INTERVIEW: Just Like Fruit — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Just Like Fruit

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I always love going down to Brighton…

and hooking up with some tremendous talent. Today; I get to spotlight Just Like Fruit and discover more about their music. They reveal the story behind their latest song, Mama Said, and the themes that inspired their E.P., On the Door. They talk about Brighton and why it is such a pull for musicians; how they all got together – and whether there is going to be more material this year.

I ask what it is like being compared with the likes of Courtney Barnett; how they all chill away from the music scene; whether the video for Mama Said was fun to shoot; new artists we need to investigate – what touring plans they have for the coming months.

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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

This week's been great, thanks. We've just released our new music video - which is very exciting. But, in general, we’ve just been cracking on with all that in-between stuff. Being a musician is a full-time job!

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?

We are five long-time pals making Rock ‘n' Roll music anywhere, at any time.

Mama Said is the new track. What can you reveal about its origin and background?

It's a track kind of about doing something exciting and being on the move, so it was probably written whilst being bored. It all started out on rusty acoustics and, therefore, had an old, rusty Country-romp vibe, which we found was still kind of there after we took away the acoustics – so, we added a couple of extra splashes of Country into the recording for good measure.

The video looks quite high-wire and energetic! How did you come up with the concept? How much fun was it getting it filmed?!

We initially, actually, had a very simple and innocent thought that it would be fun to spend an afternoon chasing Taran around. Eventually, we developed that thought into a concept for a music video; adding a storyboard and a setting.

Everybody wants to be a cowboy for a day.

What is a shoot like that like?! Does it make writing songs more appealing knowing you get to shoot a cool video (like Mama Said)?

Firstly; thank you for calling it a cool video. It's always a lot of fun imagining videos but it's usually much easier to envisage a video after the writing of the song - once everybody's played it a few times. Don't want to be prematurely telling the band that this new piano ballad has a video idea attached already cos we might (and usually would) speed it up and go and add some distorted guitar on there.

The song is the latest release from the E.P., On the Door. What has the reaction been like to the E.P.? What sort of themes and stories inspired its creation?

Pretty good thanks. We've sold them all - so it’s gone down as a success for us in that respect. The sort of themes that carry the E.P. through are live fast, live good and do right.

Will there be more material later this year?

Most certainly. On top of a few more exhilarating music videos; we also have two singles for our songs Gone Gone Gone and Harder to Breathe in the vault that we are looking forward to releasing. It’s proceeding to be a very busy, fun and forward-looking period for us.

Brighton is where Just Like Fruit is based. How did the band get together? What is Brighton like as a centre for music and creativity?

We all kind of met at different stages…

Kieran (Rhythm Guitarist) and Dion (Lead Vocalist) have always been next door neighbours in Streatham, South London. Dion and Taran (Lead Guitarist) met at this crazy-of-all-crazies festival called Smallworld as little kids.

As for the rest of us; we met studying music at college in Twickenham - where we became a band.

I know you guys source everyone from Courtney Barnett and The Rolling Stones as influences. Who are the artists you all grew up on?

Collectively, I think we could cite Sam Cooke, Jimi Hendrix; The Beatles and Led Zeppelin as definite-vital-vitamins whilst growing up. All 1960s influences. It kind of explains the Just Like Fruit sound when you see it on paper like this. Haha.

IN THIS PHOTO: Octavian

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Octavian, our mate from London and Brighton, is killing the Grime scene at the moment. Definitely, he's one to watch! Stemming off from our love for Courtney Barnett; TRAAMS are a personal favourite when it comes to guitar music. They’ve been making some substantial, sensational; unforgiving Noise-Rock in the recent years. Love watching them play when they come to town.

Lastly; Noname from Chicago is also definitely one to watch that we really like. Very different from our music but, if you like a bit of smooth Rap mixed with jazzy vibes and poetic lyrics with great depth, then go check her out!

IN THIS PHOTO: Noname

Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up?

Our next gig is in Brighton on Friday 23rd at The Richmond alongside some great acts - under the prolific Brighton promoters, QM Records. Check our socials for further info. It's always a great event with QM Records! As for touring, keep an eye out on our socials as well for this festival season. We've already got a couple ones we're excited to announce soon...

Have you all got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

Playing at Sofar Sounds a few times now has to go up there with the finest memories - simply because it’s different. You won’t see anything like it in the live music scene. That’s why it’s so special! Especially, when Peggy is your host! (Smiles).

Also; recording the video to our first single, Funfair, was a blast.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Stick at it; don’t give it a rest. If you’re anything like us, then you ain’t got much choice anyway! Ahah. But, honestly: enjoy what you’ve been graced with and drive it out of the skyline with no limitations.

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind as a band?

The music is us chilling pretty much! Otherwise, we play a lot of cards and make questionable jokes.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Bob Dylan - The Man in Me (Dion)