Duty Free
We're a four-piece from Sheffield, England. We like to say we're a rock band but most people tend to call us punk. This is even better because we all love listening to punk rock but we don't want to get into debates about "What is punk and what isn't" because this has plagued many of our favourite bands throughout their existence. Anyway, we hope our music does something for you and hope you come to our shows!
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Duty Free was formed in late 2002. The band existed before this time with several names and line-up changes and actually began its existence in late 2000, started by best friends Nick Warne and Martin Lowes. After changes of members and instrument swapping, with about six practices over two years, the band finally got it together and played their first gig at a school band night in the summer of 2002 under the name, "Adrenaline Munkies". Over the next few months, the band began writing songs and practising weekly, hoping to make 2004 their year.
Lyrics are very important in Duty Free songwriting. The band try to convey important or uplifting messages to their audience, instead of a catchy two lines, which will stay in the heads of the general pop-public for a little while, only to be forgotten and replaced when the next trend arrives.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Yes we play live, we try to play live as often as we can because its when a band should be in its element and it keeps us sharp. Arranging gigs is an extremely hard job in our town because there are so many bands so all the venues are booked up! We already have been quoted as having an energetic live show. We prefer smaller venues (like The Grapes) because they tend to have a better atmosphere and the crowd can go nuts! A tradition we try to uphold and haven't yet broken is to have at least one new song for every gig we play, this keeps our fans on their toes and makes it even more interesting for us.
Your musical influences
AFI, Akaline Trio, Bad Religion, Blink-182, Deftones, The Early November, Face To Face, The Filaments, Finch, Five Knuckle, Funeral For A Friend, Less Than Jake, Midtown, Millencolin, MXPX, No Use For A Name, NoFX, The Offspring, Pennywise, Taking Back Sunday, Tsunami Bomb, Weezer.
What equipment do you use?
Fender and Ibanez Guitars, Marshall, Peavey and Laney amps (we'd like Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifiers, but it ain't gonna happen!)
Anything else?
Don't take life too seriously, you'll never get out alive.
Stand for nothing, fall for ANYTHING!!
