Hailing from the Black Country, the raucous GANS, comprised of Euan Woodman and Thomas Rhodes, weave narratives of mental health and their working-class roots into thrilling post-punk offerings. Signed to Pete Doherty's Strap Originals label, the duo released their well-received debut record, 'GOOD FOR THE SOUL', in the autumn of 2025.

A year on, we chat to the pair about upcoming plans, heartfelt fan run-ins, and playing London's Royal Albert Hall as part of the Seven Questions with Music Is To Blame Series.

Introduce yourself and where you’re from. 

We are GANS, and we come from Aluminium foundries, Factories, Assembly lines, Retail jobs, Bar work, Love, Imagination, Care, the SEND Department, and the Black Country. 

What do our readers need to know about you?

We work hard. We drive to share joy and reflection with as many people across the world as possible. We look after each other and anyone who decides to invest in us. Anyone taking the time to read this matters to us, and we cannot express more adoration and appreciation to the people who we matter to.

What have you got coming up that you’re most excited for? 

New music and more shows. We’re most excited for new experiences in life no matter in what form they are brought to us. You are your memories, and we just want to gain as many as possible.

What’s the best run-in you’ve had with a fan?

When we were doing instores to promote the GFTS ('GOOD FOR THE SOUL') record we put out in September 2025, we had the pleasure of meeting so many different people from all walks of life; every one of those experiences was the best. But one that stays with me (Euan) in particular was when a fan came up to us in Crash Records in Leeds. She handed us a “Thank you” card. In the card was a message explaining that her sister, a huge music fan, had passed away that year. The message then explained that, when she and her husband had discovered us touring with Big Special, the joy that she had felt watching us on stage had reminded her so much of her sister because she felt she would have really enjoyed us. Since then her and her husband have come to every show that they can make, and I still have the card to this day. It was lovely.

What’s been your biggest ‘I’ve made it’ moment so far?

Playing the Royal Albert Hall was really special for us both; I knew my late Grandad would have been especially proud. But, to be honest, I think that the ability for us both to do this full time with the touring family we’ve built is a perpetual “I’ve made it” moment. Every time we come off stage and feel the collective atmosphere of the fans and ourselves, it always fills me with so much pride and joy.

What are your three “desert island” albums?

'Remain in Light' - Talking Heads, 'Mezzanine' - Massive Attack, 'Cold Sea' - Oisin Leech

Sum up your sound in three words. 

Everything in Extreme