Interview: PBR Streetgang

When Bonar Bradberry and Tom Thorpe joined forces they created a deep and dynamic duo and labeled themselves the PBR Streetgang. They then went onto great success by releasing tracks with 2020 Vision, Red Music, Wolf Music, Hot Creations and Southern Fried Records as well as becoming a much loved act at 'We Love' events worldwide.

For those who don't know tell us where the name PBR Streetgang came from...
Tom: PBR is the name of the boat from the cult war film 'Apocalypse Now'. It's a story about a bunch of weirdos/heroes on an epic journey down a river.

So, how did you meet and decide to join forces?
Bonar: We met in Birmingham about 10-11 years ago through record shopping to be honest, we were just both into the same kind of stuff so would share a pile of records. We didn't start Djing together though until we'd moved up to Leeds about a year later.

You began DJ'ing in the Leeds music scene, how did this helped you on your path to success?
Tom: I'd like to think it's definitely helped shape us, or at least gave us a good platform to start from. The night life in Leeds has always been great; the promoters, residents, and clubbers are all pretty close. I guess we feed off one another which is a massive positive.

You have also played at several festivals from Glastonbury to the Playground festival in Australia, how does a festival crowd compare to that of a club?
Bonar: It varies really but on the whole at festivals people are already up for it and ready to go wild; they're there to go bananas and they want the 'bigger tunes', the 'big moments' and more of an 'instant satisfaction' so to speak. A club crowd is usually more intimate and people can be a bit more willing to go with you musically and trust you.

You have used both digital and vinyl during your career but what is your ultimate favourite and why?
Tom: There's no contest, vinyl all the way. I don't care what anyone says, it does sound better. There's no better feeling than playing records, it's just a massive pain moving them around when gigging.

What helps you get your creative juices flowing...other than Vodka or Rum?
Bonar: Pots of tea and keep them coming! Inspiration wise though it can literally be anything, I get inspired by the daftest most non musical things at times.

You released your EP on Hot Creations earlier in the year, where did the inspiration behind the tracks Downstroke and Vibos come from?
Tom: There was no more extra ingredient than normal. The process when making that EP was the same we always adopt in the studio. We enjoy experimenting with sounds, we bounce off each other, and are getting to understand the kit we use inside out. We we're definitely happy with end results.

Your remix of Crazy P's Beatbox and also your track J2thaB both captivate your funkier and more soulful edge compared to your Hot Creations EP which explores a deeper side, do you enjoy playing with different sounds on your tracks?
Bonar: Yeah completely, our influences are really broad and so I guess that's reflected in our music and the way we DJ. Our Ep for 2020 Vision is different again and our Ep for Future Boogie will be something slightly different after that.

How do you think your sound has changed, if at all since you first formed?
Tom: Our sound is more developing than changing I think the more time spent in the studio and on music equals more growth. We take inspiration from all kinds of things, so our music will be constantly evolving. I'm really happy with where we are with things right now.

Are you currently working on any new material that you can tell us about, any collaborations or forthcoming releases?
Bonar: Sure, we've just finished a remix of Romanthony - Bring You Up which will be out very soon and our Ep for 2020Vision is out on the 30th of April. We're also doing a mix for Sunday Best and finishing our EP for Future Boogie right now. We've also started working with a very talented singer songwriter who's name I can't yet reveal... watch this space, we're very excited!

When you aren't performing at larger gigs like for We Love at Space, Ibiza where is your favourite place to play?
Tom: I've been promoting a party in Leeds called 'Asylum' for the last eight years. Most of those events are firm favourites to play at.

You were in Birmingham this Easter weekend for Circoloco how was it?
Bonar: Ridiculous! What an incredible party/event/massivedaftbloodyrave. Huge thanks to Lee, Adam and Will and the whole team for making it happen, it made me proud to be from Birmingham - naff but true, biggest gig of the year so far.

You are playing at Space on June 24th for We Love when 2020Vision takes over the Terrace this summer and then again on the 9th and 30th September. Will there be any more Ibiza dates in your calendar this year?
Tom: We may be at the IMS conference in May. But we're totally committed to the 'We Love' family, so the only other place we will be playing at this summer is around someones villa for a 'We Love' after party!
Bonar: Well, not strictly true… there is one more gig but it's for 'We Love' on July 22nd, so anyone who is out there then, come say hi and buy us a Heirbas!

Tell us about your other summer plans...
Bonar: Well, so far they look like this...

Saturday 21st April - TB2, Bristol.
Friday 27th April - Renate, Berlin.
Saturday 28th April - Move. Stoke
Sunday 6th May - 20 20 Vision secret warehouse party, London.
Sunday 6th May - The Garden Party, Leeds.
Sunday 3rd of June City Love Festival, Preston
Sunday 3rd June - The Garden Party, Leeds.
Thursday 7th June - Pangea Festival, Manchester
Saturday 9th June - Futureboogie warehouse party, London.
14th - 17th Barcelona, TBC
Saturday 23rd June - Fruit Warehouse, Hull.
Sunday 24th June - We Love. Space. Ibiza.
Wednesday 4th - 11th July - The Garden Festival. Tisno, Croatia.
Sunday 22nd July - We Love. Space. Ibiza.
Friday 27th July - Magic Lounge about festival. North yorkshire.
Saturday 28th July - Farm Festival, Somerset.
Sunday 26th August - The Garden Party, Leeds.
Friday 7th - 9th September - Bestival, Isle of White.
Sunday 9th September - We Love. Space. Ibiza
Sunday 30th September - We Love. space. Ibiza