at is positively . Spirits are high in a tent packed with festival goers and excited fans. There is a need for some to stand and watch from outside the tent, get the exclusive peak in from restricted angles.
One of the anticipated appearances of the weekend is about to start, the time has come for Cruz Beckham & The Breakers’ set,with hundreds turning up to witness it.
A warm, entertaining stage presence, the gig is dynamic and thrilling to watch. Cruz Beckham’s debut at Reading and Leeds is an intimate moment.
Clash met the frontman for a chat backstage in the morning, prior to set time. Arriving bang on time, we were reminded that impeccable time keeping is one skill, out of several, in locker.
Obviously, making music is what matters. In the middle of a prolific period, the London-based performer has been keeping busy. Fully engaged on all fronts, playing live shows, tackling a hectic, creative schedule, a notable part of which relates to making, preparing for the release of his debut EP.
‘Wear & Tear’ came out in late August. Comprising of six absorbing, tracks that draw on iconic rock and pop artists, and create a classic yet contemporary sound that lingers in the mind of the listener.
Having written ‘Wear & Tear’ about a year and a half ago, he can now take a step back and reflect on the whole experience. Its concept deals with being human, how being yourself is what makes an individual unique.
Everybody’s experiences are different to each other. “I feel like that’s what’s important in life,” he decides. “Life makes you the person that you are now. It’s the struggles in life, it’s the happiness.”
With artificial intelligence being prominent, embedded in daily life now, whether we like it or not, he wants small human imperfections to be allowed in, be essential ingredients in art, and in life. “There’s so much going on that is vague. In our world human interaction and human error are proof of life.”
Writing music since the age of 11, music making is the raison d’etre, and it’s about playing the songs he writes with his band, The Breakers. The band is much more than a band, it’s Cruz spending time with his friends, pursuing the adventure they love dearly.
He considers the journey of writing to have been a long time coming. “I try and write about how I’m feeling that day, and what’s going on in my mind. A lot of them happen super quick and feel easy. For most of them it’s about knowing when you have a good song, when you don’t have to try too hard at it. It just comes to you and it’s obvious where to go next.”
The dream of being in a band has been a focus since childhood, instilling a need for an authentic feel. “I write the songs with real instruments. I play them on guitar, then I’ll go over and play drums and bass. It needs to feel real, feel very live.”
“The Breakers are incredible. They’re such amazing musicians. I call it a hive mind. We’re all a bunch of bees, we’re all working on one hive. We’re coming in and giving insight.”
With songs that are the result of both energy and effort, written over time, the band spent two years recording. Picking tracks out of a pool of 30, narrowing it down to six, was complex. “I’m glad to finally be releasing a project,” he enthuses. “I’ve enjoyed that process.”
The material takes inspiration from a broad range of iconic bands and artists. Cruz is a fan of s. Inspired by everything from , , , to . The number ‘Seeing Red’ opens with an irresistible Kinks-like riff and has an immense, singable chorus.
“I’m heavily influenced by a big portion of that era. I feel like that was such a free time. Everybody was trying to be their own person; everybody was trying to do something different.”
One question relates to how it feels to carve a path of one’s own, and doing it with a famous family surname? It cannot purely be a blessing. He begins by saying it’s been a different experience. “There’s been challenges along the way. I’d say it’s been more about support than anything else. My parents are so experienced in many different aspects of what I’m doing. I can ask them questions.”
“One of the main things I’ve learned from them is that you’ve got to work on your craft. You’ve got to be the best at what you’re doing. I spent a lot of time making music, playing guitar, and learning to be the best version of me. I’m influenced by many people. I just want to be able to be as me as possible.”
He still plays football when the schedule affords him the time. “I play as much as I can fit it in. I love a little rustle around with my brothers.”
Reflecting on the World Cup and the England team, Cruz says, “There was a major heartbreak. It was a huge achievement. We did so well and came so far. I’m very proud, and it was cool to see the games.”
Having participated in a lot of sports when he was younger, the choice between football and music eventually became inevitable. “It was always going to be music. It was a great choice to make and a fun change of direction. I’ve always wanted to get on stage and play with the band.”
Naturally, it takes up most of his time. “I never want to have to stick to one specific lane. I like all types of music, and I enjoy making it. So, if I can continue doing this until I’m 80, that’s my version of success.”
It’s all there, in the songs, this wonderfully recurring thread. There is nothing to stop him, as he follows a path of truth, Cruz’s pursuit of freedom, and that real human touch, continues.