When did you first realise that COVID-19 was going to have an effect on your band?
When we were planning the release of our latest EP, “This Is Something You Can’t Replace”. We had planned to get this out in March and subsequently tour to promote it around the UK scene. That quickly hit a stop!
Initially, what was that whole situation like, and how did your band overcome/react to it?
It was pretty heart-breaking to be honest. We’ve all worked really hard on this EP and were really excited to be able to show it off live. So, when the lockdown began and all the plans came to a sudden stop, it was really gutting because it cut us off mid flow. It’s also impacted our practice routine and ways of writing new tunes.
We’re optimistic for the future though and we’re looking forward to getting back out there for some big gigs in the new year.
How has your creative process changed as a band over the last couple of months?
It’s changed dramatically. We’re a band who likes to write for the live show with all of us adding to the mix. Not being able to do that has meant we’ve had to change our style of writing quite a bit. There are a lot of new sounds in the pipeline though and they will be exciting to work on.
What’s been the hardest part about writing/doing music this way?
Definitely that lack of being able to bounce off each other. We’re a band who gos of the energy and tries out loads of ideas before we find the perfect mix. Lockdown has meant it’s been quite a solo process with all of us putting ideas together and then passing them around.
To be honest, I think we’re all still hanging on to a few ideas that we just know won’t work the same without everyone’s input, so when we can get together to write again, they’ll be big sounds for sure.
What bands/artists have you been listening to over the last couple of months?
(Answered by Jim)
I’m really digging Ist Ist at the moment. I love the brooding, dark style of their tunes. Slow Readers Club have also be putting out some amazing stuff recently. Interestingly, I’ve also been digging through some older sounds to pick up new stuff. As a result, I’m really into the likes of Tom Petty and Nick Cave at the moment.
So, what do you think you’ve learnt the most from being a band through COVID-19?
That you need to be mates before band members. These are really stressful times and it’s been a challenge to get the most of promoting the latest EP while we’ve been in lockdown. Tensions have certainly been strained and it was really important for us all to take a step back and remember that we’re all mates.
What kind of effect do you think that it’s had on the music industry all together, and how excited are you to see it return to normal?
Worryingly, the music industry is having a really tough time at the moment and isn’t getting the support it needs. There’s a lot of terrible stories about bands breaking up and venues closing. It’s a scary time for music lovers really. We really hope everyone can hang on!
We cannot wait for everything to get back to some kind of normality. Looking glass half full, we think it’ll be such an amazing time when people can get out and see artists play live again. It will have been so long that everyone will be so keen to get out to shows. The vibes will be huge. That will be an exciting time.
What tips/advice would you like to give to other bands who are also going through this?
Just remember why you love it. Don’t pressure yourselves into trying to keep up with the Jonses in such a naff time. It’s not worth stressing out and falling out over. Good times will come again, just be patience and look forward to normality coming back!