"If you did a mosh pit on a bus, you'd get locked up": Midlands punks Big Special on their chaos-filled UK tour

Firstly, we discussed how they are supporting the Pixies on the 23 May and what this meant to them. They talked about how it is a "massive privilege" and how they feel successful just to be mentioned at least once in conversation. Plus, the idea that they get to watch the Pixies for free for nine shows. They joked that they are going to take acoustic guitar and see if a jam session takes place.

Though there is music that they are testing some music, the set will be filled with their debut album which turns one on the 10 May which they have been touring for there last year. Their debut album Post-Industrial Hometown Blues has been a great success. They commented on trying to make it in the music scene for the last 15 years, which is a slow path, and that there are still "pinch me moments". This is due to them witnessing people respecting and connecting to the art that they have put out.

As often a gig is a place to release your emotions and have a bit of fun and forget about your personal worries and the outside world, I was able to ask about how a mosh pit can be safe and inclusive space for everyone. They commented "if you’d did a mosh pit on a bus you would get locked up" and that at a gig "man or woman you should be able to have the same feeling".  We talked about an amazing charity which they have had at some of their gigs called Safe Gigs for Women and how they fight against sexual assault and harassment at live music events. They talked about how when you put art out you can never choose your audience, but they feel very lucky to have one which would not put up with anti-social behaviour. Plus, how everyone is there to have fun and look out for each other including the artists and the audience and how this can be seen when they often join the mosh pit for their song 'Trees'.  

We also talked about how music is mode of communication of art to represent and be proud of your background and heritage. They talked about how through their music they have been able to proud to represent their big country dialect, which has been underrepresented within media. They offered Newcastle University students advice that everyone should be proud of where they come from and what a privilege it is to be able to show this through your passion and job.

Overall, it was an honour to interview Big Special about them supporting the Pixies at the O2 City Hall and I highly recommend giving their debut album Post-Industrial Hometown Blues a listen. Plus, if you get the chance, go and see them live, you will not regret it.