“Bands give you joy”: An interview with The Carbonators

We spoke to the band The Carbonators, whose members have learning disabilities. They play at our fundraising concert on Wednesday 25 September.

The Carbonators are a band from Croydon. The members happen to have learning disabilities. They are part of the arts organisation Club Soda.

They play rock’n’roll, punk, blues, soul and free jazz music. We’re really happy that The Carbonators are playing at our upcoming charity music evening, Play for Inclusion, on Wednesday 25 September.

We asked the band a few questions before the show:

Please describe your band and the kind of music you play?
Adrian: We are a fusion Jazz, rock band. We’ve been going since 2011. We have changed a lot in that time. There are now only three original members in the band. That’s Narindra, James and myself. Alex joined in 2014 and Cris in 2022.

James: Just rock.

Cris: I like the song ‘Here comes the rain’

What are your names and what instruments do you play?
Adrian: Guitar, vocals

James: Drum and vocals

Cris: Bass guitar

What do you enjoy about being in a band and what have you learned?
Adrian: It gets me out. I learnt to have patience.

James: I enjoyed meeting Damo Suzuki. He was a great musician. I don’t think The Carbonators would exist without him. I’ve learnt it’s really important to be alive.

Cris: I enjoy the changes that happen in the band. I learnt to listen and to sing.

What has been your favourite concert and why?
Adrian: DIY space for London, it was a great audience.

James: Bubble Club, 93 feet east. Again the audience was great and I enjoyed seeing the other new bands playing.

Cris: Wide Awake Festival 2004. All for people listened.

What would you say to people with learning disabilities and autism who are thinking about starting a band?
Adrian: Follow your dream, it’s never too late, I started playing music at the age of 40, when The Carbonators started. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do anything!

James: Bands give you joy and you learn how to be in a group.

Cris: Pick the instrument you love.

Get your ticket to our charity band night and watch The Carbonators live!

Find out more about The Carbonators and Club Soda.