Interview: Indie rockers Zulu Winter talk to MM about giant squids, Michael Caine and supporting Keane’s UK tour

By Sean-Paul Doran

Fresh from supporting Keane on Wednesday night’s O2 Apollo gig, Zulu Winter bassist Iain Lock caught up with MM to talk about tours, tracks and the unique origins of the band.

Zulu Winter are fast making a name for themselves in the notoriously hard-to-break-into music industry. The five-piece indie rockers from London formed just last year and have already made quite the impression.

Their second single We Should Be Swimming was named as Zane Lowe’s Hottest Record In The World back in January and have been featured in Q magazine, the Independent, and the Guardian.

To top it all, they were chosen by piano-loving Keane to support them on their highly anticipated Strangelands UK tour, and haven’t look back since.

A captivating performance on Wednesday night will have done their rising reputation no harm and we’re predicting big things for these chaps.

Speaking to MM, bassist Iain Winter shed some light on the interesting and exciting life of Zulu Winter.

So, Iain, how have you found the tour so far?

Tiring, but fun. We're beginning to hate each other. 

Have you been happy with the reaction so far?

Yep, the album hasn't been out very long yet so to have the reaction we have got, it's brilliant. Hopefully people will carry on enjoying the music.

How was the band formed and what are the origins of the name?

Henry and Dom were walking through the countryside when they got kidnapped by a giant land walking talking squid. Just as they thought they were about to be eaten the squid crashed its invisible plane into a mountain in the desert.

They carried on walking for many more miles when they chanced upon a karaoke bar, which Will happened to be running at the time. Will took pity on them and let them stay in the stable amongst the animal shit.

At exactly midnight that night Henry, Dom, and Will awoke from the same dream, in which Michael Caine was talking to them in a snowy landscape about an old magical box which they must find. Turns out Dom was sitting on the box and Will had the microphone shaped key round his neck which was given to him by a long lost relative called Peter.

When they opened the box an amazing rhythmical driving groove lead sound erupted into the room and bursting from the box bathed in a golden glow of god like light Guy armed with drumsticks shouted: "GENTLEMEN, TO BED, REST YOUR SOULS, FOR TOMORROW WE RIDE... WE ARE ZULU WINTER!"

After that I met them all in a pub across the road.

How does Manchester rate among your favourite venues to perform in?

Manchester is great, it has a lot of music history behind it, some fantastic bands have come out of the city, for example The Engineers, and it’s great to play there. 

How would you describe your live show in five words?

Good good double good good. (Shaun Ryder).

Which track do you enjoy performing the most & which track tends to receive the best crowd reaction?

To be honest, the answer to both those questions changes all the time. It depends on who’s in the crowd and my mood at the time. 

Which band/artist do you think have had the greatest influence on your style?

There is too many to mention. We all have varying tastes and influences from soundtracks to electronica to krautrock to folk. Probably each other I would say. 

What's the greatest gig you've ever been to as a punter?

Glastonbury.

Which current bands/artists that you are liking at the moment?

Brew Ha! Ha!

How does it feel to be involved with a band as well-known as Keane?

Its a great opportunity for us and they are lovely blokes. It’s a pleasure to be touring with them.

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