What are your names?
Esme Baker, Lexi Clark, Kit Reeve, Rio Hellyer
Tell us the story behind the band name.
Esme was reeling off a list of terrible, terrible band names… We picked the best out of the bunch
What is your genre of music?
Melodic punk-rock, with a big helping of feelings
Give us a little bio about you as a band and individuals.
Screech Bats formed 2 years ago, as side project for Lexi and Kit, who were at the time playing in Hearts Under Fire. Lexi had played with Rio in a band previously, and knew Esme through a mutual friend. After a bunch of practices and a couple of shows Screech Bats started to become more than a ‘side project’.
Collectively we are LGBT and animal rights activists. Esme is a tattoo artist and owns Boileroom Tattoo studio, where Kit is her apprentice. Rio and Lexi used to play in a pop band together a few years back and remained good friends ever since.
Describe eachother in two words.
Esme: uh oh
Kit: plant power
Rio: wild hair
Lexi: large wine
Are you signed?
We are unsigned.
Your brand new single ‘Get Better’, tell us more about it.
”Get Better” put simply is about suffering with mental health and the road to recovery. It is based on a personal experience of Esme’s and appreciating the value of a certain Dr who quite literally helped save her life.
Describe it in two words.
Powerful, alternative
What was the writing process like?
Usually Kit will demo lots of ideas, then bring them to practice. Esme usually takes care of the vocals but we’re all very much involved in the create process writing the songs.
What was the recording process like?
The most fun. Typically we’ll lay drums down, bass, guitars, then vocals. We usually demo tracks prior to heading into the studio to save time. We recently recorded in Blackpool With James Routh and we were just locked away for 5 days in the studio, which was amazing – no distractions, just music and good company.
We also have seen the video, what was the making for it like?
Intense! But very fun. We had to shoot each person individually on a white and then a black background. Tom Le Bon (director) is incredible to work with and so professional.
You are set to release your EP ‘Wish You Was Here’, tell us more about it.
It’s much more mature than our debut EP, where Esme sang about aliens and losing your virginity in the park.. Musically, it’s along the same lines but perhaps a little darker. The lyrics address much more sinister issues such as mental health, death and grief.
Let us know where we can get it from.
iTunes & www.screechbats.bigcartel.com
Describe each track in two words.
1. BLOOD IN MY HAIR – fast banger
2. GET BETTER – powerful banger
3. EVERY GOOD THING – excellent banger
4. JUST LIKE YOU – enjoyable banger
5. THAT VALENTINE SONG – (anti)romantic banger
Will you be touring this year?
We certainly will be touring in April
If So where will you be heading?
Just UK at the moment, check our website for dates. We are still yet to announce some.
What made you go into music?
We are all individually drawn to music as children and most of us started taking music seriously in our teens. It’s a love and passion that you can’t get away from.
Do you play any instruments?
Yes we all play our own instruments.
Who are your influences?
Alkaline Trio, Against Me!, The Distillers
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Lyrically, inspiration is drawn from events and things that have happened in Esme’s life. Musically, inspiration is drawn from all emotions, good and bad.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Playing music!
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
Esme and Kit are tattoo artists, Lexi plays in another band called the Franklys and Rio does a lot of function gigs with her band the Pips
Where would your dream venue to play in your hometown?
I reckon Koko would be a good one to tick off the list.
If you could collaborate with one UK Artists or Band who would it be?
Our pals in Creeper!
If you could collaborate with one US Artists or Band who would it be?
Against Me!
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more into the music scene?
Anything good, passionate and real. There aren’t any songs we could pin point, more the bands that we have already listed as our influences.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Be resilient and have thick skin.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
The same advice as above!
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
If it ain’t fun it’s not worth doing.
