IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Amazons

A band shaping the future of rock ‘n’ roll sound has got to be The Amazons. The Amazons, formed in 2014 and hailing from Reading, England, consists of Matt Thomson (lead vocals, guitar), Chris Alderton (guitar, vocals), Elliot Briggs (bass, vocals), and Joe Emmett (drums). They released their debut EP, Don’t You Wanna, on December 7, 2015, followed by their first record, The Amazons, on May 26, 2017, both via Fiction Records. Just last year, they put out their sophomore record, Future Dust, on May 24, 2019, also via Fiction Records. Most recently, they released a compilation album, Introducing…The Amazons, on January 17, 2020, via Uncool Records. Aside from selling our numerous shows and performing at a handful of signings and festivals, including Reading and Leeds and Neighbourhood Weekender, in their home country of England, they have also shared their sounds across other parts of Europe.

They recently wrapped up a North American tour supporting Dirty Honey, making a stop at New York City’s Knitting Factory in Brooklyn on February 5, 2020. While on the road, Matt kindly discussed a bit about his first instrument, some picks on his current music radar, along with naming a few places to eat in NYC and Reading.

What’s the story behind the formation of The Amazons?

We formed in Reading, England in 2014. The final piece of the puzzle was our drummer joe. He was the 8th drummer we auditioned! As soon as we saw his John Bonham tattoo we knew it was fate.

What was the first instrument (musical or non-musical) you started making music with?

A very small, classical guitar with nylon strings. It was for my Spanish guitar lessons at my school. I must’ve been 7/8 years old!

Which song (released or unreleased) are you most proud of?

I love “25 (Reprise)” on our new record Future Dust. It was the absolute last thing we recorded in that session, in the early hours of the morning. We based it around this beautiful old pump organ we found in the cupboard of the studio.

You released a compilation album, Introducing...The Amazons, on January 17, 2020. What was the process of writing, recording, and producing the songs, along with the selection of the songs?

It’s an accumulation of the last 2 records we’ve released. The idea for it came out of a conversation with a good friend of ours, Joey Armstrong, from a band called SWMRS. They run a label called Uncool Records and wanted to release something of ours. We wanted to release an Introduction to the band to coincide with our 1st tour of the US at the beginning of the year. It’s perfect for fans who are seeing us for the first time and want something to listen to when they get home.

While on the road, what are some of your essential tour items?

Good pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Couple of long books. Multi vitamins. A journal.

What are you currently listening to?

“Debris” – Faces
“Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)” – The Temptations
“Helden” – David Bowie (“Heroes” sung in German. From the soundtrack of my favourite film of the year - Jojo Rabbit)
“Green River” – Creedence Clearwater Revival
“Mother Machine” – Demob Happy

What’s your favorite food and/or restaurant in NYC? Any places back home in Reading?

Juliana’s in Brooklyn is always great. Emmett’s was awesome too. Mile End in Boerum Hill is an incredible deli.

There’s a good fish & chips shop called Wings in Reading.

If there were a pizza with the name “The Amazons,” what toppings would it feature?

Ok, we’re gonna go with 1 each.

Matt – anchovies
Chris – pineapple
Joe – pepperoni
Elliot – root beer sauce

Yes, the worst pizza ever.

Who is your favorite superhero character, and why?

Probably Thor! Or Scott Pilgrim.

I collected a lot of Spider-Man comics when I was younger too. I liked that Spider-Man could be a normal guy, and then transform into something else entirely when he put the mask on.

What’s a question you have wanted to get asked in an interview, and what’s the response to it?

I like the fantasy dinner party type question. I’d have Alec Baldwin, Anthony Bourdain, Stevie Nicks, Bruce Springsteen, and Meryl Streep.

A tremendous thank you to Matt and The Amazons for taking the time and thought to respond to the questions, along with Erika and Katie for coordinating!

Don’t miss any updates from The Amazons by following them on Twitter (@TheAmazons) and Instagram (@theamazons), and liking them on Facebook (/theamazonsforever)!