Where can we find you right now and what are you up to?
New songs are being written which is exciting for us. And we do have a new release planned. Gig-wise 2024 is shaping up to be a blinder already! We are bursting into the new year with a tonne of gigs in Jan - looking forward to supporting The Meteors 1st April, supporting the DIY scene and holding our own Part Time Punks all-dayer in May, AND we will be packing our suitcases and heading over to France for a tour!
Tell us a bit about your influences.
We don't really like to limit or pigeonhole our influences but I like to think we draw our influence somewhere around; power-pop; punk and new-wave; and C86/indie-pop. As writers both Jay and I draw inspiration musically usually from a band or song that has captured our attention. In some ways, I think that the volume of gigs we play does have an impact on our writing - playing with a band who does something interesting can usually spark a song. Or even just bits of situations and conversations we hear in the process.
How did you start?
Originally the band started out as a side project for our guitarist; over the years we have evolved and formed into what you hear now. I guess it’s all linear but we do see ourselves as something hugely different compared to our beginnings. I guess experience, a change in members, transitions in song writers, can do that. And over time we are refining our approach to songwriting.
What obstacles does an emerging artist have to face in our time?
There are obviously thousands. But one which I feel is present at the moment is how you quite easily become “labeled”. Creatives draw inspiration from multiple sources, but I do think sometimes spanning genres makes it hard for some people to group you. But it can even come down to the venues or gigs you play and these form your perceived identity. But we don’t like to limit ourselves - the variety and experience in life just add to fuel to your creativity. The rise in social media also gives you another label to carry. How many followers you have, how active you are, how good your content is. And it’s just another string to your bow that you have to master. Who knew we all got into this cos we liked to write a tune and play a bit of guitar!!
What worked for you marketing-wise? What advice or tips would you give to new artists?
To be honest I don’t know how good we are at that kinda of stuff! I would love someone to tell us if we are doing it right haha! But I believe that just being honest about your art and about yourself, and not relying on fashions or influence from social media trends. Authenticity is obvious and makes you stand out.
What are your goals? Where do you see yourself in five years?
Well, who knows? Probably a couple more albums! We would love to travel more and play some new places. Maybe try some different projects.
Tell us about your latest or upcoming release.
In spring we do have a new release! We will be releasing a compilation on including some previously unreleased tracks, B-side, and a few others - keep an eye on our social media as all will be revealed soon! Since we’re on the subject of new stuff have a bunch of fresh songs in the pipeline so I would expect a new record will be in the pipeline!
Photo by Mark Tighe & Steve White