Having already received huge support from the likes of Clash Magazine, and landed themselves on the BBC Radio 1 and BBC Introducing playlists these last few months, Brighton-based indie-rockers Twilight Driving are now back to release their next high-paced single 'Break Your Heart'.
Recorded across a number of home studios and bedrooms around the country, 'Break Your Heart' sees the four-piece in high spirits across this fun and energetic new offering. With its bold and soaring chorus, alongside thunderous drums and guitars, the band are clearly set for bigger things in the future.
So with their latest track doing the rounds once again, we sat down with them to find out more about their earliest beginnings and what set them on this path.
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What were the first instruments you fell in love with?
George - Acoustic Guitar was the first instrument I became really obsessed with. I remember the first song I learnt was a really basic version of Bowie’s ‘Space Oddity’.
Aidan - Double bass, I instantly fell in love with it after going to see an orchestra and hassled my dad until he promised to get me lessons.
Will - Piano is the earliest instrument I remember falling in love with. It seemed so impossible to get to grips with. I think the first song I learned to play in its entirety was ‘This Year's Love’ By David Gray.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
George -Bruce Springsteen’s ‘In The USA’ and ‘Born To Run’ albums were a big influence.
Aidan - We’ve all been brought up to love the legends that are Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan, so they would almost certainly have an inspiration on the lyrics we write. More modern artists we take inspiration from are bands like The War On Drugs and The Killers. George saw The War On Drugs a few years back at Ally Pally and would not stop pestering us to listen to them. Also, we’ve always had a soft spot for The Killers; they just write amazing songs. Will saw them at Glastonbury last year and there isn’t a day that goes by that he doesn’t mention this.
Will - I agree with the guys. The music that most influences our sound has been the likes of Springsteen and the Killers.
What kind of music did you love as teenagers?
George - A bit of everything really, but I listened a lot to Bob Dylan, Jamie T and Arctic Monkeys.
Aidan - always been indie-pop The Wombats, The Kooks and the like.
Will - I listened to Damien Rice on repeat for years and still listen to him to this day. I also loved the Killers, those early albums were ridiculously good.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
George - I can’t really remember the first song that made me want to pursue music but I remember being really taken with Elvis Presley’s songs. My parents were big fans so we had his hits playing around the house on repeat.
Aidan - got brought up on the greats and when I was younger was obsessed with Buddy Holly, so would have to say all his discography.
Will - I was brought up on the blues with my dad and my mum loved listening to the divas and George Michael. I remember hearing ‘Cowboys and Angels’ and being blown away by it. The song I think that inspired me to want to perform was Cream’s version of ‘Crossroads’, the guitar solo in it is one of the all time greats.
When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?
Aidan - chill-out electro pop, got to start the day off slow!
Will - I listen to podcasts in the morning more than music. All the old XFM Ricky Gervais shows have been added to Spotify recently so they keep me going through these strange times.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
We would have to say nearly all of them. All of our songs are about our life experiences or experiences of our friends. We find it easier to write when the experience feels real to us!
What have been the most memorable moments in your career so far?
Selling out our first ever headline show at the Hope and Ruin in Brighton would be up there and also getting our previous single ‘Dangerous’ a spin on Radio 1 last year! We also played an amazing set at Pride in Brighton a few years ago which got very sweaty. It was packed from front to back.
Outside of music, what are your biggest passions?
Danny’s just bought a place and he’s basically built the inside of it on his own; so, he’s pretty handy. He also built his dining room table; he is available for commissions… Aidan enjoys photography and design which is a bonus as he’s not short of places to shoot in our beautiful hometown. George likes to cook; our very own Gordon Ramsey. He made chicken wings the other day that looked finger lickin’ good. Will likes to drink wine. We’re not sure if that’s a hobby or an issue.
If you weren’t musicians, what other path do you think you might have taken?
That’s a hard question, music has always been a constant in all of our lives so it’s hard to contemplate anything outside of it. We’re hopeless romantics when it comes to making music.
And what advice would you give to those looking to start a career in music?
Most importantly you must enjoy it, we wouldn’t do it if we didn’t love it. Be humble, take the kickbacks on the chin and enjoy the good times. Take comfort in the best parts of being in a band. For us that’s hanging out, playing music with friend’s, meeting new people and travelling.
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Twilight Driving's new single 'Break Your Heart' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.