AN IMPROMTU CHAT WITH EXTC
HAPPY NEW YEAR EXTCER’S, AND WELCOME TO 2023!
We caught up with EXTC on New Year’s Eve whilst the band was busy rehearsing in the studio for their imminent tour of Japan.
2022 turned out to be a phenomenal year for Terry and the band, with two major tours of North America under their belt, amongst other successes. But what will the New Year have in store for EXTC? Read on to find out what plans are in the pipeline for EXTC in 2023, and how the band is adjusting to the recent change in dynamics.
SO 2022 HAS BEEN A REALLY HECTIC YEAR FOR EXTC, WHAT HAVE BEEN THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS YEAR FOR YOU PERSONALLY AND AS A BAND?
Terry: For me it was getting the right individuals in the band, although it took until the end of the year to do that, putting us in a very solid position for 2023.
Steve: For me, playing shows for so many people who thoroughly love the music of XTC, as well as touring the USA and Great Britain with two other musicians that I respect totally.
Matt: It’s been an amazing year with two successful US tours and an imminent tour of Japan. The highlight for me has been meeting so many wonderful, enthusiastic and welcoming people over all our travels. That’s been truly amazing!
YOU’RE HEADING TO JAPAN VERY SOON AND HAVE ANOTHER NORTH AMERICAN TOUR SCHEDULED FOR THE SPRING. SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE ANOTHER BUSY YEAR AHEAD! WHAT ELSE IS ON THE CARDS FOR EXTC IN 2023?
Terry: Looking forward to Japan. I feel very fortunate to be returning back to North America, our third tour within twelve months. I feel we will reassess the situation regarding 2023 when we return from the United States in April.
Steve: Well…looking forward to writing with these guys and recording also.
Matt: Well there are a few more things in the pipeline for 2023, all as yet to be confirmed, but watch this space…
YOU HAVEN’T HAD MANY UK DATES RECENTLY. CAN WE EXPECT SOME UK DATES IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
Matt: I hope so. It’s great playing in the UK and we’ve missed it. We’ve recently changed booking agent but I’m sure there will be some dates later in the year.
Terry: As Matt said, we’re currently in negotiations with an agency for UK dates and there is a possibility of UK dates in 2023.
Steve: We’re currently doing our utmost to string some UK dates together for 2023.
TERRY, HOW HAVE YOU FOUND THE FAN REACTION TO EXTC BECOMING A THREE-PIECE?
Terry: Having continued the American tour in October 2022 after the departure of a member of the band, Steve Hampton, Matt Hughes and myself continued fulfilling our contractual commitments. The reaction was better than we could have possibly expected, having to turn a four-piece into a three-piece band overnight…Credit to Steve and Matt, and thanks to the crowds that turned up. Steve Hampton has done a remarkable job in taking on the lead vocal situation with EXTC overnight and I personally couldn’t be happier with the way things are moving forward. Matt has moved up to the plate. He’s been given more space vocally and within his bass-playing parts, I’m looking forward to the future.
STEVE, YOU ARE NOW THE LEAD VOCALIST FOR EXTC. HOW ARE YOU ADJUSTING TO THIS?
Steve: It’s been a baptism of fire, to say the least, but I’m thoroughly enjoying the challenge and with Terry and Matt alongside me, they certainly spur me on.
MATT, HOW HAVE YOU FOUND THE NEW CHANGE OF DYNAMICS WITHIN THE BAND SINCE EXTC BECAME A THREE-PIECE ENTITY?
Matt: It’s certainly been a challenge rearranging to work as a three-piece. It’s personally meant taking on all the backing vocal duties, which I’ve enjoyed but it’s certainly been tricky at times. It’s a different dynamic as a three-piece. Obviously, XTC was a four - so it’s never going to be quite the same- but we make a pretty decent noise. I think we’ve had some awesome reactions from the audiences we’ve played to, so we’ve got to be doing something right!
EXTRA NORTH AMERICA TOUR DATE! 