01Profile
A Cucamaras Photo
Cucamaras
Musicians — Nottingham
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
I’m Oliver Bowley, I sing and play guitar in Cucamaras. We’re from Nottingham.
Describe your style in three words?
Reformed postal worker.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
I reckon The Pogues at Hyde Park. At the time me and Josh (vocals/guitar) probably only knew their Christmas song, maybe 'Dirty Old Town' too, but how Shane’s verses got the crowd to move was very special to witness.
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
Leonard Cohen and Mark Ronson. Cohen just to talk Cohen and try to soak up some wisdom backstage. Whatever Ronson touches is gold - a friend of mine found 'Bang Bang Bang' on vinyl not long ago and I’m planning a small-scale heist.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
Dan (bass) was a career Wellend at one stage. Fully engrossed in their subculture, the coconut hair and all. It’s not for me - I’m a firm believer that if you aren’t 45 don’t attempt it.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Sean Connery. My driving instructor said he caddied for him when he was a kid, he caddied for James Bond. I don’t believe it, so I need answers.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Collectively, our favourite show was Rough Trade Nottingham for Beat The Streets. We were expecting a room of ten people, but it was super busy which is always a nice surprise. Le Truskel in Paris was brilliant too. I’d love to play all those hidden European festivals sometime. I have no clue how you go about getting on them yet.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Robin Gibb, the lesser remembered Bee Gee. He’s got a track called 'Boys Do Fall In Love' and it’s brilliant.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
If memory serves me it was 'Mr Blue Sky' by ELO. My dad used to play that and 'Piano Man' by Billy Joel a lot, but I always preferred when ELO were on.
A song that defines the teenage you?
That’s a tough question. I’d probably say 'She Changes The Weather' by Swim Deep. It takes me back to a time when I thought there was so much to dwell on, but life was very simple in reality.
One record you would keep forever?
'The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan' by Bob Dylan.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
“I loved you when you opened like a lily to the heat; you see I’m just another snowman standing in the rain and sleet who loved you with his frozen love, his secondhand physique, with all he is and all he was a thousand kisses deep.”
From Leonard Cohen’s poem/track 'A Thousand Kisses Deep'.
The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'I Don’t Feel Like Dancin' by the Scissor Sisters. Many band practises whereby that song has come on in Joe’s (drums) car and we’ve got pretty good at scatting to it.
A song you wished you had written?
'Debris' by Faces.
Best song to turn up loud?
At the minute, Savage Gary’s remix of 'I Got Friends' by Warmduscher. When the “Oooohs” start, you’ll know.
Best song to bring people together?
Weirdly I think 'The Look' by Metronomy brings people together. It sets a nice tone.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Club Can’t Handle Me' by Flo Rida. Not even a guilty pleasure, just a grand tune.
Best song to end an all-nighter on?
Maybe 'My Zero' by Ezra Furman. It’s got that "suns coming up, let's keep upbeat about our decisions" energy that’s needed after a heavy do. Alternatively, something wistful, 'Deep One Perfect Morning' by The Jesus and Mary Chain.
Any new bands you are listening to right now?
Not a new band but 'Blue Weekend' by Wolf Alice.
'Cavalcade' by Black Midi.
'Glueland' by Do Nothing.
'Town's Dead' by Kojaque.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
I’m Oliver Bowley, I sing and play guitar in Cucamaras. We’re from Nottingham.
Describe your style in three words?
Reformed postal worker.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
I reckon The Pogues at Hyde Park. At the time me and Josh (vocals/guitar) probably only knew their Christmas song, maybe 'Dirty Old Town' too, but how Shane’s verses got the crowd to move was very special to witness.
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
Leonard Cohen and Mark Ronson. Cohen just to talk Cohen and try to soak up some wisdom backstage. Whatever Ronson touches is gold - a friend of mine found 'Bang Bang Bang' on vinyl not long ago and I’m planning a small-scale heist.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
Dan (bass) was a career Wellend at one stage. Fully engrossed in their subculture, the coconut hair and all. It’s not for me - I’m a firm believer that if you aren’t 45 don’t attempt it.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Sean Connery. My driving instructor said he caddied for him when he was a kid, he caddied for James Bond. I don’t believe it, so I need answers.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Collectively, our favourite show was Rough Trade Nottingham for Beat The Streets. We were expecting a room of ten people, but it was super busy which is always a nice surprise. Le Truskel in Paris was brilliant too. I’d love to play all those hidden European festivals sometime. I have no clue how you go about getting on them yet.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Robin Gibb, the lesser remembered Bee Gee. He’s got a track called 'Boys Do Fall In Love' and it’s brilliant.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
If memory serves me it was 'Mr Blue Sky' by ELO. My dad used to play that and 'Piano Man' by Billy Joel a lot, but I always preferred when ELO were on.
A song that defines the teenage you?
That’s a tough question. I’d probably say 'She Changes The Weather' by Swim Deep. It takes me back to a time when I thought there was so much to dwell on, but life was very simple in reality.
One record you would keep forever?
'The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan' by Bob Dylan.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
“I loved you when you opened like a lily to the heat; you see I’m just another snowman standing in the rain and sleet who loved you with his frozen love, his secondhand physique, with all he is and all he was a thousand kisses deep.”
From Leonard Cohen’s poem/track 'A Thousand Kisses Deep'.
The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'I Don’t Feel Like Dancin' by the Scissor Sisters. Many band practises whereby that song has come on in Joe’s (drums) car and we’ve got pretty good at scatting to it.
A song you wished you had written?
'Debris' by Faces.
Best song to turn up loud?
At the minute, Savage Gary’s remix of 'I Got Friends' by Warmduscher. When the “Oooohs” start, you’ll know.
Best song to bring people together?
Weirdly I think 'The Look' by Metronomy brings people together. It sets a nice tone.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Club Can’t Handle Me' by Flo Rida. Not even a guilty pleasure, just a grand tune.
Best song to end an all-nighter on?
Maybe 'My Zero' by Ezra Furman. It’s got that "suns coming up, let's keep upbeat about our decisions" energy that’s needed after a heavy do. Alternatively, something wistful, 'Deep One Perfect Morning' by The Jesus and Mary Chain.
Any new bands you are listening to right now?
Not a new band but 'Blue Weekend' by Wolf Alice.
'Cavalcade' by Black Midi.
'Glueland' by Do Nothing.
'Town's Dead' by Kojaque.