One rainy Sunday after Sandro Schiena and Giuseppe La Mela moved from Rome to London armed only with their guitars and a bag full of European plug adaptors, they bumped into Anthony J. Hutchison and Jeremy Levy busking on the tube in giant sombreros. They talked, they laughed and, eventually, they joined forces to become Turnpike Glow.

Their first offering ‘The Turn, the Pike and the Glow’ is available now as a free download and is a taster of what’s to come in 2012. We caught up with the band to find out more.

Stop or confirm (or start) a rumour about yourself...
Thanks for giving us this opportunity. This rumour has recently caused us a lot of grief. We want to make it absolutely clear and stress once again we have never ever performed at a Bunga Bunga party.

Individually, what do each of you bring to Turnpike Glow?
Petty spats, passion, sometimes inspiration but mostly mood swings. Sandro also provides competent advice on the latest hair products.

So, which one of you gets the most male attention then?!
That would have to be Giuseppe. He’s the cuddly and reassuring type.

Tell us a little about your first offering ‘The Turn, The Pike & The Glow’ – what can we expect?
The song was written in the midst of the credit crunch lunacy. It’s an ironic take on the cluelessness and inadequacy of today’s political leaders. Or maybe it’s just a good pop song.

What are you most proud of about the track?
The overall groove and the bass sound are something we’re pretty chuffed about. We still remember the delighted look on our faces when we heard that sound coming out of the speakers for the first time.

Is the track representative of the rest of your music as a whole?
Yes, it is to some extent. Rhythm plays a significant role in our creative process. We always have a drum beat in mind when writing new melodies. It helps making the vocal parts more interesting and hopefully less predictable.

What’s in store for the crowd at a live gig?
Frivolous in-between song banter, Mediterranean warmth and free hugs. 

What would be your fantasy gig?
The Beta Band performing their own version of Sgt. Pepper’s (and we are the opening act).

Finish the sentence: A good night out starts with...
Prawn and courgette linguine with a glass of white wine.

It ends with...
Giant Steps by John Coltrane

What’s the best thing ever invented?
Super Mario Kart.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Be nice to journalists and bouncers.

Anything to add?
Do not borrow money from the IMF.

Click here to download Turnpike Glow's 'The Turn, the Pike and the Glow' for free. An official single will be released in early 2012, along with their debut EP.  Find out more about Turnpike Glow at www.facebook.com/turnpikeglow.