INTERVIEW:
Watercolours
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MY first interview of the week is with Watercolours...
as they have been telling me about their cover of Tove Lo’s track, Habits. I ask what compelled them to cover it and whether they have more material coming up; how they found one another and what sort of music inspires them – they share their favourite career memory so far.
I wanted to know whether they share musical tastes and which rising artists are worth a shout; if they have time to unwind away from music and which artist they’d support on tour if they could choose anyone – they choose some great songs to end the interview with.
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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?
We’re all really good, thanks - it’s been busy but great!
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?
We are a three-piece band called Watercolours from Bristol. We make Indie/Alternative music with synthesisers and plants.
You have covered Tove Lo’s Habits. What was the reason behind that?
Well. We loved the song anyway, as a Pop tune, so decided to put it into our live set (cause everybody loves hearing songs they know at a gig). Over time, we developed it until we liked it so much we wanted to release it as a record!
Not many bands tackle covers these days. Do you think there is a lot of potential regarding relatively untouched/underrated songs?
It seems like it’s definitely a useful tool for new bands to reach a larger audience. There should definitely be a careful balance, as an original artist, when it comes to covers but it can be a very positive thing for bands at our level.
How did Watercolours get together? What bonded you all?
Conal and I (Matt) met through starting another band together whilst we were at uni. We wanted a keyboard player in the band and, knowing Hamish (who we were already friend with from our course) wanted to join a band, it developed from there really. We ended up starting Watercolours as a new project - the music we were coming up with sounded completely different and much more mature; it only felt right that we should give ourselves a fresh start.
Is there more material coming later in the year?
Yes. We have our best music yet to come throughout the year.
Do you all share relatively similar musical tastes?
Fundamentally, yes. We all have our own taste but it overlaps in areas. All our preferences get brought to the table when we write music so every layer and part is formed from what we like as individuals.
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
Collectively, our favourite memory as a band is when we supported Marillion at their sold-out Colston Hall show. It’s been the biggest stage we’ve played on to date; it was definitely nerve-wracking but a really exciting moment for us. We’ve been invited back, to support them for their show at De Montfort Hall, Leicester.
Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)?
Conal: The album that means most to me is probably (Pink Floyd’s) The Dark Side of the Moon...it’s the first time I appreciated an ‘album’ rather than a collection of songs!
Matt: Mine is a more recent release: Freudian by Daniel Caesar - it’s one of those albums for me where I enjoy every track. Every time I listen to it, it makes me feel fragile emotionally, yet in complete awe of his songwriting.
Hamish: Like Matt’s, mine is also fairly recent: 22, A Million by Bon Iver. I remember the first time hearing the album and it blew me away. Certain tracks on the record also have significant memories attached to them from a really emotional time in my life.
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
We would definitely support Tame Impala and would all have an Honest Burger on our rider (the best burger in the world). Onion rings to share..
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Networking is key. Every opportunity we’ve ever had has come from speaking to people. Being friendly and sociable is the most important thing!
Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?
We’re currently out on tour at the moment. Our next show is in London at The Finsbury on 26th April, the day before the Marillion show at De Montfort Hall.
How important is it for you all to be on the stage and connecting with the fans?
It’s massively important to connect on stage. Playing live is the only real way to interact properly! Social media is all very well but you can’t beat playing a gig.
IN THIS PHOTO: James Hymphrys/PHOTO CREDIT: Dominika Scheibinger
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
The Bristol music scene at the moment is full of new exciting acts; James Humphrys, Harvey Causon; Jack Louis Cooper and Joe Probert just to name a few. Also, the Cheltenham scene has some cool upcoming artists: Polary, Andy Oliveri and The Mountaineers and TREE.HAUS are all worth a listen!
IN THIS PHOTO: Jack Louis Cooper/PHOTO CREDIT: Rebecca Rees
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
For us, making music is kind of our way of unwinding! We all work jobs to pay rent etc., so playing music is definitely a bit of a relief from all that.
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).
Conal: James Blake (ft. Travis Scott and Metro Boomin) - Mile High
Matt: RVRB - NEED YOU STILL
Hamish: KMB – Who
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