Interview: The Ocean Beneath

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What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today? I think I first really got into music listening to Pink Floyd records that my dad played. Once I realised how much I enjoyed music I bought an electric guitar and played along with the solos on the guitar. If I’d not got into making music I think I’d be maybe doing something else creative, film or art maybe.

What do you like to do when you're not playing music and how does that influence your creativity? Besides music I’d say my other big love is cooking. I make everything from scratch and it’s kind of relaxing and therapeutic for me being in the kitchen. It’s probably my way of relaxing.

How long has your band been around? We started The Ocean Beneath late 2018.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music? I’m based just outside Leeds in the UK and the music scene here is pretty damn amazing. Although gigs are a bit of a touchy subject right now people should definitely come to Leeds in the future when all this is over.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you? The name came really easy to be honest, it was a nod to people not always wearing their true feelings for all to see, thankfully we talk about mental health nowadays a lot more and beneath the surface people can be really struggling. The name just fitted and it sounded great! 

If you could play any show with any lineup who would be on the ticket? Great question, I’ll limit it to 3 as this could go on forever, I would probably have to go with Daft Punk, LCD Soundsystem and The Decemberists.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band? I played in bands pretty much all my life up until this point and the one thing that always stands out with every great band you see it’s confidence. Just believe in the music you’re making, there’s going to be people who like it and if you’re confident about it people take notice.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be? Time travel would be great, I’d more than likely advise against every Killers album after the debut. Seriously though, probably to get into music production earlier and maybe go study it.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? “Setting Sun” from our debut EP probably means the most to me. We worked with Nath Jackson on this track from the early stages and he helped pull some of it together with the lyrics and melodies. Plus the kick drum on this track sounds absolutely huge!

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music? Usually tracks start as little pallets of information, a sound from one of the analogue synths or a rhythmical idea jotted down in midi. I must have a 1000 of these on my hard drive, the ones that stand out get turned in to full tracks. Most of them have a feeling attached for me, something I just have to get out in music form.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music? I think hope, moving on and growth are the three things we always try to convey through music. Positive energy and vibes!

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that's coming up? We’re working on a full length album at the moment, a collaboration EP and hopefully a lot more into next year but we have just launched a brand new single. “Skin” featuring Fran Minney came out September 29th and you can find it in all the usual places. Go listen to it and shout at us on Twitter if you enjoy it.