After the rapturous response to their highly-praised debut album 'Míà' in 2022, Brighton-based outfit Jar Of Blind Flies are back on the grind once again to deliver their explosive new single 'Not Your Baby'.
Bringing back more of that raw and driven alt-rock aesthetic they have become synonymous with over the years, 'Not Your Baby' makes for a blistering return to form for the trio. Jam-packed with dark and intense textures, a soaring atmosphere, and killer riffs throughout, they return to the fold with one of their most impactful cuts to date here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their background and what has been inspiring them over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Jake: As a little kid I was really desperate to just play any instrument really… but the first one available to me at school was the Violin, I played it for about 6 years before I realised how shit it was. I think I picked up a guitar not long after that.
Maddy: As a kid, I fell head over heels for this French horn my dad used to keep in the wardrobe. I couldn't play a single note, but oh, the romance of that shiny brass instrument! I serenaded it with my awkward attempts at blowing, and let me tell you it was music to my ears, even if it sounded more like a wounded duck than a symphony.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Jake: When I was like 5 or 6 apparently I was really into ‘ready or not here I come’ by the Delfonics, I’m guessing I just thought it was about playing Hide n Seek.
Maddy: Oh it’s embarrassing but to be completely honest I was so drawn to emo music. My Chemical Romance for sure became the soundtrack to my teenage years. It definitely resonated with the turbulent emotions I was experiencing during that time in my life. It’s always a bit shameful to confess but it honestly taught me how to use music as a cathartic way to express my innermost feelings and find solace in the shared experiences of others.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Jake: For Christmas one year I was giving a Coldplay CD but I think the first record I was really proud to own was probably Dolittle by Pixies.
Maddy: I vividly remember some guy at school gifting me ironically a CD of ‘Steal This Album’ by System Of A Down that he had burned from his iPod. He’d written these cryptic words all over it in a sharpie and I had no idea who or what the album was but my god it was the best thing I’d ever heard.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Jake: Easy, Toxic by Britney Spears. Best tune ever written…
Maddy: God I wish that I wrote the song vultures by God Damn. It exudes this incredibly potent and raw visceral power that’s just pure filth. I'm in complete awe of how they have tapped into this sonic intensity and sheer force of expression as musicians. It’s just amazing!
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Jake: Not really, just mess around on a bass at home and if I come up with anything good bring it to the others.
Maddy: Oh definitely not! When we wrote our first album Mia we did try to maintain a diverse range of styles and emotions but we still ensured that each song resonated with this overarching concept that we had painted . I think with our new material our writing process is a lot more fluid we’re writing through some pretty eclectic means and tapping into some pretty dark emotions but we will just have to let that speak for itself when it becomes available.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Jake: Definitely a lot of Shoegaze and Noise-rock, Just Mustard are on heavy-rotation always. Also a lot of the other bands in the Brighton Scene… new City Dog tune is fucking sick. Shoutout to them boys and to all the other great Brighton bands as well, the scene is just so alive right now with great bands doing whatever they want.
Maddy: At the moment, I find myself listening to Rob Zombie a tonne! His ability to create this vivid macabre imagery through his songs is totally providing me with an exhilarating escape from the monotony of work life at the moment.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Jake: I reckon Pixies would be dope.. Definitely them or Deftones.
JMaddy: Opening for Pearl Jam would be an absolute dream come true for me. They're not just a band; they're a force of nature, a symbol of raw passion, authenticity, and musical excellence. Ever since I first heard their music, they've been a huge inspiration to me, both musically and personally. I’d kill for the experience to learn from them, and soak up their wisdom.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Jake: I’m just in it for the money.
Maddy: The most rewarding part of being a musician is the ability to connect with people on a deep emotional level through music. knowing that your music can touch someone's soul is incredibly fulfilling. It creates these unique and personal connections that transcend language and culture.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Jake: That there’s no money in it anymore.
Maddy: I would have to say Dealing with industry gatekeepers: Breaking into the music industry and gaining access to key opportunities, such as radio airplay, festival bookings, and playlist placements, can be challenging for us as a pretty DIY band due to the influence of industry gatekeepers and established networks.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Jake: I don’t know really… maybe getting told to move around more on stage, I think a lot of people were quite insistent of that when we were first starting out.
Maddy: Stay true to your artistic vision and don't compromise your integrity for commercial success.
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Jar Of Blind Flies' new single 'Not Your Baby' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.