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Who are Young Casual Gentlemen?

Michael: Three northern lads, a southerner and a jock brought together by the love of real music and service in the Royal Air Force.

Michael: Out of a hat of containing each member’s suggestions. Martin's won. On reflection, it was the best one. It's arrogant yet....casual.

When did you begin performing?

Aspi: We all had other bands/projects before this, Michael and I were in a Leicester-based band before, Rob played in loads before the RAF. YCG began performing after getting good at playing and writing songs we were happy to play in front of people.

Who or what are your greatest influences?

Rich: Charlie Watts and Roger Taylor, both amazing drummers. TheÌý Rolling Stones and Queen.

Michael: Life and the walls it's thrown up, Deftones, Art Alexakis (Everclear), Wes Borland.

Aspi: Pink Floyd, Nirvana and the fact that rock and roll is the answer.

Rob: Sublime, NOFX, punk and ska themselves,

Martin: THE FLYING V.
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If your mum was describing your sound, what would she say?

All: HA HA HA. 'It sounds really nice', in a very mum fashion.

Michael: I'll be honest, Aspi and I have been around it for about two years now, and I find it very...CLICKY! To be an out of town band, trying to say 'hello' and 'fancy coming to see us' proves frustrating. On a certain Leicestershire forum our posts sink like the Kursk, because we ain’t 'the clique'.

Who are your favourite local artists at the moment and why?

All: Fellow Rutlander's Micawber are hot, good mates of ours, The Tea Monkeys are mint as are Red Star Radio. We'd say others, but they have probably never listened to us, click click.

Best gig so far?

Rob: The Attik supporting Ska act 'The Scrub'.

Worst gig?

All: Not/Never applicable.

Where did you go to school and what was the best thing about it?

Michael: Manchester, Chepstow, Burnley, Withernsea and somewhere in Jockland. The best thing (on behalf of all YCG)...Girls’ short skirts and their protruding legs!

What's been your most embarrassing music-themed moment?

All: Aspi, our singer.

Have you got any examples of rock 'n' roll misbehaviour?

Martin: Rich is a copper, so no answer.

Rich: (after lots of squabbling and beer can slamming down) ‘Predicament’ or ‘Officer 21’. Live definitely ‘Officer 21’ because we enjoy it so much, and it shows. ‘Predicament’ on the fact it's raw emotion, with atmospherics to match.

Where and when was you first gig?

Aspi: RAF Cottesmore, an easy one. All our colleagues smiled in complete non-understanding.

Favourite cheese?

Michael: Rutland Smoked. ps Does not exist.

Most romantic gesture you've ever made?

All: Rich

Is being based in Leicestershire/Rutland a help or a hindrance?

Rob: We are all city lads living in Rutland, it's fun in a way. However, driving miles to gig is kind of frustrating, especially when it's free beer.

What would you be doing now if you weren't answering these questions?

Michael: Getting Martin up to speed with the new songs, as he has been in Afghanistan, a not so casual place.