The Smoking Guns

Photo: Erica Bergsmeds

Name
The Smoking Guns

What do you do?
We play '60s soul, rhythm and blues, ska, funk, and a little Latin boogaloo. We also host on our radio show on Soho Radio where we share lost soul treasures and chat to mates from the worlds of music, entertainment, journalism and art.

Where are you from?
We are one-half British, London-born and one-half Canadian, hailing from Toronto.

Describe your style in three words?
Studio 54 / Woodstock / The Factory.

Which sub-cultures have had an enduring effect on you?
Well, the mods of course. 

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
We’d love to share a bottle of whiskey with Muddy Waters, down in Mississippi.

Another you? Any other career that would have appealed?
Sam: A burlesque dancer. 
Iraina: A spy.

Best Gig you have ever been to?
Iraina: Rolling Stones when they headlined Glastonbury.
Sam: George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic at the 02 Forum Kentish Town. 

Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Well, it’s more of a field... but we’d have to go with The Next Stage at Secret Garden Party last year. We played for thousands of people, off their rockers at 3am. We were surprised with pyrotechnics, dancers in bikinis with baby chainsaws, fire eaters, a light show. I think the programmers thought we were someone else. We felt like we were in Vegas!! The energy was electric.

Since joining forces, Samantha Michelle and Iraina Mancini have performed across some of London’s most exclusive night-spots including The Groucho Club and Soho House. The London DJ duo play '60s soul, rhythm and blues, funk, ska and Latin boogaloo, present weekly music and culture shows on Soho Radio, and run a club night with the legendary Eddie Piller.