A song that made you want to make music?
Don’t Dream it’s Over by Crowded House
Best rider you’ve had?
A show we played in Dresden, Germany when we toured with a band called Drawstring. We arrived at the venue and we were immediately given a full meal that was all you can eat, Which was an amazing feeling after having had a massive drive to get there. We’ve always been treated super well by mainland European.
Craziest moment you’ve experienced in the band?
I still think for me the craziest moment I have experienced while being in a band was when a guy who has been a big supporter of Redwood for years, got a tattoo of some of my lyrics on him. It has happened a few times now and is pretty surreal.
Deepest lyric one of your songs features?
I’d have to say the deepest lyric from one of our songs is “I’ve lost grip of myself again, falling freely through my own arms” from our song Mono. For me, it really sums up the feeling of being helpless with your own emotions and the frustration that comes with that.
Easiest song you wrote?
The easiest song I have written would have to be “Mother” it just felt really organic and flowed really nicely from the start. Sometimes with songs they just kind of write themselves.
Favourite song in your set?
Currently, my favourite song to play live is Aster. It’s one of our songs with a faster tempo and is very fun to throw yourself around to while playing. My parts for it are pretty simple too, so I really get to lean into the movements without compromising any of the playing.
Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?
The guest I would most like to have featured on our record would definitely be Sameer Gadhia from Young the Giant. He has such an incredible range and the melodies he chooses just blow me away.
Hardest thing about being in a band?
The hardest thing about being in a band is the time between writing a song you really like in your bedroom, to actually releasing it into the world. I write so many songs and lots of them don’t necessarily end up being Redwood songs. But when I do make one that would be perfect for Redwood, I’m just itching to get everyone’s input on it and release it.
Interesting fact about one of your members?
Toby, our drummer has Multiple Sclerosis. One time before our first UK tour he actually lost the ability to walk and we had to cancel the tour. He’s doing much better now and has completely changed up his technique now. It has somehow made him an even better drummer than he was in the first place.
Jokes you have in the band?
Our guitarist Edan has a game called “Edan’s precariously placed beers” where he takes pictures of beers he has placed in very precarious places around the venue. It’s great fun…trust me.
Key to writing a song?
Persistence. If it isn’t happening straight away try a few different angles and keep at it. Even if afterwards you don’t like the song you’ve made, it’s still great practice and helps to familiarise yourself with the art of songwriting.
Longest distance you’ve travelled to play a show?
We once travelled 11 hours mostly due to horrendous traffic, from Berlin to Ghent (Belgium). As soon as we arrived and unloaded it was time for us to play. It ended up being possibly our favourite show of the tour.
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
The most inspiring musician I have personally experienced would have to be Hamish Dickinson. Hamish is now our producer/manager and general saviour. We first met when our bands played together at a festival in Southampton. Not only was he the most incredible drummer I have watched live, but he is also unbelievably hard-working and just an all-round great guy.
New band you’d recommend?
About as “new” as we are, but the boys in Penthouse are absolutely smashing it. Fantastic rock n roll with poppy choruses and huge lead lines.
Opening for this band would be ideal?
Like my answer earlier, Young The Giant. Would be absolutely unreal. We’d both put on the show of a lifetime.
Place you’d most like to tour?
Deeper into Europe I would say. Into places like Austria and Italy. Not just because they have incredible music venues but all the sightseeing would be immense and would be a wicked trip. If we’re talking purely venue wise then Red Rocks in Colorado – That would be mind-blowing.
Quote you’d like to pass on to our readers?
When she said “It’s Britney Bitch.” I really felt that.
Reason for the title of your forthcoming release?
Lyrically, a few of the songs make reference to the sun and how it’s this object of desire for us, having felt like we’ve been kept in the dark for too long, we want to be with or even “Beside” the sun. We loved the idea of it being a shallow sun because it’s ambiguous to whether it’s setting or rising and we just love all that ambiguity nonsense.
See us live at?
The Covid Clinic, 2 Metres Away, Covid City
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
Have you heard pop music recently?! We are in a GOLDEN age of music right now. Ariana is straight crushing it. Sigrid is straight crushing it. Give me MORE MODERN MUSIC.
Unusual merchandise?
Perhaps not unusual but we had our friend Miki make these amazing metal engraved Redwood keyrings for us which were SO SICK!
Variations you’d like to do on any of your songs?
I’m sure at some point during our future live shows, all of the songs will take different shapes and variations to how they are on the record. I know for a fact that Jim, our lead guitarist, doesn’t like doing the same show twice, so he always tries to mix and spice up all of his lead lines during each show to ensure that 1. he’s having fun and challenging himself and 2. people that have seen us before get a different experience each time.
What do your fans mean to you?
I think we’d have all given up by now if it wasn’t for the encouragement of the people that have been supporting us for a long time. We do what we do because we love it, but it’s the biggest bonus in the world that other people love it too and that means the world to us.
X-rays or any treatments needed for band related injuries?
Only eventual wrist replacements because me and the boys are SHREDDING TOO HARD.
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
The bloody traffic no doubt. Get out our way Grandma, don’t you know we’ve got a killer rock show to play?!
Zoo animal that best describes the personality of your band?
The meme of the monkey getting a haircut.