Following on from the release of their much-loved 2021 debut EP 'Out The Neighbourhood', Nottingham-based outfit Blondes now make their eagerly-awaited return with their vibrant new single 'Love In The Afternoon'.
Capturing more of that warm and euphoric indie-rock aesthetic they have cultivated for themselves, 'Love In The Afternoon' makes for a wonderfully fresh and enticing listen. Jam-packed with killer hooks, a soaring atmosphere, and stellar vocals throughout, this lot are returning for the new year with one of their most exciting offerings to date.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with bassist and songwriter Alex to find out more about his background and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I learned guitar first but it was actually the bass that really got me into playing music, especially in bands. I played bass in the first two bands I was in. The first was for a high school Battle of the Bands and I remember learning the bassline to Feel Good Inc. It was pretty much the only thing I could play.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
My dad raised me on British bands from the 90s, like Oasis, Radiohead, The Verve, that kinda thing. I remember us getting in the car once and him putting his CD of ‘Urban Hymns’ on and hearing Bittersweet Symphony for the first time. When I got into my teenage years and the hormones started kicking in I developed a serious affinity for bands like Green Day and blink-182. That was a bit of a phase though.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first CD I remember buying myself was Biffy Clyro’s ‘Only Revolutions’ because I saw it in HMV and I liked the cover. I must've been about 12. I may well have owned a copy of Avril Lavigne’s debut album ‘Let Go’ when I was even younger than that but it might’ve officially been my Dad’s. We both loved that album.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Don’t Look Back In Anger. There are very few songs that get everyone singing like that one does. It gives me goosebumps.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I often read ‘Crush’ by Richard SIken when I’m stuck for lyrics or just generally looking for inspiration. It's a really nice book of poetry. I also like to go to galleries sometimes. I think intentionally consuming art in any form does wonders for creativity.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’m absolutely obsessed with Wunderhorse’s debut album, I think its brilliant and I listen to it all the time. I’m hugely into Pink Floyd at the moment. I also got Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On?’ and Al Green’s Greatest Hits on vinyl for my birthday last month, both of which I’ve listened to loads.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Can I say Fleetwood Mac? If it had to be someone that was still going, probably The 1975.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The joy of playing together is literally the reason we do it. Especially when we’re writing something. Writing a song in a room together and feeling it develop, feeling something new coming into being through the four of us. That’s immense.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Short form video content. It feels a little like we’re hampering our own ability to have meaningful experiences by encouraging excessive consumption of disposable content that we aren’t actually interested in.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
When we were recording our most recent single, I kept worrying if the part I was playing was right. Our producer said something that was along the lines of “Stop fucking thinking about it and just play. There is no right answer.” Sometimes I doubt myself a lot creatively, but I’ve learned that if it feels good to play, it sounds good to you, then that’s about as right as you can get.
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Blondes' new single 'Love In The Afternoon' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.