As The Ordinary Boys prepare to bring their distinctive blend of punk attitude, mod style and ska-infused energy to SHIIINE ON Festival, frontman Preston remains as refreshingly candid as ever. Reflecting on the band's journey from mid-2000s outsiders to cherished festival favourites, he discusses finding common ground with fellow guitar bands, the enduring relevance of the group's songs, and why their long-awaited return to the stage is powered by a simple desire: to have fun. With new material on the horizon and a renewed passion for performing, The Ordinary Boys look set to be one of Minehead's must-see acts.

SHIIINE ON has become a real home for fans of British guitar music. What does a festival like this mean to The Ordinary Boys?

We always felt like outsiders never really in a scene and being slightly out of step with other bands. We’ve always felt like we had more in common with the punk and britpop bands that came before us. Playing Shiiiine on means a lot to us as the bands are from different eras yet it feels like a lineup we are much more suited to.

Looking across the line-up, do you still feel a sense of camaraderie with the bands that came through around the same time as you?

The Twang and Hard Fi are friends of ours and I can relate to their journey. It was a strange time to be a band in the mid Noughties.. 70s punk, 80s indie and 90s britpop were so defined in their sound and look but it’s that strangeness that unifies us and gives us a sense of scene.

When you take to the stage at SHIIINE ON, what kind of atmosphere are you hoping to create for the crowd?

I’ve not really done the band in a couple of decades and the only reason we are back together is because I missed it so much. We are trying to make it as fun as possible. There’s a lot of ska in the set and opportunities for dancing. I’m having a mid life crisis and inviting everyone to come and have it with me.

Many fans attending the festival grew up with your music. How does it feel seeing those songs continue to connect with people years later?

It’s very humbling seeing that people still connect with the band after all these years. I’m glad that my lyrics seem to have made an impact on people that has lasted so long. It makes me very happy.

Is there a particular song in your set that consistently surprises you with the reaction it gets from audiences?

We have a new song Peer Pressure that has become a live favourite and always a high point in the set. I didn’t expect that at all. Leaning into the ska influence on this newer album that we are finishing off at the moment feels like it was the right decision judging by the reaction to Peer Pressure

The Ordinary Boys always stood slightly apart from the typical indie bands of the era thanks to your punk, ska and mod influences. Looking back, do you think that individuality helped define your identity?

I don’t think that was a conscious decision. We always liked music from the 70s and I would have said we were a punk band before we recorded the first album. After we were on the cover of the NME with Paul Weller the mod influence kind of took over. It was always a part of the band but only one of several influences. I’m embracing it more now that i did in 2004.

Festivals like SHIIINE ON celebrate not just nostalgia, but the enduring quality of great songs. Which track from your catalogue do you think has aged best?

I recently posted the video to Week In Week Out on our instagram and I had a look at the comments and a lot of them were about how the lyrics were even more relevant now. I suppose boys will be boys is about the manosphere and toxic masculinity it just didn’t have a name yet.

If you could go back and give the band one piece of advice during those breakthrough years, what would it be?

I would say slow down and smell the roses!

The mid-2000s indie scene was a remarkable period for British music. What are your strongest memories from that time?

It felt like there were so many bands that were our age living out their own ambitions. There was space for guitar music in a way that doesn’t exist now. I’m not saying that that is necessarily better than now but it was an amazing thing to live through.

You've shared stages with some legendary artists throughout your career. Was there one moment when you realised The Ordinary Boys had truly arrived?

We supported the who and I would have thought we had arrived except I got really badly told off for spitting on stage. Probably rightly so in retrospect

What can fans expect from your SHIIINE ON set this year? Are there any surprises in store?

We’re making a real effort to be the best band we can be. We have a new keyboard player and a horn section when we can afford it and the set is incredibly tight. The surprise it that we have been secretly honing our live set all these years.

Is there another act on the SHIIINE ON bill that you'll be making a point of watching yourselves?

I adore the Wannadies. They were a huge influence on me as a teenager. Very underrated band.

How does the energy of a festival crowd compare with your own headline shows?

I think of them as 2 completely distinct experiences and they take a whole different energy. I love them both.

What do you think was the secret behind the strong sense of community that existed around British guitar music in the 1990s and 2000s?

Guitar music was king and felt essential in a way that it hasn’t since. The industry was less able to get their fingers into the machinery like they can with pop music and dance music. It meant that the power was with the kids and we knew it.

Finally, for fans heading to Minehead this November, why is a The Ordinary Boys set still an essential part of the SHIIINE ON weekend?

Come see us and find out!

Throughout our conversation, Preston speaks with warmth, perspective and an obvious affection for both the band's past and its future. Whether discussing the strange but memorable era that produced The Ordinary Boys, revisiting songs whose messages feel more relevant than ever, or embracing a newfound love of their ska influences, there is a sense that this is a band enjoying a genuine second wind. For SHIIINE ON attendees, that can only be good news. Expect a set packed with beloved favourites, infectious rhythms, and perhaps even the soundtrack to Preston's self-confessed midlife crisis. As he puts it himself, the best way to understand why The Ordinary Boys remain essential festival viewing is simple: "Come see us and find out".

Keep up to date with The Ordinary Boys via INSTAGRAM