We managed to grab Bailey from Sophie & The Giants for a quick interview during their recent tour.
1. So, you guys all met at College, what made you want to start a band?
We all met at a music college and Sophie had a band that she was building. We all had an interest in it and one day we all got together and we just clicked and it became our biggest passion.
2. What made you decide you wanted to move to Sheffield after graduation and what do you think of the music scene there?
We moved to Sheffield because of how great it is as an environment, also it really helped that Sophie wrote and continues to write with Jon Mclure from Reverend and The Makers. He showed us around the whole of Sheffield before we moved up and we fell in love with the place. The music scene is on its revival we think, as at the moment a lot of new bands are coming through the cracks and creating a lot of buzz. We love being apart of it.
3. You’ve just put out your adolescence EP and describe your lyrics as about experiences/mistakes you’ve made. What is the one lasting memory from your adolescence?
Growing up you have to accept change and allow yourself to grow in whatever direction life is taking you, no matter how scary it is. I’ll always remember when I came to terms with this, it made growing into an adult a hell of a lot easier.
4. What is the most important lesson you think you learned growing up?
Wasting time getting caught up in things that weren’t good for me, but probably the most important lesson I learnt was not to dwell on the mistakes I had made, because all of that got me to where I am now and without making mistake I would be none the wiser.
5. “We’d love to be a pop band that makes a difference by making music human again”. As a young band how difficult do you find it battling against manufactured pop acts?
I [Sophie] find it so hard to connect with music that doesn’t make me feel anything or doesn’t have an identity. It’s also hard not to give in and do what everyone else is doing because it works for them in this tough industry, but we don’t want to be like that. We want to be a pop band that has completely it’s own identity – so when you hear our music, you’ll know it’s us. We are just four humans making honest music that we love and believe can make a difference to pop music. We aren’t trying to be like anyone; we are who we are.
6. You’ve been announced for the A Peaceful Noise night. How did you get involved and what does it mean to be involved in an event like that?
Incredible, such an honour. Definitely a night we will always remember.
7. You already have a few things lined-up for next year, what other plans do you have?
Releasing a lot of music and playing a lot of shows. That’s all we’re giving away for now…
8. Going back to your youth/childhood, which album or artist made a real impact on your life?
[Sophie] Blondie was the first band and music I remember really falling in love with. Not only did I love the music but Debbie Harry came across to me as fearless and so career driven, even since being a kid I aspired to have those things.
9. Curveball Question, it’s coming up to Christmas, if you could replace the dreaded Brussel sprouts with any other food what would you choose?
Pizza.
10. Finishing off, how would you sum up 2018 for the band and what are your ambitions for 2019?
I think we can all agree it’s been one of the best years of our lives so far. A year ago we had no idea we would be where we are now, we were still settling into Sheffield, running around trying to figure out what the hell we were gunna do now that we are full-time adults, but then we ended up being signed in April and since then everything has just been going up and up, we are so lucky and grateful. Our ambitions for 2019 – World domination (and better jokes).
