This week we have the first of our trio of interviews, first is Look, Stranger! Second will be Kites and third will be what ties these together which is Merrington Music Management, they will help us understand what music management is all about.
Look, Stranger! are what I would describe as an indie band but like they say 'Calling yourself a pop band has oddly become cooler'. They are made up of Timothy (Vocals), David (Piano and synths), Alister (Bass) and Thomas (Laptop, Sampler and Percussion) with all of them doing a bit of backing vocals. They have that 80's sound which has been quite popular recently but they have an added something. Their song writing is great to have so many different sounds in one song but keeps it seamlessly smooth.
Hi Look, Stranger! for people who haven't yet had the pleasure to listen to you how would explain your sound?
Sure thing, we make soulful indie dance pop. We look to combine classic pop sounds and structures with more contemporary rhythms and textures. Think Hot Chip.
How long have you been together and how do you know each other?
We all went to school together, which means we have been playing music for about 10 years. Dear me, I think I need a lie down.
Your debut E.P 'If You're Listening' was released last year in July and now you have released your second E.P 'One for the King'. How do the records compare? Was it easier making the second one?
Well the first one is a bit folkier and the second is a bit dancier. Seriously, its all free online, have a quick peruse, it would make my day. Making records never, ever gets easier. However, self-producing does take some of the pressure off as you have much more time to do takes. We have now concluded our home recorded output and have gone back into the professional studio. Thus, I am frankly out of my mind.
Link to the free Download on there BandCamp
After watching the video for 'One for the King' I see there are a lot of computers and electronical equipment used. Has it always been this way or did you start by just jamming on a guitar and drum kit?
We started as a much more acoustic based band. Everyone has a certain amount of classical training and we reflect this in our playing. The video captures us at our most geeky and technophilosophised (yup). We now have a full live drum kit, to make us rawk.
Your sound reminds me of Wild Beasts, Friendly Fires and a bit of The Foals which is not a bad thing at all. What bands have influenced you?
Not a lot of indie surprisingly. Personally I'm into Scott Walker and the Zombies, which I hope you can hear in my vocals. Calling yourself a pop band has oddly become cooler than calling yourself an indie one (thus groups like Spector talk about being influenced by Frank Sinatra and Kanye West, huh?) We're very connected to our roots in classic songwriting and still value any artist with great chords and melody. For this reason we are all massive Tom Jones fans.
What can we expect from you this year more releases? Are you playing many gigs or festivals?
Oh yes. Well no, we've got some London gigs in late July (er, manager?). Then I am off on my bloody holidays. However, the single is out in September/October followed by a terrific tour so we shall surely keep you informed.
Finally always ask it where did the name come from?
It is the title of a WH Auden book of poems. I have struggled to find consolation in having an odd name, while being such a square person. And I found it- when you google search the band, phrases crop such as, “These bran muffins look stranger than I had ever thought possible”. Which is some payoff.
To here more from this band or what there getting up to LIKE or Follow them.
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