Ahead of their slot at this summer’s Rock N Roll Circus in Sheffield, Jon Corbett caught up with Thom Rylance and Katie Lloyd from Lottery Winners – fresh off a second Number One album and mid-prep for a chaotic few months on the road (and in the air). We covered new tunes, odd purchases and what makes Sheff feel like a second home.
You’re hitting the stage at Rock N Roll Circus in August – how does a gig like this compare to a traditional tour stop?
Thom: Well, to be honest, I’m seeing this whole gig as celebrating my friend and his amazing band and his amazing achievements. This, for me, is 20 years of Reverend and the Makers. And what a 20 years it’s been! Jon’s such a good friend of ours – I chat to him most days – and he’s one of my favourite songwriters. I’ve even had a little peek into the new record and my gosh, it’s some of the best stuff he’s ever done.
Katie: Yeah, he’s a top guy. And there’s a real sense of it being a bit of a Sheffield celebration, isn’t there?
With the Rev such a close collaborator – and clearly a big fan – do you feel like you’re basically honorary Sheffielders now?
Katie: Yeah, I feel at home there. It’s another amazing working-class city isn’t it? Great history of hard workers and great music. Arctic Monkeys, Self Esteem, Richard Hawley, obviously the Rev – just an amazing city with amazing people.
KOKO has been described as your most adventurous album yet. How did you push yourselves creatively?
Thom: The album just kind of happened. I think there was pressure after the last one went to Number One but we didn’t force it either.
Katie: It sounds dead cheesy but I’ve heard other songwriters say this too – I feel like I’m just an antenna and the songs are floating round. I just set my antenna to receive and I received 12 tunes. That’s KOKO.
What’s next after Rock N Roll Circus? More shows? New music?
Thom: Yes and yes. We’re on tour with Robbie Williams all summer – stadiums every week for five months. Then we’re flying back for festivals like this one. It would feel really rock and roll if we weren’t doing it all on easyJet but still… pretty cool.
Katie: We’ve got loads of stuff planned, loads of music bubbling away. And then a big UK tour straight into Europe. Why have a break?
You’ve had some wild collaborations over the years – Boy George, Shaun Ryder, Chad Kroeger. Is there a dream list?
Thom: Honestly, they’ve all come about really naturally – like Chad messaged us after we did a Nickelback sea shanty on TikTok. And now we’re mates. He FaceTimes me from hot tubs in LA while I’m in Wigan charity shops. That’s the vibe.
Katie: But yeah, if Adele’s reading this, give us a shout.
After the madness of the past year, how do you stay grounded?
Thom: We keep each other grounded. If I start getting too rock star, they’ll pull me back down to earth and tell me how ugly I am.
Katie: It’s true. We’ve all done terrible jobs. I used to clean airport toilets. So we really appreciate getting to do this.
And for those who haven’t seen you live yet – why should they get involved?
Thom: I genuinely think we’re one of the best live bands in the country. It’s funny, emotional, unpredictable. I cry on stage sometimes – not cool crying either, full snotty mess. We love what we do and I think people can feel that.
QUICKFIRE ROUND!
If you won the lottery tomorrow, what’s the first ridiculous thing you’d buy?
Thom: I didn’t win the lottery but I did buy a hot tub off Facebook Marketplace today at six in the morning. Got it home – no pump. So now I’ve just got a deflated paddling pool.
If you had to join a circus act – no instruments allowed – what would you be?
Katie: Bearded lady.
Thom: One of those sexy guys with his shirt off who can lift heavy stuff. That’s the back-up career plan.
If KOKO was a fairground ride, what would it be?
Thom: A runaway train – lots of twists and turns. But sometimes it dips into a haunted house and your old teachers are there shouting at you. Then it’s back to the runaway train again.
Catch Lottery Winners at Rock N Roll Circus on 30 August. Expect tunes, snotty tears and possibly a haunted paddling pool. Tickets available from rocknrollcircus.co.uk.
