Viola Beach have just got back from performing at this years Reading and Leeds Festivals, that same week, they also released their debut single 'Swings and Waterslides'. I caught up with these four lads, from my hometown of Warrington, for a brief weekday chat. Introducing... Viola Beach.
Photo credit: Georgia Park (facebook.com/GeorgiaParkPhotography)
Who are Viola Beach?
We are Kris, Tom, River and Jack. Four mates from Warrington who like playing music and wanna play it to as many people as possible. And drink beer.
How would you describe your sound?
I'd describe our sound as pop. I could only hope that others do too because any musician who says they don't want their songs heard by the mass of the population is lying.
Where did the name Viola Beach come from?
The name Viola Beach came from my brain as a way of describing the 'happy place' that we so sorely seek when we're feeling a bit down. If our music can even be just one person’s happy place then, that'd be good too.
You’ve just released your first single 'Swings & Waterslides', what is the story behind it?
The story behind Swings & Waterslides is a fairly common song subject. It's about the longing of something or somebody you can't have. I'd like to hope I've expressed it in a unique way though. Who knows!?
What is next for Viola Beach? Any album or EP plans?
We have just recorded a couple of tracks with the legend that is Ian Grimble (founder of communion, producer of Mumford and Sons, Catfish and the Bottlemen etc...) and they're sounding pretty cool. No clues yet though as to when they will be out.
If you had to play one song, to a being from another planet, what song would it be and why?
I'm not 100% sure on this one… of ours I would play 'Swings & Waterslides' because I'd wanna see how they dance… of anyone else's, I'd say 'Sing' by Blur because I'd wanna see how they cry.
Where can we find out/hear more from you?
To find out more about us you'd just have to come to a show and ask us what you wanna know. We're a pretty friendly bunch. To hear more from us you'll just have to wait I guess. It'll be worth it though
You can buy 'Swings & Waterslides' here now: itunes.com/swings-waterslides