PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
UK Rockers CONCRETE KINGDOMS are beginning to make some serious noise. The Scottish rock crew release their self-titled EP on 17th August. Before then, we sat down with the guys……..
What is the full band line-up, who plays what?
Mark Hawthorne Vocals, Ben Fraser Guitars, Mark Faulds Guitars, Douglas Fraser Bass, Grant Duncan Drums.
How and when did the band form?
Band formed in 2014 when Grant and Ben’s previous band folded, and they got talking to original vocalist Neil Philp. We all enjoyed the same kind of music and felt a common bond – we wanted to bring to life the passion that we feel for proper rock music rather than the more manufactured styles. They started jamming and things went from strength to strength, and CK was born from this. There aren’t a lot of quality rock bands in Fife, so we feel like we bring something strong, original and different to the table.
When and how did the band really start gelling and solidifying?
It was in the months that followed the first few jams – these turned into songs we thought had some substance, and then we thought that we should just give it a go and went forward from there, through to the end of 2014 with the band playing their first ever gig in 21st December 2014 at Joker’s Bar in Dunfermline.
Who are your musical influences?
AC/DC, Soundgarden, Alter Bridge, Foo Fighters, Guns n Roses, Thin Lizzy.
Where did the name of band come from?
We were throwing ideas around and wanted something that reflected where we were from (Dunfermline). Fife has been referred to on more than one occasion as a collection of Concrete Kingdoms and being local lads, this name resonated and stuck.
How far back does your history with each other (the band members) extend? are you friends from school or any family relations?
Ben & Doug are brothers and have known Grant for about 10 years. The two Marks came on board in 2017 after original vocalist Neil Philp left – Mark Faulds we already knew from another Scottish band, and Mark Hawthorne was selected after a rigorous audition process.
Where have you played or toured?
Scotland and England so far – we were booked to go out to Europe, but circumstances worked against us and we had to cancel. We have played alongside Puddle of Mudd, Diamond Head, Nazareth, Mitch Malloy, Unzucht, opened the Winterstorm Rock Weekender in 2016 and are booked for both Wildfire and Winterstorm this year.
If a deaf person were to ask you to describe the sound of your music, how would you describe it?
Controlled energy, sleek, smooth – it’s like a shiny sportscar with a monster of an engine under the bonnet that will give you the ride of your life, but comfortably!
Where can we find your social media sites?
All links are on www.artistecard.com/ConcreteKingdoms
