Photo: Merciful Sound
OSM: Where and when did Escapades form? Who is in the band and what do they play?
Escapades are an alt-rock indie four-piece with some funk & shoe-gaze influences. Liv and Ollie share main vocals and electric guitars, Fielding does backing vocals and tears up the bass (we call him the Wizard), and Barron is our rock playing the drums. We have recently been playing with our friend Matt, who is a master saxophonist for a few of our tunes. Matt, if you're reading, we want to steal you full-time.
OSM: Your new single, ‘Look At The Waves”’ is out now. What was the general songwriting process and are there any interesting stories around the recording?
It’s a song I (Ollie) wrote in about 2018 that we’ve been playing ever since. Whenever we played it, people said they really enjoyed it live so I think it made sense to get it on record. As individuals, we all bring things that inspire us and it all contributes to the sound when in the studio. That's why our recording process is so collaborative, and our tracks have elements from different genres. We are developing our sound a bit, though; dance, funk, jazz, psychedelia - we want to try it all.
OSM: From your point of view, what is the song about, what is its message?
I like to think it’s about a destructive person who needs bringing back down to Earth a bit. But it probably isn’t. Who knows?
OSM: What challenges have you faced since launching the band?
Being the only woman in an Indie band, I (Liv) have come across quite a bit of sexism - which always comes as a surprise, really. It happens once in a blue moon, but it always reminds us that we have a long way to go to eradicate sexism and misogyny - the lads are so supportive, and do everything they can to help and spread awareness.
OSM: What are your plans for the year ahead?
We want to be playing as much as possible; we’d like to gig in as many cities as we can and jump on the festival circuit. Getting another single out is another priority, too. Just generally vibe and play shows with our friends, and just get as many people to listen to our music as possible.
OSM: If you could change anything about the industry what would it be?
How long do we have? Equality on lineups - and we're not talking the big festivals, we're focused on the small, grassroots promoters who refuse to think about gender splits when they're putting gigs on. There is only one way big festivals will ever have equal gender splits, and that's if it starts from grassroots level, and makes its way up. Also sexism. And fair pay for artists. And many other things, but we don't want to write an essay.
OSM: If you could share the stage with another band or performer who would it be?
Tough one! I assume we all have different answers to this question, and we're going to go for performers dead or alive; but I (Liv) would really, really love sharing the stage with Little Simz. I think I'd die. Barron is definitely Green Day, any day of the week. Ollie's is Paul Simon. Fielding's is...
OSM: Who are some of the main influences of your music?
People like Wolf Alice are huge influences on us and we grew up watching and listening to them. I don’t think we necessarily wear all of our influences on our sleeve, though. We have some surprising influences, too; Porij, KAYTRANADA, Hendrix, Little Simz (The best out there, right now, Fontaines D.C., Men I Trust... the list goes on.
OSM: What do you enjoy most about being in a band?
Playing our songs live is an amazing feeling. Even in a room with 100 people in there, if 10 of them are singing your songs it’s a unique feeling. We also really just enjoy spending time with each other. It's not often you can find a set of best mates that also double as your 'work pals' - if you can even call it that.
OSM: What songs are on your playlist right now, which songs are you into at the moment?
Barron: '3 BIG BALLS' - DigBarGayRaps
Liv: 'Equals' - Jasper Tygner, Joe Hertz
Any Nia Archives - she is killing it.
Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers (we <3 that record)
Ollie: '23' - Cleo sol
'Nakamarra' - Hiatus Kaiyote, Q-T
Add comment
Comments