OSM: Please can you introduce us to The Now - who is in the band and what do they play?
The Now are Shane Callaghan (Lead singer and guitarist), Callum Bromage, (Lead guitarist), Jay Evans, (Bass) and Will Scott, (Drums).
OSM: We absolutely love the EP.. What was the general songwriting process and are there any interesting stories around the recording?
We have a very organic approach when it comes to songwriting. Not many bands these days write everything together and this is why I think we have nailed our sound so well. Some bands put all their faith in the lead singer to write everything but there’s no hiding place in The Now; it’s a collaborative process and we are lucky that we all feel that we are a part of every nuance within our music.
OSM: The theme of the EP - a mysterious individual who uses ransom notes to communicate - is really interesting. Please can you tell us how that idea came about and how it is represented within the EP tracks?
We often find that the best songs are the ones that just seem to fall out of the air. Holy for example, literally came from nothing and was written, (musically) within 10-15 minutes. This Town however was a totally different track to the one recorded. It was actually put together by Oli Jacobs as the original just wasn’t working! That’s why Oli is back doing our next album - what a genius!
The ransom idea again was a collaboration between the band the management and a very talented designer called Steve Mulholland. We think that all current rock bands are at the ransom of the music industry; it’s basically a minefield of plastic, vacuous, uninspiring music and we felt that we could subtly show this perception via our artwork and build up to the EP. Too many bands just release material these days without an interesting angle and we thought why not stand out a bit - hopefully it’s worked.
OSM: What challenges have you faced since launching the band?
I think the major challenges are the same for all new, upcoming bands. As we don’t live off the bank of mammy and daddy, (like some) we’ve all had to go out get jobs and try to balance the band with work and everyday life. This again has its hurdles as gigs have to be well planned so we can get back in the early hours to get up for work. The beauty I guess of being a professional, full time band is that these barriers won’t exist anymore so that’s the main aim for now; not so much the need for money and fame but the gift of being able to play gigs and practice as much as possible without having to worry about the logistics of everything else!
OSM: What are your plans for the year ahead?
The year ahead is simple really! Just write, record and play in front of as many people as possible. We’re hoping to record our album in the next few months and off the back of EP we’re hoping to gain even more traction within the music industry!
OSM: If you could change anything about the industry what would it be?
If we could change anything it’d be the mindset of the people at the top. Just have a bit more faith in bands and invest more time and money into them. If the industry was like it is now back in the 1990’s there’s no way you’d have had the emergence of Brit Pop because they’d be too busy lumping money into girl and boy bands or the same solo artists which we seen time and time again! I just shake my head at all the potential great bands that haven’t “made it” not because they aren’t good enough but because there’s no belief in rock n roll music by the powers that be! I guess we’ll have to break that mould!
OSM: If you could share the stage with another band or performer who would it be?
We’d love to have shared the stage with Motley Crue back in the 80’s when they were at their peak. Currently though it’d have to be Kasabian or Muse just because they’re still filling stadiums and releasing great music!
OSM: What do you enjoy most about being in a band?
Playing to crowds of people and meeting fans after we play! We’ve been really fortunate this year to have played a few massive gigs and taking the time out to chat and have selfies has made it all feel worth while! Without fans the band couldn’t and wouldn’t exist - so thank you to everyone who has asked for a selfie, bought our music and who follow us on social media!
OSM: What songs are on your playlist right now, which songs are you into at the moment?
We love The Sherlocks - they seem to be one of the very few bands on the cusp of breaking into the mainstream. There’s a great band from our area called Florence Black who again are making massive waves in the industry! But we do still listen to Liam G, Noel G, Kasabian, The Venga Boys a bit of Motley Crue and loads more!
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