Uzumaki interview

Upcoming alternative band Uzumaki played a London gig in The Devonshire Arms on December 21st. The band formed in London and is made up of four members; Alex Cheung (guitar/lead vocals), Nick Allen (guitar), Alex Fletcher (drums), Conor Thompson (bass). I went along to the gig and was lucky to have a chat with Alex Cheung and Nick Allen before they performed.

Nick began explaining what he likes about performing in intimate venues. “Being able to interact with the crowd. Its more personal its more upfront.” “It’s more direct” added Alex, “On a bigger stage you talk to the general but on a smaller stage you can directly communicate, even musically.” He continued to explain smaller shows have “more attitude and energy” as everyone is partying in a small space.

I was interested in where the band name came from. Alex revealed when he used to work in a call centre, they would read the manga ‘Uzumaki’ and he thought “this is cool as fuck!” “Coming up with a name is difficult cus all of them are bad really” he stated before explaining his SoundCloud name was Uzumaki and that’s what the band would demo songs under.

The pair reminisced on their favourite and funniest tour memories. “this weekend we just played a really fun show, the biggest one we’ve ever done” Nick recalled. “The whole day was not an experience we’ve had before, and we all experienced it together so it was a big thing for us all.”

Focusing on a more unfortunate memory Alex brought up he played a gig where his guitar lead got wrapped around his foot and it pulled all the speakers over. Nick lets out an “OH YEAH!” as he remembers the incident. “And it was all other people’s equipment that id borrowed. Fully the whole stack fell over” Alex sighed.

When I asked if they have any methods for staying calm before a show, they both paused for a moment to think about it. “I think that’s something I’m struggling with and still working out honestly” Nick responded. “I try something different every time or just nothing sometimes.” Alex then gave his insight. “I think it’s really hard actually to just be level and be relaxed for gigs. If you’re not getting a little nervous and excited, you shouldn’t really be doing it. Every single gig even a really small one with five family members makes me nervous.”

Nick stated he doesn’t have a particular favourite song to perform live. “it changes as we change the sets and stuff. If we have a really good set where a crowd reacts really well to a song that can change what my favourite is.” Alex agreed but also mentioned they often get more excited by new songs and “can get a bit bored of playing older ones.”

Make sure to keep an eye out in 2024 as Uzumaki have not only new music set for release this year, but also tour plans.