The Dunwells have done things the hard way, the right way.
The band have taken their sound on the road, winning fans one by one, gig by gig.
It seems that their hard-working stance is paying off, though – debut album 'Light Up The Sky' is out now, and it's a sturdy blend of experienced songwriting and crisp, energetic production.
Set to take their material back out on tour, The Dunwells are almost impossible to ignore. With that in mind, singer Joe Dunwell gives Clash some travel tips…
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Best Trip…
I have just been looking through my Instagram, I have been so lucky to see all the places we have seen, on of my favourites, was when we played The Bos festival in Amsterdam, we've not really played Europe much, so I can't wait to go back in April this year when we go on tour.
Worst Trip…
We have just been on tour with Lucy Spraggan we played Inverness for the first time – the show was amazing and we cant wait to go back there, but we thought because we had the day off the next day we would drive through the night to get home. I have never been so tired! I made myself ill for two days. Note to self: always book a hotel.
Our favourite foreign venue…
I would have to say, The Hotel Cafe in LA, I love all the artists who have played there, it's got such a buzz about it, I remember walking and thinking, wow Damien Rice, Foy Vance, Ed Sheeran and loads more, have all played.
We’re surprisingly popular in…
We are popular in Colorado, it's the state that has loved us most, I think. We sold out the Blue Bird theatre which is a big highlight for me.
Best or worst exotic foodstuff…
I recently tried ostrich steaks, and I really wasn't a fan. I'm a big foodie, I love getting suggestions for where to eat when I'm on the road. We are on tour for the whole of April heading to Paris and Germany places I have never been before so I'm sure I will experience new foods then.
Most interesting individual you've met on the road…
We met Cameron Crowe, at the Hotel Cafe, he came back stage, told us he loved what we are doing, I'm a big fan of his films, the sound tracks to his films are always amazing, so it was the biggest complement when he said he liked what we did.
Worst on-tour injury, or infection, or accident…
I have never really had one, (touch wood) but Dave Dunwell did, he rolled over on his Ankle when Running in New York, we were on the road 9 weeks, playing every night practicly so he never got chance to recover.
My essential travel item…
Headphones, you spend a lot of time together as a band which is amazing, but sometimes time I like my own space, I can put my headphones put some Bon Iver on close my eyes for 15 minutes or so then I feel better.
My essential travel tip…
I try and stay positive Every day I wake, sometimes travel days are hard long drives, but when you get your destination soak everything up, take loads of pictures, make memories, you never know when you are going to be back there. Live in the moment, that would be my advise.
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'Light Up The Sky' is out now.
