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Band Bio: Combat Sports


combat sports

Band Name: Combat Sports

Originally called Salt Tramp, the name was often misunderstood at live shows. Inspired by a Vaccines poster in their rehearsal space at Black Cactus, the band rebranded to Combat Sports in 2022.


Formation Year: 2021

The band began playing and writing music together in 2021, releasing their debut single 'Social Fallacy' in September of 2023.


Hometown: Rowhedge, Colchester, UK

Combat Sports hails from the quiet village of Rowhedge, just outside Colchester, where their journey started.


Band Members

- Jon Swift: Bass/Vocals

- Nathan Fisher: Guitar

- Jonny Hicks: Drums


Origin Story: Jon and Jonny became fast friends when they moved next door to each other in 2021, bonding over a shared love of ‘90s rock and metal. Their musical journey kicked off when Jonny found a drum kit abandoned on the street, clearly a sign to start making noise. After some initial jams, local bassist Pepe Perez joined, and later Nathan Fisher completed the lineup. When Pepe left, Jon took over bass duties, solidifying the current three-piece lineup.


Musical Influences: Combat Sports draws heavily from ‘90s rock, metal, and grunge, with flavors of early 2000s emo and nu-metal. These genres form the backbone of their energetic and nostalgic sound.


Genre and Style : While Combat Sports initially tried to emulate their influences, they’ve since embraced a free-flowing, genre-blending style they call "DOJO ROCK," mixing rock, metal, and experimental vibes into something uniquely their own.


First song written: The band's first song, 'Breadcrumb Kisses', began as an inside joke between Jonny and his wife after a crumb-filled smooch. The quirky moment inspired Jon, who turned it into one of their early tracks.


First Gig: Combat Sports cut their teeth at Coda Jam Night, playing a quick three-song set to test their chops. Their first proper gig followed soon after at a Socks On Records event.


Milestones and Achievements: One of the band's biggest achievements was being featured on BBC Introducing, which led to an interview and live session with Matt Plumb. They’ve also achieved a headline slot at Colchester’s iconic venue, Coda.


Unique Sound and Approach: Jon’s knack for crafting catchy melodies, combined with Jonny’s DJing experience, makes for tightly-arranged songs with a strong rhythmic foundation. Combat Sports strives to blend music with creative visuals, often pushing themselves to think up innovative video concepts and marketing approaches.


Future Plans: Combat Sports has two new singles set to release before the end of 2024, complete with accompanying videos. They’re constantly writing and looking forward to getting back in the studio for more recording sessions soon.


Stories and Anecdotes: One of the band’s most enjoyable aspects is their DIY video production. From brainstorming quirky concepts to shooting and editing the footage on a shoestring budget, the creative process is as rewarding as making music itself. Their fancy-dress antics often bring out the band’s playful side, proving that creativity has no age limit!


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