The Smokin' Barrels

The Smokin' Barrels formed at the back end of of 2008 and the relatively short timescale belies the impact they are currently having on the local music scene. The band write all their own music with Dawsa being the main songwriter. They have recently finished recording at Base HQ studios, Newcastle and have their first E.P 'Lies, Ties and Compromise' now released and will be available later this year on iTunes. Four albums worth of material have already been written, and more being written all the time, the bands music encapsulates the thoughts and hearts of a nation. All the members are Cramlington lads, aged 20-21 years of age.

Chris met Josh back in late 2004 whilst they both took a construction class at Cramlington High School and have remained great friends ever since. Craig and Chris also met back in late 2004 in a Drama class at the same school and also remained great friends. Though it wasn't until Craig and Chris went to Sixth form that The Smokin' Barrels foundations were laid and a band with a great future formed. With Chris deciding to take up the guitar back in 2007, Craig soon followed and both discovered a love for bands such as Oasis, Kasabian and Stereophonics. Chris has since said 'I was originally into my dance music and shite like that, until I went to Sixth form, and what a waste of time that turned out to be, I only lasted a year, the only decent thing to come out of it was this haircut and a new found taste for proper music'. With half the line up sorted Chris decided to ask Josh if he wanted to learn an instrument and join the band, Josh without hesitation, agreed, and with a drummer already lined up and the drums being his preferred choice, took some convincing to take up the Bass. Josh realised he could be that final part of the jigsaw if he took up the bass. Following this, the lads starting having jamming sessions, playing covers and the beginnings of their own great material. Shortly after this The Smokin' Barrels current members decided they wanted to make a go for it. Unfortunately the drummer at the time did not and this is when the lads became a three piece. With Craig opting to take up the drums in late 2008 The Smokin' Barrels were born and from that moment on, the lads have went from strength to strength and have gained a large following in such a short space of time.

After gigging for only 3 months, The Smokin' Barrels performed at the prestigious O2 Academy Main Stage,Newcastle, in front of a 1000 strong audience, an honour usually reserved for well established, proven high pedigree bands. Their performance took the arena by storm and impressed those seeing the Barrels for the first time to those forming an already very impressive fan base. Further gigs at venues including The Cluny have enhanced the band's reputation on the live music scene with many more gigs in the pipeline.

The Lads work hard at their music using every spare minute to practice and this shows in their energetic and mesmerizing live performances.