We caught up with Slam Cartel to talk about their time as a band so far and what they have planned for the future.

Can you give us a brief history of the band such as how you came together and came up with the name Slam Cartel?
The Band came together after I had decided to go live with the Slam Cartel songs, Having myself and Giles Van Lane in the band for starters made it easy, we knew a couple of guys who played guitar and bass in the area (Marc Neudeck and Tom Hendriksen) and auditioned them, it was great and right straight away, and they got us and it, as for keyboard and acoustic we got hold of Adam Lee and he soon fell into place with his talent as did Steve Campkin on the drums.

Who would you say your main musical influences are?
More like what, the main influences are our faults, failings and life as we have to live it in our time we are here on this rock that's warmed by the Sun to give life... and so many other things and bands and people.. and The Sex Pistols of course!

From what I have heard your debut album ‘Handful Of Dreams’ is pretty fantastic, are you excited to final get the album release at the end of the month and see what everyone’s views are of it?
Firstly, thanks!, It’s been amazing to get the album out and to finalize it, mostly the view has been a positive one, shows us that we must be doing something right for the majority, it feels real good.

How did you find writing and recording the album?
The simple answer to that question is that it was self funded and i had to work very hard to achieve the quality and sound that was desired and produced, recording is just one part of the process, there's mixing, mastering etc.. it all took time and a lot of money, if I was to use the people i wanted.

The Album is called "Handful of Dreams" because it's all we have.

What themes and stories do you featuring within the album?
Well behind every song written there a story, for instance Wishing Eye is about the times when one can be broken, just by life and for whatever reason depending on the person, different people have different breaking points, It tells of the break and the point where almost all is lost and you are ready to leave this earth be it intentionally or not, The song then goes on to celebrate the other side of this, being thankful for the simplicity that life can be if we see things with perspective and grace… the song is about overcoming the wants and being happy with just the needs.

You are due to release ‘Sundown’ as your new single, what made you choose this song over the rest of the tracks on the album?
Sundown I think was picked out for the single because it’s catchy with a bit of depth to it, it has soul, rock’n’roll and a huge chorus to be shouted out

You played the Jagermeister stage at the Sonisphere festival how did you find it?
We have played it two years running, The difference between playing Sonisphere this year compared with last year is that we know what to expect and We are a year on with the added experience of playing many live shows behind us, We have a different drummer who backs up the noise with an incredible force, live is where we are at and sound best, we live it and love it, this is not a money thing, and never will be our motive for music, this is a life thing and we feel grateful to be able to be living the dreamers dream.

Sonisphere had a massive diverse lineup this year, did you stick around and watch any of the bands playing?
We played our show and then went to watch the big boys play.

As played the Jagermeister stage and Jagermeister play a big part in the music industry did you participating in drinking some Jager over the festival?
We love the stuff!, and ended up absolutely crated by the end of the night..Grrr!

What do you have planned for the rest of the year?
For the rest of the year we aim to play live a lot more and to carry on writing as a band, on a crusade!

What’s your take on the digital revelation killing off the music business?
Well it has allowed freedom for starters, We have no record company backing us, the album is available on iTunes Worldwide and all other digital platforms, I feel it has given power to the people and artists who would not otherwise get a listen or chance to show their talent, It’s a good thing.

Social network sites seem to be a big tool in the music industry these days, with artists communicating with their fans over it and some even ditching their own website and having just a social network page, what are your opinions on social networks as tools in the music industry?
It’s a great tool, and the thing I like about it is, you get the truth from the band, it’s more intimate and you get to feel close to your fans, the people who are making it possible for you.

Where do you hope to see Slam Cartel in a year’s time?
Hopefully releasing the 2nd album, and being able to carry on doing the live shows that all the fans love.

One last random question that we ask every band, if you could be an animal out of a zebra or Giraffe which one would you be and why?
I would be a Giraffe, on the documentaries, you mostly see Zebras getting eaten by lions rather than Giraffes…… enough said!!

Thanks for your time is there a message for your fans reading this?
Thanks you for all the support, thank you for making our dreams possible, and thank you for buying “Handful of Dreams” our album….. never give up on a dream - ever!

Interview by Trigger