What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
(Lia) I grew up with musicians for parents who were very supportive of me picking up an instrument when I was little. I tried a few things growing up and music was the only thing I felt I was good at so it stuck.
(Simon) My older brother had a great NWOBHM vinyl record collection. Once Led Zep got hold of me, it never let go…
Introduce us to you and your musical history.
We are Simon and Lia from Faint Line. Our musical history as a band doesn’t go too far back! We met through a film music company called MediaTracks and just ended up enjoying what we were making, so thought, why not carry on? Our upcoming EP is our debut release!
Name me your 3 favorite Albums.
(Lia) At the moment they would be ‘When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?’ By Billie Eilish, ‘Hold On Baby’ by King Princess and Harry Style’s self titled album.
(Simon) Grace – Jeff Buckley; Scott Pilgrim soundtrack; anything with John Grant involved
What was the first song you heard that steered you into a music path?
(Lia) I would probably have to say, a Jonas Brothers song called ‘That’s Just the Way We Roll’ if I’m honest. That was the first song I sang in a band setting just for fun when I was younger and found I really enjoyed it.
(Simon) I can’t compete with that. Joe Jonas rules obvs.
The music industry is the hardest industry in the world to progress in, How do you feel you are doing?
I think if you are able to keep meeting new people in the industry and genuinely love dedicating time to it then, to me, those are two of the most important things you can do. Surrounding yourself in the right environment can make a big difference, so that’s what I try to do.
I’m seeing a lot of debate about women not feeling safe at music gigs, any thoughts on what we need to do to help?
Although it’s not a matter of opportunity, minimising the chance for harassment by creating what feels like a safer space would be an important step in the right direction. Knowing there is someone close by with authority (ie more security or staff) can make a big difference to womens experience at music gigs.
As you develop as an artist and develop using socials what ways do you get new ears on your music? Any tips?
Social media is the main way to gain new listeners since it’s the easiest way to extend your reach and spread the word on the material.
Tell us Two truths and a lie about you.
- I’m friends with Peaches
- I like Peaches
- Peaches by The United States of America is my actual favourite song
What’s your thought on Spotify monopoly on the music industry?
You can see how Spotify has affected not only Press Release plans and social media campaigns but also how it has altered the creative process. It has provided songwriters with a number of check boxes that give songs a better chance of survival and success. For example the 30 second stream mark or the skip and how the algorithm is affected. I think it is interesting to see how Spotify has affected songwriters and producers, as well as mainstream music as a whole.
Do you sign up for any conspiracy theories?
I can’t say I genuinely believe in any I have heard of but, the simulation conspiracy theory does play on my mind from time to time
Did you buy anything you don’t need during the pandemic?
A lot of pick and mix was delivered to my door over lockdown.
What was the worst experience on stage?
(Simon) All the hungover ones
Tell us something about you / each member that you think people would be surprised about?
(SImon) That we’re both surprisingly positive and upbeat in comparison to the music we make…
What makes you stand out as a band/artist?
I think we are just a good combo of an amazing producer and strong melody and lyrical ideas. We just make good music!
(Simon) Ahh, thanks Lia! Lia’s an absolute rock star. You all better watch out.
I hear you have new music, what can you tell us about it.
It’s an alt-pop sad bop that’s a bit indie, a bit synth-y and lo-fi with loads of layered vocals. Lyrically ‘So Far Away’ tells the story of losing someone you care about to someone else.
Talk me through the thought process of the new tune/s.
In terms of how the track came about, the instruments came first, which Simon had originally made for a Eurovision entry that ended up trickling down to me. When I heard it I got inspired by a feeling of longing, which I then tried to put into the top line.
What was the recording process like?
With this track, like a couple on the upcoming EP I (Lia) top-lined an instrumental that Simon sent over and recorded the melodies and harmonies for the layered vocals. Simon then did his magic with the production, mixing, and mastering!
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
Trying to put fewer weather references in the lyrics. It turns out there are a lot of them throughout the EP which I enjoy but I was not consciously aware of.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Honestly can’t say I would!
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
We’ve got some exciting work coming soon that we can’t wait to share with everyone.
Coming out on March 31st we have new single ‘Cherish’. This is the track that started it all. We were put together as part of a writing project for TV and film and this is what came out of those first sessions. It was pretty clear from day 1 that this wasn’t going to be just another standard session in the studio. Before we knew it, we were a band…
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