INTRODUCING: We chat to 'Boza' based quintet MIMOSA following the release of their new AA side single 'Taxi Fare' & 'Madman'....
I was recently sent news of a AA side release from a plucky quintet going by the name MIMOSA, after hearing both tracks, I wanted to dig a bit deeper and find out about the band, who’s in it and what makes them tick. Read on to find out about their hometown, the music scene in their local area and key venues that have helped put them on the map….
1. You’re called MIMOSA, tell me how you came to settle on the name
The name was in circulation anyway with a few others, then we was chilling in Rob’s van and someone walked by smoking summet nice and it kinda just stuck!
2. Please introduce each member of the band with a fascinating fact about each of them (assuming they have done something fascinating of course!)
We’ve got Harry, he’s a professional tool passer by day, drummer by night.
Ernie he’s a bricky I reckon every one of his walls have fell down though.
Macaulay is a great singer great songwriter, he’s shite at golf though.
Monty is an awesome rhythm guitarist, great songwriter and a scratch golfer.
Rob can get all ‘zen’ and thrash a solo out like you wouldn’t believe.
3. Three words to describe the sound of MIMOSA?
Loud, hectic and fresh
4. I see that MIMOSA is a cocktail and a flower, which is better suited to you?
Aha The flower
5. You have worked with BBC Introducing East Midlands in the past, where are you based and would you class this as your main stomping ground for local gigs?
Well we are based in Bolsover really and there’s nowt there, there’s a castle and that’s about it, I’d say our main stomping ground is Sheffield.
6. How would you rate the live music scene where you are based?
In our immediate area, the music scene is next to nothing, of course our plan is to change that. The great thing about our area is there is a sense and a feeling of camaraderie with it being an old mining town. We have a small army of friends that follow us up and down the country. Often at times, the small bunch of fans that are loyal to each and every show make their presence and who they're supporting known. There are also a few venues within throwing distance from the mighty 'Bolsover', mainly in Chesterfield.
We're extremely lucky to have the iconic venue in the heart of the country Sheffield’s 'Leadmill' which again, is only a small distance from us. It holds a place in our hearts as we were lucky enough to play our first ever gig in the main room.
7. Any key venues that have helped you to get where you are now that would be worthy of a mention?
The Leadmill
Ynot (festival)
Aston Villas park and BBC INTRODUCING
8. You just released your AA side single Taxi fare / Madman, why did you decide to release both at the same time and not two standalone singles?
Well ‘Madman’ is actually a B-side to ‘Taxi Fare’, we thought dropping a chilled acoustic number alongside a hectic track like ‘Taxi Fare’ would be a nice dynamic.
9. I read the stories behind each of the tracks, one being about a night out in your town and the other about a psychotic leader going by the name ‘Boris’, how do ideas for songs normally come to you?
I’ve never been much of a fan of the sleaze balls in charge, so ‘Madman’ kinda came instantly especially with all the Covid rules it was just mind boggling to me!
The opening line to ‘Taxi Fare’, “we'll split the taxi fare or I'll get you a drink inside”, was the main inspiration for the song. This idea came from real person who always bargained for a free taxi in exchange for a drink, this never happened.
There is a sense of realism within the track although quite basic lyrically, it rings true to the atmosphere and vibes of a standard night out around our home town 'Boza' formally known as Bolsover. The original idea came once practising guitar on a rather dull morning after a night out, you could say it was a comedown but something good came from it so maybe not!
10. You have released a few singles since 2021, any plans to release an EP or maybe an album in 2024?
Well there’s definitely enough songs for about 3 albums, the amount of acoustic songs written? pffff, I’ve lost count, I mean maybe this year we will release an EP as we’ve got multiple demos recorded and two songs at mix and mastering stage so we’ll see….
11. Which bands or acts would you cite as key influences on your sound?
Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, The Beatles and The Red Hot Chili Peppers I’d say
12. I read that you previously played at YNOT Festival as well as performing all over the country, any plans for festivals or a tour in 2024?
YNOT was brilliant it would be a blast to get on multiple festivals this year, but as of now, we are currently working on a brand new setlist and our dates are open, So just see where the wind takes us!
13. If YOU could create your own dream festival with 3 headline acts (can be alive or dead) who would they be?
Oasis, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin……The Doors, Pink Floyd & The Rolling Stones - mate, 3 is hard to choose as there are loads out there!
14. We’re coming to yours for dinner (Come Dine with me stylee) what are you serving us? Starter, main and dessert.....
For starters, it would be some garlic prawns or something similar.
For main course, it would be a good steak or maybe a steak & ale pie.
And for dessert no one can grumble with a space cake can they? (other cakes are available)
15. Finally, would you rather live with a dog that can clean, or a cat that can talk?
It’d have to be a cat that can talk, I’d just sit up and talk about the pyramids all day!
We’d like to thank the guys from MIMOSA for sparing the time to chat to us and we look forward to whatever they do next, keep your eyes on festival bills as you never know where they might pop up. In the meantime, their socials are below, go fill yer boots!