Johnny: T in the Park. It was really good fun. Playing in front of a Scottish crowd, there was a fantastic vibe. Plus there was loads of sex afterwards.

Laura: At one of our early gigs, a couple of our fans turned up naked, covered in a huge Cuban flag. That’s certainly something you’re not going to forget in a hurry.

Jim Kerr has slated you for being "a band with an interest in Fidel Castro's ideologies". So, guilty as charged?

D: I don’t think he meant it. Actually, I don’t particularly care if he meant it or not. For me, it was quite quirky to be mentioned in the same sentence as Bono. Apparently, Jim’s taken it all back on his Web site. He’s said sorry. But he can say what he likes. It doesn’t bother me.

You were scheduled to play Glastonbury, but bad weather meant your slot was scrapped. How disappointed were you to miss out?

D: Disappointed. Absolutely gutted. We’d known from January that we were going to do the festival. In every interview building up to Glastonbury, we’d be asked about how much we were looking forward to play. It made it all the more exciting. When we were told we wouldn’t be playing I went into a wee huff, or a big huff as Laura would call it, for six hours. I didn’t want to see anybody else play. I just lay in my tent, my wet tent, depressed. But we have been told we’re definitely playing in 2007. So at least that’s some consolation.

The Sunday Times have described you as THE band to watch in 2005. How much pressure do you feel under?

L: Pressure? We don’t feel under any extra pressure because of what they said. It’s a compliment, but it’s only their opinion. We’re just going to continue what we’re doing.

J: We’re a really good live band. I like to think that new people will discover us by word of mouth any way.

You played the world’s smallest festival today. Where was that?

D: It was in an Orange shop on King’s Road. I was kind of panicking as it was an acoustic set but we played four songs to a crowd of about 20 people. There was a mini buffet and miniature bottles of alcohol.

L: And we got free mobiles too.

And tomorrow you’re playing the Diesel-U-Music Awards. You’re incredibly busy. What do you like to do to relax?

J: I like to go fishing. Also, hill walking is another activity I enjoy.

L: I like to catch up with my friends, go shopping. Spend money that I haven’t got. That sort of thing.

Dante, you co-own the Bistro du Sud on Glasgow’s Cambridge Street. So, I’m guessing you enjoy cooking in your spare time?

I find cooking very therapeutic.

What’s your signature dish?

I do an amazing ginger and garlic stir-fry with marinated king prawns, mange tout and pak choi.

Apparently an osteopath warned you about the damage your overly exuberant performance-style is doing to your back, Dante. So, have you calmed down at all?

Not really. My back’s still killing me. But I gave it a bit of rest today as I couldn’t jump around because the venue was too tiny. Tomorrow, though, I’ll probably be back to my stage-wrecking ways. 

You recorded your debut album at home. After signing with your record label, they gave you the option to re-record it in a proper studio. Why did you refuse?

D: Because it sounded good. I remember the Gun days when we’d record songs. The sounds would be amazing. Then the record company would hear it and go, "OK, we like that. Time to recreate it in the studio." That’s impossible to do. You lose your vibe. So, it’s all about maintaining the vibe. It’s all about first take. If the first time’s good, why bother re-recording? I’ve seen other bands struggle with this issue too. And I was adamant this wasn’t going to be a problem for El Presidente.

Given the fact that there’s already a US-based artist called El Presidente, what will you call yourselves when you tour the States?

L: Och, there’s not, is there?

I’m afraid to inform you there is.

D: El Presidante. Get it?

Yes, Dante. Very good.

D: (warming to the theme) Comandante.

J: Common As Muck. (loud guffaws)

You’ve covered Prince’s 'Rasberry Beret'. What other tracks would you consider playing as part of your set?

D: Funnily enough, we were talking about this the other day. 'Don't Fear The Reaper' by Blue Oyster Cult is an option. As is 'I Wanna Be Elected' by Alice Cooper. 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick'.

J: That’s by Ian Dury.

Thanks for clarifying that for me, Johnny.

D: And I’m really keen to do 'Sorrow' which appears on David Bowie's collection of covers, Pin-Ups.

If you were really El Presidente, what would be your first decree?

D: Peace in the Middle East. Let’s get together and talk. (At this point in the interview, Dante is interrupted by the sound of sirens) Jesus, did you hear that?

Yes.

It’s fucking scary being in London at this moment in time. Sorry, man, continue.

Okay, last question, what’s only kinky the first time?

D: Anal sex? (Laura giggles) I don’t know what you’re laughing at; you’re the one with the vibrator. I know. Ice cubes on nipples. You see it in the movies and it looks really sensual. Then you’re with your loved one and you do it and they’re like screaming, “What you doing? That’s freezing, that is!”

J: Candles in bed. They can fairly burn your pubic hair.

El Presidente  Without You  Check For Live Dates

El Presidente release their self-titled debut album on 08 August 2005. Single 'Without You' is out on 25 July. No part of this interview can be re-produced without the permission of uk-fusion.com.