Photo: Carl Fox
Following up the release of their highly-praised debut EP 'You're Welcome' in recent months, London-based outfit Modern Guilt have now kicked started their new year with the bouncing new single 'Joy Control'.
With a sound that pays homage to the classic direction of The Velvet Underground, but reimagined for a modern ear, 'Joy Control' makes for a wonderfully fresh and exciting listen. Jam-packed with vibrant textures, a pounding groove, and catchy hooks throughout, we know this new year will serve them very well once again.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with frontman Jaz and drummer Scott from the group to find out more about their background and influences over the years.
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What was the first band or artist you fell in love with?
JAZ - Musically Springsteen, for musical reasons... Shania Twain.
SCOTT – When I was really young it was Wham!, then in my early teens it was Ocean Colour Scene and Oasis.
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
SCOTT – Absolutely, I’ve played in bands ever since I took up drumming. My first band was quite Britpop sounding, the next was very Nirvana inspired – it was good fun to play.
JAZ - I formed a fair few bands when I was a kid, heavily 60's and Britpop inspired.
What has been your primary inspiration in writing music?
JAZ - Primary inspiration in writing music is probably that I'm obsessed with making noise. I struggle to be quiet, combine that with a need to describe the way the world looks to me and there ya go.
SCOTT – Playing music, playing in a band… writing, playing live, listening to music – It all takes you to so many different places. Euphoria, adrenalin, sadness and melancholy – I think overall it’s about the way that music helps you to understand things.
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
JAZ - I wish I had written so many, ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’ – Bob Dylan, or ‘I heard It Through The Grapevine’ – Marvin Gaye.
SCOTT – Oofft… good question. I think some of the most genius songs are often the very simple ones, then most of the big pop songs from the 80’s are absolutely amazing. I’m also really into quite a bit of early hip-hop – a lot of those tracks are built from samples of Jazz, Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll… it’s amazing how new songs can be created from a sample into a completely new track / genre.
But to answer the question, off the top of my head I think ‘Teardrops’ by Womack & Womack would be cool to write.
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
JAZ - I'm looking down the road, the best is yet to come.
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
JAZ – I’d love to share a stage with Iggy Pop.
SCOTT – Prince, The Strokes, The Stones… I’d also love to be a backing singer in a Motown band, so if I could do that for The Supremes or Martha Reeves & The Vandellas that would be a dream.
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
JAZ - I'd love to collaborate with Fontaines DC.
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Modern Guilt's new single 'Joy Control' is available to stream now.