01Profile
A Proletariat Photo
Proletariat
Musician — Mossley
03Interview
Photo by Debbie Ellis
Name, where are you from?
We are Proletariat, hailing from the magical land that is Mossley in Greater Manchester.
Describe your style in three words?
Boundless. Evolving. Conscious.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
This was a tough one. I narrowed it down to Pearl Jam, Prince, Kasabian and Reverend and The Makers - but I had to go with Kasabian at the Manchester Arena in 2014 for their '48:13' tour. I don't think I've ever jumped that much in my whole life, I was knackered. The thing is with Kasabian is you know exactly what you're getting every time you see them, I've seen them five times now, and they're always on top form, and the strength of their arsenal of tracks is undeniable.
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
Oasis would be first on the list for me, I never even got to see them live, never mind play with them. I just want to taste what it was like to be in their presence one way or another, I think as a band to stand at the side of the stage and watch them play would put a fire in your belly like no other band could. Secondly, I'd probably go for Iggy Pop, someone that pretty much was punk before people even knew what it was to be punk. The energy he's had over the years has been spectacular and he still has it now.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
The obvious choice is gonna be punks init? They change everything, it was the perfect example of self-expression, of a carelessness and a commitment against conformity, and a marriage of the unexpected when it came to fashion. I think it's something we try and put our own spin on as a band. I really respect the subculture (or counterculture) of the Black Panther Party in the late 60s and 70s in New York too and admire the way they used music a lot to communicate their message.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I'd probably say Jim Morrison, there's something about him that just fascinates me, as I know is the case with thousands of others out there. He was just one of a kind, and I reckon I could just sit and listen to him talk for hours, a truly unique mind.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
It has to be the Deaf Institute in Manchester. Not only does it hold great memories as it was the biggest sold-out headline show we've done to date, but it's just a majestic room to be in - playing or watching. There are the pews at the back, the balcony to the left, and this gigantic disco ball hanging from the ceiling in the centre of the room. The stage is raised well above the crowd, so you can really soak in the environment and everything that's going on around an in front of you, and then you've got all the great bands and artists that have graced the stage there over the years. So yeah I'd have to go with that.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
I'd probably go with Jack Jones of Trampolene, someone I'm thankful to call a good friend. He's one of the hardest working people I know, and even though he's faced a few hurdles in regards to his health, he's never let anything stand in his way. Creatively he's brilliant and can cover all the bases, from pure gritty rock n' roll to the realest of poems.
Following in the footsteps of fellow Mossley disruptors, Cabbage, Proletariat make culturally charged songs, described by Louder Than War as "No ordinary punk band".
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
I think it could actually be 'Thunderstruck' by AC/DC. That guitar riff is sensational and I think it made me want to play the guitar more than anything I'd heard before. I used to listen to a lot of Hip-Hop and Rap as a kid and I think that song really kickstarted the transition as I became a teenager and discovered this whole new world of different genres, sounds and attitudes.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Step On' by Happy Mondays. It reminds me of when I first started going out to parties and what not, I always seemed to have a drink in my hand whenever it was on. As soon as you hear the start you're ready to rock 'n roll and that still stands today and probably always will.
One record you would keep forever?
My nan gave me an original pressing of 'Help!' by The Beatles a few years back. It f*cking stinks but it has real sentimental value and is a great record too.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
As cliche as it might be, I'm gonna go with the line "You can have it all but how much do you want it?" from 'Supersonic' by Oasis. I like to see it as a reminder that no matter how much you dream, it's that hunger inside you and that determination that gets you where you need to be. Anyone can dream big, but not a lot of people will actually go and make it happen. You can't just sit back and expect the world to gift you, life doesn't work like that. You've got to go and take whats yours and never give it up.
A song you wished you had written?
I'm gonna go with 'Even Flow' by Pearl Jam. As soon as that riff kicks in it just gets me going, and Eddie Vedder's vocals are unmistakably brilliant. If I'd be able to get close to that I'd consider it a job well done.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Sleep Now In The Fire' by Rage Against the Machine. Rage will always be a huge influence for us as a band, I love what they stand for and their music will always be incredible. The riff in Sleep Now In The Fire is one that demands your attention regardless of what you're doing. Then there's the venomous delivery of Zach de la Rocha that acts as the perfect piece to the puzzle.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Party All The Time' by Eddie Murphy. This is one of those songs where everyone knows the chorus of and not a lot of people know who sang it or what its called, or where it even came from. It's such a catchy tune, and believe me, Eddie Murphy can sing.
Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out' by The Smiths. I remember a few years back, back to the time when I used to frequently attend the sticky dancefloors of 42s in Manchester, and it came on as the closer for the evening, and it literally felt like everything was perfect for that moment in time, there's no greater feeling than it. A remarkable song from a timeless band.
Any new bands you are listening to right now?
'Let's Make Out' by Dream Wife.
'Spoons' by Lady Bird.
'Nightmare' by The Slumdogs.
'Crying Shame' by Heavy Rapids.
'Confidence' by Dead Pretties.
03Interview
Photo by Debbie Ellis
Name, where are you from?
We are Proletariat, hailing from the magical land that is Mossley in Greater Manchester.
Describe your style in three words?
Boundless. Evolving. Conscious.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
This was a tough one. I narrowed it down to Pearl Jam, Prince, Kasabian and Reverend and The Makers - but I had to go with Kasabian at the Manchester Arena in 2014 for their '48:13' tour. I don't think I've ever jumped that much in my whole life, I was knackered. The thing is with Kasabian is you know exactly what you're getting every time you see them, I've seen them five times now, and they're always on top form, and the strength of their arsenal of tracks is undeniable.
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
Oasis would be first on the list for me, I never even got to see them live, never mind play with them. I just want to taste what it was like to be in their presence one way or another, I think as a band to stand at the side of the stage and watch them play would put a fire in your belly like no other band could. Secondly, I'd probably go for Iggy Pop, someone that pretty much was punk before people even knew what it was to be punk. The energy he's had over the years has been spectacular and he still has it now.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
The obvious choice is gonna be punks init? They change everything, it was the perfect example of self-expression, of a carelessness and a commitment against conformity, and a marriage of the unexpected when it came to fashion. I think it's something we try and put our own spin on as a band. I really respect the subculture (or counterculture) of the Black Panther Party in the late 60s and 70s in New York too and admire the way they used music a lot to communicate their message.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I'd probably say Jim Morrison, there's something about him that just fascinates me, as I know is the case with thousands of others out there. He was just one of a kind, and I reckon I could just sit and listen to him talk for hours, a truly unique mind.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
It has to be the Deaf Institute in Manchester. Not only does it hold great memories as it was the biggest sold-out headline show we've done to date, but it's just a majestic room to be in - playing or watching. There are the pews at the back, the balcony to the left, and this gigantic disco ball hanging from the ceiling in the centre of the room. The stage is raised well above the crowd, so you can really soak in the environment and everything that's going on around an in front of you, and then you've got all the great bands and artists that have graced the stage there over the years. So yeah I'd have to go with that.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
I'd probably go with Jack Jones of Trampolene, someone I'm thankful to call a good friend. He's one of the hardest working people I know, and even though he's faced a few hurdles in regards to his health, he's never let anything stand in his way. Creatively he's brilliant and can cover all the bases, from pure gritty rock n' roll to the realest of poems.
Following in the footsteps of fellow Mossley disruptors, Cabbage, Proletariat make culturally charged songs, described by Louder Than War as "No ordinary punk band".
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
I think it could actually be 'Thunderstruck' by AC/DC. That guitar riff is sensational and I think it made me want to play the guitar more than anything I'd heard before. I used to listen to a lot of Hip-Hop and Rap as a kid and I think that song really kickstarted the transition as I became a teenager and discovered this whole new world of different genres, sounds and attitudes.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Step On' by Happy Mondays. It reminds me of when I first started going out to parties and what not, I always seemed to have a drink in my hand whenever it was on. As soon as you hear the start you're ready to rock 'n roll and that still stands today and probably always will.
One record you would keep forever?
My nan gave me an original pressing of 'Help!' by The Beatles a few years back. It f*cking stinks but it has real sentimental value and is a great record too.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
As cliche as it might be, I'm gonna go with the line "You can have it all but how much do you want it?" from 'Supersonic' by Oasis. I like to see it as a reminder that no matter how much you dream, it's that hunger inside you and that determination that gets you where you need to be. Anyone can dream big, but not a lot of people will actually go and make it happen. You can't just sit back and expect the world to gift you, life doesn't work like that. You've got to go and take whats yours and never give it up.
A song you wished you had written?
I'm gonna go with 'Even Flow' by Pearl Jam. As soon as that riff kicks in it just gets me going, and Eddie Vedder's vocals are unmistakably brilliant. If I'd be able to get close to that I'd consider it a job well done.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Sleep Now In The Fire' by Rage Against the Machine. Rage will always be a huge influence for us as a band, I love what they stand for and their music will always be incredible. The riff in Sleep Now In The Fire is one that demands your attention regardless of what you're doing. Then there's the venomous delivery of Zach de la Rocha that acts as the perfect piece to the puzzle.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Party All The Time' by Eddie Murphy. This is one of those songs where everyone knows the chorus of and not a lot of people know who sang it or what its called, or where it even came from. It's such a catchy tune, and believe me, Eddie Murphy can sing.
Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out' by The Smiths. I remember a few years back, back to the time when I used to frequently attend the sticky dancefloors of 42s in Manchester, and it came on as the closer for the evening, and it literally felt like everything was perfect for that moment in time, there's no greater feeling than it. A remarkable song from a timeless band.
Any new bands you are listening to right now?
'Let's Make Out' by Dream Wife.
'Spoons' by Lady Bird.
'Nightmare' by The Slumdogs.
'Crying Shame' by Heavy Rapids.
'Confidence' by Dead Pretties.
Proletariat | Nervous Energy (2018)
Proletariat | Ignorance (2017)
X1
Live at The Night & Day Cafe, Manchester by Sarah Broadbent (2017)
Proletariat | Mr Brown (2017)