Sharks Jam With Social Distortion, Ready Debut Full-Length

Brit punks Sharks have had quite a 2011 so far. While working on their debut album, they've also performed on every date of the Warped Tour and opened for Social Distortion. After just releasing their video for 'Sweet Harness,' Spinner caught up with singer/guitarist James Matlock to discuss performing with Mike Ness and what the future has in store for this promising young group.

What inspired this song and the video?

The video was just born out of an idea to bring out our friend Ryan Mackfall (Crashburn Media) and have him film an "on the road" style documentary and a music video. He was out with us for two months -- it was great. The video doesn't necessarily reflect the song's subject matter or anything, but sums up the good times that were had on our first US tour. Did I mention it was with Social Distortion?

What was touring with Social D like? Was it Mike Ness' idea to perform with you, or did you have to convince him? What did you learn from him about being in a rock band?

He just walked on stage without telling us -- cool as f---. I guess he knew that we knew their tune, 'Lude Boy', and he just plugged in and rung out the opening chord and just signaled at me. He was turning around to the stage crew saying, "It's so FAST!" I've had massive respect for this guy for years. It was very inspiring to be exposed by a type of punk show played so controlled and gracefully. I want to be Mike Ness when I'm 50.

How is work on your debut full-length going?

We're unbelievably excited and restless. It's been a long time coming and we're ready. We have 20 songs and a few of covers in mind, most of which I should think will end up being recorded; we have five weeks after all. I only expect 10-12 tracks to make the cut but it'll be nice to have the extra tracks for B-sides, splits, etc.

How has it been performing in America, especially headlining 924 Gilman?

We played a lot of great places: The Stone Pony, the Ryman Auditorium and, of course, Gilman. We felt lucky for sure. We're aware of the history and they were an honor to play.

You've credited a lot of American punk bands as big influences. Who would be your dream collaboration (of living bands, that is)?

I'm really getting back into Alkaline Trio recently; they're my favorite band. They just released a "best of" collection of stripped-down and reworked material. They have a really tight connection with their fans that I really admire.

What's next for you?

Touring really works for us. We're a better band and tight friends (despite the member loss). We plan on touring again another eight months of next year. The album will be coming out and we're going to be eager to push it. I'm very excited to be recording the record and doing the AP tour later this year too.

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