Last Week Big Long Sun released their new EP I Can Hardly See A Thing, relatively hot on the heels of last year’s Big Long Sun : Speaking album. More lo-fi in nature and bringing in an even wider array of influences than before it feel’s like the sky’s the limit for Jamie Broughton and his band. With Preston Park in full bloom, we skipped taking photos down at the beach (has anyone other than me and the people in the photos noticed that the rest of the Brighton Rocks series photos are at the beach?) and took advantage of nature’s spring display to catch up and get the low down on Brighton.

Best thing about Brighton?
Brighton feels as though it’s in its own vacuum. This is what I love about it. A space in which to consider and bide time, disconnected from London and all its overwhelming aspects. I like that there is an air of acceptance and individuality. The music scene is one symptom of this phenomenon. But there are many others. I just wish we had an actual good venue open after midnight and not just the abysmal ‘dead wax’.

Favourite local bands?
I like Nina Winderland and her band a lot, and I love Woody Green, especially when he plays with a band behind him. Both of those artists are great songwriters and (more importantly) really inspired poets.
Check out their poems.
Both are making books I believe.
I’m not crazy on all the bands, I think my taste would be more at home in a slightly more diverse musical landscape but…
Billy marsh, what a front man…
Great artists are also at work in this city –
Bill Redshaw, Darling vinciguerra, Hugo Winderlind.
Also as a final note, we got no jazz in Brighton really, but hill collective are dope – check out their stuff.

Best venue?
Alphabet. A lot of the other ones I have become tired of.

Best rehearsal space / studio?
I like rehearsing in basements and bedrooms and other amateur locations. The time pressure and protocol of rehearsal spaces is not conducive to creativity.

Best club?
Hahahahahah. none that I’ve found or feel compelled to inhabit. Another greatly lacking aspect of Brighton actually.

Best record shop?
I like across the tracks, but I don’t have spare cash anymore…

Best places to eat?
Abyssinia – amazing Ethiopian place.

Best pub?
I don’t really like pubs. I prefer houses and parks and the beach and the forest.
If I went for a drink with someone I think I’d go to alphabet. Love that place.

Favourite Brighton celebrity?
Willow Bumble. What a legend.

Last time you had any Brighton Rock?
2018 – what a disaster teeth and pain and confusion that was

I Can Hardly See A Thing by Big Long Sun is out now