What are your names?
Ash (Lead Singer), Aaron (Lead Guitarist),Alex (drummer), Jack (Bassist) and Josh (Rhythm Guitarist)
What is the bands name?
Homesteads
How did you come up with the bands name?
Ash, Aaron and Alex originally started out as an alternative Rock/Americana band. The name
Homesteads kind of represents our roots and the fact we’ll never where forget where we come from. As Jack and Josh came into the mix we got a lot rockier but we still felt comfortable under the name so we just stuck with it.
What is your genre of music?
Rock Band through and through
Give us a little bio about you as a band and individuals.
Formed in 2014 Homesteads is a 5 piece English rock band from Sheffield. When it comes to songwriting Homesteads is all about the bottom line; memorable and uncompromising anthems. Behind the wall of rock energy the Homesteads dedicate themselves to writing the kind of choruses you love stumbling home humming to at 3AM!
Fronted by Ash (Singer) the band’s sound is a powder keg fueled by the powerful groove of both Alex (Drummer) and Jack (Bass), which is then sparked with a lethal injection of super massive guitar tones and riffs from Aaron (Lead) and Josh (Rhythm). Finalizing the mix with a sprinkle of catchy hooks and lyrics Homesteads is a cocktail that gives a satisfying taste and leaves you wanting more.
What made you go in to music?
You just find yourself in music. It comes to you and suddenly your levels of enjoyment in anything you do are best around the amount of music you’re involved in. Once you’re in you ca. never get out… much like organised crime.
Are you a signed?
We are pretty independent we use a platform called kicker which allows us to get our music out there and then we take care of the rest. Can’t be bothered to get bulimia and write s**t songs about loving some person with blue eyes. Getting signed just seems a little desperate now and with the internet out there. Who needs to waste time losing to dancing dog or it’s intellectual equivalent an factor contestant.
You have released your new single ‘ Tell Me’, tell us more about the song.
Every great rock band has a song fizzled with attitude that hits you with a stalking riff from the get go. We knew for our sound we had to have something that stood out. Tell Me is all based around that big rock riff and pounding rhythm that just grabs you by the balls and screams “You think you know rock? This is fucking rock!” With a strong sense of laid back urgency and a roaring guitar tone Tell me lays the perfect foundation for something that makes you want in. Right down to main chorus line “Tell Me, Am I still going your way?” This song is not going anywhere and it wants to stand out.
What was the writing process like?
For this song it was all about getting the intro groove down and then seeing where it took us. This is very much a rock song so we weren’t after the standard verse chorus structure. We want you to put on the song sit back and let the roller-coaster take you.
What was the recording process like?
In terms of the recording processing, we recorded everything separately but the band play live with the drummer. It just makes everything still feel natural. We go into the studio with a plan to recreate the live sound but with a bit of extra polish.
What was the inspiration behind the single.
There is nothing more current than questioning the status quo but it’s not just the punks in this day and age. There is a bigger state of question at the moment and society is starting to noticeably reflect and adjust itself. I guess you could say I just don’t agree with the mellow drama.
Will we see an EP or Album anytime soon and If so what can we expect from it?
At the moment we are just releasing singles. I think because of the internet the world moves very fast and I think while you are trying to get the name out there. I think it makes more sense to get a track out at a time. We value every song we release so I think doing it this way right now let’s people appreciate each song.
You also have some live shows coming up, where are you thinking of going?
Please check our tour poster below
What can we expect from the shows, will you be having support at each shows?
These are very DIY so we will have 2 support slots per show and strong local and upcoming bands. Expect a big Analogue Rock sound that will get your heart pumping. There is no compromise when it comes to our live show. Be there or be square.
What else can we expect from you this year?
We will most likely drop another single and a another set of dates. So if you happen to be busy with your stamp collection this time around then make sure you don’t miss your chance .
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any upcoming artists?
Not at the minute. We have thought about working with a rapper for a laugh but right now the magic just hasn’t happened.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Kanye West would just add something different. I remember seeing a collar between Tatu and Rammstein, which was f**kin weird but I kind of liked it.
Do you play any instruments?
Should you really be interviewing anyone that doesn’t? We play our instruments. Guitar, Bass and drums and with just the right amount of alcohol the Kazoo and megaphone.
Who are your influences?
We’ve got very different tastes as individuals but I would say the core of our sound draws from Stereophonics, Manic Street Preachers, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and generally from a lot of English Rock bands through the decades.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
I’ve always found the key to inspiration is to stubbing your toe. Art is pain and that’s the only thing I’ve found the can genuinely hurt me.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
With the way climate change is going. Under water most likely.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
Josh has a massive cone collection so we just scout for any new types of cones that he hasn’t got yet.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more into the music scene?
Oh, Jeremy Corbyn
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Don’t worry about it because you’ll be dead soon.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
The Chorus isn’t dead so stop pretending it’s cliché. Add a bit of vulnerability to your music or nobody can get behind it. Dog’s cheese is as sh*t as it sounds.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
If you find it funny then who gives a f***k.
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
Cafe Totem on the 27th July.
Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first?
Outside or with our fan, because its been 30+°c during this tour.
2/ Who do you see first?
Keith. (Jack’s dad)
3/ What do you eat first?
Beer. That counts when your on tour.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
1. Forget how great the new single is, which is out on Spotify.
2. Forget how much better we sound live.. So catch one of our tour dates.
3. Forget how f**king loud our lead guitarist’s amp is in our ears.
4. Forget how gutted everyone will be if they don’t keep track of Homesteads starting from right now.
5. Forget to breathe
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Facebook
Instagram
Youtube
Twitter
