Octopus

Name, where are you from?
George, Joe, Rowan and Freddie. Collectively we are Octopus from Manchester.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Stone Roses at the Etihad, the atmosphere was next level, 'Fools Gold' will forever be a killer track.

If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
The Cure - they’ve got amazing songs and after watching their set at Glastonbury (iPlayer) it’s inspiring to see that they still sound on point after so long in the game and you don’t need theatricals for a great live show. Jimi Hendrix - Just to watch him play guitar in the flesh.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
Mods and Northern Soul. A couple of us work at the new Twisted Wheel Club so we see the now 60+-year-olds still getting together for their love of the music. The grunge/slacker culture influences us stylistically.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
We wouldn’t be interested in picking the brains of some insanely famous person. Maybe John Frusciante to have a jam or King Krule just to chill.

Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
Band on the Wall - has a boss PA, sounds fat and looks cool.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Not sure if he’s underrated but we know people who don’t/haven’t listened to Pavement so we’d go for Stephen Malkmus. On his first solo album, there’s a track called 'Jo Jo’s Jacket' which sort of epitomises why we like his music. Carefree but still dead catchy.