We sat down with Jonny and Tom from Liverpool band COLUMBIA to talk about how the band came together, their busy 2023 and when we can expect new music from the lads.

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What sparked the formation of Columbia?

Jonny: One of the lads was at uni in Preston, and they had some recording studios that we managed to sneak in to. We had one guitar between us and a snare and a tom, a bottle of Jack Daniels and we came out with a tune. We didn’t start Columbia until a year later until Jim joined on drums.

Tom: The first night we went in Sweeney (Guitar) he literally learnt two chords and then the song was written. Since then we’ve tried to blag it.

Jonny. We’ve been blagging it ever since.

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How long have you all known each other?

Tom: We’ve all grown up through school. Jonny and Sweeney have known each other since primary school and the rest of us met in high school. We weren’t really going to see bands together at that time, we would go to Ibiza and listen to dance music.

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What is the scene like Liverpool?

Tom: The past year has grown massively. People are looking at the city more now, you have bands like The Kairos, The Sway and some bigger names like Red Rum Club and Jamie Webster. The scene definitely feels like something is happening again now.

Jonny: It’s all coming under one umbrella, where we rehearse The Kairos are in there, and The Rats were, Jamie was for a bit too. It’s nice to see that Liverpool is getting a better name for itself with some fantastic bands coming from the city at the minute.

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The recent announcement of Jimmy’s came as a shock to many in Liverpool, and for bands who have played it on tour, how will the closure of the venue impact the city?

Tom: It is the best venue in Liverpool for that capacity. Most of the other places are bars that have facilities for bands or the other venues are much bigger. Some of our best ever gigs were at Jimmy’s. Its hard because how are bands meant to play when venues are closing across the country.

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You recently played Birkenhead Live, how did that go down?

Tom: It’s a boss little set up, with it being outdoor you have to bank on the weather being good.

Jonny: The reception was good, there were people with our t-shirts on as well. We were on pretty early but still got a decent crowd. Its hard when you are on early as people are gradually entering the venue throughout the day but we got some decent numbers in really.

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Your next show is at Gathering Sounds all day event in Stockton-on-Tees, how excited are you for that?

Jonny: I can’t wait for that one. It’s the last one of the summer really, we’re really looking forward to it.

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Is there anybody in particular you will be checking out on the day?

Tom: I’ve seen a few videos of The Clause recently, they look like they are going off.

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What goals would you like to achieve going forward?

Tom: We’ve had a boss year this year, the plan now is when we do a hometown gig that we sell out quickly. We’re going to get another EP out next year. Hopefully a lot more festivals next year too. I’d personally love to do our biggest ever hometown show.

Jonny: It’s about building on what we have already achieved.

Tom: We’ve got plenty of tunes in the locker, and every tune we write we think it’s better than the last one. That is what you really want as a band. Shout out to This Feeling who have backed us throughout the past year too.

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What is the feeling like when people come up to you at shows and give you praise on your performances?

Jonny: It’s a boss feeling. When we write a new tune, then release it, we’ll move on to the next one, but people will tell you they like one song better than the other and you don’t realise straight away that certain songs impact people differently, even if we think the new song is better, other people love the previous ones.

Tom: It’s a belter, that is the best thing about it for me. We have had people who come up to us and they’ve traveled from different cities to see us play a show. It makes you feel like the hard work you put in really pays off.

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What is your favourite show of 2023?

Jonny: Y Not was boss. It was the first time we have played a festival like that. We clased with The Lathums and our tent was still packed out and the reaction was brilliant.

Tom: We did a show at The Sunflower Lounge in Birmingham on a Thursday that came as a surprise. It’s a boss little venue.

Jonny: You could feel the energy from the crowd, I’ve never felt like that coming off stage before.

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What plans are set in stone for 2024 so far?

Jonny: We are writing our EP that will hopefully be out early next year. One of the tracks is already recorded, we have one demoed as well so it’s just about getting time to go into the studio now. There’s going to be some catchy tracks on there.

Tom: Hopefully a tour is coming up soon as well.

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Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Jonny: To be fair we just go out and smash it. If anything I go and have a piss before we go on.

Tom: The past couple of gigs me, Jonny and Sweeney have warmed up a bit on our guitars for about twenty minutes. But nothing major really, we might go for a scran or have a few bottles to kill some time but thats about it really.

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What would be your perfect rider?

Tom: Some bevvys for after the gig. A snooker table. The waiting around for a gig is horrible sometimes so you need something to take your mind off it.

Jonny: A couple bottles of Glenfiddich, some Desperados and that will do me. A big couch and a PS5 to chill out with would be nice too.

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A big thank you to Jonny and Tom for taking time out of their evening to give us the low down on everything going on with Columbia right now. We look forward to hearing the new music very soon.

You can follow the band across social media via the links below:

Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Columbia will be playing shows across the UK on the following dates:

30th September – Gathering Sounds @ Stockton-On-Tees (Storytellers)
4th November – Liverpool, O2 Academy (supporting Anthony Russell)