Interview with Joe Tilston
"These guys are one of the most hard working Ska bands in the UK, I mean every time we see what these guys are up to, they are either on the road, or prepping for a new release, they just don't stop! So if you love your Ska-core, then you are in the right place, because Random Hand know how it’s done!� So last year you played your 1000th show which must have been a proud moment and now you have exceeded that of course, how does it feel to have played so many gigs? Comprehending the fact we have played so many gigs in our time as a band fills you with so many different feelings. Pride is just as predominant as anxiety, fatigue seems as inset as invincibility. It really is a mixed bag. Over all though we couldn't and wouldn't have done it any other way. We have and are having such an amazing adventure.
Out of all the shows you have played, do any stand out in particular to you and if so why? Getting to go and play places like Russia and Canada, and having people scream and sing your lyrics at you are the things that validate all your hard work and sacrifice of the normal life. We've been lucky enough to go to Moscow twice, the first time, the venue we played got flooded during the gig so it was moved outside into the snow which was both surreal and amazing. never going to forget that.
You recently played Slam Dunk Festival, how was the experience for you? We've played Slam Dunk four times now. Every other time there has been a huge contingent of bands from our 'scene' this year was nothing like that. we knew more crew than we did band members, which had us on the back foot. We didn't have the confidence that we had in previous years to expect a full room and a banging crowd. But we were wrong to doubt it. It was fantastic! a special thanks should go to the catering people, the food was awesome!
Your celebrating your 10th year in style by playing Reading and Leeds Festival, how excited are you to be playing these festivals? Playing these festivals are the reason why bands like us form. We're so lucky to be invited back to these things. The support from Mike Davies has been so crucial for a band like us, and we can not thank him enough.