We caught up wit op/rock trio, Critics, to chat about their new single, music video, fashion and what they’ve been up to so far this year.
Describe your sound?
We come up with a term to best describe our sound and that’s ‘Dirt-Pop’, as we think our music has that commercial radio friendly sound but has edge either lyrically or production wise. We think we other that alternative to pop music that isn’t really there at the moment and we want make sure the world gets a chance to hear it.
Who influences you musically?
We can all agree that we have different styles and tastes of music however we all love The Beatles, Elvis and Michael Jackson. We appreciate artists who are charismatic and inventive. Bowie for example was always developing new concepts for his music, and believing in his artistic decisions. If you’re not a fan of your own music no one else will be, all of these artists who we listen to and aspire to be like emulate this quality.
How and when did each of you first get into music?
We all started listening to the greats like Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson or The Beatles at a young age and it developed from there. Lynn started playing in bands from the age of 11, and Jamie and Jack started around 14/15 and our passion and love for music developed over time.
When did you realise you could make a career in music?
In our view it’s not something you concisely decide, as you get to your teens you start to realise what your passions are and what you’re good at and for us it was music. So it made sense to want to try and make something from that. Seeing our idols tour the world, make records and make a different was a real drive for us and wanted to emulate what they were achieving.
You’ve just released your latest single Key Lime Pie. Can you give us some information about the single? What it’s about and how did it come about?
Key Lime Pie came around with Lynn and Jack had two different songs and we just couldn’t make them work so we decided to join the two track and see what came out and we’re glad we did! The song itself is a about an infatuation and describes everything that can be great and bad about it. The Key Lime Pie refers to how people can put up a front to protect themselves but it’s about persevering to see what really lies underneath, hence the lyric, ‘sour on the surface, sweet in side, you know how I love that slice of Key Lime Pie’. Lynn always likes to use slightly out there or alternative lyrics to give us a different edge.
The track is our popper edge that we like to put across and we like how we make material such as this with our other singles like I Have A Gun and All I Wanna Know and still keep our cohesive sound.
You’ve also released a summer vibe music video to go alongside the track. What was the thought process behind the video?
We just wanted to make something different, so many bands at our level seem to have very similar performance based videos and we just wanted to standout with something fun and very tongue and cheek. We knew by making this video we would potentially get a lot of hate for it but the reaction has been great and I think people have got that it’s just a bit of and we’re almost just taking the micky out of ourselves!
What’s your favourite song at the moment?
We’re loving Blackbear’s ‘do re mi’, the lyrics and production really stand out for us at the moment.
Who’s your favourite artist at the moment?
Blackbear and Haim have some great music out at the moment.
If you could collaborate with one other artist in the world, past or present, who would it be?
I think we would all have different views on this. Jack would almost definitely would have wanted to work with The Beatles, Jamie would love to work with Michael Buble and Lynn would love to work with someone like Max Martin or Bruce Springsteen.
Where is the most memorable venue you’ve ever played?
I think our most memorable was when we played the Electric Ballroom in Camden with Theory Of A Deadman. It was nearly a year to the day from when we all went to see The Pretty Reckless at the same venue and decided to start a band together, so it was a full circle moment.
What’s the most memorable performance you’ve ever seen?
Again I think we’d all have different views on this! Lynn recently saw Arianna Grande and was blown away by the production and general performance. Jack saw Bring Me The Horizon at the 02 not long ago and although he thought the bands performance was ok the production was out of this world. It’s hard to pick one though because we’ve seen so many great bands!
Who and where was your first gig you ever watched?
These are never cool, Lynn’s was Steps, Jamie Boyzone and Jack’s was Busted. Make what you want of that!
Where was the first gig you ever played as a band?
First show we played was at the Haunt in Brighton, which is a great venue. We were the opening act on a UK tour and there were some awesome bands on the bill so it was a lot of pressure for us to hit the ground running.
Have you been to any festivals this year?
Not yet!
Are you going to any other festivals this year? Playing or attending?
We’re planning on going to Reading Festival this year. We’d love to play around festival season but haven’t got the opportunity to yet, though we hope to a chance soon!
What about a lad’s holiday?
Most of us are too poor for that, one of the many things you have to give up to make it in a band in this day and age!
What does a typical day in the life of Critics look like when you’re not playing music?
Not too exciting our lives are built around this band either writing, rehearsing, performance or meetings so when we’re not doing that we’re normally working.
Drink of choice on a night out?
Whatever is the strongest and cheapest preferably.
Favourite film?
Jamie’s favourite film is Scott Pilgrim, vs the World, Lynn’s is The Butterfly Effect and Jack’s favourite film is La La Land.
Who’s your biggest style inspiration?
We love fashion and it’s such a big part of being in a band now, Jack loves Brendan Urie’s style, Lynn likes Brandon flowers look and Jamie likes Shawn Mendes style.
How would you describe you style (fashion)?
We like to look sharp and smart much like Brendan urine or Brandon Flowers. Killer blazers and black skinny jeans are a most! Lynn has this Golden leopard print blazer which he got while on tour with Vukovi back in March, it’s awesome.
Your musicians, you must have some pretty good chat up lines. Give us your best?
Haha we’re pretty bad at them, we had to be musicians to stand a chance of picking up anyone! Though we can give you a cheesy one…. If you were a vegetable you’d be a cute-cumber, worse line ever!
Do you have any words of advice for anyone wanting to make a career in music?
When wanting to pursue a career in the music industry you have to understand that it’s a huge lifestyle choice. You have to be prepared for the hardships ahead and to sacrifice for your art. You have to give hundred percent attention and focus to what you’re producing. Take every opportunity you have and make the most out of each experience. Always continue to practice your music, to be the best musician you can.
Cheers lads!
Check out their music video for Key Lime Pie below:
