2015 was a huge year for The SSS, and 2016 is shaping up to be even more exciting. Combining indie rock roots that have stood the test of time and a distinctive energy of their own, this five piece from Sheffield have been gigging up and down the country for the past few years. But it feels like the moment all of this has been leading up to is this Saturday: a sold-out homecoming gig headlining the Leadmill.
Fans can expect a packed programme of the band’s trademark uncompromising sound, perfectly exemplified on their most recent EP Love, Lust, Loss, as well as support from promising fellow Sheffield band The Wired. With only a few days left before the gig, we caught up with the band:
The Leadmill is a pretty legendary venue. How does it feel to be playing on a stage that’s seen the likes of The Strokes, Pulp, and The Stone Roses, to name only a few?
Like most unsigned bands we’ve played the Leadmill smaller stage. But to play the proper stage in our own right is a bit surreal. We’ll have to graffiti something probably… But yeah to sell it out, dreams and all that.
A couple of years ago, you were playing to 100 people, and now you’ve sold out a 900 capacity venue. Do you have any recommendations for bands starting out on how to build a following?
Err, it kind of just happened. I don’t think there’s a formula or anything. But don’t overplay so people are sick of you and don’t undersell yourself as a band.
D’you have anything special planned for the gig?
We do. But we are like the worst wedding planners, so we just need to bring our cake. Does that analogy work?
This gig could mark a turning point in The SSS’ journey. If you have a ticket, don’t miss out; if you didn’t manage to get one, you’ll be wishing you had, come Saturday. For those of us who can’t make it to Sheffield, meanwhile, you can try living vicariously through the band’s Facebook and Twitter.
Words by Priya Bryant