The Damn Straights - 10 Questions + The Damn Straights EP

The Damn Straights are doing the business from Exeter to NYC with their self-titled EP. In addition to the 6 Music-supported 'The World's on Fire' and 'Blow It Up', you now get the fly funk & hip-hop struts of 'Alarm Clock' and 'Never Get Enough', to complete a fiery foursome from producer Lack of Afro and emcee Herbal T.

The Damn Straights sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

Herbal T: I've loved music ever since I can remember. I watched MTV as a kid and wanted to play music. I loved everything about it. The earliest memories were Guns N Roses, Public Enemy, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and pretty much anything else that was on MTV.
Lack of Afro: I come from a musical family - it was always around when I was growing up. My grandmother was a concert pianist & she started teaching me piano when I was 7. It all went from there really. I used to watch MTV all the time too and always wanted to be in a band.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

HT: Some artists that influence me are Talib Kweli, James Brown, and The Meters. I'd love to work with anyone making funky music.
LOA: It's always hard to give just a few because I've been influenced by so many. I guess for his diverse range of productions I'd say Mark Ronson is a big influence. I'd love to work with Madlib & Michael Kiwanuka to name just a couple.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the coronavirus pandemic?

HT: There's a perception that the pandemic has allowed everyone to have all this free time to create. I think the missing ingredient is the inspiration one gets from everyday life. For me, I've done a lot of random experimentation musically and it's been fun. That said, it's been a little tough to focus on specific projects and real artistic expression. The true gift of the pandemic for me has been the time I've been able to spend with my wife and kids.
LOA: Yeah the family time has been lovely actually (apart from the home schooling!). Not being able to tour after releasing an album last year was a problem. I mean, people still got it and everything but as an artist, being unable to connect with your audience in a live setting took a lot away from the process. As musicians we sometimes need validation, and social media can only do so much where that's concerned. All that being said, lockdown has meant more people being at home which has seen a rise in streaming numbers & radio listeners, which is a positive thing.

4. How would you describe your sound?

HT: The Damn Straights are a band with roots in soul and funk that express ideas with rock, punk and hip hop. For both band members, it's a departure from their typical sound. It's heavy.
LOA: What Herbs said!

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

HT: I've been able to collaborate and play music with some of my musical heroes. I've also had my music featured on widely circulated media like TV shows, ads, and movies.
LOA: Yeah same really - to collaborate with my heroes has been incredible, and hearing my music on TV and radio is always a thrill. I have to say though, to still be able to make music after a year of basically being in lockdown is amazing and something I'm incredibly grateful for. A lot of artist have not been so lucky.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

HT: Don't give up! It sounds cliche but stay true to yourself!
LOA: Exactly that. Sometimes this business is all about the last man standing. Have confidence in what you're doing - if you dig it then it's a fair bet that other people will do. Don't be afraid to ask for advice. Keep learning. Keep working.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

HT: Here's a few artists I love: Wax, Soulive, The Greyboy Allstars, Open Mike Eagle
LOA: Madlib, Wax, Little Simz, The Heavy, Bleachers, L'Imperatrice

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

HT: Honestly my Spotify playlists mostly consist of music made before I was born! I love jazz (Grant Green, Lou Donaldson, etc), bossa nova (Elis Regina, Joao Gilberto, etc) and reggae. I also love hip hop though! As far as rappers I love MF Doom and Too Short.
LOA: My top 5 albums on Spotify right now are: Madlib 'Sound Ancestors', Little Simz 'Grey Area', The Black Keys 'Brothers', Blakroc 'Blakroc' & The Bongos 'Drums Along The Hudson'.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

HT: Mostly I hang out with my family. I also like to surf and talk shit.
LOA: I'm big into exercise - it has definitely helped get me through lockdown. I also collect watches.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

HT: A plethora of real live percussion instruments, my bass, and some type of cold beverage!
LOA: Yeah what Herbs said - preferably with the addition of a nice drum kit and a lovely tape machine.

The Damn Straights brand new self titled EP is available now on all major streaming platforms.