Over the years music fans have witnessed many great minds such as The Beetles, The Smiths and even the likes of Led Zeplin who have gone on to inspire future generations, and still very much have much influence even to this day.

Fast forward to more recent times and for people of our generation there is one British band who for the past 15-16 years have been bringing their fun and vibrant approach to the music scene. Who I am I talking about I hear you say, none other than The Kooks.

Following a busy summer which involved the release of their latest album, Let’s Go Sunshine, the band travelled across a number of locations over the UK in September to play a series of intimate gigs. I was truly blessed therefore when I was finally able to meet with front-man, Luke Pritchard when the band came to Middlesbrough Empire.

This November,Orange County based metalcore band came to the UK to support Bullet For My Valentine, whilst also hosting two of their own headline shows. We caught up with the bands drummer, Valentino Arteaga at Newcastle on 12th November 2018 to discuss not just the latest album, Defy but also discover more about how the band have been enjoying the year as a whole.