The Goa Express

Name, where are you from?
James & Joe – Todmorden. Naham, Sam & Joey – a couple of lads from Burnley.

Describe your style in three words?
Same but different.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
We saw The Brian Jonestown Massacre at the Ritz when we were like 15 or 16. It was the first gig that we all went to together. Left after college, watched the gig, missed the bus home and were stranded on the streets of Manchester for the night. We had nothing but a cheap bottle of vodka and the company of the city’s finest for entertainment. Was a class night. Although James’ and Naham’ girlfriends at the time weren’t too pleased.

If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
The Stooges – Saw a clip of them live at Delta Pop Festival '69 - looks absolutely insane would just love to see Iggy Pop killing it as usual, definitely the best. Jimi Hendrix – to trip out and hopefully watch him set fire to something, anything.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
The DIY mindset of the punk attitude. If we wanted something, we were going to have to get out there, do it ourselves and not take no for an answer.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Charles Manson – Firstly the guy is nuts and secondly it baffled me when I came across his music, I knew he had a relationship with The Beach Boys - they recorded one of his songs. Also, I’m pretty sure Neil Young jammed with him and compared him to Dylan.

Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
The Golden Lion (Todmorden) it’s pretty much home to us, we’ve been playing/attending gigs there since we were young teenagers, always in for a mad night there or The Deaf Institute. Our favourite boozer in town until they stopped doing £2 quid pints. Sounds great, looks great and is only about 2 mins away from uni.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Jackson C. Frank – The unluckiest life ever (injured as a child when his school set on fire, blinded by some kids when he was shot in the face with an air rifle, ended up homeless on the way to Woodstock and then ended up in a psychiatric ward before he died).