Bootylicious, one of the UK’s biggest urban LGBT club events, is making a comeback at new venue The Electric in Brixton. We spoke to one of the stars of their first show, the vocal harmony group Brick City.
Brick City narrowly missed out on getting into the live finals of X Factor. Do you feel that was a blessing in disguise?
At the time we felt we were wronged, as the reason given was that Gary Barlow felt like we had no unity. It turns out he was right as two of the original members left the group to a difference in direction. Thankfully, we now have Aaron and Kaya who have helped take the group to new heights; it almost feels like this is the way it was meant to be. So yeah, definitely a blessing in disguise!
How has the exposure helped in getting you recognition musically?
It has helped in a massive way. It allowed us to team up with a charity called ‘Dare and Go’ on a school tour. We visited over 150 schools over the course of 3 months promoting an anti-drugs campaign. It’s really rewarding knowing you are helping the younger generation using music, without preaching.
Tell us a few facts about Brick City and its members that might surprise us…
Kaya sleeps with her eyes open. It’s actually so scary she looks like she’s dead.
Duane has an OCD where he has to draw 3 circles on ever bit of paper he sees.
Aaron has to have an apple dead on like 2:30 or he gets into the biggest strop.
James dribbles on stage. Especially if we are talking and he starts day dreaming the biggest bit of dibble comes out.
You are performing at the Bootylicious birthday, which will no doubt be massive. What else is next from Brick City?
We are so excited about Bootylicious! The show is going to be epic, our single “Do The Damn Thing” is out on the 7th September 2014, so we’re really excited about that. We have our EP released early next year too, so things are looking very sick!
• Brick City will be playing at the Bootylicious Birthday Bash on Saturday 26th July at The Electric Brixton (Town Hall Parade, SW2 1RJ). 11pm-6am.
