Lava Lounge Radio Australia

Where do you live? 

We are originally from the Isle of Wight but are now based in Brighton. The Isle of Wight is a tiny island off the south coast of the uk and we felt we had exhausted a lot of the opportunities there, so went to Brighton for uni and the music scene, which is incredible.

How did you all meet?

The original line up met in high school when we were 14. We formed the band in our music class and performed for 3 years together. Our bassist, Michael,  stepped down not long ago and we met our lead guitarist Gabriel Randall. We didn’t have a bassist but wanted to stay a 3 piece which was a challenge. We worked this out by splitting my guitar signal to create a synthetic bass. It took a lot of practice but it fits our sound and we haven’t looked back since. 

What do you like most about playing music?

When people sing our lyrics back and make the effort to come and see us and support us that’s amazing. Also when someone says they started learning their instrument because of us. There’s no better compliment than that for a musician. 

What inspired you to start playing and making music?

Music was an obsession for all of us. Growing up with parents who loved classic rock and alternative music, 70s, 80s and 90s, was a big inspiration. We all wanted to perform from a young age but never imagined we would do the things we’ve done. Although we’re still relatively small as a band, every time we get up on stage it’s the best feeling in the world. No matter how big or small the audience, their enjoyment keeps you going 

Describe your creative process when you write new music

We sit down in our home studio with a guitar and a couple of beers. Eventually a riff or idea will come up and we work on it. I think we’re all perfectionists so it’s difficult to get a full song finished quickly. We tend to split songwriting into many different days and work on a few projects at once. 

How would you describe your musical style and the evolution of your sound over the years?

We started as an indie band and stayed like that for a year. We progressively, naturally got heavier and dabbled in different genres like funk too. We ended up sticking to a genre we all collectively love, modern rock. The evolution was slow but we can finally label ourselves as a specific genre now. 

Are there specific themes or messages you aim to convey through your music?

We usually talk about darker subjects but leave the lyrics open to interpretation for the listener. If you look at lyrics for individual songs the meanings are quite twisted. Julie Anne is about a stalker obsessed with someone he can’t have. Red river is about war and destruction in any sense, emotional or physical. Our lyrics are more of a social commentary with a little bit of personal experience thrown in. They tend to represent a feeling or type of mental space rather than anything literal. 

Can you share the story behind your latest album/project?

Red River originally started as a song with no real meaning but the chorus collectively made us think of destruction and war. It became more about a mental battle than a physical one and, to me, represents the struggles mental health and personal battles bring every day. We have always thought it’s more beneficial to let listeners create their own meaning though and make it personal to them. 

Who's your ideal musician to collaborate with and why?

Mike Kerr from royal blood as he has been a huge inspiration for our sound and riff writing.  The Amazons, Dead Poets Society, Muse and Guns N Roses also influenced us heavily. It would be a dream to collaborate with any of them. 

Are there any musicians who inspire you?

We are fans of lots of different genres. Louis (drummer) grew up with funk, jazz, house and hip hop and Gabe and I grew up on 80s and 90s alternative rock and metal. We all love Ozzy Osbourne. Black sabbath, Soundgarden, Alice in chains and Pearl Jam. I honestly think we were born in the wrong era!  The amazons are a good, more modern, band to look at for success in our genre. They’re in a great position and we aspire to be like them as we are huge fans. 

What made you want to be a musician?

I have been creating music since childhood, singing with my guitar. The songs were not great, my first being a comedic tune called “Bassface.” It was my music GCSE in 2020, that made me realise I actually wanted to be a musician: during lockdown, I wrote and recorded my first original song on my iPad, spending hours experimenting with these new effects and digital instruments. My teacher played the final product as the example track, and that feeling of pride and discovering I was actually a somewhat skilled songwriter opened up so many possibilities for the future. 

Which instruments did you play in high school?

My main instrument has always been my acoustic guitar. However, having not been part of the main school orchestras, I was in a small sub-par band which had three ukulele players, two saxophones, and two keyboard players. I also sang alto in the choir, but when I was older, I focused more of my time producing and creating music by myself in my room. 

What accomplishment do you see yourself achieving in the next 5-10 years?

I hopefully will have built a fanbase which appreciates my music and be able to travel and perform live for people. I definitely want to have seen more of the world, as I haven’t left Europe yet. Perhaps, I will have completed a masters degree. I mainly want to have met like-minded and creative friends through acting or writing. Act in great films, write a novel - I don’t really have a solid plan; whatever will be will be. 

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside music?

Alongside music, I enjoy acting and recently booked a role in a big feature film which was an amazing opportunity. I also have spent the past three years achieving a first class law degree, and just had my graduation on Tuesday. I love writing, especially short stories. My job at the moment interests me - I’m an activity leader for a language school, and it is brilliant meeting so many new people from around the world, and leading their tours and discos. 

What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?

I think my lyricism takes my songs to another level - I feel like I’m able to use everyday language in a strange way which creates dark undertones to otherwise melodic music. I suppose I’m quite a sensitive person which allows me to write songs with emotion. I think I have an ear for a catchy tune which people seem to like!

Do you have any weaknesses that you’re actively working to improve on?

As a musician, I actually have very little understanding of music theory. I am able to tinker on the keyboard or come up with guitar chords, with not a lot of awareness of the technical aspects. I’ve begun having piano lessons to master sight reading and become properly skilled at the instrument. 

What instrument is your favourite to play and why?

My favourite instrument has always been the acoustic guitar - I write all my songs by finding a nice chord progression on guitar first and then it spirals into lyrics and melody. I’ve been playing for a long time, so I’m naturally comfortable playing - I’ve had hard fingertips since I was about nine.

What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?

The feeling you get when an original idea or new chorus seems to just appear sparks so much motivation and passion to create a song. Especially when it has a powerful meaning behind it, or is something that people haven’t heard before and you feel like they need to. For me, the reaction of people I care about to my songs makes me passionate - if it makes them feel emotion and that shows me that I really care about what I create.

Describe your favourite and least favourite part about being a musician?

My favourite part about being a musician is when you finally hear the finished version of the song, after so many different versions, ideas and time. You have this complete track which you can share, and listen to yourself. I love being able to bring a brand new melody to the world, knowing that I created it myself. I can be proud of that, and also feel the satisfaction of working hard on a project and it paying off.

My least favourite part is how difficult it is to maintain the right values; the right reasons for making music. Sometimes you feel obsessed with the end result - streams, fans, success - but that’s not what it’s about. You have to learn to enjoy the journey, and the creation of something you are proud of, without caring too much about the outcome. I often find this frustrating, that I feel impatient and want the end result too much rather than enjoying the music and the present.

Which instrument is your least favourite to play and how do you make sure you play well?

My least favourite instrument is actually my voice! I am not a technically showy singer, but I like to think that the emotion and quirky English singing style is what makes my voice special. I admire how many inspiring artists aren’t vocal acrobats and depend on their soul and presence to perform. I definitely lean into being more unique than impressive vocally and I think this adds originality to my songs.