After establishing themselves with a wealth of shimmering delights these last few years, Liverpool's The Garnetts are back once again to deliver their euphoric new single 'Still Running'.
Bringing back more of that bright and infectious indie-rock energy they have been cultivating over the years, 'Still Running' makes for a wonderfully bold and immersive listen. Jam-packed with killer grooves, a soaring atmosphere, and mesmerising hooks layered throughout, they are keeping the vibes high across this dynamic new release.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their background and what has been inspiring them most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Jacob - drums for me. I actually started on the guitar but only lasted a year or so. My teacher in primary school used to bring his drums in for assembly. Which is absolutely mad when you think about it. He was so bored. The second I saw him playing them I was hooked.
Ben - First instrument I fell in love with was the guitar. Took me a while though, because me da always played it- which was amazing in its own right... But it never hit home until I heard local legend Tony the pony playing classic tunes on an acoustic, like postman pat, to really see how accessible and close music could be. I took it to grades, classical and rock, then realized the love wasn't to create that way with it. It's a songwriting, tune carrying instrument. Now she comes in on the track when she's good and ready- no more no less (hopefully)!
Jacob J - First instrument I played was the flute, my dad had one in the house and I could get a noise out of it so ended up getting lessons...I wouldn’t say I fell in love with an instrument til the guitar though.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Jacob - my dad got me into all sorts, I remember listening to his old 70s and 80s punk CDs religiously and then I started branching out. I got really into 00s Rnb as well. You can’t tell me Neyo didn’t have some absolute rammers.
Ben - When I was younger, like our kid, we listened to all of the classic rock/ metal stuff. Everything from guns n roses to iron maiden at 8.15 on the school run. God help our ma and da. No wonder they friggin split up.
Jacob J - When I was young I was really into rock music; guns n roses, AC/DC, led zep the doors etc I feel like it’s a right of passage every teenager should go through.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Jacob - I think I was quite late to owning my own albums. I was quite happy just borrowing my dads all the time. I vividly remember getting the foo fighters’ echoes silence patience and grace for Christmas and playing it non stop on my portable cd player.
Ben - First album I ever owned had to have been gorillaz, demon days. I think to be honest when anyone starts that strong it's downhill from there... Init?
Jacob J - The first albums I bought with my own money were appetite for destruction and iron maiden's greatest hits on cd from the Asda in Walton. I felt so cool hahah.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Jacob - from a drummer's perspective 50 ways to leave your lover by Paul Simon. Steve Gadd is on the drums and the part is just a perfect love letter to both style and imagination.
Ben - One of the most crazily well written songs which always strikes a chord, which I always wish I had written, is how can you mend a broken heart: Al green. Mad, because it's not much like the songs we release, but my god. What a testament to what's possible when humans haven't managed to implode the world in on itself yet. It's a bloody masterpiece.
Jacob J - ‘If I could only fly’ Blaze Foley it’s simple and stunning and I’m jealous its not mine.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Jacob - not particularly. Ben and Jay write all the songs. I’ve chipped in with a few that are yet to see the light of day. But as far as drum parts go I always try to serve the song first. Is going to sound good, get people grooving at the right time, and then sprinkle a bit of special sauce in when I can get away with it.
Ben - When I try to write new music my habit is usually to sod off to a quiet corner of the house ASAP and pray nobody (sorry love!) disturbs the epic flow of etheric channeling happening through my stupidly talented hands. Then usually about 15 minutes later I lift up my science goggles and listen to what piece of shit just flopped into the universe. Then another day it happens again and sometimes it can be a bit good.
Jacob J - I really struggle with sitting down with the intention to write. I always say the songs I’ve written have come to me like a phone call and I’ve just taken down the message. When I’m lucky enough to have inspiration strike though a good cup of tea and pen and paper are essential. Very rock n roll.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Jacob - I’ve been listening to loads recently. Band called Slow Pulp, really good indie pop. Everything Everything’s new album is ridiculously good as well.
Ben - Fave artists at the minute have to be BENE, Remi Wolf, (who are pretty similar in style) and Jungle, believe it or not. Usually the artists I love listening to are from different genres to the ones I write in. Guess it's because like, you know, if you worked in a Chinese restaurant every day, you'd probably like to eat elsewhere when you cut out. Still draw inspiration from them though- of course.
Jacob J - At the moment my favourite band are Clean Cut Kid, they’re fellow scousers and deserve to be up there with the very best. I’m going to see Taylor swift in the summer too so her back catalogue is getting its head smashed in.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Jacob - The obvious answer is Kings of Leon. Stadiums and that. But I’d absolutely love to play with a Liverpool band called Clean Cut Kid. Best band out of Liverpool since Cast. Such clever guitar pop/folk. The way they translate the records to live is so good.
Ben - If I could open a show for Dua Lipa I'd be over the moon. That way we can finally meet and I can show her the shrine I've built in the shed.
Jacob J - You know what I’d absolutely love to open for kings of Leon, they were a big inspiration growing up and I think we’d have a ball.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Jacob - I think just the craft of it. It takes so much work to get a song from an idea to the finished product. Those weeks and months of crafting is such a great creative outlet. And it makes it all worth it when the songs are finished, recorded and out.
Ben - Most rewarding part of being a musician are those massive affirmations you get In really tiny moments. Not people who comment on your stuff, or chat to you about it or even tell you it's great... Which, by the way is amazing- never stop doing that please! It's just, those moments never reaaaally take away any self doubt. The best bits, *Leans in*, are when you catch someone singing a little portion of something you wrote when they don't know you're listening. That shit makes every late night and skint dinner worth it.
Jacob J - Honestly absolutely nothing beats seeing people dancing to your music and singing your songs back to you for me. That’s what it’s all about. Bringing a song you’ve all been tinkering with for a while to life in the studio is also one of the best feelings ever.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Jacob - trying to sell tickets to a Wednesday night show in December.
Ben - Worst part is late nights and skint dinners.
Jacob J - It can feel like you’re taking one step forwards two steps back sometimes, in that despite a lot of hard work and money it can feel like a struggle to hit the next target and that can get frustrating but you’ve just gotta keep working and trust the process.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Jacob - from my dad. He said to me if you keep throwing enough sh*t at the wall something will stick. He meant that about me trying to find a job years ago! But I always think the same applies to music. Keep writing, keep creating.
Ben - Keep pulling the tape until you exhaust the roll, and imagine the outside is shit, the cardboard on the inside is where you're likely to come good. If you feel like you're not writing great stuff, keep pulling tape. Everyone starts out shit. Unless you're Freddie Mercury I guess. He probably wasn't shit at all. No tape for Fred.
Jacob J - Always keep learning.
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The Garnetts' new single 'Still Running' us available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.