Coventry's very own FREESPIRITS dropped their first single of the year earlier this month, and it's absolutely oozing with attitude, big riffs, and heartfelt lyrics.
FFO: Idlewild, Basement & Citizen, and comprised of Brazilian-Italian brothers Carlo & Lucas Mariani, ex-members of britpop band Hurricane #1, you can expect a mix of Britpop, Grunge, and modern Alt Rock. We chatted to Giancarlo to see what it's all about.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I saw Noel Gallagher playing the guitar on MTV as a kid and knew I wanted one straight away. Still obsessed with guitars to this day.
Expensive habit though...
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Grunge, Britpop and 60s/70s rock. Nirvana, Oasis, The Verve, The Beatles, Black Sabbath & Led Zeppelin were my favourites growing up.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Well...technically What's the Story Morning Glory, which I nicked from my dad. And Pisces Iscariot by Smashing Pumpkins (also nicked).
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Oh that's a tough one, I wanna say Wonderwall for obvious reasons £££. But really, El Capitan by Idlewild. Beautiful tune.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Go to a quiet place with my guitar. Write as many words as I can on the topic I'm writing about. Then try to get a tune out of that!
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I listen to a lot of different music but at the moment I'm really into Fontaines DC, Matthew Halsall, Russ, Nujabes and The War on Drugs.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Oasis at Wembley Stadium. We're free next year Noel, so the offer's there.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Meeting people that connect with our music and tell me how much it affected or inspired them. For me it's about these moments.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The rising cost of being in a band. Covid and the cost of living crisis really impacted our industry. Some venues don't even offer a free pint anymore.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
We met Conrad Keely (Trail of Dead) outside Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth once and he said: "If the music industry doesn't let you in f*ck it, just create your own industry!" And these are the words we live by. We're still gonna get there, even if we don't get invited in.
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FREESPIRITS' new single 'What I'm Made Of' is out now and available to stream. Check out the player below.