When metalcore singer Lawrence Taylor steps out on stage at The Dome in Doncaster, the homegrown musician will be looking back at a remarkable two decades in the business.

Lawrence, better known as Loz, is frontman of South Yorkshire favourites While She Sleeps – and the band will be performing their only UK date of 2025 at the venue on December 11.

The show will be celebrating the band’s 20th anniversary – and to do so on home soil is extra special.

We caught up with Loz ahead of the big show – for a chat about two decades in the business, using a skateboard to see the sights, Rage Against The Machine playing Town Fields and following your musical dreams.

While She Sleeps will be celebrating their 20th anniversary at The Dome.

placeholder image — While She Sleeps will be celebrating their 20th anniversary at The Dome.

So, the Doncaster Dome is a landmark venue. When you were growing up, did you see any concerts there that made you think ‘we need to be on that stage?’

Loz: “When I first started going out to shows, there was a load of American bands coming through on a tour called the Taste of Chaos. I went to the Dome and it was like Kill Switch Engage and Taking Back Sunday and like, all these crazy bands that are still going now that at the time for me, were huge bands that were already doing what they were doing when I was growing up.

"So to be able to go to The Dome and see bands like that was really good.

“With Doncaster being so close to Sheffield, it's hard for Doncaster to get metal shows in general, especially big ones that come through.

"So it was good that I was able to attend those shows and go and see them.

"The world's a completely different place now in terms of social media.

"Hardcore punk shows, especially in Doncaster, are a dying breed.

“People see a band they like now on Instagram and they are like “I'm gonna go and see these guys or hear it on Spotify.

“So that was one of the reasons why I wanted to make sure that this 20th year anniversary show came to Doncaster.

"It's always been important for me to make sure that we have stuff going on for everyone.

"Bringing a metal show to Doncaster, I think, is a really important thing and we're stoked to be able to do that.”

Is there any reason why you think South Yorkshire is overlooked in terms of touring and many bands not coming to South Yorkshire anymore?

Loz: “Yeah, I mean, it's a difficult one for Doncaster.

"I grew up here and I cut my teeth in venues like the Leopard and Vintage Rock Bar.

"You know, they always allowed for us to put our shows on there. And the Leopard's probably the longest standing Doncaster venue in terms of how many years it's had live music there. So they were

the sort of bands that I saw.

"I think because we are so close to places like Sheffield and Leeds – and Doncaster doesn't have a larger venue, it’s difficult. I think that's something that we need.

We definitely could do with that investment really. I think like music wise we have got a lot of talent coming from Doncaster nowadays. It's seen through Yungblud and the Tramlines line up each year. Is there a difference between playing Sheffield and Doncaster? Is there a difference in atmosphere? Does it tap into a different part of your history?

Loz: “You know, While She Sleeps has quite a bit of a cult following.

"So I imagine we will see a lot of crossover there between a lot of people that would usually come and see us play Sheffield.

“Every couple of years, we throw a Sheffield hometown show.

“That's where the band is originally from. I think the reason we chose 20 years and to do that in Doncaster is because when While She Sleeps first sort of broke out and I joined the band, we started playing shows together.

"Doncaster was the first place that our band really sort of took off, if you like. People started noticing While She Sleeps and giving us some attention from here.

"The a little bit later, that's when it sort of started connecting with people from Sheffield and stuff.

“So we've always sort of considered Doncaster to be, you know, that place for us – especially myself being from here.

"So for us it's really important to make sure things are still popping off in Doncaster.

"Even in my spare time I like to promote shows and I've brought bands to the Vintage Bar which is like a 175 capacity room, which is crazy.

"Some of the bands we've had in that venue – they shouldn't really be playing a room that small.

"But we managed to make it work.

“I don't think there'll be any difference in terms of the fan that comes to see our band.

"Like I said, we've got a loyal fan base. We've probably seen a few of those faces before.

"But also I like to think that because it's a 20th year anniversary show, there'll be a lot of people that, that used to listen to us back in the day that might not listen to us as much now and, and you know, have an older record or an old, an album that was one of their favorites.

"And also for me, you friends and family being there is going to be a huge one. Being able to put something on that all the people I used to go out drinking with and I grew up with back in the day.

"I've had loads of people messaging me saying we're coming to see it.

“It's going to be a great, great evening. So I think for those reasons it'll be good to see a lot of old faces for me and people that have been a part of the While She Sleeps journey in general.

"So yeah, it's stoked it's stoked. I'm stoked.”

This is your only UK headline show for this year. Does knowing that make it any different from how you take on a tour, channeling it all into one show, is there any difference?

Loz: “Yeah, I mean, I guess there is for me.

"Well, for touring musicians in general, when you know you're going to be on the road a long time, you have to approach a show differently.

“Being so sort of energetic on stage and with our music being so heavy in general and energetic, it naturally takes its toll on you.

"So especially being a vocalist when you're heading out on a six week tour, you know, you've got to be living quite healthy and being match fit before you set out.

“Or else you're already on the back foot and you're going to have throat problems and not sound your best and those kind of things.

"So all that plays a part.

"We've just flown back from China – the shows there were incredible.

"What a mix of cultures to be at the other side of the world playing China and some big festivals out there and then fly back and be at home in grey Doncaster!

"But I think it doesn't matter. We approach the show the same.

Is there an older song you're dusting off for the 20th anniversary that feels completely different to play now than it did when you wrote it?

Loz: “I think to a degree, all songs feel a bit like that.

“Once you've been in the studio and written an album, taking songs to a stage can always be a bit different.

“And the songs, certain songs can feel very different live to how they feel on record in the studio.

"We're kind of mindful of that.

"We try and make sure that it's gonna feel good when we play live and that sometimes it doesn't always work.

"We're throwing into the set some deep cuts to celebrate the anniversary, songs from really early records.

"So, yeah, we'll see. We're hitting the studio in the practice room to get the set wrapped up and practiced.

"So we'll see how they feel.

"I'm excited to play some older songs that we haven't played for a little while.”

An anniversary usually makes bands tend to look backwards, but is there anything you're taking forward from this 20th anniversary?

Loz: “Definitely. Definitely. I think that, if you'd told me when I was a kid that I'd still be doing this two decades later and traveling the world with the same guys that I'm in the band with, I wouldn't have believed it.

"So I think there's quite a nice humbling that comes from taking a step back and looking at it.

"There'll be some announcements in the near future and it’s going to make even more sense as to why we're playing the Doncaster Dome.

"I can't say too much about that, but yeah, it's going to be interesting….”

“There's going to be announcements coming after the show, hopefully before Christmas.

“Being in a band for 20 years is quite humbling. It does force you to take a step back and look at what you've achieved.

"And I think that that's something that the band's doing now and not taking for granted.

"You know, it's very much sort of looking back on. On what we've managed to achieve being sort of kids really, and, and those sorts of things.

“I am grateful for those moments and grateful for the rest of the lads for being on this journey with us and also excited for what's to come next.”

Your fan base model relies on quite a fair bit of radical transparency. Has there ever been a moment where you felt you shared maybe too much with the fans? Or has that vulnerability always paid off with you guys?

Loz: “I think so.

“I think that there are a lot of artists out there that still manage to be sort of huge and hold a lot of mystery, surrounding the artist, which I've always liked.

"When I'm a fan of a band, I kind of like holding on to a lot of that mystery.

"However, that's not the way While She Sleeps has ever operated.

“Our first full length record was called This Is The Six.

“And the theory behind the album title was thinking that there's five members in the band. But without those people contributing and without those people turning up to shows and supporting our band

the way they did, we won't be able to do what we do.

"So transparency has always been the way that we've approach things and I think that our fan base respects that and likes the fact that we are sort of more punk rock in that kind of way.”

“We're northern lads, we've got that sort of pit village mentality and we've worked very hard to be in the position that we're in.

“To come through those difficult times and work really hard to get to where you want to be.

"You know, living out of a van when you first start is amazing at the time, but then you look back and you're like, how did we spend like seven weeks straight in an orange van with bunks in it going across Europe?

“I've had three throat surgeries. I've torn my larynx before from screaming too hard basically.

“Generally just partying too much.

"And we've always sort of told our fan base that information. So yeah, I believe for us, like sort of the DIY punk rock ethic that the band has behind it. I think that it's been awesome for us to be very

open and honest with our fan base.

"And our fan base always responds in such a good way. So we're very lucky in that sense as well. So yeah, transparency is the one for us.

Would you say that transparency is more of a northern thing or like a punk rock thing? Where does it lie?

Loz: “I'd say elements of both. I'd definitely say elements of both.

“That hard working mentality and the grind it takes to sort of get yourself to where you want to go is probably what we've been handed down from our parents.

"I think that that comes from probably a more punk rock sort of scene. I'd say it's a bit of both that really.”

You've proven that a band can survive about a traditional label structure. Do you think the While She Sleeps model is replicable for a brand new band starting today or does it require that established fan base foundation first?

Loz: “Good question. I think both.

"I think that there's potential in being supported in that way from people that are quite close to you is always going to be a great encouragement.

“We've managed to make it work for us as well. So, you know, the Patreon model really helped for us through Covid, which enabled us to keep our, our crew members on working when we weren't out on tour, for example, and things like that.

“And it's just, it turned into an awesome community where, you know, anyone that cares about While She Sleeps can get a deep dive and more behind the scenes stuff and tutorial videos and

all this extra content.

"But I definitely say it can work for any size band. I mean at the, very basics you've got music and T shirts so friends, close friends and family members, when you're first starting out, can

just grab a shirt and that puts some money in the tin, gives you fuel, money to get to the next show.

"Whether that can work from the get go for individual bands. I think every case is a bit different, but I'd definitely try it. There's nothing wrong with having a go.

“And then also I think that that enables you to get like an honest response to what you're “putting out too.

"It's a great sort of way of connecting with your fan base to have a Patreon model. Then you're asking questions and people can get involved and you get a bit more feedback than

just being in that bubble of a musician and just going for it and trying and trying to appease your fan base.

"So pros and cons, I guess. But I think it can definitely work for startup bands too.

"I would encourage bands to, to have a go, especially rather than, you know, a couple of years down the line, your band's doing quite well.

"Then you get picked up by a huge management or a huge label and they start taking your money straight out of your pocket. You know, why not try straight from the fans to the band first.

Speaking of labels, what do you think's the biggest killer for new bands trying to make it in the industry?

Loz: “I think that getting young bands that have a lot of potential, getting into a contract…

"What's the word? Getting a contract. It can be quite daunting but also very exciting. I think a lot of bands that are doing quite well in a grassroots sense might be eager to sign those documents

and papers and you've got to be very, very aware of what you're signing.

"Because although these people, although these sort of corporate companies, on the surface, you feel like they are friends and, you know, they really believe in the band at the end of the day, to them, you're just a number.

“So I would just say be careful when you're signing. I say that's a huge killer of bands. When you find yourself in crazy amounts of debt because corporations and companies put their trust in, you know,

“You might not be the next biggest band, but you might sign a deal for crazy money. You have got to be really careful in that situation.

Would you say it's bands being a little premature and not exactly knowing the grand concepts that could be before them when taken on?

Loz: “Yeah, yeah, yeah that's the better way of putting it.

Content creation – it's being put over music creation at the moment. How do you think bands are going to balance that? Do you think content creation is kind of

taking over the actual music artistry in itself?

Loz: “Yeah, I think it has and it does. I don't know if it fully sort of overshadows it.

“While She Sleeps, the main goal is always to write music that we like and our fan base likes.

"That's the main thing, you know, that's why people like our band.

“That's what we do. But like you said correctly that there's so much extra stuff now.

"You got to be at the forefront of creating cool, cool video imagery.

“You have a song that comes out, you have a music video, and you have all this extra sort of stuff you need to do for TikTok and Instagram and all that.

"So it does stretch the band or the artist in so many different ways.

"A lot of people have to bring other people in to help them work on that because the workload's too much. And then naturally this kind of dilutes down the end goal of what is the music. So we've

definitely felt that in the past. And like I said earlier, being a band that sort of crossed over those different sort of time zones in terms of how the industry moves.

"And social media being so huge – it can be really tricky. But I think, you know, anyone out there, you've got to just do it your way.

“It's about finding what works for you, I guess.

If you were to host your own festival, where would it be and who would the headliners be?

Loz: “So I've got free reign on location and I've got free reign on the artists, and they're all going to say yes, and it's going to be amazing?

“This is a tough question, man. That is tough.

"I'd keep it in Doncaster. I'm a Doncaster lad.

“There needs to be more music coming through Doncaster, so I am thinking stadiums or anything big so why don't wejust try for that.

I've always thought Town Fields is like massive and could do the job.

Loz : “I mean, Town Fields is banging. If you're gonna go full, you could do Town Fields. That would be great.

"In terms of bands that I'd have on people might not know on the Free Press, the bands that I'm gonna suggest.

"This is like all time sort of favourite band area. Let's just go with something that, like, most people would enjoy. So let's just do like a Rage Against The Machine festival on Town Fields. That sounds pretty, you know, pretty mad.

So what is the weirdest non musical influence on your latest work? It could be a movie, it could be architecture, conversation with a stranger, Just anything.

“That's a difficult one. It's a bit of a deep dive into sort of lyrics and stuff.

“I think that when I'm writing lyrics I try and write from actual experiences and things that have sort of happened to me and conversations that I've had.

“So I'd probably just say the people that I surround myself with quite a big influence on my writing, whether it's family and friends.

Sometimes a family member will just say a really old fashioned

phrase and it'll just make my brain think of like where that phrase comes from and, and you know, diving into why things are said and how they're said in sort of an English

speaking kind of kind of way. So probably I'd say the people that are around me are the influence that I take from to a record, I guess.

If your music was the soundtrack to a movie, what genre would that movie be? Or what movie would it be?

Loz: “That is another really good question.

"We sort of, we saw transcend over a few different genres, so it's kind of hard to pick, you know, pick out a sort of a style of film that our music would go with. I guess it'd be sort of like a dystopian feeling film.

"We talk a lot or we have done in the past about our take on the world and political views. I think it's quite easy to feel like the whole world's going to s*** sometimes. And I think that the While She

Sleeps message is always ‘well, you know, you're not on your own in those feelings and apprehensions of things.

"So I think like a movie that had like a dystopian feeling, like an empty earth kind of, kind of end of days feel that would probably work.”

What is your go to activity to keep you occupied between all the gigs?

Loz: “I do a lot of running. I love just listening to music that I like. That's probably what I do most out of everything, is just jam songs that I love.

“Skateboarding. I've done a lot of skateboarding over the years and still really enjoy that.

“Especially you know, to be able to fly around a new city on a skateboard. You see things a lot quicker.”

“You end up being, you end up finding yourself quite quickly in some cool spots and places that are quite far away from the venue that might be difficult to get to if maybe you didn't have a skateboard or a means of transportation.

“We're a DIY band, we don't have a record label, so there's a lot of workings that go into keeping that going and making sure we're doing the right things

Do you have any go to playlist soundtracks at the moment that you're currently spinning?

Loz: “There's three records I'm really enjoying at the moment.

“One is Bodies by a band called Thornhill. Just a really great record.

“When a band releases a new record, I tend to try and let the hype die down before I get involved, before I give it a listen, because I take bands in my genre pretty seriously and I love hearing new

bands that I enjoy, so I don't like taking other people's opinions on it. Thornhill's new record, Bodies is. Is one of those records that I gave a bit of time before I gave it a listen. And I'm really, really

enjoying it. I think it's a great record. I've asked for it on vinyl for Christmas. You know, it's one of those records.

“Also, there's a band from America called Greyhaven that have just released their new record a couple of months ago. And there's some awesome tracks on that.

"They recently came over and supported Every Time I Die, which is another huge American

“And a newer band that I've just sort of stumbled across. They are called Exide, and they're about to drop a brand new record in the next few days. And again

“There's a lot of melody in there as well, but definitely worth checking out if you're into sort of the heavier side of rock and metal and that

Going back to the Doncaster show, if you all had to swap instruments for one song, who in the band would survive and who would ruin the song?

Loz: “To be honest, I think everyone in our band, for the exception of me, would be all right at that.

“I've never learned to play anything and it sounds ridiculous being the frontman of a band and being surrounded by music most of my life. I've never actually learned to a good level any instruments.

"I think that's because I'm kind of fickle and slightly impatient.

"So I think that's why I picked up the microphone and that was a lot more instantaneous. I could already make sounds down that, you know, and I think that's the way I just sort of. I just

started my journey with that, picked it up and just started like ruining other band's songs basically from an early age.

"I am trying to learn to play some guitar now because like I said, I think it's criminal that I can't.

"It'd be great to be able to write songs in that way.

"When I was young, I did work experience at Electro Music that used to be on Copley Road. That was sort of the go to place for me growing up where. I used to go and

hang out around there a little bit. Still didn't learn anything. I just liked being around it.

“It'd have to be a very simple song for it to count as holding my own. But everyone would be fine, I think, apart from me. I think I'd ruin it.

So finally, for any aspiring artists from Doncaster trying to enter the music world, such as myself, albeit in a different sector completely, what words of advice would you give?

Loz : “I think that at the end of the day, if you're passionate about something and you're willing to put the grind in and give it a bit of time, then you'll succeed, you know, if that's all.

"That's all I've ever done. I was passionate about the music that I was into and I've always been passionate about making sure that Doncaster has sort of those genres floating through it. Whether it's every now and again or as much as I can potentially do.

"But I feel like if you're passionate about something, you care about it, do it. Try and find people with the same amount of drive as you and the same commitments to wanting to get there and just promote yourselves as much as possible.

“Like I said, if you're passionate about it, just truly go for it.”