INTERVIEW:
Psyence
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MY weekend interview...
sees me talking with the chaps of Psyence about their recent single, Cold Blooded Killer, and whether there is a story behind it; what they can tell me about their upcoming album and how the boys found each another – I ask which albums are most important to each of them.
I was keen to know whether there are tour dates coming and what advice they’d give to artists coming through; how they relax away from music and which artists they count as influences – they each pick a great song to end the interview with.
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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?
Our weeks have been busy. Everybody’s working hard behind-the-scenes constantly, preparing for the album release. Gonzo’s been busy pursuing his side hobby as an adult film star.
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?
We are Psyence. Consisting of Wedge, The Colonel; Gonzo, Carty and Piglet.
How did Psyence form? What is the meaning behind the name?
We formed in a pub over eighty-four pints, a bag of scampi fries and a share-bag of pork scratching.
The single, Cold Blooded Killer, is out at the moment. Is there a story behind it?
The colonel (Jay) is on bail so I can’t comment as it could potentially jeopardise his current case and chance of a Netflix special.
I understand an album is available later in the year. What can you tell me about it?
Yes, finally! We’re really happy with how it turned out. It’s an intense chemical reaction of face-melting riffs and groove-laden tunes. It's been created from us spending many years toiling away in backroom venues and countless hours in vans, working on our songs and our sound. It's a working man’s release.
Which artists do you count as influences?
Led Zeppelin and The Stone Roses.
What is the best aspect of being in a band? Is there a brotherhood within the ranks?
Yeah. It’s f*cking banging, especially when we have sleepovers and pillow fights.
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
Played in Paris, dropped some acid - and the rest we can’t discuss.
Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)?
Steve: Lonerism - Tame Impala
It just f*cking blows my mind every time I listen to it.
Jay: Revolver - The Beatles
It’s the best Beatles album I.M.O.
Pig: Plastic Beach – Gorillaz
It’s got a song about jellyfish. HOW AMAZING
Gonzo: Second Coming – The Stone Roses
Cuz Reni is a don.
Carty: T. Rex - Electric Warrior
Cuz I like dinosaurs.
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
The Stone Roses…and a framed picture of Ainsley Harriot from his Ready Steady Cook days wearing the green peppers apron.
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Be prepared to let everything else in your life suffer for it. It’s worth it, though.
Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?
Yeah. All major cities across the U.K. Keep yer eyes peeled on our socials.
Is touring something you all love doing?
Yeah. It’s the best part of it. None of us get holidays cuz of the band so Scunthorpe away is a class day out. You get free chili there, too.
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
Yeah: PSYENCE.
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
Olives and a relaxing bowl of crack.
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).
Scenic – Overflow
Viagra Boys – Down in the Basement
The Prodigy – Need Some1
Underworld – Born Slippy
The Animals – House of the Rising Sun
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