Formed in Lincoln, UK in late 2015, Ben Ellis was performing solo acoustic originals and playing in folk-punk band Dog Goblins while Rick Whitehead had been the lead songwriter and guitarist in alt-metal band, Tripswitch. Warren ‘Wozza’ Nel joined on drums in 2016 and the band racked up an extensive amount of gigs over the next 18 months including several festivals slots. Lizzie Clarke (ex-Almaboobies) took over on bass in 2017 bringing her own hyper brand of stage presence. We have a huge range of musical influences including New Model Army, Tool, Queens Of The Stone age, Deftones, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Siouxsie And The Banshees. Our music is totally and utterly from our hearts, knowing the importance music to our lives.
1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?
When we first got together as a band we realised that trying to scratch every one of our musical itches as musicians was a tall order to say the least. We knew one thing though and that was what music meant to us as individuals and that we didn’t care for trends. We were all experienced musicians with our own individual tastes and stories and we used that experience and passion to create the sound we have now.
2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?
We all have different influences and backgrounds and i think it shines through in our music. Wozza and lizzie come from punk and hard rock backgrounds while rick played really heavy math rock before and Ben did solo acoustic stuff, so some of our tunes are punky while some heavier and we have a few acoustic rock numbers too.
With this in mind we have been compared to a range of bands like Pearl Jam, Metallica and Mumford and Sons.
3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?
Most definitely. This defines our songs. They were written about our hardships and some are happier more bouncy songs too. We have all had ups and downs and our music style shows that as our songs are very ‘buildy’ or progressive and explode with a nice big ending. I think this approach and style makes our songs catchy and sets us apart from others.
4.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?
Our biggest obstacles so far have really been injuries and funds. It requires a lot of hard work and hours and costs are high too, so really keeping fit, motivated and ready is key. We have so many original songs and material as both ben and rick write so we have yet to record a lot of them. We are very keen and working very hard to achieve this and get our song recorded and out there.
5.) Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?
Definitely would love the opportunity to be involved with a major label. We are a hard working band and would all want nothing more but to tour , gig and record and make music our everyday job!
6.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves?
Social media has obviously become extremely important and essential for marketing your brand and getting noticed. Its great for exposure and getting songs heard or videos watched and obviously for growing your audience and fans.
7.) Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?
I think you would struggle, but that being said it still only takes a great song or piece of music to get noticed and things can happen from there. Obviously getting on the road and out there gigging at as many places as possible is the way we like to go about things. We are a working band and that will help promotion wise too. But using social media tools are so easy and convenient and effective it’s hard to not use and exploit them and would be silly really not to.
8.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure you make music that is true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?
I think there obviously is a little bit of that going on in the music game, but we truly believe playing passionately and from the hearts is the way to go and we feel all of our songs and give 100% performances each time we go on stage. Sure everyone wants to make money and don’t get me wrong so do we, but all of us really do just enjoy playing our instruments and love it when people bounce about and appreciate our music. Theres nothing more rewarding I don’t think. We have been told we are a great live act and our music runs deep so hopefully we are achieving our goals.
