Yorkshire quintet Asking Alexandria are rising fast with their rousing metalcore. Big Cheese caught up with lead guitarist Ben Bruce to talk about the band’s upcoming UK headline tour.

You’re from York but you were actually formed in Dubai and have played more shows in the US than the UK. Why did you choose to focus more on the American market than your own country to start out?
“We didn't really choose that, it just kinda happened. We went to the US with the intentions to record some demos with Joey Sturgis and then we planned on flying back home straight after that was finished. As things turned out, about 4 or 5 days after posting the songs on Myspace, record labels started hitting us up and asking if we were interested in signing with them. After we signed with Sumerian they sent us straight into the studio with Joey again to record the full-length album and the day after we finished recording, tour in the US started. So it was really just a timing thing and it just kinda crept up on us.”

What’s the main difference (if any) between playing for US crowds and English crowds?
“The big difference for us is obviously when we play back at home we feel like we are home – it’s almost like breathing a sigh of relief and thinking, ‘fuck yes, we are back’... it's a great feeling. As far as crowd response and everything like that it's pretty similar in both countries to be fair, but like I said there is just a special feeling that comes over us when we play at home.”

What’s the weirdest place you’ve ever played and why?
“Thailand was pretty damn weird. The kids there are amazing and really thankful that we went over there, but there is a lot of weird things that go on over there and lots of men that are dressed as women that really do look like legitimate women and try and coax you into sleeping with them. It's kind of unnerving! You don't know what you might wake up next to!”

How was the recent Soundwave Festival in Australia and did you meet any of your heroes?
“It was fucking incredible, one of the best experiences of my life. We got to hang out with a lot of really great musicians and people, everyone hung around with everyone, there was no real segregation between bands. The crowds were amazing, the venues were great, it was just an awesome tour and I can’t wait to go back over there.”

It seems that there’s a real buzz on you here in the UK now. Do you think it’s because you’ve already made a mark in the US?
“I'm not really too sure what the answer is, I suppose that could be one of the reasons. I'm just glad people at home are starting to accept us and are supporting us. It really does mean the world to us, whatever the reason may be for the 'buzz'.”

Are you excited to be touring the UK in April with Of Mice & Men and Chelsea Grin? Will you be hanging out?
“It's going to be a great tour, it's our second full UK tour and we cannot wait to get back home. The support bands are great and the venues are great. We are definitely going to be hanging out and having a good time, bring on the booze!”

What three things should fans bring to an Asking Alexandria show?
“Condoms, Lube and beer! Nah, I don’t know. Maybe a few sheckles so that if they bump into us at the bar we can sit down have some drinks and play some pool!”

Asking Alexandria tour the UK in April/May:

April
22 London Electric Ballroom

May
3 Birmingham Academy 2
4 Manchester Academy 2
5 Glasgow Garage

Read more of the interview with Asking Alexandria in the latest issue (no. 131). Order your copy by clicking HERE.