After forming back in 2012, Scottish four-piece (Colin Simpson – vocals and guitar; Euan Crowe – lead guitar; Blair Cullen – drums; Zach Tarimo Goodhur – bass) The Phantoms have earned a great reputation on the local music scene with their infectious, high-energy live shows.
The Phantoms release their new single this April
Soon to release their new single ‘Shadows’, the group are gearing up to take on the whole of the UK with their unique and addictive sound, but not before we got them to answer some questions about their ambitions, inspirations and more! Find out what they had to say below…
For those who may be new to your music, how best would you describe your sound?
It's got dark, driving bass and drums, with heavily delayed guitars. Massive choruses that will have you belting them out.
What challenges have you faced in the music industry so far?
Being able to afford to do the things we love. It’s an expensive hobby at times.
How difficult would you say this career path is in terms of making a name for yourself?
It’s really difficult; it is an emotional rollercoaster at times. I wouldn’t change anything about it though. It prepares you for the next steps.
How important is it for you to have creative control over the work you produce?
This is the most important aspect. It allows us to go out there and get things off our chest. Writing and playing music is my escape.
Where do you draw influence and inspiration from for your work?
Kasabian, Foals and Joy Division. I love the big choruses and melodies of Kasabian. The way Foals’ guitars sound is something I am always drawn to, it’s fit for stadiums. Joy Division’s bass lines are so dark and driving, they've always instantly hooked me.
If you could collaborate with anybody going forward, who would you choose and why?
Kasabian or Noel Gallagher. I've always admired both of them - how they put songs together, and the fact they continue to deliver, is amazing. I was lucky enough to see both of them at Murrayfield in Edinburgh in 2009.
Tell us a random, funny fact about you that not many people know.
I love dance music. I love using it as an outlet; it is fantastic being able to have an escape. I like proper old school trance, sometimes the big sounds from it inspire me to transfer that to the guitar.
Do you have definitive aims or goals for your career?
We want to push our career to the limits; we want to see how big this band and the songs can go.
Where do you hope to be this time next year?
We want to be doing it for a living. Playing gigs every night and our tunes to be everywhere.
What should we expect from you in the coming weeks and months?
New music, new music and high energy live shows! Plenty of gigs and hopefully some festivals in summer. We will have new merchandise being released in the coming weeks.
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The Phantoms officially release their new single ‘Shadows’ on April 21, 2017.