Stroking the ego & Shower songs
We caught up with The ZINVANDELS to talk about their brand new single ‘Blackholes’ and to find out a little more about their creative process.
TIWN MEDIA - PR & PLUGGING
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TIWN MEDIA - PR & PLUGGING 〰️
Copyright Anthony Conway Photography
Great to speak with you guys. Tell me a little bit about yourselves.
Grant and myself have been shit-kicking for a few life times. It started with a band called the Mile Highs, but we lost the will and tried jumping on a few bandwagons. Grant fell and hurt himself falling from one … then we realised we wanted to do something meaningful to ourselves. We Made musical love together and nine months later gave birth to Ash and joycey (who look just like us).
What’s the story behind your name?
We had a cease and desist on our last band name.
Heartbreaker had a great 60’s feel to it, with the new single what’s your point of reference?
We’ve not really thought about it too much. We’ve always been a singles band at heart, I think. The tune dictates us and BLACKHOLES is where we’re at currently. Right now - loud guitars and slightly sinister pop.
You seem to be a band that’s equally at home experimenting in the studio or playing live to an audience - but where are you most comfortable ?
I would have said live... until these recording sessions. Recording these latest tunes with James Weaver was a new lease of life. We were intent on capturing liveliness. To be rehearsed but happy for a blip and not be victims of red light fever. I think we captured the energy and rawness we aimed for.
What are your plans for the rest of 2022 - Have you got any exciting shows coming up ?
Releasing BLACKHOLES on July 22.. headlining The Bunkhouse, Swansea on 7th October.. Newbridge Memo Nov 18th and releasing our first album in 2022 … then we’re single and willing to mingle!
Is there a particular song of yours that means the most, or has a memorable story?
I think Heartbreaker goes a long way for us. It was the first song grant and I wrote. It provided a good barometer for what we wanted to do. It was recorded very quickly and was well received from the get-go, plus the royalties continue to pay our mortgages (£75 as of last financial year end).
Where do you find the inspiration for your songs ?
Usually a mis-heard Nirvana lyric (that I usually nick) or in the gaze of a new born child.
Has there been any memorable gigs so far?
Headlining Newton festival to a few thousand stands out. It still feels a bit surreal….but then I remember the day after playing Cardiff hub-fest. Our first chord was to no one but It’s one of the best gigs we played. We played amazingly that day. We’re a good little unit when we’ve had a run of games.
What is the thing you love most about being musicians?
It strokes the ego beautifully. You can drop the nine to five persona and be the person you want to be. You’ll have a great gig then a gig to two people - you’re always a stones throw from an ego check. Being in a band is a box tick for the soul.
What’s the thing you hate most about being in the music industry right now?
John Lewis adverts. It used to just fuck me off at Christmas, now it’s 365 days a year of every fucker trying to strip a song to a John Lewis sync.
If you weren’t musicians, what would you be doing?
Thinking of excuses to validate a weekend drink.
Which musician or band would you love to collaborate with right now?
Neil hannon, James Dean Bradfield, St. Vincent
What’s your favourite cover song to play live?
What do you feel sets you apart from other bands?
We aren’t the second coming. We aren’t the next Led Zep or anything, but I do think we operate in our own little space which probably doesn’t do us many favours. We look mod but we aren’t mod. I think we give off an impression that maybe isn’t accurate. From our best tunes to worst tunes I think we have always been interesting and we have good tunes.
Copyright Anthony Conway Photography
What is your creative process when writing a new song?
Usually a bolt from blue, like a catchy line or a melody. Check the vault for some of the 22% formed ideas. Voice memo is a great tool to record the first idea then hear the evolution. Also - Never repeat verse lyrics.
What’s something you want to say to your fans right now, or any potential new fans about this next release?
To both of you. We love you. We need you and we’re gonna get busy this year.
Lastly, what’s your go to song to sing in the shower?
Blackholes - The ZINVANDELS - Premiers 6pm (UK) on 22/07/22