While their plans last year were inevitably put on hold, Oxford-based outfit The White Lakes are still looking to return in form as they deliver their latest effort 'This Generation'.
Bringing back more of that energetic pop-rock sound they are known for, 'This Generation' sees them deliver one of their most euphoric cuts to date. Filled with killer hooks and an insatiable chorus, they are definitely ones to watch throughout 2021.
So with the new single out now, we sat them down to find out more about their background and what has inspired them most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you learned to play?
Matt: First instrument I learned to play was the cornet (like a smaller trumpet, for smaller people).
Kyle: Drums.
Finn: I've been playing guitar since I was 6.
Logan: Acoustic guitar.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Matt: I think it was Dookie and American idiot by Green Day. Got them for my birthday when I was like 7 or something?
Kyle: My first Album I got was when I was 12 years old and it was greatest hits by Lenny Kravitz.
Finn: Santa/my dad got me highway to hell by AC/DC when I was 9.
Logan: Demon Days - Gorillaz, I stole the disc from my dad cos I loved the cover art so much.
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
Matt: First band I was part of was when I was in year 8, I couldn’t play any instruments other than Cornet at the time so I sang in the band. We released a few tracks on Soundcloud under the name “Book Of Wonders” (makes me cringe) kinda your standard Ben Howard/Bombay Bicycle Club wannabes.
Kyle: Yes and we sounded like shit!
Finn: I formed a band pretty much immediately after I got my first AC/DC album. We played AC/DC almost exclusively until we were 11 before making the huge leap to black sabbath for a bit, not the best music to be playing in a Catholic school.
Logan: Played in cover band with stuff like RHCP, and Nirvana.
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
Matt: Bohemian Rhapsody. One of the best songs ever.
Kyle: Can't Stop by Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Finn: White Christmas because its the highest selling song of all time and I could really use the money right now.
Logan: I wish I’d written Seven Nation Army because people that don’t even know the song can probably sing the tune
What has been the most thrilling moment about creating your own music?
Matt: I think it’s when we play them live, and I can hear all the fans singing back the lyrics I wrote! Kinda surreal.
Kyle: Definitely playing it to fans, and people actually enjoying and knowing all the parts/lyrics to the songs.
Finn: The satisfaction of hearing people In the audience sing your creations back to you at a gig.
Logan: The most thrilling part of writing is when you play something completely by accident but it improves the song and you just think wow I’m awesome.
And what about the most frustrating part?
Matt: When you have written a bunch of songs in quick succession that are all really good, then hitting a writers block, or writing songs that just don’t sound as good. I normally take a break for a few weeks, listen to loads of weird and wonderful bands then come back to writing again.
Kyle: When you can't come up with any new material.
Finn: When I have an idea in my head but I'm not talented enough to translate it onto my guitar.
Logan: It’s when you’re hours deep into songwriting before realising the reason you like the tune so much is because you subconsciously note for note ripped of another song you hadn’t heard in a while.
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
Matt: Motley Cruë but back in the day, think it would have been a bit mental.
Kyle: Red Hot Chili Peppers because Chad is one of my favourite drummers.
Finn: Angus Young because he's the reason I've wanted to be a musician since I was 9.
Logan: I’d love to share a stage with Foo Fighters but I’m not sure I can quite hack a 4 hour setlist yet.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Matt: Headlining big big shows with the band such as Truck Festival, having our first album out maybe second album as well. Living the dream and still writing more tunes.
Kyle: Being a successful musician and playing with my best mates on stage and playing insane shows.
Finn: I don't really care as long as I'm playing tunes and wearing a dressing gown whilst doing it.
Logan: I’m on top of Buckingham palace staring at Fin as he shreds a face melting solo in honour of Prince William’s coronation.
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The White Lakes' new single 'This Generation' is available to stream now. Check out the new video below.