Band name: Northern Sugar

Members: Tommy McLoughlin, Ryan Walker, Sam Longhurst and John Aspey

When and where did you form? The band formed with Tommy and Sam when two rivers of absurd influence and reminiscent ideology smashed together to create an ocean of pure, unadulterated Rock n Roll — Northern Sugar was born. Despite originally starting off by paying homage to their favourite bands and artists, they soon came to realise the potency of their own original ideas. Which, one day no doubt will be played by testosterone raging teenagers on their first guitar. John, a work colleague of Tom's, was approached by the lads to come onboard as drummer. After a number of temporary bass players, they stumbled upon Ryan, who at the time was acting dogsbody at Bolton FM, where he first encountered the faces behind the deceiving ferocity behind the Sugar.

What is your sound and who are your influences? The sound of the band is hard to define because of its in-depth simplicity that has submerged through a stodgy pool of influences. One thing we can tell you is there's no smoke and mirrors, what you hear is what you get. It's real, it's gritty, it'll thump you in the stomach and we intend to keep it that way. As far as influences go, we obviously all have individual heroes and inspirations but we'd be here all night. Collectively as far as songwriting goes; The Who, The Rolling Stones, The Black Keys, Beady Eye, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Kinks, Kasabian and Oasis can all be responsible for making us want to surpass the fame and fortune — what's the fun in being realistic?

What is the biggest gig you have played to date? The biggest gig we've ever played to date was probably the Tudor Hotel. A great local venue in Wigan, for the launch party of our debut single Come on. It was that night when we came across how many people actually enjoy our music. A band to sing and dance too, to get drunk too and not quietly observe from the corner. You know it's going well and you've got it good when you see two people entwined kissing to one of your songs, become one with the music. The gig was a massive success, measured by smiles on faces and the amount of records we sold.

If you are not already, is it your ambition to become professional? The idea of being professional isn't down to us. We're professional now. Just because you have fancy gear and a guy to open the cap on your bottle of water doesn't make you pro. We go, get up and get lost in our own moment. We consider a decent photograph or a well poured pint to be professional. Not some clown prancing down a red carpet at some gig in London.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In 10 years time we see ourselves as a band renowned for its hard work, its cult following and its dedication to its fans. We want to give it back to people, lead the sheep to the slaughter, rise above the ever changing fashions and once again revolutionise rock n roll. Also, it wouldn't be right being in a band and not wanting to play at Wembley Stadium or the River Plate Stadium. Thinking small gets you nowhere — dare to dream. We believe our tunes deserve to be played at the palaces of our icons. The Rolling Stones at Hyde Park, The Who at Isle of Man, Oasis at Knebworth and of course... The Verve at Haigh Hall. If four lads from Wigan can headline Glastonbury, sell-out Madison Square Gardens and have their track played as an intro for the Superbowl then why can't another group of working class lads from Wigan and Bolton do it?

Is there anything unusual or interesting about the band? The unusual thing is we don't know anything unusual about each just yet; that's the job of touring i suppose. Every band has secrets, most bands split on the unveiling that their drummer likes climbing trees stark naked pretending he's an ape. Rather than the overused cliche of musical differences.

Upcoming gigs? The next gig is The Blind Tiger tomorrow. A special one for Ryan considering he's born and raised in Bolton, the bands first outing there.