The Screening - Interview

Tom Nurse - lead vocals/rhythm guitar
Tom Lewitt - lead guitar/backing vocals
Amy Horsley - Keyboards/backing vocals
James Dunn - bass
Owen Ross - drums

Kasabian's Tom Meighan has described The Screening as "like the Lost Boys but from Leicester – vampire music", and that's certainly something the band don't dispute, if anything it's an accolade. Recently one of their songs, "Colours", was signed up by "Gap" for their Christmas campaign, and things certainly seem to be taking off for the band despite some twists and turns with record labels. Grace speaks to Lead Guitarist, Tom Lewitt.

You've progressed massively over the past few years, from playing free Saturday afternoon gigs at the Charlotte to now playing in London and doing a headline show at Leicester's o2. How does it feel to have come such a long way?

We have achieved a lot as a band. Not just those things you mention but we've toured in Germany twice and The States twice as well. We've constantly toured and played the UK and there's a well beaten path all over the place where we've traveled to play gigs be it big shows, festivals or dingy little venues. We've worked with some world class and "Grammy" award winning producers and released singles and e.p's. Everyone will have different highlights but being in the states showcasing for major labels was a high point.

Is it more enjoyable playing festivals such as Summer Sundae, The Camden Crawl and Strawberry fields festival or playing in small venues?

Depends on the crowd, how you play, how you feel, how it sounds on stage and out the front and the general vibe of the occasion. Some of the best gigs are in small places with horrible sounds but sometimes it just works and some of the worst are in big places with amazing sound systems but for whatever reason doesn't live up to expectations. Or vice versa.

Do you prefer a Leicester crowd or a crowd in a different city?

We love playing in our hometown for fans that follow us but sometimes a packed gig in new territory in front of a crowd who don't know you brings out the best in the band. Some of our best gigs are when we are up against it. We won't even acknowledge it to each other but we all know and the performance goes up subconsciously several levels.

As Tom from Kasabian said you are massive on the Leicester radar, do you think you wouldn't be where you are now without the support of your fans from day one?

We have been together for a long time and have had an amazing fanbase throughout. Their belief in us and our stubborn enjoyment in playing, despite all the nonsense the music business has thrown at us, will always keep the fires burning.

What is your favorite song to perform?

A favourite song to perform might not be a favourite recording or even a favourite song generally. Songs work differently on different levels. My favourite songs we play live of mine is 'Tell Me Emily', 'She's the One' and 'Diem'.

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What were all the early sessions like when you were first starting out?

Similar to now. Four of us in a room jamming and doing something we enjoy. Sometimes it sounds not so good and sometimes its great. You just feel your way round the songs and music until you get something which suits the band. When you achieve that then the effort is all worthwhile.

What else can we expect from the screening this year?!

Expect the unexpected!

You can find out more about The Screening at their Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/thescreening?sk=info

Interview by Grace