LAUGHTER AS ARMOUR, SPORTS TEAM REFLECTS ON THEIR NEW ALBUM, BBC 6 MUSIC FEST, AND A GUNPOINT ENCOUNTER: “America is a fantastical, compelling, beautiful, disgusting and weird world that consumes you.”

I caught up with Mercury-shortlisted Sports Team drummer Al Greenwood and bassist Oli Dewdney this week to discuss their third album Boys These Days, their upcoming tour and festival dates.

From pushing boundaries creatively in the studio, collaborating with legendary producer Matias Tellez, adding orchestration, synthesiser elements and weathering a touring whirlwind, they’ve accomplished each challenge with grit and humour. Their latest album combines personal storytelling with the high-energy thrill fans have come to expect. In the introspective lyrics of their newest single, “Maybe When We’re 30,” or in singles of cultural observation like “Head to Space,” Sports Team continues to capture music’s thrill in fast development. Each guitar riff, lyric, and joke offers a gritty and realistic portrayal of modern artists’ lives. We also chat about their Indie Forever DJ set from Sports Team at the BBC 6 Music Festival later this month and their upcoming UK tour.

Sports Team (Abi Chilton/Northern Exposure)

The interview starts with the band discussing their unique artistic challenges as a six-member group. They’re really keen on expanding their sound, as Al professes the band are ‘creatures of comfort,’ and they share some insights about their recent collaboration in the studio with renowned producer Matias Tellez. Al explains…

“Our first album was with Burke Reid, who is absolutely incredible but at the same time quite a purist, especially with the drum takes. There’s no smoke and mirrors; you got to play the entire thing as it is and as it sounds, which sometimes led to challenges, especially on the first album, for six very enthusiastic and creative musicians who aren’t typically the most proficient.”

This partnership has brought in a mix of orchestral elements and some more experimental synth sounds. Oli continues…

“Yeah, when you’re working as a six-person band, it can be a challenge regarding musical proficiency. However, this time around, we collaborated with Matias Tellez, in the coastal city of Bergen in Norway, who has worked with artists like CMAT and Girl in Red. This partnership has brought more diversity and a more versatile production to our sound. It was just really exciting, and we could play around a lot more. You can hear various influences coming through in our new material, and we hope it creates a more exciting album on record and in live performances.“

“We have embraced a broader range of instrumentation, fully utilising the studio’s capabilities. While we still maintain the core essence and origins of the band, we are also integrating new elements, such as orchestral touches and additional synthesizers, along with some honky-tonk piano vibes. This represents a significant difference in our new album compared to the previous two.”

The conversation then turns to the changing themes of their new album. While the band stays faithful to the elements that fans love from earlier releases, this record incorporates recurring themes that draw from everyday life, emphasising experiences that have been as beautiful as they are overwhelming.

“I believe this album is a natural progression for us.” Al tells me. “It doesn’t represent a drastic departure from our previous work, but it reflects some recurring themes, examining symbols and tropes from everyday life. Over the past couple of years, we’ve been influenced by our experiences, which have been both beautiful and overwhelming. “

The discussion leads to their singles development and how they contrast their earlier singles like “Bang Bang Bang” to their present, introspective sound. The latest single, “Maybe When We’re 30,” is one in the direction of narrative storytelling, where aspects of growing, regret, and introspection collide with their earlier, outwardly focused soundscapes. The song imagines a life entrenched in monotonous suburban bliss. With the imagined future, tiresomely idyllic, scrolling through curated family snapshots on social media, perhaps glimpses of Beckham’s progeny achieving petty triumphs, all fuelled by relentless mundanity. Oli explains…

“Our most recent single, ‘ Maybe When We’re 30,’ addresses themes of growing up and the accompanying mix of idealism and reflection. We touch on feelings of regret and missed opportunities, which bring a more personal touch to our lyrics. These newer tracks might diverge slightly from previous songs like ‘Bang Bang Bang’ or ‘Head to Space,’ which were more focused on external events and societal issues. This is more about us, reaching a certain age.”

The band also makes observations of culture in their music. Their song “Head to Space” has gained further significance in light of modern political events. Al says…

“Interestingly, I was thinking only the other day how the song ‘Head to Space’ has taken on new relevance in light of recent political developments, particularly given the rising prominence of figures like Musk. Some of those songs feel so bizarrely pertinent, as with the timing, given the current state of world affairs.”

Oli adds,

“Yeah, I mean, especially with Rob, he’s always been ahead of the curve regarding these topics; his finger is on the pulse. He almost doesn’t seem surprised by certain events because it feels like he’s kind of predicting them through his writing. We recorded much of this in January, written probably a year before that; it all seems relevant now.”

I joke that he’s a new-age Nostramdomas, to which Oli laughs, “Yeah, but that is far too complimentary.”

Al explains, “The track reflects a world that feels completely turned upside down, almost like a nod to Musk. There’s a lot of cultural commentary woven into it.”

“There’s a meme that Rob often brings up, featuring Musk looking strange under a tree, where his wife has left him, and someone humorously mentioned he needed a new genre of music for him because his rocket exploded. It’s always made us laugh, but it highlights the absurdity of it all.”

All members of the Sports Team have always been keen to establish a deep rapport with their audience, but they have also experienced harsh social and political realities, especially in America. Al explains…

“It can be surreal. Travelling across this vast country, we’ve toured America quite a bit over the past few years. One moment, you’re having warm, friendly conversations with bar staff; the next, you’re at a gas station reading about gun crime or, even worse, confronted with actual events that can be quite traumatising and linger in your mind. It can be overwhelming and jarring, and I believe that’s what influenced Rob’s writing, especially for ‘Bang, Bang, Bang.’ We could never have anticipated what would happen, and we felt relieved that we had already been playing the song live. Otherwise, it would have felt too ‘on the nose,’ and we might have been called out for it.”

The band were robbed at gunpoint on December 3, 2024, outside of a Starbucks in Vallejo, California, while on the first day of their US tour. While having breakfast on the way to perform in Sacramento, they saw someone vandalising and stealing items from their van. The confrontation escalated in the moment when the band’s tour manager confronted the thieves, one of whom was holding a gun. A band member recorded the incident, which went viral on social media. The thieves escaped with the band’s stage clothes, passports, and personal effects, and the bystanders seemed unfazed. Drummer Al Greenwood later remarked that Starbucks workers barely looked up from their jobs. When no police came to the site after the incident, the band was instructed to submit an online report. Given this, I asked Oli if he believed ‘Bang, Bang, Bang’ was now the standout track for him on the album.

“‘Bang, Bang, Bang’ remains the most impersonal track on the album for me. It was such a bizarre, isolated incident. The song was written to address a broader issue that we had only just encountered, while the other narratives in the album incorporate outside influences and primarily focus on the experience of growing up. Overall, this album features sadder, more reflective themes throughout.”

Al tells me how they initially coped with humour, cracking jokes and having a light approach,

“When the robbery occurred and we were held at gunpoint, in that moment we all tried to lighten the mood with jokes. At that moment, humor felt like our only shield against the trauma. I remember thinking that this was very avoidant and that it might come back to haunt us.”

“Oli and I share a room when we’re on tour, and I had trouble sleeping the night the incident occurred. As time went on and I began to reflect on what happened, I started grappling with the reality of the situation. The unsettling noises typical of an American roadside hotel only heightened my anxiety, so I made sure to lock the door and double-bolt it for extra security. It’s hard not to feel concerned about the cultural climate as a whole. While it doesn’t make me want to avoid going to America, it does highlight the importance of continuing conversations about these issues.”

“America is a fantastical, compelling, beautiful, disgusting, like weird world that kind of consumes you in a way”

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Beyond touring, studio time and songwriting, the band doesn’t hesitate to discuss the physical and emotional toll of touring. Despite the challenges, loneliness, fatigue, and the inevitable strain of being away from loved ones, the journey on the road remains a cherished dream from their youth, Oli explained…

“Although I sometimes find touring mentally and physically demanding, especially being away from family and friends, it has always been the most enjoyable part of being in a band for me. Touring with six people means navigating everyone’s personal lives and how they affect the group. Even though it can be challenging at times, particularly during long stretches away, it’s still my dream I had as a kid.”

Live performances significantly enhance the storytelling experience. Memories of festival gigs, including those at BBC 6 Music, showcase a uniquely intimate and appreciative atmosphere, which stands in stark contrast to the chaotic energy of other events. The band has performed several times, including a gig right before the COVID lockdown in Cardiff. They were also about to head out supporting Bombay Bicycle Club on tour in Mexico, and everything got cancelled. They literally came off stage to be told, “Yeah, that’s not happening.”

I asked Al about their relationship with BBC Radio…

“Well, BBC Sounds and Radio has undeniably played a significant role in helping our band gain recognition by actively engaging with our tracks and giving us opportunities to play. Steve Lamacq understood our vision from the very beginning. While there can be some bureaucratic challenges at the BBC, his support really allowed us to communicate our message effectively. When we first entered the music scene, the landscape was quite different; live performances were our top priority. We concentrated on building our fanbase and generating excitement for our live shows before releasing any music online or on the radio. Now, however, now you’ve got to be a content creator.”

Oli adds, “Yeah, labels seem to pivot towards finding music on TikTok. That’s also fed into getting radio play, and it can definitely be a challenge.“

We continue to chat about how BBC 6 Music offers a unique perspective on the diversity of audiences and experiences in the music world. As Al says, “They’re tastemakers.” While the chaotic energy of some festivals is exhilarating, this festival stands apart with a more engaged and appreciative demographic. Sports Team appreciates the mature, music-loving crowd, which creates a different kind of atmosphere that lets their artistry truly resonate. Al says…

“I feel like Radio 6 and this festival are different from others, especially since they tend to have a more engaged audience, which is nice. There’s definitely a slightly older demographic, which creates a good atmosphere. It may not have the chaotic energy of other festivals, but it’s nice to play to such an appreciative music-loving crowd.”

Another standout moment for the band was performing alongside Bloc Party at the last BBC 6 Music Festival, a group Oli massively admired while growing up. Sharing the stage with their idols, Oli told me that particular set was incredibly special. He continues…

“One of the highlights of our experience is watching other bands perform, especially when we’re six music obsessives! It’s a tradition we’ve cherished for as long as I can remember. While we’ve occasionally shared our thoughts, sometimes critical, sometimes complimentary, about other groups, it’s all part of the vibrant culture in which we’ve immersed ourselves. Each performance offers a unique opportunity to witness creativity in action and connect with the music community, enriching our own artistic journey.”

Beyond their own performances, Sports Team looks forward to reconnecting with certain acts, Al tells me…

“We’re looking really forward to DJ’ing this year, I’m excited to see bands like Mogwai and English Teacher. We’ve played with them before, and they’re incredible live.”

For the band, English Teacher holds a personal significance. Watching their evolution over the years has been inspiring, and they’re eager to see how the band continues to grow. Additionally, Manchester feels like a second home for Sports Team, thanks to family ties and fond memories of past performances. This year’s festival will surely celebrate artistry and connection for them. As we bring our chat to a close, Al shares her love for Manchester…

“English Teacher stands out for me because I’ve been following their development for a few years now. I’m eager to see how they’ve evolved their sound and performance. Plus, being back in Manchester is always fun for me since I have family there, so it should be a great time.”

Sports Team will DJ at the BBC Radio 6 Music Festival in Greater Manchester (26th-29th March). Listen to performances across the weekend on 6 Music and BBC Sounds. For festival tickets, visit bbc.co.uk/6musicfestival. Below, catch the video for Sports Team’s most recent single, ‘Maybe When We’re 30,’ directed by the band. Boys These Days will be released on May 23rd via Distiller Records/Bright Antenna, and you can pre-order/pre-save it here.