You used to be called Sammy USA, when and why did you change your name?
We changed our name mid-2004. We were contacted by the late Tammy Wynette, who said "from this day you will be Duels.....with a 'D'"
What went wrong with Island?
They appeared to be quite busy with Busted and McFly.
The Leeds music scene has its own web site. How would you describe the scene and how much do you feel a part of it?
The scene is a healthy beast which is still hungry. We’re very much involved, producing, remixing, fondling other Leeds bands.
There are two brothers and a cousin in Duels – how much does sibling rivalry affect being in a band?
Arguments from 20 years ago tend to resurface. Chances of finding an organ donor though are improved.
You encourage your fans to sign up on your form as “Young Believers”; what do you believe in?
You, from lack of anything else to do.
Why, I’m touched. I think. Moving on, your live show has been described as “something to behold” – how much thought and preparation goes into your on-stage performances?
A lot of preparation. We're currently adding video projections to the set, and have been doing acoustic gigs recently.
Another review mentioned “minor earthquakes”, you obviously know how to get a crowd moving – but what has been your favourite gig so far?
Scotland and Germany tend to be fun. We did a gig at the Cockpit (legendary Leeds venue) last week with Forward Russia, iLikeTrains and others, and that was a bit special.
You’ve previously covered The Jam’s ‘That’s Entertainment’. In an ideal world, who you most like to cover one of your songs?
ELO.
There was frantic A & R activity regarding you, what made you go for Nude?
The boss of Nude is a passionate music man. They are, sadly, in short supply in the music industry.
Yet you released a single for Transgressive. Just how much of a temptation (Temptation!) was there to stay with them?
We'd made up our minds by that point, and the lady's not for turning.
How confident are you that you can help restore the label to its former position of greatness?
Very confident. There's pressure on us, but we don't feel it.
What are James Ford’s strengths as a producer?
His hair is a constant inspiration.
You’ve been described as “immaculately tailored”. Just where do you get your clothes?
The British Heart Foundation.
How much did you get to know Graham Coxon when you toured with him?
There was slap and tickle, maybe more. It's all a bit of haze really.
What’s your abiding SXSW memory?
A grotesque man pouring sugar sachets into his vat of 7-Up.
Made-up quote alert. “With ‘Animal’, Duels revive the spirit of the single”: Discuss.
Singles are funny little things, not enough time to get across a band such as ourselves. We're into making EP's now, the new one, ‘Once In The Night’, out next month is as strong a body of work as we've done.
Finally, what’s only kinky the first time?
Chikinki.