Little Comets hit our atmospheres with their debut release 'In Search of Elusive Little Comets' in 2011, spawning hit singles such as 'One Night In October' and 'Adultery'. They soon earned a solid foundation of support and a steady stream of hardcore fans that would follow them as they toured around the country, with a second album 'Life Is Elsewhere' doing equally as well, and a third album at the start of this year, 'Hope Is Just A State Of Mind', the Geordie boys passion seemingly buoys their success, as it rightly should. I interviewed them last week to find out a little more about what inspires them, what they have been upto and the changes that are afoot.
Photo: Press
First of all, congratulations on your latest album 'Hope Is Just a State of Mind' getting into the UK top 40. This record was completely funded by yourselves and your fans wasn’t it? Did the success of it feel like a victory against the big boys at the record labels?
Yes, it was totally funded by ourselves. The reaction we got from everyone was amazing, really couldn't believe it. Everything we do by ourselves feels like a little win. To still be going stronger than ever after everything we have been through really means a lot to us. It's because of such loyal fans that we are able to do it!
Do you plan on using websites like Kickstarter to help with your next release?
We aren't too sure what we are going to do with our fourth album, it's something we need to have a good think about really, see what will work best for us.
You are very interactive with your fans on your social network platforms, is this connection important to you as a band? Do you feel that it has helped you get to where you are?
Yes. I think without that, our fans wouldn't have stuck around for as long as they have! We really appreciate all of the messages and tweets we get. I really don't like it when someone else deals with that sort of thing on behalf of the band, like a label or something. I just find it defeats the point of social media, becomes a lot less social!
Are you still as passionate and focused now, about what you do and what you want to achieve, as you were when you first started?
I think our ideals have changed a little bit but we are still as passionate about what we do, if not more these days as we know that it's all on us! We own everything that we write or create so it does give you a big push to make the most out of it!
You teased a picture of two new band members a couple of weeks ago, can you elaborate any further on this yet?
We have been through a bit of a live line-up change which we have been thinking about for quite some time. Adding a 5th body on stage has made such a difference to the set. It feels a lot more free and less rigid. We can change things around quickly and easily, we don't use a click track or anything anymore. Adding the 4th part harmony too really helps to fatten things up again and i think it makes us enjoy it a little more.
If you weren’t human, what would you like to be?
I wouldn't mind being a great white shark, that would be pretty cool.
What are you most proud of in your career so far to date?
Personally, I think it's the fact that we are still making music and can still tour and play our music for people.
Who are you currently listening to?
I am currently listening to a couple of musicians from around the north east. One is 'This Little Bird' and the other is Barry Hyde (of Futurehead fame). Some amazing songs kicking around at the moment!
Where does your inspiration come from?
I suppose it comes from everything really. From something you see in the street to something that you hear in the news or even a children's book!
What is coming up next for Little Comets? We know you are always touring and creating, so is there anything further planned for 2015?
We are touring in February in the UK and we are just about to announce a little jaunt into Europe to support the release of 'Hope Is Just A State Of Mind'. I think we will be there for about a week or so.
You can buy 'Hope Is Just A State of Mind' in the UK now and internationally here: http://littlecomets.lnk.to/hope Little Comets are heading out on tour in 2016, check out the tour dates here: http://littlecomets.com/live