Although he fronts 'Polar Bear', Seb has drummed with Babyshambles, with David Byrne and Brian Eno, and recently with Corrine Bailey Rae and Jazz legend, Herbie Hancock. He also has a pretty awesome 'fro.
Are you guys looking forward to playing the Mostly Jazz festival this year in Moseley? How did you get involved with it?
Yes we’re really looking forward to it. We always enjoy playing in Birmingham! The organizers of the festival just asked us and we said yes!
Are you playing any other festivals or big gigs this summer?
We’re playing some festivals this summer, and in places we haven’t played before, like Denmark, Slovakia, and Sweden. It’s looking like a really fun summer!
You’ve been described as every type of jazz under the sun... what would you personally describe yourselves and your sound as?
It is always difficult to say what you do and what your sound is, as your perception is different to everyone else's. But, I hope that people find it melodic, sometimes dark, sometimes happy, freeing, and surprising.
Have you got any particular individuals, bands, or artists that have really influenced you?
Yes I'm always looking for new music to enjoy so my influences change often... in the last few years I’ve been listening mostly to grime, and in the last year or two I’ve been getting into funky house. In all honesty I'm pretty open to anything I like! I also like ‘Bear in Heaven’, ‘Daughters’, ‘Shortstuff’, ‘Wild Birds’ and ‘Peacedrums’. People that have influenced me for a long time though are ‘Beethoven’, ‘Thelonious Monk’, ‘Stevie Wonder’, ‘Slayer’, and ‘Prince’.
How did you guys come together as a band?
We all met gradually! I think Pete and Tom studied together but I met Pete first, then Tom, then Mark, and a couple of years later I met John.
How have things been for you since your Mercury Prize nomination in 2005? Did you find it really changed things for you because you’re pretty big now?!
The Mercury Prize nomination was a really good experience for us, and introduced our music to a lot more people. This made a real difference when we played shows. The night of the awards was so much fun too; they gave us a hotel room for the night that we used to our best ability...
What’s been the best thing to happen in your career as a band?
There been many happy experiences for us. Having a fun night playing and meeting lovely people will always be a gift.
Is it difficult for you Seb to juggle all the different projects you’re involved in i.e. Working with Herbie Hancock and Corrine Bailey Rae etc? Does Polar Bear come first in the list of priorities?
Yes sometimes I can get in a muddle...but mostly things flow together. Recording with Corrine was only two days so that wasn’t too difficult to do. I think she's amazing, and I was really happy when she asked me to play her music. It was a similar situation doing the recording with Herbie Hancock. Playing with different people really inspires me.
Finally, tell me something interesting that I, and everybody else, am unlikely to know about you...
When I was at school I found an abandoned and beautiful baby…
Thank you very much for your time Seb!
Rachael
