TRENDИG BANDWIDTH: Noisemakers’ Guild-East Midlands Anthems, Democracy and the Art of the Song

In a region that prides itself on grit, graft and genuine character, Noisemakers’ Guild are carving out their own space in the East Midlands alternative scene. Split between Nottingham city centre and the Derbyshire border, the four-piece-Jez Sullivan (guitar), Kevin Munson (bass), Kikey Kumar (drums) and Lee Heir (lead vocals)-0are building a reputation for anthemic songwriting, democratic creativity and a sound that balances drama with discipline.

For TRENDИG BANDWIDTH, we sat down with the band to talk about ego, evolution, UK touring, Pirate Studios chaos and why the song always comes first.

East Midlands Roots: Real People, Real Music

Noisemakers’ Guild are firmly rooted in the East Midlands music scene, playing regularly across Nottingham, Derbyshire and Sheffield. According to frontman Lee Heir, that environment has been central to shaping both their sound and their attitude.

“The people here are pretty real,” Lee explains. “I’ve had my moments with a few bands whose ego outweighed their talent, but they hardly ever toured or made consistent music in the end. They were just blowing smoke. But largely, people here are hard working, friendly and serious about what they do, and that breeds a good dynamic for performance and collaboration.”

It’s a telling observation. In a region known for its independent spirit and strong grassroots venues, longevity tends to outlast posturing. Noisemakers’ Guild reflect that ethos: steady, song-focused and committed to building something that lasts.

From Lockdown Conversations to a Focused Musical Unit

The band’s origin story began during the stillness of the pandemic. Guitarist Jez Sullivan had known Lee for years, admiring his work in previous projects. When Covid hit, they started talking about writing together-but with a clear philosophy.

“Specifically nothing overblown or complicated,” says Jez. “Just about the songs themselves, with good structure and lyrics.”

When Kevin Munson and Kikey Kumar joined, the chemistry shifted from concept to collective. What started as songwriting conversations became a tight, groove-driven band.

Jez draws an unlikely but fitting comparison to Nottingham filmmaker Shane Meadows. Reflecting on a documentary about Meadows’ long-standing creative team, Jez notes how familiarity breeds fluidity.

“We feel a bit like that,” he says. “Even though it’s a different art form.”

That sense of shared shorthand-especially between Jez and Kevin, who have played together for years – is now embedded in the band’s DNA.

A Collision of Alternative and Classic Rock

Describing a band’s sound is always a challenge, particularly when the aim is originality. Bassist Kevin Munson offers a starting point:

“There’s definitely epic, anthemic songs. It’s hard to put it into words. I’d say our music is a collision of several forms of alternative music and classic rock songwriting.”

Lee adds, simply: “Style and substance, I would hope.”

That collision is intentional. Lee brings an anthemic indie-rock sensibility; Jez layers drama, texture and atmosphere; Kevin provides the structural foundations; and Kikey anchors everything rhythmically.

Kikey is refreshingly restrained in his approach. “That’s why I never play my drums too loud,” he says. “I’m focused on building the songs up, and only play loud when it’s needed.”

Jez jokes that Kevin has “the walls” while he provides “the wallpaper… I’m the Farrow & Ball to his Jewson.” It’s banter, but it reveals something deeper: every part serves the structure.

Writing Without Rushing

Noisemakers’ Guild have no rigid formula when it comes to songwriting. Ideas might arrive as fragments – a riff, a vocal line, a middle eight – before being shaped collaboratively.

“We certainly don’t like to rush the process,” says Jez. “Especially if an idea isn’t quite working just yet. It’s best to be patient.”

That patience reflects their broader philosophy: treat the song as precious. Kevin is clear about this.

“The songs definitely are the stars really, and that’s how we treat it. We’re being careful with what we’re not playing.”

It’s a subtle but important detail. In an era of overproduction and algorithm-driven singles, restraint can be radical.

Rehearsal Rooms, Chaos and Character

Until recently, the band rehearsed at Pirate Studios-known less for luxury and more for grime and unpredictability.

“It brings a lot of anger and chaos to our songs,” laughs Kikey, noting that equipment “often doesn’t work… that’s when they’ve put any there in the room!”

Kevin adds: “And the doors never open…”

It’s tongue-in-cheek, but it captures the lived reality of grassroots bands. Creativity isn’t always born in pristine conditions. Sometimes it’s forged in flickering lights and broken amps.

Touring the UK: Eight Dates, One Unit

A major milestone came with an eight-date UK tour supporting Ryan Chrys and the Rough Cuts from Colorado.

“We had a superb time,” says Lee. “It was a brilliant way to properly get to know each other day-in day-out.”

Kevin reflects on the experience as a stress test of sorts. “It was good to see how we worked as a musical unit over a longer period of time.”

Touring exposes fault lines. It also strengthens bonds. For Noisemakers’ Guild, it confirmed that their internal democracy could survive the road.

Venues That Matter

Across the East Midlands and beyond, the band have built a growing list of favourite venues. Lee highlights Network in Sheffield and The Angel Microbrewery-the latter holding personal significance as the first place he played a full gig.

He also notes the improved set-up at The Victoria Inn in Derby, as well as positive experiences at The Big Difference and Firebug in Leicester.

In a region rich with independent venues, these spaces are more than stages. They are community hubs. And for a band committed to grassroots authenticity, that context matters.

Democracy Over Dictatorship

Creative differences are inevitable in any band. For Noisemakers’ Guild, they’re part of the dynamic.

“Jez and I tend to argue like cats and dogs about everything and anything, apart from musical things,” Lee admits. “Which, let’s face it, is by far the most important thing!”

Despite jokes about Jez being “the leader”, the band insist they operate as equals.

“Noisemakers’ Guild is a true democracy,” Lee says. “Every musician has equal say.”

Jez is sceptical of the myth of the single auteur frontman. Referencing figures like Damon Albarn, he acknowledges rare exceptions but stresses collaboration.

“I don’t think most bands are like that,” he says. “For example, I don’t think The Police would have been The Police if it was just Sting calling the shots. Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland were massively influential.”

It’s a revealing insight. Noisemakers’ Guild are consciously building something collective rather than ego-driven.

What Inspires Them? The Song Itself

When asked about influences, the band are measured. They nod to psychedelic, alternative rock and indie traditions, but resist being boxed in.

“Listening to the songs and seeing Noisemakers’ Guild perform, we offer an original experience,” says Lee. “Music is so precious to everyone, it’s not treated as a laugh and a joke.”

Kikey recalls advice from his drum teacher: “A band is like a ship, and everyone has a part to play. The drummer is the anchor.”

It’s a fitting metaphor. The Guild aren’t chasing trends. They’re steering deliberately.

New Music: ‘Say Goodbye’ and What Comes Next

Momentum is building. The band are heading into the studio with Russ Clark of Eyre Llew, whose approach has impressed them.

“We’re currently rehearsing and just about to go in the studio,” says Jez.

The plan is to release at least two singles from the session, with the remaining tracks forming an EP.

Their single ‘Say Goodbye’ was released on Friday March 20th, following earlier track ‘The Story’, which is already streaming everywhere. Fans can find the band via their Linktree, with links to YouTube, Instagram and live footage.

For a band rooted in songcraft, this next phase feels significant. The studio sessions represent not just new material, but a refinement of identity.

Advice for New Bands: Care, Don’t Panic

Asked for advice to emerging artists in Nottingham, Derby and beyond, the band balance humour with honesty.

Lee laughs: “Take what I do or say and do the opposite!”

Then, more seriously: “Don’t panic if things don’t work out for you early doors. Just make quality music.”

Kevin distils it further: “If you like it, do it. And care about what you do.”

It’s perhaps the most fitting summary of Noisemakers’ Guild themselves.

The Future of Noisemakers’ Guild

In a crowded UK alternative rock landscape, Noisemakers’ Guild stand out not because they shout the loudest, but because they build carefully. They are patient. They are democratic. And above all, they are song-driven.

From chaotic rehearsal rooms to UK tours, from East Midlands grassroots venues to forthcoming EP sessions, their trajectory feels earned rather than engineered.

In a region that values authenticity, that might be their greatest strength.

‘Say Goodbye’ is out now. ‘The Story’ is streaming everywhere. And if the Guild have their way, this is only the beginning.

Topics