Interview: let’s get Rudimental

Last night, the Union hosted a fantastic set from Leon (aka DJ Locksmith) of Rudimental. The four-piece London-based band rocketed to fame earlier this year with the song “Feel the Love” and The Stand was lucky enough to grab a pre-set interview.

How did you guys get started?

We started from a really young age. Three of us grew up together, sharing the same interests – music, football, girls – and we met up with Amir last year and he became the fourth member of the group. He was helping us remix some tracks and we just clicked with him.

There is a real shift in vibe between your early tracks and your newer ones; was this intentional or did it come around naturally?

Any music that we make or create in the studio is never a planned thing. We made a lot of underground tracks when we first started because that was the scene that we could access easier. Then we were fortunate enough to make the hit “Feel The Love” and it just took off. And that features John Newman on the track, how was it to work with him? It was great. John’s a lovely guy and I’m sure his career will continue to grow throughout the year. He’s got an amazing voice. We were actually at the pub one day and there was a talent show on. All of us just heard his voice and we knew that we had to have him sing on the track.

What about Rudimental, the name – where does it come from?

Kesi came up with the name. He was actually going to call himself ‘Rudiments’ and realised that ‘Rudimental’ would probably be a better name for the group. There wasn’t really a special, dramatic way that it came about. Rudimental means the fairy of music and drums and it just fit nicely.

What artists influence the band? Who are your inspirations?

When we talk about inspirations, it is very across-the-board; everything from Hip Hop artists such as Dr Dre, to old school people like Sly and the Family Stone and Marvin Gaye. We all come from musical backgrounds and all play instruments of some sort.

That’s very cool. And is this is your first time in St Andrews?

Yeah, first time in St Andrews but not our first time in Scotland. We gigged the Arches in Glasgow last year and it was a wicked experience. I’ve never seen so many people in one place.

Are you excited for the crowds tonight?

Definitely! I always look forward to these types of gigs. Sometimes you can find you are too far away from the crowd so hopefully with the smaller venue it can feel more intimate and just be a wicked night.

What kind of advice would you give to our Freshers?

Be consistent with your work. It’s really important. Come to think of it I’ve still to finish my degree but who knows when that will happen. If it’s something you really want to do, pursue it. Always be true to yourself.

Rudimental for the rest of the year – what have you guys got planned?

The second single should be coming out very soon…the album is due out not long after – just putting finishing touches to it. Also lots more gigs in the diary with the next destinations being Australia and America. The festival season is almost at a close and we managed to make it to nearly every one which was really cool.

DJ Locksmith had the crowd buzzing with mixes of current chart tracks to classic house and finally, to some fresh London drum ‘n’ bass. Look out for our review… coming soon. 

Image: Ben Goulter