Last week we sat down with Kiwi to discuss the plans they had for the rest of 2026, this is what they said...
1. What made you want to get into music?
We've all always been interested in music, but probably to different levels. Tom B (our bassist) has been a musician for as long as anyone can remember, and has always been a fan of listening and playing in bands, same as our drummer Toby really. Myself (Tom T) and Scott (lead guitarist) have been a bit more... passive? Yeah we've played guitar but not really actively, until we decided to try and make a band around 5 years ago. I think what tipped the scales for us was that 'unknown' and the excitement that surrounds it... I had recently started trying to teach myself to sing, and Scott was a close friend who I could share some of those early (terrible!) demos with.. he didn't seem to hate them, wrote some lead lines, and from there we just thought okay, lets give it a proper go. Lets make a band. We knew Tom and Toby already through their musical exploits locally, and we were lucky that they saw the vision and took a chance with us... it feels so crazy talking about it all now after what we've achieved together!
2. What are your plans for 2026?
We've got two singles recorded and ready to go, just need to think about when best to release! We've also got a little tour in the works for later on in the year.. but cant say too much just yet! Hopefully some late appearances at festivals, but in all honesty we are focussing on finishing 2026 with some gigs and a couple tunes, and using that momentum to set us up for a huge 2027!
3. What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I think we would all have different highlights, but for me personally two moments stand out. The first time we played Kendal Calling was incredible, we were so shocked to have been selected and to see so many people in such a big tent was a bit mental... we expected there to be about 40 people. The whole event was just class as well, meeting some of our heroes backstage as well - a proper bucket list moment.
The other moment for me was just last month, when we supported our good mates M60 at the 02 Ritz in Manchester. Again, as a support you can never really know what the crowd is going to be like, how many will turn up and what the energy is going to be like. But wow, people were rammed in for us, screaming back the words, going mad for it in the crowd. Seeing that we have a reach like that never stops to be amazing, and of course being in Manchester we got to share the biggest show we've played with all our friends and family too, which is rare to have everyone in one space like that.
4. Who are your inspirations music wise?
We all have different influences, which is so nice as we all bring something different to our songs. Toby even loves a bit of classical composition.. whatever floats your boat! For me though, I've always loved Catfish & The Bottlemen, Circa Waves, The Kooks - that 'classic' indie sort of spot in the genre, although I was brought up listening to everything from Red Hot Chilli Peppers to Embrace!
5. Tell us, who is your favourite upcoming band/artist you hope others check out.
A band I'm really into at the moment is one called Blondshell... not sure she counts as up-and-coming though as shes pretty massive already, but not enough in my opinion! We are lucky to have crossed paths with so many grassroots bands... but our good pals from Newcastle 'Park View' are a personal favourite, M60 of course, and a shoutout to a band from our hometown is The Early Darts. But really, go digging! Get your 'suggested artists' playlist on and see what you find... i find a new song/artist pretty much everytime I listen, its a great way to explore. And obviously, ALWAYS watch the support act.
Check out Kiwi on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/kiwiband_/
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