INTERVIEW: Rumours — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Rumours

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IT has been pretty cool speaking with Rumours…

about their sound and the new single, Tell Me What You’ve Done. I discover how the band got together and whether they are looking ahead in terms of more new material; whether there are tour dates coming up – also, which new artists we should get behind.

I ask them if they have any ambitions to achieve before the close of 2018; whether the members all share the same sort of musical tastes; if they get time to unwind away from music at all – they provide some great advice for artists coming through.

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

HEY! We’re very good, thanks! This week’s been pretty exciting, actually! Just played an awesome Sofar Sounds last night and now we’re getting ready to shoot our new music video in Dorset this weekend.

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

Sure. We are three friends, musicians; artists and food lovers based in London. This ‘adventure’, Rumours, started about three years ago. Our sound is still evolving and it’s a bit hard to pigeonhole – but, often, people refer to it as 'Electronic-Soulful-Pop'.

Even though us three still are at the very core of the project, the family has recently grown and we are now six musicians on stage during our live shows. We had the pleasure to play in many good venues and events in the past couple of years - so, it has been a great journey so far!

The single, Tell Me What You’ve Done, is new. Can you reveal what its story is? How did the song come together?

The song came about while we were all living together in North East London about a year ago. Mark had a piano by his bedroom window looking over the street and, since it was pretty hot at that time of the year, he would often look for ideas at night - that might help give the track a bit of a mysterious flair. Hahah. The meaning of the song is a mix of personal experiences and pure imagination, really.

Did the fact the song received such praise when played live compel you to get it released as a single?

Absolutely. We almost thought of not releasing the track at all: we had it sitting there for quite a while and probably, as it often happens, our ears were getting a bit tired of it. But, as soon as we started playing it live, people were really feeling it and we had great feedback after our gigs. So, we thought that it would have been rather stupid not to release it. Haha

How did Rumours get started, as it were? When did you find one another?

Mark and Fede grew up together in a small city in Italy, then moved to London and met Marion at uni; did a couple of gigs together and decided to start a project that could embody our different personalities and musical influences.

Are you looking ahead to more material - or do you take it a song at a time?

The further ahead you’re able to plan the better. We have a good amount of material waiting to be released at the moment. We keep on learning how to improve; being more organised and efficient as we go along. We definitely appreciate that having a clear idea of what’s gonna happen a few steps ahead is always better.

The band is composed of different nationalities and personalities. Do you all have, roughly, the same sort of musical tastes? Which artists did you all grow up with?

It’s quite fair to say that, just like our personalities, our musical tastes are quite different and various. Fede’s a massive fan of The Roots and he’s really into Electronic music and Hip-Hop; while Marion’s musical background leans a lot more toward Folk-y singer-songwriting and Ambient music.

What do you hope to achieve before the end of 2018?

We want to release a lot of music and do it and consistently in order to reach a wider audience. We also want to be proud of anything we do, no matter the outcome.

We want to expand our team as much as possible: it’s our understanding that being independent could be the right way to go at it nowadays, but to do so successfully you need to be able to surround yourself with a lot of passionate and reliable allies.

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

We surely have more than one. Probably going abroad to play has been some of the most fun and thrilling experiences. Playing to a sold-out Parkteatret in Olso and getting on the bill at Dimensions Festival in Croatia will always be precious memories to us.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

Loads of premium gin?! Hahah. Marion would probably ask for a lot of healthy and hardly accessible food, though (smiles).

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Listen to other people’s advice, but also remember that music is a very subjective matter: when you really feel something is right, don’t be afraid to go for it.

Where can we see you play? Do you have any gigs approaching?

We are currently planning our next headlining gig here in London. We’re thinking around October, so keep an eye on our socials (smiles).

IN THIS PHOTO: Octavian

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

We really like Octavian and he’s rising very quickly, so he’s surely one to keep an eye on. Also; DRAMA is a very interesting duo from the U.S.; then jadu heart, who also have both female and male lead vocals just like us!

IN THIS PHOTO: jadu heart

As you are called ‘Rumours’; do you have a secret/rumour about another member of the band – or do you have a favourite rumour?

Hahah. Not sure we can reveal each other’s secret here - not if we’re to keep a peaceful relationship between each other. There’s a rumour going around that you would send a bucket of beer to the funniest interview...is that true?!

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

It depends on the time of the year. There are months where music is all we breathe, eat and dream of at night but, to be honest, this summer is quite good, distraction-wise.

Fede is developing his passion for sailing; Marion’s becoming a fitness machine and Mark’s loving the fact that he’s got a garden for the first time.

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).

Nice. Thank you! So; we’ll go for Constant Surprises by Little Dragon