Following on from the release of their much-loved debut EP 'u wot?' last year, Yorkshire-based outfit The Slates are now back for 2023 to deliver their explosive new single 'What Have You Done?'
Capturing more of that bright and invigorating indie-rock aesthetic they have built for themselves over the years, 'What Have You Done?' makes for an incredibly fresh and engaging listen. With its broad and immersive textures, soaring atmosphere, and killer hooks layered throughout, they are continuing their ascent as one of the more captivating names on the rise with this one.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Louis: Guitar
Joe: Guitar
Jude: Piano
Zak: Drums
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Louis: The enemy, Twisted Wheel
Joe: AC/DC
Jude: Anything - was nothing in particular. Really found a love for music when I was 13 and that’s when I got properly introduced to stone roses and oasis.
Zak: Was brought up around a lot of Britpop and Ska.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Louis: We’ll live and die in these towns - The Enemy
Joe: Dookie - Green Day
Jude: Whatever people say, I am not
Zak: American Idiot
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Louis: Mardy Bum
Joe: Logically ‘Wonderwall - Oasis’ but musically I think ‘Teal - Wunderhorse’
Jude: So here we are - bloc party or when the sun goes down - arctic monkeys
Zak: Bitter sweet symphony or I am the resurrection
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Louis: According to the other lads my lyrics come subconsciously and are about past people.
Joe: Lyrics always come to me when I walk my dogs in the field at the back of my house, it’s weird, but it always happens.
Jude: The lyrics come randomly but I write everything on an acoustic guitar.
Zak: Couldn’t write a song if my life depended on it.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Louis: Fred Again, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Pastel, The 1975
Joe: Bamily, Wunderhorse, Pastel
Jude: Guns N Roses, Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes
Zak: Happy Mondays, Shed Seven
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Louis: Arctic Monkeys
Joe: Kasabian
Jude: Arctic Monkeys
Zak: Kasabian
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Louis: The crowd singing your own lyrics back to you.
Joe: Playing live, it’s the best feeling ever.
Jude: Hearing a song be fully finished and produced.
Zak: Walking on stage, no words to describe it.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Louis: Jude in general.
Joe: Social media.
Jude: Has to be the socials and always trying to look good for photos or when playing live.
Zak: Joe moments!!!
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Louis: Do vocal warm ups - they’re a god send.
Joe: “An expert in anything was once a beginner”.
Jude: “Everything takes time, nothing is given”.
Zak: Never accept less than you want and never lose yourself.
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The Slates' new single 'What Have You Done?' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.