A band can be a lot of things, but if they’re fun above all else then they’ll easily worm their way into your ears and your heart. Cue Welsh alternative rock trio The Decoy – an infectious blend of early-Biffy Clyro-esque melodic tech rock, groovy angsty alt-rock, and even a touch of The Police. Emily Moorby had a chat with The Decoy and here is the interview…
Members: Lewis Barber – Guitar/Vocals Joel Williams – Bass/Vocals Luke Blake – Drums/Percussion
How long have you all been interested in music? And when did you first get the idea of starting a band?
Joel:
“I’ve always loved music! I was practically raised on RHCP and Metallica. The guys were already in a 5 piece cover band when I joined. We formed ‘The Decoy’ from the ashes of that”.
Lewis:
“I’ve been into music since I was born. My dad was in a band and I was surrounded by guitars and shit! Started the band when I was 11! A long time ago! The other joined shortly after! Luke’s lovely Ricky Martin since being a nipper with his leather trousers”.
Luke:
“I’ve been into music since a kid various kerrang mixtapes/ bowling for soup and sum41 cd’s, wanted to be in a band watching my brother play in his different bands”.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Luke:
“Influences like: Bring Me The Horizon, Architects,12ft Ninja and Periphery”.
Lewis:
“Incubus, Queens of the Stone Age, Reuben, Jaime Lenman, ACDC, Coheed and Cambria, Every Time I Die and Fightstar”.
Joel:
“Incubus, RHCP and Dream Theater”
Have you ever been somewhere completely irrelevant and gotten ideas for lyrics? If so, where?
Lewis:
“I’ve been in University and written a song about a can of coke being lonely in a fridge…I heard Stockhausen did this once, imagine spending a day in a fridge for inspiration. Just spend a day in pontypool, all the inspiration you need is right there”.
If you had to describe your band’s sound to a stranger or an outsider of your genre, how would you do it?
Joel:
“Alt Rock with a twist of fun. We try to break genre barriers down where we can, music is music!”
Lewis:
“A bit of rock n roll and some fun! Alternative rock? Ummmm. Just rock usually!”
Luke:
“Rocky/ alternative rock”
Lewis:
“Rocky? Are you serious mate, “Adrianne…I love you” hahaha! Survivor though!!”
Where do you see your band been in two years time?
Joel:
“Still gigging and making music, who really knows what the future may bring?”
Luke:
“Hopefully still playing shows regardless of where we are at that present time”.
Lewis:
“If this year is anything to go by, we have no fucking idea. This year is half over and it’s been fucking mad. It makes no sense how generous and supportive everyone is being and we can’t thank everyone enough”.
If you could listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Lewis:
“Nope. That question does not compute. One song!? It just can’t happen. I write songs. Surely that’d be cheating? Ummm. One band would maybe be possible… Nah that wouldn’t even work. Sorry. Can’t answer that”.
Joel:
“‘Are you in?’ by Incubus! That bassline!”
What is the biggest sacrifice you guys have had to make for the band?
Lewis:
“We’ve all made sacrifices and stuff but at the end of the day, they don’t seem like sacrifices for something we love. It’s a bit like saying “would you give up everything for your child?” Most people would. It’s a bit like that innit? We love this shit. If I told you some of the stuff we’ve given up it’s probably not as big a deal as you may think! Only missing birthdays and stuff like that, and time and effort and just trying! They all seem pretty small when you consider the fun and love we’ve felt along the way”.
Luke:
“No sacrifices… all gainzz!!!”