After spending the last few years building and developing their sound, Brighton-based outfit Ocna have now introduced themselves to the world with their soaring debut single 'Can't'.
Channelling a wonderfully rich and vibrant direction, that borrows from shoegaze and post-rock influences, 'Can't' makes for a bright and inviting introduction to their sound. With its bold and euphoric tones, uplifting textures, and stunning hooks throughout, expect to hear a lot more for this lot in the very near future.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with them to find out more about their background and what has been inspiring them lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Karl: I had some kind of battery-powered keyboard when I was young. Once I brought it to school to play whilst the class sang “Silent Night”. I played it so slowly everyone ran out of breath. I can't say it was love but I love the memory.
Fiona: I’ve always loved the piano, but I could only play at home. I had terrible stage fright and fell to pieces when performing. Then I started having singing lessons at 13, I think, and it came so naturally to me and gave me so much joy, that I switched to that.
Dale: The violin. I played clarinet as a kid because it’s easier to sound less bad in the early stages. But I was jealous of my school orchestra’s string section as it made the woodwind players sound like an appendage.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Dale: The 4AD bands, plus British post-punk and some goth. Scott Walker and Steely Dan, which my dad used to play.
Karl: Anything by Paul Simon. Still love his stuff after all these years.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Karl: “Graceland”, by Paul Simon.
Dale: “Scott 3”, by Scott Walker.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Karl: “Lovesong”, by the Cure.
Dale: Slade’s “Merry Christmas Everybody”, so the fat cheques would arrive annually. But on a musical level, “We’re All Alone” by the Walker Brothers.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Dale: Vegetable sacrifice. We believe in getting the deities on our side in a plant-based way.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Fiona: I Break Horses, Wolf Alice, Scott Walker, China Bears, Mazzy Star.
Karl: Art School Girlfriend's new album is ace.
Dale: Harold Budd. Contemporary bands: Big Thief, Beirut, Beach House, Bodega.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Karl: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, maybe.
Dale: I’d second Karl. Nick Cave’s recent music is magnificent.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Karl: Finishing stuff.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Karl: Never finishing stuff.
Fiona: Being self-critical and wanting everything to be perfect.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Karl: Finish stuff.
Fiona: To sing for yourself, for the right reasons and not constantly seek external acceptance and validation.
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Ocna's debut single 'Can't' is available to stream now. Watch the new video for it in the player below.