Arms & Hearts Interview [February 2018]

Manchester Punk Festival is coming up soon, so we decided to start profiling some of the artists playing, starting with our good friend Mr Steve Millar, aka Arms & Hearts. We caught up with Steve to chat about the festival, who he’s going to be checking out over the course of the weekend, who he’d like to go on tour with and  of course, who would star in a Hollywood movie about his life…

Hello Steve! how the hell are you?

Hello mates, I am well, currently in full dissertation procrastination mode.

It’s been a year since we last interviewed you. What has the last 12 months been like in the world of Arms & Hearts?

It has! I’ve been on several tours in the UK and Europe, met some of the loveliest people I now consider best friends, released an E.P and a two track, signed to Real Ghost Records and just generally had a blast!

What can we expect to see from you in 2018 release wise?

I’m working on something somewhat ‘different’ for release at some point this year but I don’t want to say much about it because its highly likely it will a) never get finished or b) I’ll just never release it. But I’ll definitely have something out this year one way or another.

You’re also playing Manchester Punk Festival this year, that’s exciting. Being based in Manchester, we assume you’ve been before. What stand out memories do you have of MPF?

I have been before, I’ve begged every year it has been on for a slot and they finally caved! Sam Russo playing The Thirsty Scholar, Harker, and definitely The Flatliners. Oh and finding Matty from Roughneck Riot passed out stood up during The Flatliners.

The line-up this year is incredible. Who are you looking forward to seeing play?

Oh man, isn’t it! Crazy Arm, I’ve actually never been able to see them before, I think I may have seen them play an acoustic set past midnight at 2000 trees but my memory of that is a little, erm… fuzzy. Ducking Punches, Roughneck Riot, Eat Defeat, Stand Out Riot, Chewing on Tinfoil for the first time! Freddy Fudd Pucker, Lucinda Livingston, Natterers, Russo and one of my best friends Enda McCallan. Oh and Iron Chic! Last time I saw them it was in a brewery in Manchester and it was beyond insane.

We asked you this last time around, but we’ll ask again – you get to perform alongside some great underground musicians all over the UK, many of whom we won’t be aware of. Who should we be checking out?

And last time got me in a bit of trouble with the people I missed! You should for sure check out Mixtape Saints, they’ve become one of my favourite bands as of late, as is Harker who’s new album ‘No Discordance’ is out real soon! Jake and The Jellyfish’s new album ‘Long in Winters’ blew my mind. Sarah Carey who I’ve played a couple of shows with is an outstanding songwriter. Also We Bless This Mess from Portugal, I met him when he was touring with Ducking Punches and he blew me away. Disclaimer: apologies if I have missed you out, I love all of you but I will be here all day if I mentioned you all!

Dream tour: Arms & Hearts plus three other bands. Who are you hitting the road with?

Honestly, I just wanna be on The Revival Tour.

Hollywood calls, they’re making ‘Arms & Hearts: The Movie’ and you’re in charge of casting. Who plays you?

Oh man I have no idea. I’m not that clued up on Hollywood. I’ve been watching a lot of Star Trek recently so maybe Chris Pine? He’s nearly as good looking as me.

Finally, is there anything else you’d like to add?

Nothing really other than some shameless self promotion. If you are going to Manchester Punk Fest please come check out my set on the Friday afternoon at Underdog!