Credit: Felix BaronFollowing the release of their brand new EP 'Old Bones' earlier this month, we got the chance to put a few questions to Yearbook's Tom about their creativity, passion for music and group chemistry.
How would you best describe yourself as an artist?
Genuine is probably the best word. What you see is what you get, 4 dudes that are passionate about writing songs and performing them to people.
Your EP was released at the beginning of the month - how have you found the response to that?
The response has been great actually. Fans, friends and press a like have been very complementary and (most) people seem to be 'getting it' which was the initial worry!
Tell us about the creative process behind that EP 'Old Bones'.
Most of the tracks on the record began with a single idea presented in the practice room and flowed from there. With each song we would usually work out all of the sections/hooks that we wanted to include and then keep playing it through, refining it each time until it was exactly as we wanted it in terms of structure and feel. Demoing songs is also really important.
What is it about music that you love?
Personally I am somewhat addicted. I love owning it, exploring it, writing it, recording and mixing it, playing it and watching others play it. Seeing as our drummer Hamish and I recorded and mixed 'Old Bones' it ticks almost all of those boxes so it is something that I'm very proud I was able to be a part of.
Has music always been something you've had in your life and wanted to be involved in?
I have always loved buying and having music and watching it live but it wasn't until I was 14 or 15 that I gave playing it a proper go. One day my friend Ben and I were chilling in his bedroom and I asked him to teach me something on the guitar. He showed me a couple of simple Metallica riffs and that was that, I was instantly hooked.
How do you find the chemistry of the group?
We have a collective vibe, that's for sure. Due to the amount of passion involved we do clash occasionally whilst writing. Sometimes it takes time but we always work through it to find something that makes us all happy.
Would you say you've evolved as musicians since forming?
Definitely. I feel like we have a better sense of direction than ever in terms of the music we want to be making.
What's the ultimate goal?
For me, just to get out there and take this as far as possible in every aspect. To be able to look back on it all with a sense that it was worth while.
Where do you hope to be at this time next year?
Still enjoying it as much as I am now, with lots of exciting plans to talk about.
Do you have any other projects in the pipeline that you can share some details about?
To write lots and lots of great songs whilst at the same time playing and touring as much as possible.
Yearbook's EP 'Old Bones' is out now. The group will play March 29 in Guildford, supporting Johnny Foreigner, as well as April 21 at the Borderline with Hawthorne Heights.