Beans On Toast is an artist we’ve caught up with many times in the past, having a reputation for putting on raucous gigs and playing just about every festival going. He’s got another tour and new album coming out this December (as usual!), so I leapt at the chance to interview him again. I also bumped into Beans at Y Not Festival recently this weekend and saw him interacting with people and the guy is a genuinely nice dude who practices what he preaches, so kudos to him for that too!
Interview by Jane Howkins. Photo by Marc Sethi
The last time we officially spoke to you was way back in 2023! How have you been keeping since then? How’s life been in general?
All is well, my friend – obviously loads has happened in the last three years. Lots of life has been lived, that’s for sure and I’m looking forward to coming back to the fine city of York.
You’ve recently announced your annual winter tour. How long is it that you’ve been doing this now? Are you pulling anything special out of the bag this time around?
It’s coming up to twenty years in the game. Which I understand is a long time, but it still feels fresh to me and I love everything about it. I’ve been consistently writing, releasing music and touring for that time. It’s something I’ll never tire of, and there’s always something special to pull out the bag – you’ll have to come along and see for yourself.
You also played at Y Not Festival this year. We’ve seen you many times at the festival (and caught you this year too!), how many times is it you’ve performed there now? What is it about Y Not that keeps you coming back for more?
I’ve honestly lost count. I should do a bit of research and actually count. I played one of the very first events they did, then came back in 2011 and I think I’ve played every year they’ve held it since then. So I’d say it’s a bit of a tradition and it’s always an incredible show…
Do you have any more festivals planned for this year or next?
Oh, shit loads. That’s how I spend my summer – my general rule of thumb is tour during the winter and festival during the summer. I think this year I’m doing 28 UK Festivals, and then festivals in Australia and the USA too.
Your last album, Kill Them With Kindness, was released back in December last year. How was the reception and what can you tell our readers about the record if they haven’t checked it out yet?
It’s an album about travel, geo-political shit storms, peace, love, war, tequila and my new cat. It was recorded with The Beans on Toast Band in sunny Yorkshire (Leeds to be precise) and it’s gone down a treat, thank you. It’s my 18th studio album.
You’re very prolific with your album releases. Do you have anything planned for this year?
Yeah, new album as usual on out on 1st December this year, all will be revealed about that shortly.
Can we expect any new Beans On Toast singles anytime soon?
Feels like I’m a step ahead! Yep, you can expect new music this September, but I’ve been playing the new songs live already.
You’ve got a reputation for being somewhat political at times. What are your thoughts on the world at the moment? Anything you’d like to share or any causes you’d like to champion here?
Yeah… Zack Polanski.
As far as I can see, he’s the only politician who seems to be against war, realistic about the dangers of climate catastrophe, willing to stand up to bullies and not bought out by vested interests. He’s got my vote.
What have you been listening to recently? Any new bands/artists you can recommend we check out?
Yeah, Amy True – I saw her at a festival at the start of the summer. She’s incredible. Fun, clever, on-point and producing modern music with a message – her live band was awesome to boot.
Any last words for the fans?
See you at The Crescent, It’s an awesome venue, that combines the best of a working men’s club and a community centre, great pool table too!
Beans On Toast performs at The Crescent in York on December 2nd.