We had a chat with Joe (accordion) from the amazing Will Tun & the Wasters about their 2014!
How was 2014 for you?
2014 was an interesting one for Will Tun & the Wasters. We did our first DIY Tour of Europe, which involved trips to the hospital, avoiding Neo-Nazis in a forest and driving across Europe with a smashed van window. We also hosted the second ever Roomtown; a three-day Festival in our Bristol house. We had over thirty bands and only one noise complaint, so we see that as a bit of a winner! Months later some mates told me that a riot van drove up, had a gander, then drove on. Had no idea at the time; out of sight, out of mind eh?!
What was the best/most memorable show you played?
Boomtown crowds have always been great to us, even if not the most “memorable” of events for most of the members..
I’d have to say though that all the squat shows in Holland and Belgium were really special. All the social centres are run on a co-operative, mutual exchange basis running loads of community events alongside all the shows too. It’s another world in action y’know? Be/live the change you want to see and all that.
Also, heading out on European Tours seemed like an unfathomable pipe-dream not so long ago, so to experience people going nuts to our songs in other countries and to know that there’s a network of DIY promoters that makes it all possible is just the shit!
What was the best show you went to?
There are too many to name, so we’ll try to keep it short! Cat Empire headlining Boomtown was a euphoric homecoming for that Wolrd-Music Party Sound. Dirty Revolution’s last show in Cardiff was emotional, that band put so much support into the UK scene. It was also Will Tun’s first time ever watching The Pogues this summer, which was a glorious thing to behold; like a baby bird flying from the nest, onwards toward the endless sky above!
What are some of your favourite releases this year?
McBusted was deffo up there, without Mark Hoppus from Blink 182’s involvement it wouldn’t have worked, but he really bought the edge. I really thought that Gaslight Anthem were pushing things forward with Get Hurt, and similarly You Me At Six’s Live Lounge cover of “Magic” by Coldplay was an inspired choice, they’re really stepping up to playing stadium shows now so covering Coldplay makes a lot of sense!
And if people haven’t seen it already, check out Avril Lavigne and Chad Kroeger of Nickelback performing live at Foxwoods Casino Resort on Youtube, spine tingling stuff… Straight up hit of the year has gotta be “It’s My Birthday” by Will.I.Am though, no messin!!
What are you excited for in 2015?
Well we’re going to be releasing our first album! I’m not sure if that’s a reason to get excited, but it’s definitely going to happen and be a real proper thing. It’s all shaping up a bit world/ska/punk/hip-hop at the moment… Festivals: we’ve got some great ones larger and small lined up, Wasters gon’ do some more tours and I guess just head back out on the road and keep jamming and partying with all the friends crazy cats we’ve met along the path so far… Watch out Summer 2014, we’ll invade all your campfire jams with booze and friendly conversation eventually!
