So, last week I was contacted by the pretty lovely people over at Feutral Records and asked if I'd be up for interviewing some of their recently signed artists. I, of course, jumped at the chance.
I didn't want to feature musicians on my blog that I didn't listen to and I didn't want to write a post just for the sake of the opportunity, so I checked out the label and the artists that are signed to them and lo-and-behold, I came across the wonderful Chase The Deer.
Don't you just love coming across new music to listen to, especially when a band are so fresh and just trying to pave their way into the industry?
Ah, usually I'm selfish and want to keep the great new music I find all to myself, but I decided not to be greedy and give these guys some of the exposure they deserve.
Scroll down to read the interview and have a listen!
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| Photo Credit: Feutral Records |
Briony Watkins - Lead vocals
Owen Taylor - Guitar
George Frangoudes - Guitar
Angus Evans - Bass
Michael Evans - Drums
Q: For those people out there who have never heard of Chase the Deer, tell readers who you guys are and how it all began?
We're a group of friends from Worcester who got together to play covers for fun. We played a few open mic nights and got a really great it went down really well. We quickly started to write our own songs for fun!
Q: How did you end up getting signed Feutral Records?
Briony: I saw on Twitter that Feutral were looking for bands and I spoke to the rest of the band but they seemed reluctant. I was persistent and eventually we sent them an email. Within minutes we got the most enthusiastic response and things just snowballed from there...
Q: What advice would you give to other young musicians looking to get into the music industry?
George: Find what music you are passionate about and then start playing it. Keep on playing and you will get better and people will respect you for doing something you love.
Q: On average, how much time do you spend with the rest of the band, writing and playing together?
Owen: we get together every Wednesday night to write new songs and share ideas. Fridays we tend to rehearse at Tower Studios in Pershore and get ourselves ready for playing live.
Q: How about when it’s time to relax, what’s the best way to do so?
Angus: We always take a break half way through rehearsals and eat a meal together cooked by Mama Evans (Michael and Angus are brothers). Our favourite meal is Mexican, it is great for fuelling our creativity.
Owen and I grab any chance to get in a game of FIFA but it is just great hanging around with the band because we are such good friends.
Q: You guys played the O2 Academy in Birmingham recently, what’s been your favourite venue and is there a particular place you’d love to play in the future?
We have played at the Lounge in Birmingham, the Marrs Bar in Worcester and Snodfest.
They were all fantastic but the O2 Academy was definitely the best venue so far. The atmosphere was amazing. As soon as we stepped onto the stage it felt unreal. The crowd were great, dancing, singing along and really getting involved which is always great when you’re performing. It was so cool to have our own backstage room as well!
I think our dream is to play a festival such as Glastonbury or Reading and Leeds, watching sets from those festivals are just incredible. We know it’s a long way off but you’ve got to dream ey!
Q: Now, I came across a cover you did of Latch and covering songs by other bands is considered a huge stepping stone when getting into the industry and starting to play live. What one song do you wish you had written?
George: My Heart - Paramore
Briony: One Day Like This - Elbow
Owen: Cha-Ching – Imagine Dragons
Angus: Around the World – Red Hot Chilli Peppers – the bassline is insane!
Mikey: Walk – Foo Fighters
Q: Back to the band’s progress for a minute, where do you see yourselves next year, or in 5 years’ time? What’s the dream?
We have got to keep writing new material and working on our sound. If this year goes well, we will be playing regularly and building up our following, Perhaps in a year we will be ready to record our first album.
It's hard to plan where things will go from there. When you think that we have only been playing since May and we have already recorded a single, been sponsored by MAS records, signed by Feutral records and played at the O2. It has been pretty crazy!
We want to work hard and keep promoting our music but you need to have a lot of luck.
Q: And finally, for anyone reading, tell us where we can find out more about you guys and find out about gigs and new material?
We are on Facebook and twitter but next month we are launching our brand new website designed for us by Matthew Luke at Brightbyte! Matt is fantastic and we are incredibly excited by what he has created.
So, what's my verdict?
For anyone who knows me, you'll know that I'm nothing, if not honest and when it comes to music you can guarantee my recommendations come on good authority.
Have a listen below to a snippet of Chase The Deer's new single 'Think'...
So would I recommend Chase The Deer? Absolutely!
Each member of the band is talented and their skill as young songwriters is evident from the get-go.
Upon first listen, it's obvious lead singer Briony has a strong yet delicate voice, that reminds me a little of a mix between Nina Nesbitt and Lucy Rose - which for vocalists, is right up my street!
The blend of the boys' instruments is just right and doesn't take away from the overall sound, which can sometimes be a danger when it comes to alternative indie bands fronted by female singers.
For me, to be a good band there are many contributing factors, but it's obvious these guys, despite having only been together a short time are working hard and thinking of what's next.
Definitely listen to these guys if you're into Bombay Bicycle Club, The Maccabees or The Wind + The Wave.
I can't wait to follow their inevitable rise and look forward to their new material now they've been signed to Feutral!
Upon first listen, it's obvious lead singer Briony has a strong yet delicate voice, that reminds me a little of a mix between Nina Nesbitt and Lucy Rose - which for vocalists, is right up my street!
The blend of the boys' instruments is just right and doesn't take away from the overall sound, which can sometimes be a danger when it comes to alternative indie bands fronted by female singers.
For me, to be a good band there are many contributing factors, but it's obvious these guys, despite having only been together a short time are working hard and thinking of what's next.
Definitely listen to these guys if you're into Bombay Bicycle Club, The Maccabees or The Wind + The Wave.
I can't wait to follow their inevitable rise and look forward to their new material now they've been signed to Feutral!
Find the band...
Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | SoundCloud
Email: chasethedeer@outlook.com
As mentioned above, make sure you keep on eye on chasethedeer.com going live!
As mentioned above, make sure you keep on eye on chasethedeer.com going live!
Thanks for reading everyone! Also thanks to Feutral Records for contacting me with this opportunity and of course the lovely Chase The Deer!
Hope you all enjoy them as much as I do...
♥
