Sharing a common obsession with ESG, LCD Soundsystem and CBGBs, long-time pals Eoin, Gavin Ellis (bass, synth) and Olly Betts (drums) got together to make music to move to. They are not art school drop outs. They didn’t make this album out of heartbreak. They didn’t disappear to a log cabin in the woods. They didn’t pump your petrol, though they may have poured you a pint. They DID start making noise together in 2016 and released Shoulda Known It last year, which found its way onto numerous Spotify compilations and has now reached over 700k plays. Since then, Oh800 have received praise from the likes of BBC 6Music’s Steve Lamacq and BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, as well as Clash, DIY and With Guitars to name but a few. They recently released new single ‘I Want You Around’ which you can check out below!
We managed to catch up with the band as they talked about their latest single and more!
So how has the release of I Want You Around gone down with fans so far?
Pretty good as far as well can tell, although we haven’t played many shows recently so it’s hard to tell. It’s always a banger live so we’re looking forward to playing it live again soon.
Can you tell something about the track no one else knows?
It’s the only song I’m aware of that uses the phrase ‘sacked it off’.
Will you be releasing an EP/album this year?
We will indeed, we’re releasing our debut album in October, it’s called ‘Character Building’ and it’s the sound of three grown men grappling with modern life, guitars and synthesisers.
If you could with any band on a new song, who would it be and why?
That would be Eurythmics, Annie Lennox is a legend.
What’s it like be recognised by the likes of BBC Radio One and more?
It feels great. It deserves to be there so we don’t have an inferiority complex about it. Ok??
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
A small holding in mid Wales.
Will you be touring at all this year?
We hope so, we’re trying to put something together for the end of the year… watch this space, or more accurately watch our instagram (oh800band).
What was the first ever gig you went to?
Dire straits in a safari park.