LaFontaines excited by Sheffield return

Support slots with acts such as Twin Atlantic, Beardyman and N-Dubz demonstrate their trans-genre appeal – and they are now heading out in support of alt-rockers Don Broco and heading for Sheffield next week.

Frontman Kerr Okan says: “It’s hard to try to describe something that doesn’t really exist anywhere else – it’s the gift and curse of what we do.

“Some people try to loosely lump it in with other genres because it makes it easier for the industry framework.

“However, we’ve become accustomed to it by now – it’s always going to be tough being the first through the door.

“All we know is whatever type music we make, people like it, but I think at our very core we are a true rock band.”

However, despite their popularity – they are renowned as one of, if not the best live acts in Scotland – they have not quite made the “big league” just yet.

“The only problem we have is exposure,” says Kerr.

“We’ve been 100 per cent independent since we started The LaFontaines 10 years ago.

“That means everything from forming our own record label, manufacturing our own CDs, creating our own merchandise, artwork, videos etc since day one – all on the tightest of budgets.

“The only problem we face is finance. More money means more exposure.

“We’ve never had a problem with anyone not being ready for the music; our only issue has been giving them the opportunity to hear it.

“That’s why live performances mean everything to us.

“Live has and always will be our main priority – it’s where the band comes alive.

“We have the best possible time at every show we play, regardless of city or venue, and I think that translates to the crowd. That’s why we have that reputation.

“People can tell when something is genuine, when a band is being authentic and true to themselves.

“Live is where you get to witness what The LaFontaines are all about. Plus we are absolutely class live to be fair.”

They may love playing live, “regardless of city or venue”, but Kerr admits they have a soft spot for Sheffield ahead of their show at the city’s O2 academy next week.

Kerr says: “We’re buzzing to come back to Sheffield, we’ve had some of our best gigs there over the years.

“The first time we ever came down we were supporting a band called Bad Rabbits at the Plug, who funnily enough have also supported Don Broco.

“Since then, we’ve done three headline shows there and we always make a point of including it on our tour runs.

“We’ve never played the O2 before though, so please get down early for the best show Sheffield has ever seen.”

Kerr’s enthusiam for the show and the Don Broco support tour is obvious.

“We‘ve never been as excited about a tour as we are for this one, genuinely,” he says.

“We had a night out with the boys in Broco a few years back in Birmingham and it was total class.

“They are up for a laugh and they play good tunes – what more could you want?

“One of the best things for us is that we get to play to a whole host of new people.

“Any opportunity we get to spread the music is something we appreciate and will make the most of.

“Please get yourself down as early as possible and we promise we won’t disappoint.”

The LaFontaintes play Sheffield’s O2 Academy, in support of Don Broco, on Friday, April 27. Also on the bill is Yungblud.

For tickets, priced from £28.65, see sheffieldacademy.co.uk