We spoke to Chisel Beeches frontman Steve McDonagh to find out all about how the band formed, their upcoming mini-album and their recent single ‘Take You Home’. Note: they’re quite funny.
Hey guys! First of all, tell us about how the band started. When, where and how did you form?
The other three have known each other for a very long time, since they were young scallywags at school. I met them through an online ad at joinmyscallywags.com. The rest is very short history.
You’ve recently released your single ‘Take You Home’, which is great. How has it been going down? Are you happy with the response to it?
We’re very happy with the reception for ‘Take You Home’. It was the second song we ever wrote and we’ve just released a video for it. We like to boast that it has more CGI shots in it than the Star Wars prequel trilogy. That’s a complete lie but hype doesn’t build itself.
You’ve got a mini album coming up. Can you tell us more details?
It’s called ‘In A Week, On A Whim’ and the general underlying theme of the six tracks is a coming of age story as all songs are based on anecdotes and experiences from our youth. We’re releasing it in the first half of the year so it won’t be long before we’re coming in your ears.
Is ‘Take You Home’ a good example of what to expect from your mini album or are all the songs quite varied?
‘Take You Home’ is a song about a very specific incident in our lives and the video is practically a Crimewatch reconstruction of said incident (disclaimer: no actual crimes were committed, don’t have nightmares). Almost all of the other songs are straight up retellings of significant experiences we’ve had, either from our own perspective or those around us. We’re proud of the themes and lyrics and hope to entertain, even after multiple listenings.
How would you describe your sound in general?
Imagine great British acts such as Canterbury, Don Broco, Biffy Clyro and Lower Than Atlantis hopped on a plane and made sweet love with our American friends Coheed and Cambria, Panic! At The Disco and Four Year Strong. The love child they create would be quite the amazing band! We’d be the ropey tribute act of the love child.
Who or what are your influences as a band?
We have great respect for bands that mix great melody, catchy choruses and mega riffs. All of the previously mentioned bands, in addition to Arcane Roots, Reuben, Twin Atlantic, The Police, Max Raptor and many others.
So far, what has been your favourite experience as a band?
I think we had a great time performing songs to our friends and personally it means the world to me when complete strangers tell us they enjoy our music and then follow us on social media, even when I spot my mum slip them a fiver afterward.
How was 2015 for you?
It was very formative. I feel like we’ve hit our stride as a band that takes their music much more serious than themselves. We’ve laid the groundwork for a great 2016 and we hope people will join us.
What are your plans for 2016? Will you be touring at all?
Mini album, videos, great gigs, festivals, enjoying ourselves and hopefully introducing our music to new people. We’ve got a couple of shows lined up at the moment, more to be announced soon. We’re playing at Matthew’s Yard in Croydon on the 13th of February, and then at the Dublin Castle in Camden on the 31st of March.
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