What are your names?
The band consists of Darryl on vocals, Dave on banjo/guitar/synth (the man of many talents), myself on guitar, Lewis on bass and Zo on drums.
What is the band’s name?
Five Days North
How did you come up with the band’s name?
Darryl was reading a book at the time about the use of Morse code in the war and suggested the name ‘Five Clicks North’. I liked the concept of it but not the ‘clicks’ part so I suggested ‘days’ and that was what proved to be the winner!
What is your genre of music?
I’d class ourselves as Indie-Pop.
Give us a little bio about you as individuals and a band
I met Dave on my first day of Uni as we were both in the same halls of residence. We discussed the idea of wanting to form a band and began jamming together. After a few months we met Darryl who was also at the same halls and he became the singer of the band we formed. We played a few shows in Manchester and beyond before our previous bassist and drummer being unable to continue in the band. We trialled new bassists and drummers and came across Lewis and Zo who were also at the same Uni as ourselves and haven’t looked back since!
You released your new song ‘Shapeshifters’, tell us about it.
Dave sent us a song over the summer that he felt was designed to push us. We were all instantly impressed by it but just initially wondered how we’d be able to pull it off as a band. We worked hard on it in rehearsal and together with our producers, Ady & Lee from Sugar House, we crafted it in a direction that gave it more groove and it is now one of our favourite songs to play live.
Describe the track in two words
Constantly grooving
You also released the official video to the track ( which is below), what was the process like?
Duncan from Lab Exposure did a fantastic job on our previous video so we sent him ‘Shapeshifters’ along with our idea for the shoot. He then took on board our suggestions and helped really portray the mysterious vibe to the song. It was a great laugh to shoot, our friend Saskia was ace and we had a lot of fun as the 5 of us just going around town.
What’s your favourite memory from the shoot?
Seeing our ridiculous run across the road back now still makes us all laugh!
Will we see an EP/Album soon?
We’re back in the studio again in July and have the intention of recording an EP by the end of this year.
If so what can you tell us about it?
We’re going for a different vibe from our first EP ‘Past Times’ where this time the music will be a bit punchier and less back to basics.
What made you go in to music?
I’ve played music from a young age but only really developed an interest in bands when I was 14. I began playing music with 2 friends in high school and later formed a band in college. I knew that I wanted to give it another go when I got to Uni and feel we’ve made real progress as a band over the last 2 years in particular.
Are you a signed artist?
Not as of now!
Will you be touring this year?
We’re playing our first major festival Dot to Dot which is exciting. Beyond that we have a few other festivals in the summer lined up before a big show in Manchester later this year.
Do you play any instruments?
I play guitar only, the others have the ability to play many instruments!
Who are your influences?
As a band, we have a varied music taste and therefore bring the influences of our artists together. Notable ones are Oasis, Mumford and Sons, Coldplay, Train and The Killers.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
It can vary from having a melody in your head to having a lyric that can then be the stimulus to write more. My favourite example was Darryl singing a chorus over Whatsapp to myself and Dave while he was at work which later turned out to be one of our best songs!
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
We hope to be at a point where we’ll be able to tour around the country to hopefully get the music across to where it needs to!
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
We’re approaching the end of our time at Uni now. Football and running are two of my main interests outside the band.
Where would your dream venue to play in your hometown?
To play at The Ritz, Academy 1 or Albert Hall in Manchester would be really cool, something to aim for!
If you could collaborate with one UK Artists or Band who would it be?
Stormzy – He could add a great verse to one of our tracks to give it a different vibe
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
‘Beautiful Day’ by U2 changed it all for me personally. Without that song I don’t think I would even still be playing guitar let alone be in a band!
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Believe in your music. Don’t be satisfied with second best, pursue your ambitions relentlessly as it’s a competitive place out there so make sure to send the emails to the right people and build a following on social media. Create the impression that you’re a big deal with something going on.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
‘He who laughs last laughs loudest’ – always believe it’s about the end point no matter what the journey is!
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
The lyrics, the chords, the capo, picks and a tuner!
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Facebook
Twitter
Youtube
Soundcloud
