Debut album from This Oceanic Feeling - Universal Mind is released on 17th July through Cherry Red Records. The band is Chris Braide (vocals, production), Lee Pomeroy (bass) and Ash Soan (drums).
For those who haven't yet heard your music, how best would you describe yourselves and your sound?
Our sound is widescreen, high production pop with strong melodies, beautiful chord changes and meaningful lyrics about the complexities of being human. Think Duran Duran, The Police... Epic.
What is it about music and this business that made you want to get involved?
A complete and utter obsession with music from a very early age. Probably seeing Adam And The Ants performing 'Dog Eat Dog' on Top Of The Pops and thinking how incredible he was and how much fun the band looked like they were having.
So, music has always been a big passion of yours?
Music is in my blood. It is as natural as walking or talking to me. I couldn't live without it and in many ways it was my first real love affair. I listen to it or play it every day and have done since I was six years old. I'm passionate about many things, but music is the thing that keeps my soul intact.
You've worked with some big names in the past - what have been some of your favourite experiences and highlights?
Working with Lana Del Rey was fun because she was so different and unique. She came along at just the right time, when the music business needed a new pop star. Also, producing Marc Almond's new album, 'The Velvet Trail', was a highlight because I've been a fan since 'Tainted Love'. That was truly a magical album to make. He's still as brilliant and original as he ever was.
Can you tell us a little bit about the creative process behind your debut album 'Universal Mind', out next month?
I wrote the songs in my studio in Los Angeles and sent the demos to our drummer, Ash Soan, and he replaced the machine drums with his truly amazing drum parts. Suddenly the songs came to life and then our bass player Lee Pomeroy added his parts and I finished my vocals and mixed it all in LA.
How important is it for you to maintain creative control over the work you produce?
Very important indeed. I am a record producer so my job is to give the artist what they want. It's not about what I want, although I try to give my heart and soul to everything I produce or write. You have to know when a record is finished and that's down to me ultimately.
Who would you love to feature on one of your tracks if you could choose anybody?
Alive, it would be Johnny Marr and dead, it would be Marc Bolan.
Will you be touring in support of the album?
We'd love to, but touring is complicated as we are geographically spread out and our work commitments are ever present. Ash is doing The X Factor, Lee is on tour with Take That and I am currently working with Demi Lovato and John Legend amongst others.
Do you have definitive aims or goals for your career?
I'd really love to work with Kate Bush, but perhaps I shouldn't... Never meet your idols they say!
What should we expect to see from you guys next alongside the release of the record?
Hopefully we will play a couple of shows in support of the album. That is what the three of us would love to see happen!