Damaged UK is a new band for me and I really
like their way of playing punk. I have always
loved english punk and this isn´t any step aside
from that. November-2022
Please tell me a little history of the group,
members and what you do when you don´t play
music, what do you work and which ages are you
in?
Damaged Consists of 6 members
(Luc Sweetman - Vocals)
(Harri Lowe - Guitar and Vocals)
(Dan 'Kenny' Tait - Guitar and Vocals)
(Aston Brooks - Guitar/Keyboard)
(Dave 'Taff' Williams - Bass)
(Luke 'Tweek' Green - Drums)
All of us are between the ages of 26-32 and have
been playing music since our early teens.
We are all hardworking musicians that spend a
lot of time in Last Stand Studio, with guitarist
and producer Harri, working on a wide range of
music, that we cant wait to share with you. We
took a lot of inspiration from early punks bands
like GBH, UK SUBS, Minor Threat, Ramones,
Misfits, Vice Squad, and so many more.
But punk isnt the only thing we are inspired by,
our musical taste is all over the place, from
Hip-hop, Funk, Heavy metal and Goth.
Have it been the same members all the time, or
have it been many lineup changes? Please tell me
a little about every member? Earlier bands?
We come from a wide range of musical backgrounds
and bands. Most notably - Novastatus, Dead
Reynolds, Return To Rome, Czapa, Vihara.
The band originally started in 2010 and founded
by Dan, Tweek & Luc. We have worked with many
brilliant artists over the years but came into
our own when working alongside guitarist Aston.
Harri & Taff worked with the band as stand-in
musicians for many years before joining as full
time members in 2020.
Damaged UK is the name, where did it came from
and you wasn´t afraid that some other group
would be named so? Was you forced to put in UK
in the end?
Originally we went by the name 'Kennedy Smile'
Changing in 2012 to Damaged, after the 'Black
Flag' album of the same name, a band and album
that inspired us greatly.
No force was involved when we added 'UK'. It was
done when we began to gain more recognition in
order to avoid confusion with an old Australian
band with the same name. We weren't afraid of
another band having the same name, however, we
did receive some backlash from fans of the
original band prior to the addition.
You call you record for Kill the Bill….where did
it came from?
The name was chosen by Dan and Luc and came from
a political protest slogan. The slogan came into
use during protests against a piece of UK law
called the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts
bill that planned to introduce a range of
anti-protest measures to limit peoples ability
to freely protest and increase the powers of the
police during peaceful protests. The message of
the slogan mirrored the message behind the
album, most notably in 'My Enemy' & 'Scum', and
therefore became the name of the album.
Is it important to give out the record as
physical releases do you think? Would it feel
like you have released a record if you only
release it digital?
So, we have our music available online across
all streaming platforms, though, owning
something physical and being able to have that
personal connection with it means everything to
us. As 90s kids, we all grew up exchanging CDs
and sharing bands we have found. In this day and
age streaming services such as spotify get
around 100,00 songs uploaded per day, so it can
be so hard to get yourself heard. Its important
to keep a document of the things you've done and
be proud of the work you've put in. A physical
copy of a record is something that you can keep
and share forever. Physical value with always
outweigh digital value, in our opinion. But we
also understand and respect not everyone has
access to our CDs or to a CD player so we also
have everything available online. We just hope
that if the fans like it, and they want to own a
CD, then they can get one.
Do you play any covers when you play live? If
you do, which then?
In the past we have played around with songs
from bands like 'Black Flag and GBH' But going
back to our mixed musical taste, we decided to
stick with two very cool songs that you
definitely wouldn't expect. As important as the
messages in our music are, we want people to
have fun when they see us live and we don't want
to take ourselves to seriously and sound
'Preachy.' Our first choice of covers is
'Beastie Boys - Fight for your right to party'
which has always got the crowd moving and been
alot of fun for people who may not be familiar
with our songs at shows. We decided to give it a
heavier feel and really ramp up the bassline.
And people really like it!
We also have played 'Electric six - Gay bar' now
and then at the end of our shows as that song
has an awesome riff.
We are all huge supporters of the LGBTQ
community and love to celebrate that with this
fun song in our set.
Please tell me a little about following songs
Skeptik
Skeptik is about being aware of the powers that
govern you and being willing to question
everything and not just take what they say
laying down.
We have a right wing party in the UK called the
'Tory Party' that impose a lot of legislation
that benefits the rich, by avoiding problems
that afflict the working class.
Recently approving a bill on fox hunting in the
UK allowing these animals to be killed for the
purpose of entertainment. Further giving them a
meaningless sense of power.
Anti-Zero
Anti-zero was originally written in 2016, and
was a loud and forward attack on the '1%' An
open letter to the richest and most powerful
people that control everything we believe in and
trust. Anti-zero is our rebellion, its our way
of saying we don't agree with what you tell us
and we are aware of the lies that are being fed
to us. Not just in the UK, but worldwide.
No Control
No Control is a song that came about due to the
growing social awareness of animal testing and
abuse, being performed by cosmetic and fashion
brands.
We wanted to write something very clear and to
the point, without the need to pad out the
lyrics, or throw in a catchy melody. The song is
a message, that this needs to change and we
won't stand for it. The second half of the song
falls into a dark, spine chilling build up, with
a quote from a 1958 movie (The Fly.) The idea
was to instil the fear of what's happening into
our music, before hitting the listener with a
huge breakdown, finishing the album off on a
dark, unnerving feel.
Is it important to get out your opinions in your
music, and is it a good way to get out
frustration too? It feels like you are really
political with anarchistic thought, am I right?
Yeah, Music gives you a voice and a way to be
heard. Especially being in a punk band, express
your opinions and try to change the world.
Its the best way to get out some frustration,
jumping around on stage and singing your music
along with the crowd absolutely rocks!
Heavy music isnt the only thing we are into but
it does absolutely take the edge off a bad day.
We are a very political band, and more
rebellious than anarchistic
We want our voice to be heard, rather than
wasting money on drugs or getting wasted. We
spend whatever we can spare in studio,
rehearsing and getting to shows.
Making sure we put everything into our live
performances, bringing in new fans and making
them feel like they are a part our collective.
Do you think that your lyrics can have effect on
other people who listens to them…any example on
it? Have you changed anyones mind?
Absolutely, most musicians and music lovers have
a song that has affected them in someway or
another, be it a relationship, mental health, or
a view they may also share, lyrics give people
something to connect with and helps them feel
like they aren't alone.
Luc: A great example for me, Is the band
'Rancid.' In their song - 'Arrested in shanghai'
Tim armstrong sings, "My only weapon, I call
poetry."
We have had many instances over the years of
people listening to our songs and learning more
about topics we have discussed, talking to us
after shows and sharing their own experiences
with us. We have also had fans tattoo lyrics of
our own such as "Break my wings and watch me
fly." From a song called 'Skate or die' its
about never letting the world beat you down,
people like that lyric alot.
How is it to play this sort of music in England
and which type of bands are you having concerts
with? Which is the most peculiar band you have
been playing together with?
Great question. The UK punk & underground scene
has an amazing network of bands and music lovers
that want to be at these shows, punk is a genre
that will never die when there is always
something to be angry about! We play with many
different types of bands and love hearing all of
the incredible creations that come out of the
scene. For example, Taffs other band - Czapa,
are a Punk/Regge inspired band that sing in
Polish. We try to get on stage with many of the
great old school punk bands playing in England
and many of the ones we have grown up listening
to we have been able to share a stage with too.
As for the most peculiar band? We once played a
show in Birmingham with a band that sung about
the world from the perspective of a chicken, and
moved around the stage like animals.
How would you describe your music in three words
for people that haven´t heard you?
Unique, passionate & fast.
I like beer and also make beer.. If Damaged UK
do a beer , what would it be named and which
sort of beer would it be? Or maybe you´re
straightedge?
We all love a beer. And we all grew up drinking
the strongest beers we could buy, for the
cheapest price and always woke up with the worst
hangovers!
So if we made a beer? We'd call it GRAVES. After
an old song. It would be hazy, strong, triple
hopped, and leave you feeling dead in the
morning!
And how is it to live in England now? Racists,
Brexit, covid?
Covid has ruined live music big time, for bands
trying to get somewhere, and for the many venues
that have closed down due to it.
But as tough as it gets, it doesn't ruin the
spirit of the newer bands that want to give it
their best.
Brexit is a complex issue that was been plaguing
the UK for many years now. Along with it has
come a lot of racism and hostility, especially
to those who aren't white, stemming from debates
about immigration and the way it has been
portrayed in the media. It has also had a huge
impact on the live music scene, with bands now
having to go through extra measures to play
shows abroad. We just hope that these issues
begin to ease over time as the country adjusts
to this change and the government finalise
everything.
As a band, we don't stand for racism, and we
embrace every race and nationality. Racists have
no place near us, or near our shows.
We just hope the next generation grows up
without being so closed minded and ignorant.
Unfortunately, this world will always have
people who are like that, and not an awful lot
can be done to change their minds, however hard
you try. But its important to keep those who
experience racism close and help and stand with
them whenever you can. It is a deeply rooted
issue in this country, with racism being shown
by the police and many of those in power, but
action is constantly being taken to stop this
through protests and letting those effected be
heard. We encourage anyone to listen whenever
you can to these people, and speak up in the
face of racism, rather than letting it pass you
by because it may not be aimed at you.
Which is your own favourite song among your own
songs? And which song is the people choice?
The favourite one amongst our fans is 'Snakes
And Diamonds' and its also probably the one we
enjoy playing the most live too.
The first line in the chorus "Put the government
on minimum wage, and then we'll see the change!"
Always goes down well. There is no better
feeling then watching friends and fans sing
along to it with us. And believe in the words.
What´s the biggest difference when you plays
live nowadays if you compare when you first
started to play in a band?
Honestly, we have come so far as musicians,
playing in various bands and with the experiance
we have gathered along the way.
Our music is now sounding better than ever,
tight and very well rehearsed. From stage
performance, to confidence in how we play.
We have came into our own as musicians and
really have started to be the band we wanted to
be, when we started out as kids.
And have you opinion about punk changed through
the years? What do punk mean to you, only a
musicstyle or a lifestyle?
Luc: The band 'H20 - Look What Happened' summed
it up best. "And now the biggest part is all
about the image and not the art." I think its
always been the same way. Punk bands will sing
about something that matters, and other punk
bands will sing about getting wasted. Nothing
has changed there, though we do see bands
flourish and get somewhere with a great sound
and brilliant lyrics. Bands that aren't
concerned about their 'look.'
One of the best examples of this is a new
upcoming band on the UK Scene called 'The Meffs.'
We played a show with them in Denmark in 2021.
And they absolutely blew us away with their
music, their passion and drive. Punk will always
be a fashion statement for some, a lifestyle for
others, and fun music to others. To us it means
self expression, self belief and solidarity. The
greatest think about punk? Its a scene for
everyone.
What do you know about Sweden? What is typical
Swedish?
Incredible views, sights that people around the
world cant even imagine.
You have some of the most amazing musicians and
designers.
Its clean, beautiful and way more interesting
than England's rural areas.
Have you ever been here? Any good bands from
Sweden that you like?
Totalitär have an amazing sound, sick drumming
and the fact they sing in Swedish is even
cooler. A few more incredible Swedish bands we
love are Refused, Royal Republic and The Hives,
which we are taking alot of musical inspiration
from, for one of our next albums.
We have never been but we cant wait to go. It
would be a dream to play gigs in Sweden. Your
country and your music scene rocks.
Your audience when you play live, which type of
people comes, age?
We get all ages turn out, old school punk
rockers. And teenagers that want to hear
something new and unapologetic.
In the age of social media, a lot of the new
kids are aware of political issues and to see a
band singing and raging against the same thing
as them is great.
What´s the best of playing live?
The best thing about it, is seeing people that
believe in you and support your band. Without
the fans, it would be impossible to keep going.
The feeling you get playing shows with the
friends you grew up with, never fails to put a
smile on our faces.
Please tell me a funny thing which have happened
during a live gig with your band?
We've definitely had a few over the years! From
bass players forgetting to plug into there amps,
to having the sound shut off because we swore to
much in the early days. One that really sticks
with us is when we dedicated 'Electric six - Gay
bar' to 'Anti Nowhere League.' during a show,
the reaction was priceless.
People prompted us to pack up and leave the show
quick. But we didn't care, they didn't scare
us.
Is there any good bands in England today? New
bands which is good? Old bands which is still
good?
If were talking punk? Check out 'The Meffs,'
they just released their new song through 'Fat
Wreck Chords.' Check them out!
Also one of the most hardworking and passionate
bands we know, are 'Piston Dreams' Their singer
Estee is one of the most passionate and hard
working musicians we have ever met.
If you're looking for posthardcore, definitely
check out Ruled By Raptors from the North east
of England, well worth a listen!
And for old school bands? 'GBH' are always out
playing show after show, one of the best bands
we have ever had the pleasure of playing with.
Also 'Vice Squad' have just released their new
record 'BANG BANG BANG' Make sure you download
it!
Which is the record that you always must have in
the tour bus?
We could fight eachother about this one for
hours! But one that has always been in the tour
bus and never left, is
Bad Religion - The Empire Strikes First.
Do you buy much records, or is it only Spotify
and those type of things to listen to music? Is
there any good record shop in your hometown?
Whenever there is an opportunity to buy a record
from a band at a gig, always.
We check out a lot of new music online, its the
best way to find new bands these days,
especially if you don't live near a city and if
you find something you like? Buy a record from
the band, it helps them massively!
Which was your first record, the latest you
bought and the most expensive you have bought?
Dan: My first record was 'MCR - Black Parade'
The band influenced me a lot growing up.
And the most recent ones I was gifted where
'Enter Shikari - Mind Sweep,' and 'Ozzy - Bark
At The Moon'
I just stumble across records, like my
collection just grows and i have no idea where
they come from!
Luc: First record was 'Billy Idol - Rebel Yell'
I thought that guy had some pretty heavy tracks
back then.
The most expensive record I bought was a vinyl
of 'Patti Smith - Easter'
The most recent thing I have picked up was 'The
Damned - Phantasmagoria'
Do you care about reviews? Which is the most
peculiar you ever had, with this band or any
other band you have been to?
Reviews are great, they give people a chance to
learn about something they aren't familiar
with.
Though its important to also make your own
opinions too, and not be too influenced by a
review.
We very recently got reviewed by one of the
funniest guys ever, 'Mike.' We played a show in
Camden - London.
And this guy calls it 'Gents Reviews' - He
stands in the bathroom and reviews how the band
sound from there.
Thankfully he thought we had some pretty good
beats.
If you could choose five bands from the past and
the history and nowadays and both dead and
living bands to have a concert together with
your band. Which five have you been chosen?
This is an amazing question. There is so many to
choose, but in no particular order:
Black Sabbath
The Damned
Ramones
Motorhead
Nirvana
Futureplans for the band?
We have some amazing shows coming up, we're soon
to be playing with 'XSLF' From Belfast Ireland.
Next year marks 13 years of Damaged, and we are
releasing a full album titled 'KS13' Featuring
varied songs we have never released and a few
new additions with some amazing guest
appearances from artists in our old hometown of
Peterborough. With several music videos and
shows coming up in 2023 we are set to make it
our most ambitious year yet. And we cant wait to
share it all with you.
Wisdomword?
For other bands out there, keep pushing through.
A lot is going to come your way but its how you
handle and push through those times that really
holds you together. Keep putting your all into
your music and your message and keep working on
improving with everything you do. It may be slow
to start with but all it takes is for one person
to take your music on board to really make a
difference.
As for the fans and listeners, support your
favourite bands however you can. Keep going to
shows, even the small ones and showing them how
much they mean to you, that's what keeps them
going. Even streaming their songs and commenting
on their posts, it helps get them out to more
people and helps them grow. Listen to what the
music says, be open to learning about new things
and using your voice for what you believe in.
Anything more to add to the interview?
Thank you so much for this interview, Peter, its
been so much fun! We appreciate all your time
and everyone for reading. If you've enjoyed
this, please get in touch with us via our social
media accounts, we would love to chat with you!
We hope to join you guys in Sweden one day!
All our best!
Luc, Dan, Harri, Tweek, Taff & Aston.
Link to our socials:
For instagram @dmgduk
For bookings and all other enquiries
Find us at damagedbandofficial@gmail.com
All music recorded and produced at
Last Stand Studio UK
www.facebook.com/Laststandstudiouk