Is there anything you’d say to fans who’re uncertain about coming out?
“Always make up your own mind, think for yourself and trust your gut. But, generally, it’s about people being sensible in the lead-up to the shows. Be careful, minimise your contact with other people, especially when numbers are high. And if you’re not comfortable, you don’t need to get in the pit. Balcony seats have always been notoriously hard to shift, but they’re a great place for people who want to come along without getting bumped into and covered in sweat.”
The “bedroom” production you’ve been using for these headline dates is a far cry from your instantly-recognisable “GENERIC POP-PUNK” backdrop. By the time you get to Slam Dunk, should we expect an even bigger show?
“In typical Neck Deep fashion, we’re just always clambering around to sort that out. Maybe we’ll bring out that bedroom set one last time and tailor it to the Slam Dunk stage specifically. Maybe there’ll be a bigger production with a few more bells and whistles: explosions and lights and fire – all that good shit. [Maybe we’ll] be too broke to afford that. If we do end up coming out with a big, flashy production, assume that the UK tour went really well for us. If we end up coming out with just a piece of paper with “Neck Deep” written on it like NOFX, assume that it didn’t (laughs).”
Aside from music and “dog dad” duties, what else have you been up to?
“We’ve just been enjoying our lives as people and beginning to write new music. Over the last six months, the band has become a lot more independent, which is a really good position for us – to be an established band with so much control over what we do. We’ve been busy working on setting up a band hub with a studio and practice space specifically for Neck Deep.”
Like While She Sleeps’ Sheffield HQ?
“Pretty much exactly that. We’ve been practising at Sleeps’ for a while now, using their practice space and the storage at their place. They’re great dudes, and super productive, inspiring people to be around. They want to make shit happen and they do so much of it themselves. That’s what we need to do, too. After a couple of years of not really doing much due to the pandemic we needed something that we could all focus around and a place close to home where we could all go whenever we want, as often as we want, to be productive. We’re hoping to have it ready in the next few weeks.”
How is the new music taking shape?
“It sounds like Neck Deep! That’s really the best way that I can explain it. We’ve learned a lot from the last record – both good and bad – and we’re just going to keep doing our thing. It’s about not overthinking it too much, and keeping being ourselves. Hopefully people like it. I think they will!”