Circa Waves interview

“Our shows are meant to be as raucous and lively as possible. We want you to come away from one of our gigs sweaty and exhausted, but also on a real buzz.”

Clearly, Circa Waves want nothing more than to have a good time – and that’s just what the indie’s newest darlings have planned for their gig at the Bodega.

For drummer Sian Plummer, the occasion will be all the more special as he returns to his hometown on Monday for what is set to be an unforgettable show.

“I love coming back to Nottingham because I’ve got friends and family there. I’m always running about the place seeing how much it’s changed that I feel a bit like a foreigner when I return.”

Plummer grew up in Nottingham until the age of 20, and as a self-confessed “metal-head”, he fondly remembers the city’s music scene as an adolescent.

“I was always down at Rock City or someplace like The Old Angel. I remember some of the hardcore kids used to be posy, but I just always wanted to get in the moshpit,” he enthuses.

Circa Waves, who are still in the fledgling stages of what has been an explosive start to their career, enjoyed an extensive run across the global festival circuit this summer.

The drummer describes the experience as an invaluable learning curve for the four-piece.

“The festival scene is like a boot camp for bands where you play show after show to different audiences in all over the world.

“It’s a sharp introduction into what being a band is like, especially as we were a bit lower down on the bill at festivals and the changeover between acts is really quick.”

So what were their highlights of a jam-packed summer?

“Obviously, Glastonbury is a big one. We did Summer Sonic in Japan as well and it was incredible because we got a massive turnout for it.

“We got one of the biggest crowds of the weekend – about 12,000 people, which is pretty mental.”

While spending the summer plying their trade around the world, the band have noted a vast improvement in their live shows.

Having added a new-founded sharpness to an already frenetic live show, the boys are primed for their extensive tour of the UK this month.

The tour comes off the back of the release of their latest single, So Long – a supremely crafted indie hit which sets a benchmark for the coming wave of alternative bands.

With a host of singles going down a storm, fans are now tentatively awaiting the release of the band’s debut album.

An excited Plummer reveals: “It’s pretty much recorded and in the can now, so we’re hoping to have that out early next year, around March.”

Thanks to the production duties of Dan Grech (The Vaccines, Hurts), Plummer found the recording process to be a wholly rewarding affair – with the band collectively firing on all cylinders.

Despite still being newcomers to the scene, the championing from media trendsetters like Zane Lowe and NME has allowed Circa Waves to strut into the public consciousness in boisterous fashion.

But did the band find it hard dealing with the pressure that comes with a rising popularity?

“It was a bit of a shock at first, but you never really have that much time to think about what you’re doing – you just have to do it.”

Thrust under the unforgiving glare of the music industry, it’s a path the band have careered effortlessly thus far.

Put simply, Circa Waves have taken it all in their stride – and that trend looks set to continue as they set their sights on Nottingham.