Interview: THE HOSTILES (Punk Rock Holiday 2.3)

 One of the things I love the most about Punk Rock Holiday is the Beach Stage. A place where you go to get surprised, a place where you get to discover new bands, new music.

This year my greatest discovery were THE HOSTILES, a five piece ska punk band from Scotland. I was blown away by the energy, the confidence, infectious riffs and my personal kryptonite - the brass section!

So I had to meet them. The Hostiles are my gem finding this year. Super sweet, funny and chatty. So I did a quick interview with them.

Hi guys! Introduce yourself.

Josh: Hi! My name is Josh and I play guitar and sing in a band called The Hostiles.

Joe: Hi! I'm Joe and I play trombone in that same band.

I found out that you came from America to Scotland, and the rest of you are from Scotland. 

Josh: Yes, we moved to Scotland when I was fourteen as my mother is from Scotland. Before that I lived in California until I was like eight years old. I got my music taste from there. My all time favourite band is Reel Big Fish, so...

The bend was formed in 2001? How did that happen?

Josh: So, I've just moved to Scotland and formed a ska band with my friends and that led to The Hostiles. And it has been a wild ride ever since...

Were there many changes in the band? Joe, have you been here from the beginning or?

Joe: I started in 2016 and have left twice and came back in again...

Josh: When was the second time? (laughter)...Yes, you can say we had a fair share of changes.

You have two albums and four EPs. 

Josh: I guess...I think you know more about us then I do (laughter)... 

Is there something new happening, new stuff?

Josh: Yeah, yeah, we've been working on new album but the pandemic kicked in so it was quite difficult to get back to it after being off touring for so long, you know...

And you've been touring quite a lot with some big names, like Reel Big Fish. Besides them, who are your influences? Do you all like the same bands or?

Josh: so... Goldfinger, NOFX as well. Hi-Standard from Japan...one of the best live bands I have ever seen.

Joe: I would have to say Leftover Crack and Star Fucking Hipsters...a bit heavier punk rock stuff...

Josh: I would say we do like pretty much the same music, but than again, Joe has a pretty eclectic music taste. And I think it goes for the rest of the band to, the same music taste you know...

And where is the rest of the band?

Josh: So...the drummer - we had to borrow him for this occasion. We will give him back, but, he was coming anyways and we needed a drummer so... And then the bassist is my brother who was the original bassist but then he had to step away a few years back, so we had another bassist come in but he wasn't able to make it for this and we had to bring my brother back.

Have you played in Croatia?

Josh: Yes, we have! And it was very special show for me. We played UFO festival in the 2011. and the venue is what made it so special, and I think about it a lot because I have never before played in such a special venue. I mean, the history of the venue with the blast marks and the bullet holes...it was wild...

Is there a punk scene in the Scotland and what is it like?

Josh: Well, it is small but strong! Punk is not massive in Scotland so we have to hold on together and be there to  support each other.

How did you end up on Punk Rock Holiday?

Josh: If you want me to be honest with you, I have no idea!!! I think some of our friends must have turned in our demo so...I think somehow we passed by...I hear a hundred or more demos were turned in, so... I don't know if they listen to all of them or?

Yeah. They do. They take time and listen to the demos and select the beach stage bands by also involving the PRH family in voting. 

Josh: Oh...that's cool. It is quite an honor to be picked to play here!

I see you as one of the bands that have outgrown the beach stage. I would love to see you open the main stage one day, cause you have that energy to start the fire on the main stage...

Joe: Well thank you. I better not leave the band again then!

Josh: This festival has been amazing! And meeting new people...it's been great! We can't even walk without someone stopping us and giving us their appreciation. And it means a world to us!

Well, when you leave your heart on the stage - people recognize that and appreciate it. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me and I hope to see you soon somewhere and I also hope to see you here again!

Written by I.