INTERVIEW: Amongst Echoes — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Amongst Echoes

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THE guys of Amongst Echoes…

have been speaking with me about their debut single, Daylight Robbery, and what they have planned coming up. I wanted to know what sort of music/sounds they respond to and who they count as influences – they select some rising artists we need to follow.

The chaps discuss how they got together and what the scene is like up in Newcastle upon Tyne; how they chill away from music; if they have any advice for artists coming through – they each select a song to end the interview with.

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

It’s been good, thanks!

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

We are Amongst Echoes. We’re a five-piece Indie/Rock band based primarily in Newcastle upon Tyne. We hope to make an impression and that our music can make you move, even if it’s just a little bit. Essentially, we’re a group of friends with a varying musical influence so when we start to change things up a bit; we think you’re going to like what you hear.

How did Amongst Echoes get together? Were you all friends from way back?

We mainly just knew each other from school/social gatherings; naturally, this lead to more gatherings and furthermore discussion of music and, from this, the idea of a band was spurred. Later down the line, we met Kegan through university and began recording our first single.

Daylight Robbery is your debut single. Can you reveal the story and meaning behind the song?

The track is basically set in the scenario of a social gathering, carrying a juxtaposed theme - a robbery ‘of’ daylight rather than a robbery ‘in’ daylight.

You worked with Connor Sweeney on the song. As a producer, what did he bring to the mix?

Connor is a good friend of ours and has assisted some of us in various other projects. Him helping produce the track introduced new creative ideas, taking the original demos and turning them into something we never could have anticipated. For any band wanting a recording sorted for any type of genre, we would highly recommend him for it.

Do you think you might have an E.P. out next year – or are you going to tour the single and let it settle in?

More music is coming. We can’t give much information away at this point but there are plans being put in place for a follow-up to the single. We don’t know when just yet but it will happen. No plans have been talked about for touring the single but we will be popping up around various venues across Newcastle and Yorkshire.

Newcastle upon Tyne is where you are based. Is there a pretty good scene out there right now?

The Newcastle scene is ever-so-slowly beginning to pick up more of a feel to the commercial Indie sound. Various promising bands are beginning to emerge, all delivering a competitive image and generally producing great tunes. Which we think is great.

Which artists are you all inspired by? Did you grow up around a lot of different sounds?

We are mainly inspired by the likes of Two Door Cinema Club, The Strokes and The Smiths. The overall sound these bands have put out is insanely captivating and we wanted a piece of it. Maintaining the more commercial aspects of the Indie movement is our current aim.

Do you think there will be touring dates? Can we catch you play?

So far, no tour dates have been confirmed but, for anyone wanting to catch a show, you can find us mainly popping up around Newcastle in the coming months.

If you each had to select an album that means the most to you; which would they be and why?

Sam: The Killers - Hot Fuss

Probably a popular option but, for me, this album is literally timeless and I still haven’t gotten sick of it yet. It was the album that introduced me to indie music.

Luke: Muse - Origin of Symmetry

This album has always been a favourite. It’s the main album that got me into Rock as a kid and, ever since, it’s never died.

Kegan: Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I’m Not

If I had to pick one album it would be this one. It reminds me of my childhood because, being from Sheffield, it’s all anyone would ever listen to. But, also, I love how every song on the album is a banger that everyone knows.

Seb: Red Hot Chili Peppers - By the Way

I could talk for hours about this album but at the core of my love for it is how it inspired me to pick up the bass. Can’t Stop alone solidifies this as my favourite album. However, there is so much more to love - the basslines of Throw Away Your Television and By the Way. They are a sharp contrast to the more emotional and thought-provoking side of Anthony we see in Dosed and I Could Die for You.

Jack: Fleetwood Mac - Rumours

An all-round brilliant album full of all the good stuff. I think we all recognise a song or two from Rumours. At least…that’s what I heard.

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

Sam: In the past, I’ve been lucky enough to play many stages through various other projects. But, a real stepping stone for me was to perform a one-off show in Portugal and make a holiday out of it. Gaining that experience and knowledge really

Luke: I’ve got to agree with Sam on this one. Portugal has been my biggest gig to date and making a holiday out of it just topped it off!

Kegan: Shooting the video for Daylight Robbery was a good memory for me, as it was the first time I hung out with the band as a whole, believe it or not. Up until that point, I had been good friends with Sam and Luke, met Seb briefly and had never met Jack. So, to me, that felt like the start of something big; it felt like we finally had the ball rolling.

Seb: My time studying in Bradford has been a wonderful opportunity for progression with music. There are countless memories I have of practising and gigging. I’ve had the pleasure of playing in such diverse music groups. People from all around the world coming together to create a new shared culture and style. The vision of each member was inspirational and their passion showed every time we performed.

Jack: I always looked up to my older brother as a drummer. In my early days of a playing guitar as a teenager, I went to a practice session with him and a few of his friends. At this point, I realised what fun there was to be had and this sort of set things in motion for me.

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

The Doors, The Killers and Two Door Cinema Club. Would be lethal.

What advice would you give to artists coming through?

Take the influences that you would like to match. Think of ways to develop their current sound to fit your own. Record/produce it to the best of your ability.

IN THIS PHOTO: The Cheap Thrills

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

The Cheap Thrills, Cassia; Llovers, Post Rome; Courtyards and Kill the Monkey. Much love to those who already follow them.

IN THIS PHOTO: Cassia

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

We usually just get together at various points to jam demos and throw ideas around for new tracks etc. At the minute, we all kind of go about going our own things until it picks up a bit more.

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).

Kegan (Vocals): Courteeners – Summer