PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
UK rock crew THE HOT ONE TWO are all set for an action-packed 2020. We asked the rock n rollers for an insight to their background and more:
What is the full band line-up, who sings and who plays which instrument?
Simon West // Lead Vocals and Guitar.
Nick Manners // Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals.
Nick Blackburn // Bass and Backing Vocals.
Joe Chivers // Drums and Backing Vocals.
How and when did the band form? Tell us anything interesting about your hometown.
Based around Cambridge and forming late 2016 The Hot One Two was launched unto the world around March of 2017, thundering on to the local music scene we received instant support from local venues, promoters and radio hosts, leading quickly to the release of our debut EP, ‘Come Whatever May’ in the autumn of 17.
As well as being the stomping ground of many prolific rock and roll stars past and present (David Gilmour and Sid Barrett of Pink Floyd, Don Airey of Deep Purple and of course 1997 Eurovision winners Katrina And The Waves), the bands home town of Cambridge is best known for its stunning university architecture, punting and of course rowing faster than Oxford.
When and how did the band really start gelling and solidifying?
Despite The Hot One Two being formed in early 2017 as the brainchild of 3 long time pals Manners (guitar), Nick (bass) and Joe (drums), the band really started to take shape in mid 2018. Having spent years on the covers circuit we already had a solid musical relationship from which to build on, getting the show on the road with some exciting new rock n roll belters was a breath of fresh air, and fortunately came very naturally for us. Simon later joined the band bringing a wealth of talent and experience from fronting previous bands and solo projects. Sharing the same passion, drive and dedication, he got stuck straight in from day one and hasn’t looked back!
Who are your musical influences?
Drawing influence from bands spanning decades and genres, The Hot One Two perfectly balances the pure rock n roll spirit of the 80s (Guns n’ Rose’s, Motley Crue, AC/DC), with today’s clean cut, hard rocking riffage (Clutch, Black Stone Cherry, Foo Fighters)!
How far back does your history with each other (the band members) extend? Are you friends from school or any family relations?
Joe (drums) and Nick (bass) first met on a school bus journey at around 12 years old, both sat awkwardly blaring Sabbath and Maiden from their Walkmans, we got to talking and discovered we both had started learning our respective instruments, and decided to jam (f*ck, was that awful) and maybe even start a band! Fast forward 8 years and about 10 bands, we skipped town and went to study (kind of) at the ACM in Guildford where we bumped into a tragic floppy haired troglodyte
called Manners (guitar). Several years and another 10 bands later The Hot One Two was formed! After a successful launch and a couple of lineup changes, Simon (vocals) joined us in the Autumn of 2018, sharing the same love and passion for rock n’ roll (and beer) he settled right in and completes the unstoppable force you now see before you!
Where have you played or toured?
We have been fortunate enough to play across the UK with some amazing bands, new and old. To name but a few The Hot One Two has opened the stage for AOR legends FM, Tygers of Pan Tang, Massive Wagons, SKAM, Tequila Mockingbyrd, Saints of Sin, Vambo and we were fortunate enough play one of our first ever shows (and many others since) with popular up and coming rock n’ roll favourites Hollowstar. Having established ourselves at many clubs pubs and venues across the country and on the NWOCR circuit, The Hot One Two is already taking bookings into late 2020, a year we are sure will be our biggest and boldest yet!
In your opinion, how is your band different from all the other bands out there?
Primarily focused on delivering a fresh and exciting experience, and taking great pride in what we do, The Hot One Two strive to keep the spirit of rock n roll at the centre. In an oversaturated industry with so many young go getters trying to re-invent the wheel, we’re keeping it real and true to the music we were brought up on, a classic 80s groove with a razor sharp modern edge!
If a deaf person were to ask you to describe the sound of your music, how would you describe it?
Aggressive, loud and heavy on one hand – fun, mischievous and exciting on the other! Imagine The Expendables riding space hoppers into a futuristic heavy metal wasteland! This is The Hot One Two experience.
Where can we find your social media sites?
www.facebook.com/thehotonetwo
www.instagram.com/thehotonetwo
www.twiter.com/thehotonetwo
