In today’s A-Z challenge, we find out all about Newshapes through our beloved 26 questions!
A song that made you want to write music?
Ian: I would probably not be writing music if not for Adam’s Song by blink.
Best rider you’ve had?
Ian: A full kitchen cooked meal from Tolhuistuin in Amsterdam. 10/10.
Craziest moment you’ve experienced in the band?
Ian: Our first EU tour was unbelievable. To meet so many people who had messaged us asking us to play shows over there. We will honestly never forget it.
Deepest lyrics one of your songs features?
Ian: I really like the lyric “I’ve been sleeping on the floor these past few nights / Because
I like the change of scenery” from our track ‘wandering’. I think it paints a weirdly romanticised picture of depression and loneliness. I think its important to face those states of mind head on.
Easiest song you wrote?
Ian: falling away came together overnight. That demo sat on my laptop for about a year if not more. When we decided to take it forward as a newshapes track all we did was bring the vision together.
Favourite song in your set?
Mikey: Our new song, rescue light, became the “crowd surfing” song on our last tour.
Seeing people go nuts like that was really cool.
Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?
Ian: Billie Joe from Green Day is an all time choice.
Hardest thing about being in a band?
Ian: Imposter syndrome. It can be easy to think you’re not doing anything worthwhile and feel that burden. Unfortunately it can also be easy to over correct with ego and arrogance. I think we take pride in knowing who we are and balancing that well.
Interesting fact about one of your members?
Mikey has a rescue greyhound named Cha.
Jokes you have in the band?
Ian: give it some beans
Key to writing a song?
Mikey: Perseverance, patience, and caffeine
Longest distance travelled to play a show?
Mikey: Over 800 miles when we drove from Scotland to Amsterdam to start our last European run with Never Easy.
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
Ian: I genuinely love Becky Hill. Every live show I’ve seen her do is incredible.
New band you’d recommend?
Ian: They’ve been around a while but if you aren’t listening to ‘hanabie’ you’re missing out.
Opening for this band would be ideal?
Ian: The only band we all agree on is Avenged Sevenfold so I hope they ask us soon.
Place you’d most like to tour?
Ian: We’d love to do Australia and its festivals. Those crowds know how to turn up.
Quote you’d like to pass on to our readers?
Mikey: “Everyday, once a day, give yourself a present. Don’t plan it, don’t wait for it. Just let it happen.” I think about this quote from Twin Peaks a lot. It’s my way of reminding myself that it’s easy to become cynical in an increasingly strange and frightening world, but you can also give yourself permission to appreciate the small, unexpected moments of joy that happen every day.
Reason for the title of your recent/forthcoming release?
Ian: I don’t want to say too much really. ‘somehow i still believe’ is the emotional climax of our new track ‘rescue light’ so it felt fitting to name the record that. Though there’s a bit more to find if you’re interested.
See us live at?
Mikey: Slay in Glasgow, opening for House of Protection on 8th of July. We can’t wait for that one.
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
Mikey: Absolutely not. Nostalgia is fun, but I think progress only happens when the next generation throws out the rulebook and makes something the last one couldn’t. You can respect the past without being trapped in it.
Unusual merchandise?
Ian: We have postcards!
Variations you’d like to do on any of your songs?
Mikey: we’ve always wanted to do a Radio 1 Live Lounge-style acoustic set. Taking one of our heavier songs like ‘rescue light’ or ‘deadweight’ and reworking it as an acoustic version could be fun. Or a big orchestral version of on of our ballads like “because, i love you” would be sick.
What do your fans mean to you?
Ian: Everything. It sounds cliche but it is the only answer. We wouldn’t be what we are without them.
X-rays or any treatments needed for band-related injuries?
Ian: The whole crew seems to have a knee and lower leg problem.
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
Ian: Logan and Stephen are watching the football and somehow both their teams are getting beat.
Zoo animal that best describes the personality of your band?
Mikey: a panda – heavy but also a bit silly.