Chapel Club
Lewis Bowman never dreamt of being in a band but after agreeing to write some lyrics for a friend he found himself fronting Chapel Club.
Since the release of their debut album in January they have received critical acclaim and this month sees them embark on a 10 date US tour.
We find out how the unassuming frontman is coping with the fame.
- Your success has happened so fast - does it feel real to you?
It’s beginning to feel a little bit like I am in a band now. It’s taken me a while because I’ve never been in a band before and we only started playing live in October.
It was surreal for a while to think this is what I actually do.
- Was being in a band ever an ambition of yours?
Not really but just because it never really seemed likely. I used to put on nights and I was always involved in music but, as lovely as I thought it would be, I never really thought I’d be in a band.
I don’t play an instrument and I don’t think I’m the best singer in the world.
- How did you find your feet as a frontman?
I wouldn’t say I’m a very natural frontman, I’m as insecure as anyone, I imagine all the things that could go wrong on stage and it’s f**king terrifying but at the same time, if I don’t do it then someone else will.
My approach from the start was just to do whatever strikes me. I think if you’re going to play indie in this day and age then I think you need to do it with some degree of honesty and intelligence.
- You’ve referenced various literary figures as inspiration, do you see yourself more as a writer than a musician?
I don’t see myself as either really. I read a lot and that’s the most important part of writing anyway I think. There’s a hell of a lot of bulls**t that gets written.
I look at lyrics from a lot of bands and I just can’t imagine how they get away with it. I just think it’s worth making the effort even though I don’t consider myself an expert.
- How would you describe the album?
I can only describe it as, to me it sounds like songs for those moments in your life where your hairs stand on end and your blood's pumping.
It’s music to thrill to. It’s exciting, big music, which might not be that fashionable at the moment, but f**k it, I know enough about art to know it’s got very little to do with fashion.
FemaleFirst Antonia Charlesworth