After succeeding triumphantly as the crowned winners of last month’s #BitterSweetPlaylist, we satisfy our promise and gift you, our readers, an exclusive chat with indie’s finest dream pop bright-sparks, Softer Still. The song which landed them here, ‘Forever Faces’ – is an ’80s facing synth jam of pure purpose and sweeping jangle, and just one of the irresistible moments that the band has brought forth from their sparkle cave. The soon-to-be-released ‘Visions Of You’ EP (featuring ‘Forever Faces’) launches on 28th July 2017, and envisions a further push towards advancement, as well as a lust for a sumptuous pop melody.
In ‘Many Things About…’ we like to keep the questions entertaining and random, but most importantly, revealing. (After all, that’s what you came here for, right?) So we hope you enjoy, and let us know who next you would like to see in the hot seat.
Why did you start the band?
Grant – There are some things in life that if you don’t do and give it your all, you’ll regret forever. Everyone has one of these things, for me it was wanting to make music I love in a band with other likeminded musicians.
What’s with the name – Softer Still?
Our drummer was on the train coming back from Waterloo listening to the Big Troubles album ‘Romantic Comedy’, and heard the name in the lyrics of the song ‘Softer Than Science‘ (The chorus repeats, “Softer and softer still”), put it forward to the band and we all agreed it perfectly fits the aesthetic and vibe of our music.
Do you like to sing in the shower?
We’ve never showered together, but I’m sure if we did, we would! You can’t beat a bit of real bathroom reverb.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Ollie – I once saw a quote by Abraham Lincoln on the internet that said, “The problem with quotes found on the internet is that they are often not true”.
What has been the best gig you’ve played so far?
Supporting DIIV at the Electric Ballroom, it’s pretty surreal when you get to support a band that you’ve been listening to for years, for the first time!
In the case of a zombie apocalypse, what would be your go-to plan for survival?
Grant – First things first, you need weapons. We’d take a trip down to Bisley shooting range, pick up a couple of hunting rifles and shotguns and as much ammo as we could carry, then head to the local harbour for a boat. We all know zombies don’t have the mental horsepower to traverse water without falling in, so the water would provide protection, and the boat would allow us to travel to new places to pick up supplies. Sorted.
What’s a release day normally like for you?
Ellie – It’s really exciting! We love to hear the response of fans old and new on social media. You never know until you release a track whether or not what you’ve been doing is any good, so if the first feedback we get is positive, we all breathe a sigh of a relief.
What’s the best thing about music?
For the artist it offers an opportunity to be understood and accepted, for the listener an opportunity to realise they’re not alone in their experiences and feelings.
How do you take your coffee?
Ollie – Lots of caffeine, lots of milk, extra hot.
If you could play a show at any world monument, where would you play?
Grant – The Easter Island heads in the Pacific, those guys haven’t heard any music in a long time.
The best record store you’ve ever been to?
Grant – I went to a great one in Camden where I picked up “The Lover Speaks – No More I Love You’s” (the original and best version). Unfortunately I can’t remember the name of the shop!
Fight or flight?
We all agree that you’ve got to fight … for your right … to parrrtay.
Do you have any hidden talents and if so, what?
Ollie – I can play a pretty decent blast beat. For those of you who don’t know, generally speaking it’s where you play as fast and hard as you can with each limb for maximum intensity and impact.
If you could get a selfie with any celebrity, who would that be and why?
Grant – Ainsley Harriott, 100%. Yeah boii!
What’s coming up for Softer Still this year?
Alex – We’re going to be releasing our New EP “Visions of You” later this summer (28th July), and we’ll be doing a mini tour here in the UK in August, which will be announced real soon. Apart from that we’ll be focusing on writing our first album for the rest of the year, which if all goes according to plan we’ll be releasing some time next year.
Pre-Order Softer Still’s forthcoming EP ‘Visions Of You’ right here via iTunes.
