Where creativity meets connection
CLT DRP have been turning heads on the live scene for the last few years. These electro-punk renegades have cultivated a dedicated fanbase across the UK and Europe, and have recently released their second album, Nothing Clever, Just Feelings on Venn Records. With elements of punk, electronica and heavy pop, the band has created an uncompromising sound that’s uniquely their own and, when playing live, they are a force to be reckoned with.
With this compelling trio about to unleash their spiky sound at Brighton’s The Great Escape, we grabbed them for 12 burning questions...
Welcome to The Great Escape 2025! How does it feel to be part of a festival known for launching new talent?
It feels great! Especially since we were able to collaborate on an LGBTQ+ stage at Chalk.
For people discovering you for the first time here in Brighton, how would you describe your sound in three words?
Cheeky, Gripping, Unapologetic
What’s the journey been like getting to this point — playing a showcase in front of new fans, press, and industry folk?
7ish years of pure grafting! This shit ain't easy - but we love it. Our new tracks are especially something to feel proud of. Will be fun to play a few at TGE.
Do you approach a showcase festival like this differently from a typical gig or headline show?
Not really - It's obviously important but we're there to make people have fun and experience something new and exciting. It should be the same goal consistently when playing live no matter what the gig is.
The Great Escape is packed with new sounds and fresh faces — Will you have a chance to discover any other artists at TGE, or any that you want to see?
To be honest, the bands on the bill on Saturday at Chalk with us are incredible and we're particularly stoked to see Debasement. All of us are working at the festival too so
Hopefully, we can catch a few new things!!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given as an emerging artist in today’s music scene?
Do everything with integrity and take advice from people with a pinch of salt. We've been doing this too long now to bend too much to other people's expectations.
Brighton has a buzzing creative vibe — have you explored the city before or been inspired by it in any way?
We're a Brighton-based band so we know the city pretty well.. I mean It's incredible to be constantly surrounded by musicians. Our peers push us to strive for big things and inspire us all the time. We have such a variety of Grassroot venues so there's always shows going to feed off. It's a real privilege to live in this city. (We have to remember that when we complain about rent prices haha)
What’s one thing about your live performance that people might not expect until they see you on stage?
If you like the stuff online - you'll love the live performance even more. Also - a lot of people seem to think we use backing tracks but we don't. All that crazy shit you hear is coming from Scott's pedal board.
If someone only had time to listen to one of your songs after the festival, which one should it be — and why?
Hard question as we have a lot of different genres floating around in our music. So I'll go with one of the most fun to play live - NEW BOY.
How important are festivals like this for breaking through in the music industry today?
Honestly, I don't know. The music industry is kind of whack and there's so many factors in that big old wheel. You just hope to shit someone with some money likes you enough to give you some of that money so you can keep playing. You get me? This is a HINT.
What’s next for you after The Great Escape — any releases, tours, or surprises on the horizon?
Maybe a 3rd album. Probably a 3rd album.
Finally - complete the sentence: “The Great Escape is the perfect place to…”
Mingle.
CLT DRP play Chalk on Sat 17 May (9:15 pm), as part of The Great Escape 2025.
SALT Staff Writer
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