Originating from Manchester but formed in London, Balancing Act have been gaining traction since their debut EP in November 2022. The perfect addition to this year’s NEIGHBOURHOOD FESTIVAL, it’s no surprise the band are consistently in the “ones to watch” discussions. Even branded a contender for “the new generation’s favourite band” by Jack Saunders.
They are the combined efforts of Kai Jon Roberts (vocals), David Carpenter (bass) and Patrick Hanbury (drums), alongside guitarist Jackson Couzens who we spoke to ahead of NBHD 2024…
BALANCING ACT
THE JOURNALIX: Formed in Manchester, developed in London… Are you cockneys now?
BALANCING ACT: Haha definitely not! We do have a different kind of love for it down here, it’s obviously a bigger city and there’s a lot more going on but Manchester always feels like home. Our accents are intact, don’t worry.
THE J: Can you explain the meaning behind the name Balancing Act, for you?
BALANCING ACT: It means something different everyday for me which is probably the beauty of it. For example
today, I’ve said yes to two different evening plans and now I’m working out how to balance the two without upsetting anyone. Surely everyone understands that?
THAT SOUND
THE J: What’s your elevator pitch for someone who asks about your music?
BALANCING ACT: We normally try to confuse people so it’s Cinematic Shower Rock.
THE J: So with “cinematic delivery”, does that mean you’re geared for
stadium tours?
BALANCING ACT: Well if you say so… Wembley Stadium 2026.
You heard it here first.
THE J: How did you handle the tag of being included in lists like BBC Radio 1’s Future Artists ‘Next Wave’?
BALANCING ACT: I don’t think we really felt any pressure, it just encourages you to carry on what you’re doing. Receiving compliments from people in those sorts of places always makes you want to do more.
NBHD FESTIVAL 2024
THE J: What venue are you playing at NBHD 2024 and what time?
BALANCING ACT: We’re playing the Bread Shed and I don’t actually know what time! But whatever time it is, it’ll
surely be great.
Ed – according to the official NBHD Festival app, they’re down for 17:15 but times can change on the day so keep checking!
THE J: Who else are you looking forward to watching at NBHD 2024?
JACK COUZENS: Overpass, Andy Goodwin, Beattie, Chappaqua Wrestling, the lineup is fun this year!
MANCHESTER
THE J: Do you have a favourite Manchester venue, either as a punter or performer?
BALANCING ACT: The Apollo holds a special place for us, playing there would be a dream come true. I’ve also seen some of my favourite gigs there. Honourable mention to the Albert Hall, too!
THE J: What’s a Cheshire Smile?
BALANCING ACT: It was a slight reference to Alice In Wonderland but we all know someone with one.
THE J: You have producer credits on your releases so far – is this the plan going forward?
BALANCING ACT: It sort of happened by accident! We record all the demos ourselves and sometimes what you do
on the first take just makes it onto the final version and that was the case on a lot of these new tracks. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
NEW EP AND BEYOND
THE J: What does the future hold for you?
BALANCING ACT: We [released] an EP on October 4th called Tightropes and Limericks, it’s also our first release on
vinyl which is super exciting and you can order that now. Then just more touring, more recording and getting our name out there as much as we possibly can!