What are your names?
Joe Williams / Sam Jellyman (yes that’s not a typo!) / Louis Peard / Gar Miller / Lewis Martin
What is the band’s name?
Avalon Highway
What is your genre of music?
We are a rock / pop kind of sound with roots / country influences and elements. Feel good, upbeat music.
Give us a little bio about you.
We’ve been together for about 6 years! Making music, gigging, becoming the best of friends along the way. We hail from a small town near Bath called Midsomer Norton, west country boys that love good cider! We’ve always had the ‘sound’ we have it’s just us! We’ve been writing music together since day 1 and we love getting in the studio, having rehearsals and most of all playing shows. It’s all about having great fun, we love getting our crowds involved at a gig!
What made you go in to music?
Everyone has their own route into music but for most of us it’s because we have musical families / parents. What’s more cool and fun than being in a band and entertaining people doing what you love? Dream job, right? Who wouldn’t want to go into music!
Are you signed?
Yes, we are signed to DRAMATICO label and distribution by Warner.
You released your new single ‘Hungover In The Sun’, tell us more about the single.
The single is a summer record, it’s about fun and good times.
What is the meaning behind the single?
It’s all about having great times with family and friends, whether that’s on holiday, at a bar, wherever, it’s all about coming together and sharing good times, perhaps over indulging in sun filled pub-related activities and then reflecting on a great time the day after. Despite feeling like you shouldn’t have had that extra beer, you’re still happy and having fun whilst being Hungover In The Sun.
Describe the track in two words.
Happy & fun
What was the writing process like?
Joe had thought up the lyrics whilst on holiday in southern Spain, a day with a hangover after a memorable night with family and friends, we got into our home-built studio when he was back and pieced the music together. Then, our producer, Mike Batt helped us turn it into the upbeat summer tune that it is.
What was the recording process like?
So. Much. Fun! We recorded the track at the famous Rockfield Studios in Wales where Queen recorded Bohemien Rhapsody, to name just one of many of great bands to record there. We recorded most of the track LIVE all in a room playing together and then over-dubbed some embellishments for extra sonic loveliness.
Who did you work with on the single?
Mike Batt produced the single and it was amazing having him in the studio, he is a genius that had some fantastic suggestions! Mike is brilliant to work with, it’s a great collaboration.
Will we see a music video for the track?
NOW! **link** watch it!!! below
Will we see an EP or album, if so what can we expect from it?
We have more singles to release, stay tuned for more upbeat Avalon Highway music.
Do you have any shows coming up or a tour in planning?
We have a few shows around our neck of the woods and have plans for loads of upcoming gigs in London too. No tour planned yet, but, who knows 😉
If so where will you be heading?
London and hopefully on tour somewhere nice!
What else can we expect in 2019?
You can expect more great music, LIVE acoustic videos and much more, stayed tuned into our Facebook page where you can see what we’re up to. Also follow us on Twitter, Instagram etc, you know how it is!
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any upcoming artists? Not as yet.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Yes, of course, why not! They could contact the band via our email or social media. Or they could chat with Mike Batt.
Do you play any instruments?
Yes…
Joe – Acoustic Guitar
Sam – Electric Guitar
Louis – Drums
Gar – Bass
Lewis – Keys
Who are your influences?
Greats of Americana such as Johnny Cash and The Eagles, to the more crossover country and folk-tinged pop like Mumford & Sons and Counting Crows
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
From real life experiences, good times, not so good times.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Hopefully with an album (or two!) released, playing some great shows, on tour, doing all the things we have only dreamed of before.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
Joe – Plasterer
Sam – Owns music store
Louis – Roofer
Gar – Carpenter
Lewis – Pharmacist.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
Difficult one… Different for everyone!
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Be who you are and play what you play!
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Be who you are and play what you play!
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Play the music you want, practice hard, get yourself out there, connect with everyone you can. BELIVE in yourself! It can be too easy to give up if things aren’t going your way, but never stop!
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
The Riverside bar!
Your coming off tour:
1/ Where do you go first? To the pub!
2/ Who do you see first? Family!
3/What do you eat first? A cider
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Cymbals for the drum kit (Louis did that once and still played without them, interesting but very fun!)
Amp (don’t forget your amp)
Vocalzone!
Our Avalon Highway banner! It comes with us EVERYWHERE!
A few tins of Thatchers Gold!
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
