Here we are again, back with another chat to document the DIY scene that I have been part of through Struggletown for the past 10 years. It's been a few weeks since I've felt like recording an episode, I'm a little burnt out on it all - with the COVID restrictions easing it feels like a strange time to be doing something that was very much useful lockdown distraction for me.
Ben Goulder suggested speaking to Lew Currie from Nai Harvest (Grazes, Thumbuster, Splutter & More) and I am very glad I did. I think Lew is one of the people whose intro to punk music and illustration/design for bands echoes my own the most. We both dived into the world of MySpace and embraced the wealth of local bands that were there looking for a creative person to make record covers and shirt designs for them at a fairly early stage and we've both continued as designers since. Lew is a MUCH better drummer than I am, but that goes without saying.
We touch on Lew's early days, when his dad felt that learning an instrument was essential for a young lad, and how he learned his chops playing covers at home with his brother, and later in various projects that didn't really get off the ground. We mention Flood of Red and my previous gues Calum Doris, which is a very nice little link.
Then we go into the wild ride that Nai Harvest provided us all with, not least the two core members, Ben and Lew. I was lucky enough to catch onto this band pretty early and we worked on their first 7\" together, which went on to multiple represses and represents a benchmark in the 'UKEMO' scene of the period. I also worked on artwork for the first LP - Whatever, which was my first LP cover design and still means a great deal to me now. Nai Harvest had an energy and charm about them that is rare to find, there are thousands of talented bands that deserve our attention but something this two-piece really connected with our little group and saw them become a firm favourite. We talk a bit about what that was like from the inside, and the reality of getting by as a full-time touring artist.
Lew's illustration work has been a vivid part of the look of our scene, through record covers, merch and more for wide range of bands and more, including the DIY space, venue and label Delicious Clam.
This conversation was a great one to have - I really enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with Lew, and I hope you like it too.
Closing track: Wendy House by Thumbuster from the album NO:P https://deliciousclamrecords.bandcamp.com/album/no-p