News Cheatahs: ‘It’s Taken Me A Long Time To Find The Confidence To Do This’

, unlike contemporaries that may draw comparisons to say - Mazes or Paws - are channeling their 90s influences with a sense of maturity rather than a sense of youth. There’s a deeper, rawer element to the music that’s spread out across their brilliant ‘Sans’ EP - a release which sees them make their debut on the prestigious Wichita Recordings. For example, the Hüsker Dü-esque ‘Sans’; the fluffy Pavement-like riffs on ‘The Swan’; the way that ‘Fountain Park’ could easily squeeze into Bakesale by Sebadoh. This is a band that takes their favourite bands seriously, and they’re all the better for it.

We decided to catch up with the band to find out - amongst other things - exactly how this year’s tour went for them and how they’re enjoying their newfound success.



What do you think is the one thing in the Cheatahs sound that sets it apart from the other bands you guys have been involved in?
Well this is the first band that I’ve been the singer in so for me that is the biggest difference. I’ve really enjoyed playing guitar in bands that I didn’t write songs for but I’ve started to really enjoy singing. I think it’s taken me a long time to find the confidence to do it but i’ve found that when you are singing a song that means something to you personally it’s a lot easier.

How did you find the recording process of the new EP?
A lot faster than the first EP. It had taken us over a year to get the first EP sounding as close to finished as we could get it. We were all doing different things and there would be gaps of months in between sessions. Also I think we were still figuring out exactly how to present the songs and you can totally hear the difference. The ‘Sans’ EP to me sounds much more like a band. We recorded the bones of it over a weekend at our rehearsal studio then finished it off the month afterwards.

Was Wichita your first choice of label?
Well, we didn’t really write out a list of labels to approach or anything. Marshall Teller did a great job with the first EP and we figured as long as we are happy and can put out music we like let’s do another EP right away. It was by chance that Wichita saw us play a show and asked about recordings. We were pretty surprised actually.

Is it turning out to be your ideal one?
Yeah. I mean none of us have been signed to any other label but we know a few people who work at labels and they all recommended us working with them. And yeah, it’s been pretty ideal. They love music. They really do and they have been incredibly supportive in helping us get our music out there. Also, when we were first getting to know them it just felt like we were hanging out with old friends instead of the intimidating business meeting I had imagined it would be like. I think that’s what I like the most about them, the people.

How have you found hanging out with The Cribs?
Pretty fun. They are super nice guys and really made us feel welcome on the tour.

What do you think makes them (The Cribs) still as successful as they are today?
They write good songs. I think it’s as simple as that. They have a whole new wave of young fans now and that comes with being a great live band who writes good songs.

Have you had the opportunity to listen to any new music whilst on tour?
Not really. Actually we only have a CD player in the van and the only CD’s I have to hand are ones I brought over from Canada like 10 years ago. Lots of Fugazi, Sonic Youth, Smiths, some Madvillain. I made sure to burn a copy of True Widow’s ‘As High As the Highest…’ record. Best van music ever.

With backing from Wichita and ATP, 2013 looks set to be a big year for Cheatahs. What are your plans for it?
Well we are going to record a record in the new year. Still figuring out where we will do it but I think it will be somewhere in Europe. We are also planning a special release around February.

Cheatahs’ ‘Sans’ EP is out now through Wichita. Stream the band’s Maida Vale session of ‘The Flake’ below: