Gearing up for the release of their new single ‘Another Ocean’ on September 8, via King Of The Woods Recordings, Glasgow’s alt-rock quartet North Atlas are delivering a slice of stellar music that gives just enough away about the four members to tempt listeners in for the long haul.
Ahead of the single’s release, we got the opportunity to put some questions to the group about their sound, future ambitions and more. Read on to find out what they had to say…
For those who may be new to your music, how best would you describe your sound?
Alt rock/ Electronic, Imagine Dragons meets Biffy Clyro
What challenges have you faced in the music industry so far?
One of the biggest challenges early on was not being taken seriously. Apart from there being so many amazing great bands to contend with, it seemed like some young bands or singers who had a lot of money could buy their way to better places. Unfortunately, we were not among them. But what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, as Kanye West likes to point out (from behind his golden fence in his LA mansion)
How difficult would you say this career path is in terms of making a name for yourself?
I think there are better and more fun ways to be famous these days, like being a YouTube personality or becoming president.
How important is it for you to have creative control over the work you produce?
I'd say very important, if a songwriter relinquishes too much creative control, then singing that song live loses a lot of its meaning! That's not to say that others shouldn't be able to input into the creative process if it serves the song. I feel when listening to a great song there's always a way you can relate it to your own life as if the song was written for you. For me that's what making a great song is about, having someone relate to you through your shared experiences.
Where do you draw influence and inspiration from for your work?
You know when you're travelling on a bus or a train and you stick your headphones in, look out the window and just watch the world shooting past. A song comes on that you're really into and you start to drift away from reality and accidentally become completely immersed in the song, then you put on another song you love and before you know it that 2-hour journey has flown past and you don't even want to get up from your seat. Those are the journeys that influence me the most, just sitting listening to music.
If you could collaborate with anybody going forward, who would you choose and why?
Susan Boyle, not only is she Scottish and has an amazing voice but I bet she'd be hilariously OTT. In fact, I'd be happy to just share a packet of Tunnocks tea cakes and a bottle of Irn Bru with the lady.
Tell us a random, funny fact about you that not many people know.
One time I wrote a song about Kate Middleton, but nobody will ever hear it.
Do you have definitive aims or goals for your career?
It's been my life goal since i was young to be a musician and as long as I can be one, and people want to listen to the music then I'm happy in that respect.
Where do you hope to be this time next year?
I hope more people will hear our music and come see us live, because seriously, that's where it all kicks off!
What should we expect from you in the coming weeks and months?
We're doing a show at Stereo in Glasgow on the 7th October, really looking forward to it, we've got a few surprises planned and plenty of Tequila, it’s going to be massive fun! Then we have another single in November and a tour.