Photo: John Shepherd
After spending the last few months cranking out a batch of fresh and exciting offerings, emerging outfit The Running Free, a music collective from North Yorkshire led by Dave Norris, are back once again with their latest anthemic release 'Chimes'.
Channeling a rich and euphoric alt-rock direction from start to finish, 'Chimes' sees them return in stellar form. Filled with blistering riffs killer hooks, and a catchy chorus to boot, these guys are certainly heading for big things in the coming months.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with Dave to find out more about his background and inspirations over the last few years.
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What was the first instrument you learned to play?
First instrument was the guitar, and I was completely obsessed. My guitar teacher was my absolute hero as well, and kept me super inspired. The first few years of an instrument are always so difficult but he made it great.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Shockingly, the first album (or the first one I remember getting) was the first Tenacious D album. My parents had loads of albums and grew up around lots of music, but that was the first that was mine. I figured out quickly not to let my parents hear it!
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
I formed so many bands it's unreal. I was addicted. I did my first gig at 14, and was then kicked out the band for being bad! I was really into metal as a teen, so it was mostly rock or metal bands.
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
Could I pick an album instead of a song!? Too many good songs! I have to go with Jesus of Suburbia by Green Day. I was obsessed with American Idiot and their live DVD Bullet In A Bible when I was younger, and they are a massive massive influence to me! That song is a real journey, and told this amazing story that I was completely captivated by as a kid who grew up in suburbia with a religious background. It felt like he was talking to me.
What has been the most thrilling moment about creating your own music?
There are several moments that have significance in several different ways. The main one is the “it's actually finished” moment and I can actually listen to it without wanting to chop and change it, you can say the idea has been fully realised and it's crystal clear in your head. The second is quite personal, but when I am writing lyrics I don't consciously know what I am writing about, I am sort of saying words and if they resonate with me for whatever reason, I'll use them in the song. There is then a moment where I realise what the song is actually about, and it's my way of processing something I have felt that I couldn't quite articulate outside of the music.
And what about the most frustrating part?
Probably writer's block, where I feel like I want to create something, but when I sit down to do it nothing really gets me going. But then there are times where songs just fall out of me and I finish them really quick. I always imagine the creative process is like wandering the desert looking for an oasis. If you find an oasis, take as much as you can from it, because who knows when you'll find the next one!
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
Green Day, unequivocally one of, if not the best, rock show you could ever see. The way they interact with the crowd, the pure excitement and energy is absolutely phenomenal. Could you imagine seeing that from their perspective!? Or sharing that with them?? It would be like being at The Last Supper.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
I would love love love to think that I am a touring artist, because it's my ultimate dream, But honestly, even if I am still doing what I am doing now I would be lucky. I love my life as it is and don't want to wish it away any time soon!
But also living somewhere hot and by the beach!
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The Running Free's new single 'Chimes' is available to stream now. Check out the new video for it below.
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