Living To Be Live: Little Man Tate

The last time Little Man Tate played York Fibbers they had a lot more than their set list to worry about. Let’s just say, their van is still here tonight and Gigwise knows that is more than a relief for these four likely lads. Propped up against a mound of tables and chairs are Dan, Jon, Maz and Ben otherwise known as the aforementioned Little Man Tate. “We had our yellow van nicked last time we played here. Stolen from right outside the back door. They even took our ****ing plectrums. We had to get the bleeding train home and everything,” says Jon, the steel city quartet’s front man. There is a chorus of laughter and you get the feeling that it would take a lot to stop these guys in their tracks.

As a band, Little Man Tate are relatively grounded, no egotistical rock maniacs here. They welcome Gigwise into their fold with open arms. One things for sure, they’re enjoying every moment of life in a band. “It’s weird you know, we just love what we’re doing and where we are right now, we couldn’t ask for any more, what happens, happens,” says Maz. Ben then goes on to add: “Yeah its very humbling speaking to people at gigs, it becomes overwhelming at times because we’re just four mates playing music together. Although it seems so natural, it also seems quite ridiculous that we should be allowed to do this.”

It’s easy to see the appeal with these wide eyed Sheffield born lads, especially against the background of bands that seem to be dotted across the horizon right now. They just are who they are, very real and that comes across in their music. Everything they sing about has taken place or is stuff they have encountered along the way and their motto “we just live to be live” bodes extremely well. It is easy to forget that Little Man Tate aren’t even signed yet, but it's also quite exciting to see where they are at the moment as they don’t seem too phased by the commotion that surrounds them.

When discussing the success of fellow natives Artic Monkeys, the boys become quite excited. “Its spot on really, they’ve really put Sheffield on the map again and it’s great to see so much enthusiasm for local bands,” enthuses Dan. We shouldn’t forget that Little Man Tate have their very own version of an 'arctic army' with a vast following in their home town, leading to a complete sell-out for their gig at The Grapes recently. Something thet really can’t believe says Jon, “It’s mad, it really is mad-  but good! We can’t even get our mates in, up until recently there weren’t any tickets available and the guest list was full. It’s crazy but we’re loving every second of it. That’s why it’s so nice to see such an ace turn out when we play further a field. It really is mint.”

There’s nothing hard about describing their music, fuelled with their obvious quirky northern catchy lyrics such as ‘he’s a cross dresser honey’ and spunky rifts, with a resonant bass, you can’t help but move around like a hyperactive kid on day release. You really have to see them live to experience the Little Man Tate sound though as no amount of reviews or photographs will capture their spirit and energy when they play. Not only are they talented, funny as hell but they are down to earth with no pretence and Gigwise wouldn’t fret if we had to take them home to meet our mum.