rockyourlyricsYou are currently touring in Europe, how it is going so far?
It’s going great. Not as cold as expected, getting to see some beautiful cities & delving into a new market making some good friends. Can’t complain.
How do you usually write the lyrics for your songs?
I usually hum a melody with the odd word to a voice memo onto my phone then I go from there. I like to use sayings that people have heard before, I enjoy using word play so double meanings etc. I usually just delve into what’s going on in my head at the time and it often comes out in my songs way before I even realise it in real life.
In your opinion, what is the most important thing in songwriting?
Authenticity. I believe it has to be real or it can’t ever really be relatable. Where your heart on your sleeve and talk about your real life experiences because there’s a 99.9% chance that other people are going through these things too. It’s great being able to articulate these things through music and change peoples moods.
Are you ever scared of revealing aspects of your personal life/experience to strangers through your music?
Not anymore. I think I have held back a little on previous records and just covered the basics but I’ve learned a lot about myself over the past couple of years and I feel ready to start delving deeper into my mind and start talking about that.
What is the best lyric that you ever wrote (the most meaningful for you)?
It’s a really difficult question because I like different lyrics for all completely different reasons. I like lyrics with feeling and attitude behind them. I was quite proud of a couple lines off Crisis at the time though. (With the filters applied the anxiety dies for the thousands with quick fix wool over their eyes)
What inspired the song “Crisis” on “Identity Crisis”?
‘Crisis’ was the first song I’ve ever written about society. I’d never felt confident enough previously because I didn’t think I had a strong enough opinion on it. As I got older I became more cynical and aware of how fucked the world is. I think it’s just part of getting older. Crisis is mainly about social media today and how it means everything. In a bad way.
And “Ashtray”?
‘Ashtray’ is a straight up love song. Being in a bad place and falling head over heels. Basically about the start of a hot mess of a relationship and not knowing quite how to handle it. I love that song.
Do you remember the day you wrote “Fling”?
I don’t remember the exact date or anything, but it’s something our old guitarist wrote a long time ago and I remember being very excited by the riff. Fling was the first song written on IC and was written over a year before all the other songs.
Is there a link/a common theme among the songs of the album?
Not exactly, no. Every wstr song has a formula though and it’s about being a bit of a scatter brain. Messing up, being imperfect, not taking yourself too seriously and there’s always a few about love.
What is the best suggestion your producer gave you when recording “Identity Crisis”?
He told us KISS meaning keep it simple stupid. We stripped it all back and much preferred the outcome.
What are your plans for 2019?
We’re always writing new music. We play slam dunk festival and 2000 trees but nothing else that I can really talk about at the moment.
To conclude the interview, a short Q/A session, please answer the first thing that comes to your mind:
- Define in one word your album “Identity Crisis”: Mood.
- The best show you ever played: Underworld.
- The one thing that you must have backstage: Tea.
- The soundtrack of your childhood: Take off your pants and jacket.
- Your favorite song lyrically speaking, but not written by you: DVP by Pup.
- Last question is “unusual”, we want to know your best relationship advice: Just be real, try not to take people for granted. Never try to force anything and love will find you. Always remember that other people have got stuff going on too, as well as you, so try to be as understanding as you can. Make them feel secure and always stay faithful.
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