Hailing from Leeds, The Sheratons are on the list of rising local talent to be reckoned with. They’re enjoying the limelight through regular radio plays too, so they’re going places — and fast.

RECORD WEEKLY’S INTERVIEW WITH THE SHERATONS

Hey guys, how’s it going?

It’s going great thank you, thanks for reaching out. Even though it’s a difficult time for the music industry, we can’t complain too much.

It’s ace to have the chance to chat to you! Tell us all about The Sheratons: how did you meet and form? Where does the name originate?

So, our frontman, Kane, is the mastermind behind the band. He started the group a few years ago, slowly building the name — which comes from the love of Noel Gallagher and a certain Epiphone model he played — until we managed to break into the local scene.

Since then, we’ve released three singles that have progressively pushed us further up the ladder. There have been many highlights, including being played by the legend Steve Lamacq over on BBC Radio 6, us doing a live session on BBC Introducing West Yorkshire, and having our newest single, ‘Raving And Drooling’, on the air for four consecutive weeks on John Kennedy’s show on Radio X!

That’s insane! Such great progress. Now, you’re based in Leeds — what do you think of the city?

Leeds really is a sleeping giant and doesn’t tend to get the recognition it deserves. The city has an extremely vibrant live music scene, with iconic venues such as Brudenell Social Club, The Wardrobe and The Key Club, just to name a few. It’s home to some amazing bands too; Marsicans have stood out in recent years, but so have groups like Kaiser Chiefs and The Pigeon Detectives. We love the city and wouldn’t choose to be anywhere else.

Leeds is the best! What are your biggest accolades to date? You’ve listed some great radio plays as highlights already…

Yeah, as stated before, we managed to get some great national radio plays for our singles.

We also competed in a Battle of the Bands for the region of Yorkshire, with the finals being held at the awesome O2 Academy Leeds, which was an honour to play at. We won and went on to represent the region in the national stage! Also, it’d be rude not to mention gaining our first major festival slot at next year’s Bingley Weekender. This’ll be alongside The Libertines, Primal Scream, The Amazons and many more.

Your latest single, ‘Raving And Drooling’, is raw, raucous and a total banger. You released this in April, so how did that go, given the lockdown?

The single being released during lockdown meant the tour we had planned couldn’t go ahead. We had our first debut London show booked at The Half Moon in Putney, which was a shame to miss out on.

But, on a positive note, it gave us the chance to step back and really promote the single and, from it, we’ve gained so many new fans from all over the country, and even abroad! So, when everything returns to normality, I [Finley] think a few more dates will be added to the tour.

What other impacts has the Coronavirus had on you as a band, with regards to gigging?

It’s really brought the live music scene to a standstill and, unfortunately, as we’ve seen recently, grassroots venues are starting to go under, which nobody wants. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel and, hopefully, when this blows over, the industry will be back stronger than ever!

Have you picked up any strange, non-musical habits during lockdown?

Haha I wouldn’t say strange, as I bet many can relate, but both Kane and I have spent more time playing PlayStation games in the last few months than we have for the past few years! I guess that’s the kind of thing that happens when you’re stuck inside…

Can you share any future plans, without giving away all that’s up your sleeve?

We’re planning to get back in the studio as soon we can and build on the momentum of the latest release. And, of course, we cannot wait to get back on the road and start making some noise!

Don’t let yourself get behind, because The Sheratons are making waves. Stay in the loop by following them on Instagram and liking their Facebook page. Their back catalogue is all on Spotify.