From School Jams To A Full Time Pay Cheque

Essex five-piece Nothing But Thieves' modest origins stem from Joe Langridge-Brown (guitar) hearing vocalist Conor Mason, then approximately 12, sing at "a school assembly or live music event at school". "I was so excited that these older kids wanted me to be in their band," the frontman laughingly recalls of the axeman's reaction. "So we started being a blues band, playing like blues-rock for like five years." That venture concluded due to study commitments. Other musical partnerships were forged and the pair eventually reconvened. Management recognised potential, convincing the fledgling collective to form a fresh act in 2012.

According to Mason, now 22, there were "quite a few" labels sniffing about before Nothing But Thieves inked a deal with Sony, releasing their self-titled debut album in October. The eclectic rockers have recently played multiple festivals worldwide, shared stages with Arcade Fire and Muse and will make their inaugural trek Down Under for Soundwave and side shows.

"I love the fact that without all the bullshit, I'm doing something I love with my best mates."

"When we first started we were like 17-18, and we just wrote for two or three years, just trying to get better and better at that. I guess the past year and a half when we signed with the record label and stuff — that's gone fairly quick. We had most of the material, if not all the material, by the time we signed with them. So it was a pretty quick process for them. The build-up's been great, with all of our touring and stuff. We're at a good place now with the album coming out… I love the fact that without all the bullshit, I'm doing something I love with my best mates."

The members have also achieved that oft-elusive goal of making a living from the band. "When we first started we were all working two or three jobs, which is difficult when you're writing the album and you feel a bit stuck creatively," the singer explains. "But it's great, we live in London together. After we signed the record deal, we moved to London and started renting a house. We live quite comfortably."

This would seemingly defy many seasoned performers' sentiment that they envision newer groups battling to make music their full-time profession nowadays. "I read about it a lot… learning about the fact that what we put out doesn't get represented well enough like over streaming, YouTube and stuff like that. But the thing is, you've just got to get on with it. It's the way it is, and if you're not happy, don't be in a fucking band. It pisses me off actually when people moan about it… You've just to get on with it, and be happy I think.

"I grew up buying vinyls and CDs like mad. I'm obsessed, I still buy CDs and vinyls of albums I'm obsessed with because I like it. I like having the physical copy of a CD and I love having my vinyl player. I just think at the same time, you've got to get on board with the way music's going. So I stream as well as buy albums and vinyls. You've got to take it all for what it is."