Sleazy and Charming

Photographs By Logan Maclachlan

British band Ceramic opens up about finding a middle ground between three conflicting ideas, insight on the art and music scene in Newcastle, and their latest single, “Velvet On The Bar”.

Newcastle, United Kingdom

What’s the story behind Ceramic?

We started the band during lockdown in 2021. After a handful of line-up changes we played our first gig in Elliott’s living room. Fast forward a couple of years and here we are still going strong. We’re forever grateful to everyone who’s stuck around since then.

What have you learned during your journey as a band?

We’ve just about learned how to entertain a crowd during the inevitable guitar string breaks, and we’ve found bass players to be rather transient beings. We’re still learning how much to drink before getting up on stage.

What makes your music and style unique?

We’re all into pretty different stuff, so our best material often emerges in the middle ground between three conflicting ideas.

Your forthcoming single is called “Velvet on the Bar”. What is this song about?

It’s a true story about a real place in Newcastle. The song came together really quickly, and hopefully captures the essence of a sleazy but charming establishment, and the unusual characters found within.

How does “Velvet on the Bar” show your growth as a band?

We’ve always wanted to make something seriously groovy. “Velvet” shows our anything-goes approach to recording, something we’ve been able to develop having built a strong relationship with our producer, Alex Blamire.

This past summer you played at West Ben Fest. What was that experience like?

It was great to get out into the countryside for West Ben Fest. We were pleased to see our afternoon set being enjoyed by toddlers, ravers drugged up from the night before, and everyone in-between.

How is the art and music scene in Newcastle? What makes it special? Which places should we check out and which artist/bands should we follow?

Newcastle’s art and music scene seems to be really healthy at the moment! The city’s big enough for there to be plenty of gig opportunities, but also small enough that communities of bands and artists can easily interweave with each other. We’re really lucky to have some great independent venues like Little Buildings and The Lubber Fiend. We’d recommend checking out our friends Scott Hepple, Pink Poison and Sarah Johnsone!

Whats next for Ceramic?

Who really knows? Not us. We’re always determined to make each track better than the last. The follow up to Velvet on the Bar is finished, and shows us leaning more towards our glam rock influences.