What are your names?
Jamie (Vox), Justin (Guitar / vox), Tom (Bass / Vox), Ben (Drums) and Jono(Guitar).
What is the band’s name?
Stay Asleep
How did you come up with the band’s name?
A collective surge of brain power, an amateur interpretation of Carl Jung’s ‘Psychology and Unconscious” and a pop culture reference to John Carpenters classic 80 sci-fi/social commentary movie, They Live.
What is your genre of music?
A mix of post-hardcore and British punk.
Give us a little bio about you.
Five great friends who have been fortunate enough to grow personally and musically together to create something that represents all our personalities and taste.
What made you go into music?
There is something about creating and performing in a music ensemble that is incredibly seductive. We are all hooked.
Who are your influences?
Varied and genre defining – At the Drive In, Deftones, Glassjaw, Idles, The Cure amongst others.
Are you signed?
Yes, to a wonderfully honest and well-run independent label by the name of Undead Collective Records.
9) You are set to release three new singles, what are they called and tell us more about them.
Pay to Play
This track is all about the nefarious side of the music industry; the monopolisation of streaming platforms which presents artists with limitations over how their artform is managed and distributed. Additionally, is raises concerns over the disingenuous way certain individuals take advantage of bands to profiteer in the market. This track was written to enlighten the listener and more importantly empower all musicians into taking back control of their art. By rising above what ‘so-called’ industry leaders dictate to be sellable, fashionable and successful, we can all forge our own paths.
Settled Status
This song is about the debacle of Brexit, specifically the introduction of a rule where people who have lived, worked and contributed to our society were asked to apply for the right to remain. It felt like a betrayal to all our families, friends and colleagues who were not born upon these shores though have an equal stake in its happiness and prosperity. How could sensationalist claim and lies that powered the Brexit propaganda machine cause such deeply regressive policies? We know the answer! It touches a personal note as band members Justin and Jamie’s Dad emigrated from Italy in 1964, and had to apply for his right to remain, despite living in the UK longer than living in his native Italy.
This Ship is Sinking
This Ship is Sinking highlights the tide of sinister forces prevalent in the UK that not only challenge our democracy but facilitate ever expanding social divides. There appears to be little accountability for our nation’s leaders and media outlets who all indulge in a dangerous nationalistic. As a band, we emphatically stand against all forms of racism, intolerance and discrimination and this song is an embodiment of those beliefs. We are all equal! The UK has been built and continues to be developed by people from all walks of life, beliefs, creeds, cultures and ethnicity and how that should be embraced and celebrated. We will continue to stand up for what is right and this should be done through love and respect for each other.
What was the writing and recording process like?
An incredibly liberating and cathartic process. There were no time frames, no monetary constraints and no outside interference. It allowed us to spend time really thinking about our new venture and how we wanted to represent ourselves sonically as well as stylistically. This may sound like we calculated our development but it was the complete opposite, in fact the whole process was very organic.
Did it differ for each single?
I think when you record, it is probably one of the most fluid and interchangeable experiences (well for us anyway). It is natural to do things differently or alter the process to suit the context or the situation you find yourself in. Recording did not take place over consecutive days/weeks so we had to work around a different set of obstacles. What worked for one track, didn’t necessarily work for the other. We had to feel through each song and navigate the headspace required to record each one.
Describe each track in two words?
Pay to Play – Polemic and Hubristic
Settled Status – Passionate and confronting
This Ships is Sinking – Visceral and combative
Who did you work with on the singles?
Just ourselves
Will we see a music video for any of the tracks?
Yes, for each one. Currently you can view the video for Pay to Play – created by our talented friend Alan Smith From the band Bellevue Days … Check him out
Will we see an EP or Album this year and if so, what can we expect?
EP, absolutely yes. It wouldn’t make sense for us to invest in an album at this stage due to the paucity of interest in full lengths. In terms of our sound, you can expect a bolder more confronting sound.
What else can we expect in 2021?
A live show(s). We are all champing at the bit to perform these songs to an audience.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 years?
We are more of a retrospective band.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
It has to be between “I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully” and “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me, you can’t get fooled again”. Seriously though we love Phillip Pullman (His Dark Materials) and his quote “Argue with anything else, but don’t argue with your own nature”.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Jono’s amp, Jono’s pedals, Jono’s guitar, Jono’s batteries and Jono’s leads.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yes of course. Instagram, Facebook
