 and ever since then I have never stopped playing.
George: I’ve playing guitar for around 7 years ago and have been hooked ever since. I always thought being able to play the guitar was a sick skill to have so I was eager to learn when I was young and knew I always wanted to somehow make a career from it.
When you create music, what is your personal purpose or goal?
Junior: My purpose is to lose myself in the music that I create.
Noah: I guess my personal purpose when we write is to just have fun and make some sick songs in the process! I also like being able to make songs that other people can listen to and enjoy and get a buzz from. Just like when we are all in a room together writing the tunes!
George: My goal is to write rememberable and catchy tunes/riffs that people will enjoy. The most important thing is to enjoy the process when creating new songs.
Your latest single 'Scream' was released 12th of August– What's it about? What was the process for writing and producing it? What was it inspired by?
Noah: 'Scream' was written in rehearsals in early June where the intro riff was bought into the rehearsal space. After time messing around with the riff and sharing ideas, we ended up with our new single 'Scream'. I actually wrote the lyrics after feeling as if the lockdowns were never going to end and like the world was constantly “screaming” at me. Haha. The single was produced and recorded by our dear friend Erik Miles who has recently started up his very own recording studio at the legendary Tunbridge Wells Forum.
Please give us one fact each that no one knows about you?
Junior: I am obsessed with sharks, alligators and crocodiles.
Noah: I love skateboarding.
If we were to look at the artists you are listening to, who would we find on your playlist?
Junior: Turnstile, Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, Rage Against The Machine, Royal Blood, Kaleo, Daft Punk and The Incredibles Soundtrack
Noah: Fela Kuti, Ezra Collective, Loyle Carner, IDLES, Rolling Blackouts Costal Fever, Slaves, Sports Team, Slowthai, Porij and anything that I am feeling at the time to be honest.
George: Of the top of head, Oasis, The Stone Roses, Queens of the Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys, Royal blood, Sam Fender, Mac Miller, Slowthai and loads of other random genres and artist that I enjoy listening to.
Little insider tip – best thing to do in Brighton?
Junior: Come and visit me at Shelter hall.
Noah: Go to all the indie record shops and independent music venues!! They need our support now more than ever! Also, just go and see any live music that is on! There is always something cool going on in Brighton
What's next? Plans for 2021?
All of us: Write, record and release a load of great music!! We are also gigging a lot so come out to see us and the bands we are playing with!!!
Live Dates:
September 23rd - The Rossi Bar, Brighton
September 24th – London – Play It Loud UK Presents w/ Tragic, Body Horror & Kyoto Kyoto - tix via Dice!!
September 30th - The Latest Music Bar, Brighton
September 24th – London – Play It Loud UK Presents w/ Tragic, Body Horror & Kyoto Kyoto - tix via Dice!!
September 30th - The Latest Music Bar, Brighton