Sports Team's Satirical Take on Modern Life with Their Album "Boys These Days"

With their third album "Boys These Days", Sports Team, a six-piece band from Cambridge University, aims to deliver a satirical take on everything from social media to obsession with nostalgia. The band's rhythm guitarist and vocalist, Knaggs, and singer, Alex Rice, discuss their inspiration, creative process, and the themes that shape their music. From catchy, '80s-infused songs like "I'm In Love (Subaru)" to more serious tracks addressing gun violence, the band's album is a journey through the complexities of modern life.

Key Takeaways:

• Sports Team's third album "Boys These Days" is a satirical take on modern life, covering topics from social media to nostalgia.
• The band's inspiration comes from various sources, including Bryan Ferry, Prefab Sprout, and Joe Jackson, with a desire to create a big sound that's in your face.
• With their privileged academic background, the band has often been perceived as "posh," a label they dispute, pointing out that other acts have similar backgrounds without being labeled as such.
• The album was recorded in Bergen, Norway, where the band made the most of the distinct environment and worked with producer Matias Tellez, who brought a refreshing approach to their creative process.
• Standout tracks include "Head To Space," a song about billionaires blasting off to the moon, "Moving Together," which features a clever Coronation Street intro sample, and "Bang Bang Bang," which tackles the issue of gun violence.
• The band's experience with being robbed at gunpoint on their US tour in December last year has given them a personal perspective on gun violence, which they've incorporated into their music.
• Sports Team will be touring extensively, including supporting Supergrass during their I Should Coco 30th anniversary tour and playing at UK festivals.

Statistics:

• The band started touring extensively with a focus on small venues, creating a sense of community with their audience.
• They have been working with various producers, including Matias Tellez, who brought a unique approach to their creative process.
• The band's US tour was cut short in December last year after they were robbed at gunpoint in San Francisco, forcing them to address the issue of gun violence in their music.
• The band has been namedropping various acts, including Prefab Sprout, Joe Jackson, Clean Bandit, and Rina Sawayama, who have all influenced their sound.
• They have also been referencing various iconic figures, including Paul McCartney, who has been an inspiration to their touring schedule as a new father.

Sources:

• Alex Rice, singer of Sports Team, cited in an interview with an unnamed publication.
• Knaggs, rhythm guitarist and vocalist of Sports Team, cited in an interview with an unnamed publication.
• "Boys These Days" album, released by Sports Team.
• Matias Tellez, producer of the album "Boys These Days".
• Prefab Sprout, band that has influenced Sports Team's sound.
• Joe Jackson, musician who has inspired Sports Team's style.
• Clean Bandit, band from Cambridge University who have been mentioned alongside Sports Team.
• Rina Sawayama, singer who has been cited as an influence by Sports Team.
• Paul McCartney, musician who has inspired Sports Team's touring schedule.