2016 saw Gloucester quartet Elessar release their debut EP Reflections and play countless shows across the UK gaining popularity amongst everyone who’s seen them. We asked frontman Ricky Powell to take on our A-Z challenge,have a read and exclusively find out the title of their new forthcoming record!
A song that made you want to make music?
Blink 182 – Feeling This, or any track off that album! Gives me such a buzz whenever I listen to it.
Best rider you’ve ever had?
It’s rare we get one! But Domino’s is the best so far.. Although we’ve been offered and Indian meal for a festival this summer..
Craziest moment you’ve experienced in the band?
We played a secret show in Devon with our friends Your Illuminations and Speaking In Shadows.. It was crazy! Everyone was drunk, partying, and thanks to us, naked! Haha. I passed out after beer pong and woke up as a human colouring book. Was not pleased!
Deepest lyric one of your songs features?
It doesn’t sound that deep, but ‘I’m feeling the comfort of my own skin‘ (from My Skin) is probably my favourite. I wrote that when I was feeling down about myself, and I hoped to use it to bring other people out of their shell. It’s a positive message, you are who you are!
Easiest song you wrote?
My Skin, that song seemed to just happen! Everyone was vibing it right away and we had no troubles with it!
Favourite song in your set?
Arrogance, people singing that back never fails to make me smile! So much energy and meaning to one song.
Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?
Lynn Gunn from PVRIS, her voice is absolutely golden! When she sings, you know who it is.
Hardest thing about being in a band?
For me it’s the late nights, fighting writers block and devoting so much time into the running of the band. It can take over your life sometimes. It’s all worth it though!
Interesting fact about one of your members?
Jack had an unfinished tattoo on his thigh.. It was supposed to be the pope, eating a goat.. But he couldn’t hack the pain so it remains unfinished! Hahaa
Jokes you have in the band?
We call Alex ‘The Rhino’. Because he has no spacial awareness or delicate touch what so ever. Forever breaking things with his meaty paws!
Key to writing a song?
Feel it, if you’re not writing about something real to you, it becomes so much harder!
Longest distance you’ve traveled to play a show?
We drove to Hartlepool once, 5 and a half hours, to play to about 15 people that we sold tickets too.. Glasgow is also a close second.
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
For me it was Tom Delonge, everything he does seemed to catch my attention! Considering how disliked he is..
New band you’d recommend?
Halfway To Nowhere, local band in Cheltenham, they’re like 15/16, but fuck! They’re so good! They have new music on the way, check it!
Opening for this band would be ideal?
Lower Than Atlantis.. Seeing as we get compared to them so often!
Place you’d most like to tour?
The US! Give me that sunshine and sweaty underground shows..
Quote you’d like to pass on to our readers?
“Be ambitious, be confident, be yourself!” Rules I live by.
Reason for the title of your recent/forthcoming release?
*Exclusive News* our release coming out this year will be called ‘Is This All We Are‘. The songs are about the relationships I’ve experienced in my life, from family and friends, all the way to failed love lives.. It’s a very in depth look into my past!
See us live at?
Sucker Punch Festival! April 8th in Leeds. Going to be a big one! (Tickets here)
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
100%! It’s too easy for people to over produce everything these days!
Unusual merchandise?
Elessar underpants.. Coming 2k17..
Variations you’d like to do on any of your songs?
We did a ‘candle light’ version of Finding Home once.. It was beautiful! But unfortunately never got released. We do need to experiment more! (petition for this to be released please! – Ed)
What do your fans mean to you?
Everything. Can’t stress that enough! We are absolutely nothing without the support we have around us! And they’re so loyal too, can always rely on them to pull us through!
X-rays or any other treatments needed for band related injuries?
Jack almost broke his wrist falling off our van. Turns out it never healed and he struggles playing bass for long periods! Haha
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
Probably mine.. Always mine. Although I will definitely blame Jack.
Zoo animal that best describes the personality of your band?
Rhino.. Because all we do knock things over and break things.. Haha!
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