Having already cemented themselves with a wealth of broad and immersive efforts these last few years, emerging outfit Kind Hearted Thieves now look to cement their legacy to date with the release of their eagerly-awaited debut album 'Love And Other Curses: The Maxim Of Societal Enigma'.
Featuring the legendary Dave Abbruzzese on drums, best known for his work with Pearl Jam, 'Love And Other Curses: The Maxim Of Societal Enigma' makes for a wonderfully rich and captivating listen. Filled with warm and enticing textures, a vibrant atmosphere, and shimmering hooks throughout, they are establishing themselves as one of the more alluring names doing the rounds with this new release.
So with the new album available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Guitar. My Dad bought me one when I was 15. I loved guitar but I had never even considered learning to play one as an option until then.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I have always loved rock music. Growing up I loved loads of older stuff like Deep Purple, Def Leppard and KISS. My first gig was Deep Purple when I was about 11.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I am not really sure, but the first album I bought when I actually had any taste was Californication by RHCP. Back then you could listen to the CD in the shop first. I remember hearing the opening to All Around The World with Flea smashing his bass and I was hooked. I didn’t even listen to the rest of the song, I just bought it. Been a massive Chili’s fan ever since.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Artistically probably Hallelujah but financially I wouldn’t have minded Shake It Off by Taylor Swift haha.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I don’t really try. I don’t mean that in an obnoxious way. But if I sit down specifically to write nothing usually happens. I seem to find it easier to just play a lot and when something I like appears I then follow it along to its natural conclusion. I tend to start with a guitar part and try to make most of the structure. I am always throwing random lyric ideas and things in my phone, so once I have a rough sketch of the song structure I mess about with melody and lyrics I have stored.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I am a bit of a grunge fan so I tend to throw a 90s playlist on. Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Bush. Even more current bands are from the past really haha. I am a huge fan of Slipknot. Corey Taylor is an amazing vocalist. Mumford and Sons are probably the most recent band that I listen to.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Slipknot would be insane although I am not sure we would go down particularly well with their audience. I think supporting Frank Turner would be pretty amazing. He seems like a really sound guy and I think our music would support him really well.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Music has helped me through some pretty crappy times. Both listening to it and playing. Playing when I am feeling a bit naff can take my mind off things. Since playing more publicly and sharing my music people have shared their stories of how my music has helped them in darker times. That is really special.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Learning the instrument. I was definitely not a natural musician. I really enjoy learning new things now, although it can still be frustrating, but definitely when I was younger I struggled to focus. I remember trying to play a d chord for about 3 months!
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Get a proper job haha.
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Kind Hearted Thieves' debut album 'Love And Other Curses: The Maxim Of Societal Enigma' is available to stream now Check it out in the player below.