Sleuth Gang | Interview

''Our music targets homophobia, misogyny and we are always trying to make a statement whether our music says it outright, or we actually raise issues when we perform''

© Sleuth Gang - Initiation (2024)

Hailing from the heart of Leeds, UK, Sleuth Gang are fast becoming one of the most talked-about new forces in alternative music. With a powerful seven-piece line-up - Lewis, Sam, and Jeremy on vocals; Tom and Lennon on guitar; Dan on bass; and Travis on drums—the band have built a reputation for electrifying live shows and a fierce commitment to inclusivity. They have been praised by BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6 Music, Total Rock, Louder Than War, Crash Records and more, Sleuth Gang are more than just a band - they're a movement. This band’s mission is to create a safe space for the marginalised and outspoken. Here’s an interview with Lennon about the influence of grunge music and filmmaker David Lynch, the importance of using music to make a political statement and what song he would never ever want to hear again.

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Can you tell me more about your new song ''Safe Bet'' (2025), how long did it took to finish the song and music video?

Lennon: Well, Safe Bet was actually already written when I joined the band however, it sounded very very different and it wasn’t until we met the producer of Safe Bet, Dave, that it became what it is today. As for the video we rented an old working men’s club in Bramley to shoot in and I ended being super ill that day so I don’t remember too much apart from that it felt like hell on earth, but the video worked out brilliantly.

In Sleuth Gang there are 7 band members, so how does the song writing process look like? Is there a leader when it comes to making creative decisions?

Lennon: To be honest writing music has been fairly straight forward for us. It’ll usually start with something like, for example, I’ll bring a guitar part that I’ve come up with to practice and we’ll just expand on it and everyone will add their input or Dan will record a demo and put it in the group chat and then same again everyone will just add their part and it before you know it we have a song we all love.

Your sound is a blend of punk, rock and rap. What inspired you to fuse those styles?

Lennon: Well long before the band started, Lewis and Jeremy were originally rappers on their own and then decided to start Sleuth Gang with Sam and our old guitar player Kris. It wasn’t until Bulldozer was written they realised they’d need a band and that’s where the punk sound started to come into play and we all just sort of fit perfectly together and worked.

Who are your musical inspirations and why?

Lennon: Now this is a very difficult one because I’m inspired by so many people in the way I live my life but, if I had to list 5 I’d say: CKY are a very big inspiration on my sound. Personally the way I write and play music same with the band Softplay FKA Slaves. I remember when I came across the video of them playing Beauty Quest on Youth Hymns TV and that’s when I realised I needed to play guitar. Pulled Apart by Horses are a huge inspiration because I remember being a kid and finding them and I was just blown away by the fact they were like a heavy rock band and from Leeds and it just blew me away. Queens of the Stone Age are also a band that had a massive impact on me. They’re one of those bands that have always been in my life and I don’t think they’re going anywhere any time soon. And last but not least, Glassjaw. There’s something about that band that just gets the creative juices flowing. I think Justin Beck and Daryl Palumbo are geniuses the way they work together. For me, and for an honourable mention, the late great David Lynch inspires me in everything I do and even the way I live my day-to-day life.

Are you inspired by grunge music ? Do you have a favourite musician from this scene and album?

Lennon: Grunge music was a massive turning point for me. When I discovered grunge music that’s when I realised I had genuine love for music and 2 of my all time favourite bands are Nirvana and Alice in Chains. I’m also a massive fan of Mark Lanegan and his work with Screaming Trees, Mad Season and as mentioned before QOTSA but, if I had to pick favourite grunge musician, it’s got to be Layne Staley all the way and as for favourite album, it’s got to be Above by Mad Season.

What do you think about bands and musicians that make political statements? Does your music have political elements?

Lennon: I think it’s very important in punk music especially and I think one of the best things you can do is use your platform to send a message - no matter how big or small your platform is. Our music targets homophobia, misogyny and we are always trying to make a statement whether our music says it outright, or we actually raise issues when we perform.

How do real-life experiences or social issues influence the themes in your songs?

Lennon: With us having 7 members all from different backgrounds, there’s a lot of things we’ve all experienced in our lives such as homophobia, racism, class issues, bullying, they all find a way into our music. I think we all have something to say about our experiences and I feel we all get that chance to express these issues in our music and will continue to do this.

Do you have any pre-show rituals that you do as a band?

Lennon: We usually just do our own thing to be honest whether that’s some of us watching the other bands we’re playing alongside, some of us will just chill in the green room, and then 15 minutes before we go on we’ll usually just group up and hype each other up before we go on stage.

How does your perfect album from Sleuth Gang look like ? Would there be any collaborations (and with which artists)? What would be the artwork and the visual presentation of it? Also, in which city would you make the first performance in?

Lennon: In my personal opinion I’d love to make an album that tells a story with visuals to follow suit. As for collaborations, playing with either of the guys from Soft Play would be an unreal experience. I also think Frank Carter on a Sleuth Gang project would be an absolute dream.

What’s the one track that best represents who you are as a band, and what’s the story behind it?

Lennon: I think it’d have to be Pity Party just because it’s the first song we released as a band so it’s a good place to start and it’s got a solid message behind it delving into themes of emotional struggle and societal disillusionment.

There`s a life principle that “You need to try everything because you only live once”. Are there things that you will never do or try? Is there anything you would lack courage to do?

Lennon: I genuinely would like to think that I would try everything at least once, but I’d have to have at least a few beers to do a bungee jump.

What is a song you would never ever want to hear again?

Lennon: Dance monkey by Tones And I. I feel like I hear that song in my nightmares after hearing it all the time because it blew up.

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