Hiya The 355s, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
What was life like for you before you got into music?
Adam: A bit grey! Music gave it colour.
Ed: A life before getting into music can only Bb.
What’s the live music scene like where you are right now? Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
Ed: We all live in different places, I live in London, Craig splits his time between Cardiff and rural France and Adam and Bert live in King’s Lynn, Norfolk. The music scene in London is very much a kaleidoscope – there’s still some very cool alternative stuff bubbling away in Brixton, courtesy of the Windmill – an independent venue that nurtured bands such as Black Midi, Goat Girl and Fat White Family. Camden is actually having a resurgence too I think, with pub venues such as The Elephands Head and Dublin Castle.
Adam: Andrew Cushin is class. We are supporting him at the Dublin Castle on 5th August, for Cats Who Rock. https://wegottickets.com/event/667370
Also The Rolling People are a must see. Classic songwriting delivered with energy and style.
It seems like being a social media curator has become added to the many jobs of a musician, how do you feel about this?
Craig: The music industry seems to be more and more like a popularity competition these days, chasing likes & shares. It’s a real shame, as the music takes a step backward. We really aren’t into that at all, but social media is a necessary evil.
Ed: I think we all secretly love it really… that little dopamine hit when you get a new follower… Lovely.
How do you manage engagement on your socials?
Adam: We all have an input with different elements, and Craig and me then put out the posts. We try and put out things that reflects us as a band, and will interest our fans.
What’s your view on the Music industry today?
Ed: On one level it’s never been easier to release music – however, getting people to actually listen to your music is a little bit trickier… I think it’s very easy to get pessimistic about the music industry but you have to try and cut through the negativity and just do what you love. Write a song, get out there and perform it. I genuinely believe if you work hard, persevere… and are good,… you will get noticed eventually by someone… most likely your mother. Jokes aside, it’s still so hard for many musicians and artists to make a decent living from writing and performing their own music.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
Adam: We’re just getting started. Trying to build something, gig by gig. Not chasing trends — just trying to mean something to people. That’s where we sit. Or stand, more precisely.
Ed: At the bottom of a foothill, on which only riches and eternal glory wait at the top.
What’s the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
Adam: No one’s handing you anything. You want something, you have make it happen. Book the gig, carry the gear, write the song. Just keep going.
What was your best experience on stage?
Adam: Playing Festival Too the last two years, supporting Ocean Colour Scene and Ash, was epic.
Ed: Since I joined The 355s earlier this year we’ve played with Dodgy, Ash and Huey Morgan (from the Fun Lovin’ Criminals) . They’ve all been very cool experiences.
What was your worst experience on stage?
Bert: My worst experience on stage was definitely Devafest last year, for many different reason.
Adam: Same
Ed: This was before I joined the band….
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
Ed: I used to play in a wedding band and at one wedding a former member of B*witched was a guest and sang the first dance. She scowled at me for coming in a bar too early… All I’ll say is, it definitely wasn’t me who came in a bar too early.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
We released ‘Sometimes’ on 11th July, and it entered the UK Physical Singles Chart at No. 7. One above Oasis and two above The Beatles.
We’re incredibly proud to say we’re collaborating with Men’s Mental Health Charity the 8:56 Foundation on this release.
They aim to a light on the emotional struggles men face and the importance of talking openly about mental health.
100% of profits of the sale of the EP is going to help them with their work around men’s mental health and suicide prevention.
The EP is still available from Banquet Records
What was the recording process like?
Adam: I love it. Such an immersive, creative experience where you can try different ideas out and bring the songs to life. We’ve been working with Nick Brine (Oasis, Stone Roses, Ash), which is just magic.
Bert: I struggle with all the waiting around, just not me.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
Adam: Keep fishing and you’re gonna catch a big one! Some songs write themselves, others take time. Know when to stop if it’s not working, step away and take some time for the song to find its voice.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Ed: You always think, “Ah, we should’ve done this or that.” But if you keep tinkering, you’ll never release anything. You just have to let it go.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
We’ve got shows with Chris Helme from the Seahorses in the October, at Dublin Castle, London and Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff
TICKETS HERE
We’ve got new music, that will be released later in the year. Spoiler alert, a few members of Noel Gallaghers high Flying Birds might be making an appearance on them.
FOLLOW THE BAND HERE
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