Music, Why Not! had the chance to chat with Tom, Matt, Owen, and Michael from the emerging British rock band known as Farebrother. Read on as we discuss: how they became a band, their creative process, what song reminds them of home, and more.
MWN: Hello! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these question. Let’s go back in time a bit. Can you guys tell me how you became a band?
Tom: No problem at all aha! Well, to begin with, we were all doing our separate things really. From the ages of around 12, 13 and 14, Matt and Owen were playing and stuff with friends, myself and Michael were doing the same but we were doing it together. It was only through a mutual friend that we met Matt, and from playing together in a different set up we then chose to kick-start a 3 piece project called Farebrother. That got quite a lot of momentum in our local area and about a year or so down the line, Owen came to one of our shows and wanted to play bass for us, and so he did. So for the past 2 years, I would say, we’ve been a four piece Farebrother. Ironically, we’ve all known each other from a young age anyway,as we were all from the same area, but it was only until recently that we actually came together and collaborated.
MWN: Did anything in particular that has happened in your life influence you to become musicians?
Matt: When I was younger I watched School of Rock quite a lot. After watching it the first time I started getting drum lessons pretty quickly haha!
Tom: I’m not entirely sure really… My dad in particular has always been into music, Jazz especially, so I was always growing up with music and music history around me. I guess it was just a subconscious thing, that I was always going to end up doing whatever!
Owen: For me it was when I was very young and saw Kaiser Chiefs live. They were so good, and made a pretty impacted effect on me I guess.
Michael: Growing up, especially in my early teens, no one around me really played instruments. And one of my close friends at the time played guitar, and that was just a very inspiring thing for me because it was so unique.
MWN: So you guys recently released the tune “Rewind.” What does that song mean to you?
Tom: Well, it’s been a song in the making and a song we’ve been playing for a while, so it’s really nice for us to finally get it out. Personally, it means quite a lot, as do all of the songs really. It just really highlights the uncertainty and unpredictable nature of your own mind and the different relationships in your life, that can seem indestructible at times.
MWN: How you guys do decided what songs make the cut for an album?
Tom: Hahaha, well at the moment we’re really just enjoying writing the music that comes out of us naturally. Whether or not any of these songs are ready for an album is a different question. It’s hard to say. It’ll definitely be something that will require a lot of effort, but for now I think we’re just really embracing anything that we are creating.
MWN: So I read you guys are from Bath a town in southwest England. How is the music scene like there or around there? Did it influence your music?
Tom: The music scene in Bath is pretty interesting haha. It’s one of those places that always feels a little stagnant. But when you look back, a lot of great bands and great music has come from, and has come to, Bath. In comparison to other places it’s not exactly a musical hub, so it’s always a big motivation for us, to help put Bath on the map really.
MWN: What are some bands you guys are currently into? Now for some fun random fire round questions!
Owen: Flyte’s new album is a masterpiece for me. And The Killers are always a safe bet.
Tom: Neon Waltz have just released their new album. Another great Scottish band haha, Scotland always seem to produce great bands all the time.
Michael: I can’t stop listening to Dan Auerbach’s new album at the moment, Royal Blood and Whitney are also ones I’m circulating back to recently.
Matt: For me, Band of Skulls never disappoint, and Dan Croll’s new album is interesting, I’m listening to a lot of that at the moment.
MWN: What would you guys say is your favorite love song?
Michael: To Make You Feel My Love by Bob Dylan, I think!
Tom: I struggle to think of a favourite, but Eleanor by The Turtles is such a great song, I love that.
Owen: Lovesick by Peace.. It’s still stuck in my head to this day haha.
Matt: Tainted Love by Soft Cell!! Haha, no… actually, Earth Angel by Marvin Berry & The Starlighters.
MWN: First recollection of live music?
Tom: I always got dragged along to concert orchestra stuff by my mum when I was younger. So I always remember the Big Band concerts in various places.
Michael: Yeah. my Grandad would always make me come along to the ‘Funk and Blues’ nights at the local pub haha!
Owen: My Dad’s friend used to be in a cover’s band, so I remember being very young and watching a lot of older men play classic rock covers haha!
MWN: First album you ever bought?
Owen: As much as it pains me to say it, I’m pretty sure it was Busted’s first album!!
Matt: Pendulum’s Live at Brixton Academy for me. No shame in that for me… Well, maybe a little!
Tom: For some strange reason, I bought The Rasmus’ self-titled album. God know’s why I bought that… But if I’m honest I’d still happily listen to that today haha!
Michael: DJ Otzi hahaha. Either the album or the single, which ever it was it definitely had Hey Baby on it haha!
MWN: First song you ever wanted to cry to?
Tom: Ummm, I’m not sure if I’m honest… I think any song that Pitbull has released has made me want to cry for help!!
Michael: Travelling Soldier by The Dixie Chicks
Matt: I’m struggling with that one haha. I guess I’m not really a crier!
Owen: Bring Him Home from Les Miserable always gives me goosebumps.
MWN: What song reminds you of home?
Owen: Delilah by Tom Jones haha, my Mum always used to sing it really loud in the kitchen!
Michael: It’s got to be Dance the Night Away by The Mavericks.
Matt: Literally any Michael Bublé song. My mum was a massive fan so he was always on when when I was at home haha!
Tom: Yeah I agree, Michael Bublé was always a strong favourite for my Mum and Sister. Also, Sammy Davis Jr and other crooners, The Rat Pack etc. Always a crowd pleaser in my house!
MWN: To wrap things up. Once again thanks so much for taking the time to answer these questions. Is there anything you would like to the people who are going to be reading this interview?
Tom: No, thank you, it’s a pleasure! Yeah, just stick around I guess. Be patient because we have a lot more stuff on the way. And just keep on discovering you know, finding and loving new music is such a good feeling, and it’ll only get better the more you look, there’s an abundance out there!
Interview By: Maria Limon
****
Artist Links: Official Website | Facebook | Instagram |Twitter | iTunes |