We chat to the Gangs Of Ballet frontman, Brad Klymsmith ahead of their opening gig on the Switchfoot Vice Verses Sa Tour. He tells us about the origin of their interesting band name, their fast rise to fame and what they imagine it’s going to be like, playing to a crowd of thousands next month.
Photo: Mignon Hartwig
You started the band April 2011; how do you feel about your quick rise to success and opening up for Switchfoot?
We have to admit things have grown a lot quicker than we would have thought, and it’s been in the form of opportunities like playing before Switchfoot. I know I’ve certainly grown up from young on Switchfoot, I think the front man Jon Foreman is a song writing genius. So we’re grateful to do what most people don’t get to do and live out a childhood dream and play on the same stage as them.
It has to be asked. How did the name come about? Sounds like there should be a story behind this.
It’s such a nothing story, but we were hanging with a good friend perhaps six years ago, long before Gangs was a thought, and being a professional Ballet dancer she began to tell us just how cut throat the industry was and we basically started mocking her and questioning she was apart of one of these hectic “ballet gangs” and from that the name Gangs of Ballet was born.
Some of you are still studying, while others have day jobs. How do you imagine it’s going to be like playing to thousands at Carnival City and then heading back to normality?
It’s a strange comment to make, but we feel far more at home in a bigger arena than a small club, not to say we deserve to play arenas, but it really feels ‘normal’ to be in that space. I think the excitement afterwards won’t leave us being content to come home and just sit around too long in normal life, we want to be out there touring and playing music. We’re so grateful every time we get to play to big crowds. Maybe one day they’ll come out for us? who knows.
What can your fans [and possibly for those not that familiar with the band] expect to hear and see from Gangs of Ballet?
We’ll tour this year with our debut EP, and next year a full country wide tour with a full length album. The music will be anthem styled, sing-a-long stuff that hopefully holds some musically integrity.
Opening for a big band is quite an honour I am sure. Will Switchfoot have their work cut out for them?
I’ve watched them once before in London and they are amazing! SA won’t be disappointed. We’ve worked hard, and we’ll do our best, but mostly we get an opportunity to interact with a top international act so we going to learn as much as we can!
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Read the interview with other supporting band The Rescu
