1.The First Song I Wrote
I’m one of those people that is constantly singing what they’re doing at the expense of everyone around me. It’s a weird habit that I don’t realise I’m doing until I’m told to shut up. Although, I think the first proper song I wrote was called ‘Take My Hand’ and it’s about travelling and not knowing what clothes to pack. I was 15. The chorus went like, “All your clothes are there, but you don’t know what to wear”. I am now listening to my dodgy GarageBand demo of it. Thanks.
2.The Last Song I Released
The last song we released was ‘Fence Rider’ off of our debut EP IV. It’s my favourite song on the EP, and among my favourite that we play live. The lyrics are about those people whose opinions always sit on the fence. They’re not confident enough to be able to say what they believe or think so they’ll let anyone shove anything down their throats. I think it’s boring conversing with people that have no backbone. Honestly, who are you? What are you? Musically, it’s a riff-raff of hard rock and rockabilly influence.
3.Songwriting Secrets
The bluesy riff for our track ‘Whine’ was written while I was on the toilet, note-for-note. Sometimes I’ll make mind maps of words and phrases, make up a narrative, or a chord progression. For our earlier tracks, my lyrics were fuelled by things that have annoyed me. However, I don’t have one set way for songwriting. I think it’s better that way. You feel less trapped if one technique doesn’t work. The best tip I ever got was to never throw away an idea. Keep them shelved to look at with fresh eyes (thank you Clive Harrison).
4.The Song That MakesMe Proud
I’m most proud of a track that we haven’t even released yet, and probably never will. It’s called ‘Animal’ and I wrote it about the demise of my father’s life as a result of alcoholism. When we play it as a band, it carries so much emotion and energy. The song is in your face and confronting. Just as the realities of substance abuse should be.
5.The Song ThatChanged My Life
‘When She Loved Me’, written by Randy Newman. You know it. It’s the song Jessie sings in Toy Story 2. I really admire Randy Newman as a songwriter. If you heard the song out of context, you wouldn’t think it was written in the perspective of a doll. But in context, it makes so much sense and still makes me emotional every time I hear it.
Catch them with Wolves In Fashion, Electric Vogues, Octavian and Two Headed Man atBrighton Up BaronFriday January 16, tickets online.
