Last Autumn we had the pleasure of seeing Slap Rash in action. Mighty fine they were too. Stacks of energy, why wouldn’t one not want to jump around. Now it’s your chance to get to know them and sort some tickets to go see them. You won’t be disappointed. There’s a couple of fab videos below. Meanwhile ………..
Hello Slap Rash, welcome to the DeClunk universe.
Please give us your names and the talent you bring to Slap Rash.
A: Hello! I’m Amelia – drummer, singer, lyricist + elder sibling
H: Hi! I’m Huw – Bassist, Shouting, Synth(ish), not the oldest
Please could you describe your surroundings.
We’re currently sat outside at The Eagle Inn in Salford, a little cracking boozer where we also rehearse
Slap Rash….an interesting name. Tell us how it came about and were there other names in the hat? We want to know the other names!
A: So the story goes: Huw and I locked ourselves away in a room in our childhood home, whacked on as much Primus as one can consume in one evening, and jotted down ideas. I had quite the list – in a notebook I’ve almost certainly misplaced since. I remember I was a fan of ‘Drywall’ but it was quickly vetoed.
H: Amelia’s spot on with that. Can’t say I remember any names, but I do recall disliking heaps.
We saw you play in the autumn in Newcastle. A great gig with loads of energy. Does that intensity come from being siblings? Presuming that you grew up together, did you fight over the TV? Or whose turn to wipe the dishes? Did the Monopoly board get thrown across the room?
A: We were never childhood enemies. I recall giving you (Huw) a smack once as a kid? But regretting it deeply for weeks after and never doing it again. I think we’ve had more run ins as adults than we ever did as children. Usually tiredness, beer, or generic sibling-fallout related nowadays
H: Firstly, thanks for coming! One thing I can remember is Amelia conning me in a humiliating game of Shrek™️ Monopoly. And I’ll never forget it. Musically we’re pretty on the same page now. Coming up with our strongest stuff yet I reckon.
What is the most annoying thing about one to the other?
A: He knows this, but Huw’s forgetfulness definitely rubs me the wrong way. Only today he forgot I’d moved house (despite having visited me recently in my new place)
H: That she can’t understand my wild hand gestures and yelling when I’m showing her a new song to try probably.
What plans are there for 2024? Gigs lined up? An album? A holiday in the sun?
H: We’ve got some stunning shows coming up in April, one at home in Manchester and another in London. We’ll be in the studio in a couple weeks too! Pretty great start to the year so far. We’ll have news soon enough.
What other talents do you have? For example, I can talk to Tawny Owls. Maybe you can do plate spinning, or maybe you’re the mixed doubles tiddlywinks champs. You get the idea.
A: I’m a bit of a multi instrumentalist myself. Though the rest are pretty heavily neglected now – I grew up a classical Violist + dabbled in other bits and bobs here and there. I still consider myself best on acoustic guitar though. I fancy myself an exceptional cook.
H: I’d like to hear more about these Owls, but personally I’m really into my chess at the moment. Have been for a while. Been trying to convert whoever I can.
Supposing you were to make a new video this year. Do you reckon you might need an old man supping a beer whilst doing a spot of fishing sat in a rocking chair surrounded by llamas? Could I audition?
A: We do have a music video planned which is a little bit of a secret at present. Our director knows where we’re heading. All I’ll divulge is Huw’s the lead in this one. I don’t think I’ll feature at all. You’re more than welcome to feature!
H: I’m sure we could work something out. It’s gonna be really fun to put this one together, especially for me. In the early stages for now but it’ll be worth the wait.
When are you going to gig in Carlisle? There’s the Brickyard and The Old Firestation.
A+H: Whenever someone books us! We’re always ready to go.
Is there anything that I should be asking but have left out? If so, you write and answer your own question.
A: my question would be: What inspires your lyrics Amelia?
I’m so glad you asked. I’m hugely inspired by non-fiction, documentaries, and anecdotes. Most of SLAP RASH’s music pre-2024 has been written about people I don’t know, or retelling the realities of people I’ve read about. I like to pop little ‘Easter eggs’ in our music. So far only 1 person has guessed accurately what Cimmerian is about. I love the mystery.
H: Quick! 4 bands you’d enjoy if you like us;
Sugarstone
Deafwhip
Wax Head
Sleemo
Thanks for taking the time with DeClunk. We hope to see you again in 2024.
A: thank you!
H: Thanks for having us!
DeClunk 