Robots in Disguise are a band currently taking their brand of electro-punk to venues around the UK. Forming several years ago, they have been popular on the continent for some time but have now come to the attention of England after appearing in the cult, and sure to become classic, The Mighty Boosh. When the duo stopped by The Social, to perform at The Mighty Boosh after show party, I grabbed them for a quick chat, in their dressing room. I have to confess this is the first time I have ever conducted an interview while sitting on a toilet. Sue: This is a very small dressing room. There’s no more seats available, I’m afraid. First of all, and perhaps the most obvious question, how did you get to know the fellows from The Might Boosh? Sue: We met Julian [Barrett] and Noel [Fielding] many years ago through friends. We used to go and see them perform their standup show at a theatre called ‘Hen and Chickens’, in London. We soon became friends. One night we went down and did a sketch with them. The sketch was us doing an electro, or Goth, thing. It involved us being horrible to Julian. This pre-dated us being on their TV show. What was it like working on The Might Boosh? Sue: The Might Boosh was really good fun. We played two sets of characters, electro chicks in one episode and two Goths in another. We were allowed to go around Top Shop and buy clothes. We got to style ourselves for the character and then take the clothes home afterwards. It’s always great working with friends. The whole thing is just a big group of mates having a laugh. Now, Robots in Disguise. Where did the pair of you meet? Sue: We met at Liverpool Uni. We’re both originally from down south. We did some theatre there together. Can I assume that your name was taken from the 80s hippest toy, Transformers? Sue: One of the first songs we wrote together was called Transformer. We got the idea for the name Robots in Disguise as a result of that, yep. Critics are calling your sound electro. Would you agree solely with this statement? Sue: I’d say it was Indie, punk, funk, rock. That sounds a bit pretentious doesn’t it? It’s a bit of everything with an electro backing and two vocals harmonizing. To date you’ve released two albums and one EP. Which is your favourite track from all the songs you’ve recorded? Sue: I like all our songs equally. The songs from the first album [Robots in Disguise] rarely make an appearance in our set now. They are a bit mellower than we are now nowadays. All the ones from our second album [Get RID], such as DJ’s got a Gun and Turn it Up work well with audiences at the moment. You have never played a gig in Nottingham before. What sort of reaction do you expect from the crowd? Sue: I expect that they will all spontaneously combust. And if they don’t I will be disappointed. Dee: I hope they all sing along. That’d be nice. What bands do you like at the moment? I like I am X, Chicks on Speed. Girls doing stuff is always good. Which has been your best gig? Dee: I’m not sure. Maybe it was all that time we spent on stage at Reading Festival before we went on. Sue: That was the worst one. Dee: I know. If a gig goes well that’s our favourite. There are none that really stand out as being bad. Sue: The one we played in Brussels a few weeks ago was really good, actually. It was packed. It was absolutely rammed. We went down well. What are your hopes for the future? Dee: I hope people will buy our new album when it’s released in July. It’s yet to be named and we’ve only recorded four songs for it at the moment. Sue: That’d be a good start. We’ve been doing it in Europe for six years, but people here haven’t caught up with us yet. What’s your favourite robot? Dee: We’re always asked that. That’s because of the band name, right? I don’t have one. Sue: R2D2. What’s been your most memorable moment in the band? Dee: When we waited outside a BBC radio station throwing confetti at a DJ to get on his show. I can’t tell you his name. Sue: Sean Hughes. Robots in Disguise will back in Nottingham on Thursday March 30 where they will be performing at Stealth as part of Club NME night. | 
