FEATURE:
Spotlight
Carpark
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AN exceptional trio…
who have not long released their latest single, Happy on Mars, it comes off the back of some late releases last year from Carpark. Declaring their intentions for 2024, this is a phenomenal group that people need to get behind. The London trio consists of lead singer and bassist Scottie, drummer Loda and guitarist Hattie. I am going to get to some interviews with the band. They have been together a little while now, though they were making their earliest moves during the pandemic. I always feel sorry for artists that had this start. It is almost like last year and this is ‘catch-up’ in terms of releases and visibility. Carpark put out singles in 2021 and the tremendous E.P., The World Ended in 2012, in 2022. Before getting to some more up-to-date press, When the Horn Blows covered the single, Don’t Want You, in 2022. They gave us some background to this incredibly tight-knit and wonderfully talented trio:
“The London-based 3-piece consists of lead singer and bassist Scottie, drummer Loda, and guitarist Hattie. From playing their first gig in a friend’s garage only last year, to opening for Lauran Hibberd on her UK tour, the indie rock band have made notable accomplishments since their musical debut in April 2021. Since releasing their first EP ‘The World Ended in 2012’ this March, 2022 has been a busy year for Carpark, consisting of various festival appearances over the summer, as well as two London headline shows. The trio’s talent has not gone unnoticed, with the self-managed band gaining themselves features on Jack Saunders’ Radio 1 Future Artists show and Spotify’s New Music Friday UK”.
With fresh material out this year already, many are looking forward to a possible album from Carpark. There are a smattering of interviews and profiles from between 2021 and 2023. There are going to be further pieces as we move through the year and more and more people get to know Carpark. There is actually an E.P., Born to Be Average, coming next month. It is a perfect time to spotlight the trio. I shall come to an article that mentions the E.P. at the end. Before that, there are a couple of features/interview I want to include. I will start with an interview from Bring the Noise from last year. An exciting time for Carpark, they were getting under people’s skins and getting their music played at some big radio stations:
“People definitely came and it was so much fun. It was the perfect way to start our day. So for people who haven’t heard of Carpark before can you sum yourselves up in five words?
H: We can do one each.
S: Concrete.
H: Rock.
S: Cars.
H: Dry humour.
Loda: Chaos.
S: You can choose whichever five sum us up best.
You released ‘The World Ended in 2012’ last year, what can you tell us about any news music and follow up plans? You played Suburbs Of Hell during your set. What can we expect and when can we expect it?
S: Suburbs Of Hell is going to be the next single we release which we’re really, really excited about and it’s going to be end of summer. Yeah, we don’t know the exact release date yet. But like, we had the first mix yesterday and it’s sounding great. We’re really excited to get that out.
H: It’s close!
So what is the vibe going to be? Is it going to be the same as the old Carpark? Are we going to hear something completely new?
L: I think sonically it’s definitely levelled up and we’re really, really excited about the new songs. I think in terms of the things that we’re writing about now yeah, I think it’s kind of changed a lot. I don’t know we kind of were going through a bit of a phase where everything we’re writing is a bit like catastrophic and a bit like maybe that’s the running theme of everything we write is everything’s a bit awful, but we’re actually positive people I think.
S: feel like it’s gonna be a slight evolution. But you know, we might still throw in a little ballady number.
Everybody loves a ballad don’t they? Those are the rules.
S: Those definitely are the rules. We plan on following them.
And final question, what are your 2023 and beyond plans for the band?
S: 2023 plans are we have a headline show. Our next headline show, which is on the 29th of September at the Lower Third on Denmark Street, which we’re really excited about. That’s going to kind of be around the release of new music, which we’re pretty hyped for. Yeah, so after this festival, we’ve got like a few weeks in the studio recording our next thing. So yeah, we’re gonna be busy, but we’re really excited”.
There is a lot coming up for Carpark. An E.P. is on its way. No doubt an album will be along soon. I am thrilled to see this London three-piece getting a lot of love and applause. Their music is instantly compelling and addictive. I hope to see them live very soon. Euphoriazine featured the trio when covering their new track, Suburbs of Hell. That came out back in October. Another big step from the immense Carpark:
“Carpark, made up of Hattie, Scottie and Loda, are back with their brand new single, “Suburbs of Hell.” Transporting listeners to what could be the soundtrack of a 2000s coming of age movie, Carpark brings the energy, relatability factor and nostalgic feel to their music. Gaining much deserved attention from BBC Radio 1’s Nels Hylton and Jack Saunders, it is clear to see why Carpark are a band that many people have taken an interest in.
With a catchy chorus, sugar sweet vocals and the grungy undertone, Carpark knows what it takes to create a signature track and not be predictable with whatever they deliver. That’s what sets them apart in this ever changing scene. The relationship that all three members have with each other, both through their live performances and on record works perfectly to create a song like “Suburbs of Hell.”
Produced by Spaceman, who produced music for artists including Dua Lipa and Dermot Kennedy, it is hard for emotion not to shine through in the creative process. Carpark are rewriting the rules and continue to bring a refreshing vibe to the scene. According to the band, the meaning behind “Suburbs Of Hell” is, “A dark parallel reality brought to life, it’s about the anger and frustration of being trapped in the inner city of hell but aspiring to live out in the suburbs and sunbathe with the devil in your back garden.” This is something that many people may be able to resonate to, as well as the band’s authentic character and style.
The production of the track allows each element to stand out and have its own moment. “Suburbs of Hell” fits in perfectly amongst the band discography. The signature sound of Carpark always shines through, as well as being able to switch things up which makes things exciting for every release. This year saw the band play festivals including Barn On The Farm and 2000 Trees, where they played the track live for the first time. Quickly capturing the attention of the crowd, this is well translated on the record.
Encapsulating their style and culture in their songs, this doesn’t go unnoticed. It shines through and as always, it feels authentic. 2022 saw Carpark drop their five track debut EP which received high praises and rightly so. This gave people an insight into the trio and what they are here to deliver. “Suburbs of Hell” does the same. Showcasing infectious riffs and strong drum beats, the track is a reminder of living in the real world and knowing exactly where you want to be, as well as recognising that there can be obstacles in the way to overcome.
In this ever so changing industry, staying authentic and releasing music that resonates with the audience is one but major step to gaining the right sort of fans and being seen in a positive light. This is what Hattie, Loda and Scottie do best and will surely continue to do throughout their career. If “Suburbs of Hell” is anything to go by, especially with the release of their highly- anticipated EP, Carpark are ready to kick off 2024 the right way”.
Last month, Loud Women got to listen to Born to Be Average. It does seem like the E.P. heralds in a new chapter and sonic evolution for Scottie, Loda and Hattie. It does sound like the E.P. is Carpark stamping their personality on the scene! Really announcing themselves. Listening to their songs and you get a real live sense. Like the songs are recorded live. Something that means their songs will translate to the stage easily:
“They may cite Blink-182 as one of their biggest inspirations, but Carpark are redefining pop punk and making it their own. The effortlessly cool trio are here to make you play air guitar in your bedroom like you’re fifteen again.
Scottie, Hattie, and Loda (even their names are cool!) already have a stream of knockout singles and an EP under their belt. Now they promise an enticing follow-up, Born To Be Average, dropping early next year.
Two of the five tracks on the upcoming EP have been released so far. ‘MIA’ is an angsty, nostalgic grunge-fest with dreamy bedroom vocals and a home-style video to match. Any ’90s baby is sure to be transported back to the days of wailing into their hairbrush surrounded by band posters and fumes of Charlie Red. ‘Suburbs of Hell’ is pure classic guitar pop, though the lyrics paint an ultra-relatable picture of feminine rage.
With so much variety to offer in just two of its tracks, Born To Be Average is set to be a real gem of an EP. The band themselves promise that all sonic bases will be covered, stating:
“Born To Be Average introduces the new era of Carpark with heavy rock and even some dance elements, but we also have a ballad that pays homage to earlier Carpark, and a song that is so undeniably inspired by the pop/punk influences we grew up on. It’s been a really fun process and we can’t wait for everybody to hear all five songs in February”.
There is nothing average about Carpark. Their E.P. is going to get a lot of attention. Based on what they have released so far, there is no doubt they are going to be on the scene for years to come. Avoiding too many carpark-related jokes, but they are very much here for a longstay. Such a close-knit and fantastic trio, recent singles Happy on Mars and MIA give you an impression of what the E.P. will be like. A group that you need in your life, spend some time with the music of Carpark. Once heard, it is impossible to forget…
THIS electric and exciting trio.
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