Following on from the release of their well-received new EP earlier this year, Hartlepool's Leopard Rays are already back to business on their blistering new single 'Need You'.
Channeling the bold and rip-roaring side of the indie-rock sound, 'Need You' sees the four-piece return in stellar form. Filled with powerful riffs, killer hooks, and an insatiable energy, this new belter will surely see them grow even faster in the months to come.
So with the new single doing the rounds right now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has inspired them most over the years.
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What were the first instruments you fell in love with?
Guitar and drums, I'm pretty sure that we all played these instruments when we were younger. I suppose it's where most musicians may start at a young age (depending on how tolerant the parents are).
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
Anything from the 90s. We absolutely love the sound that came from that era, you know them big crashing drums, roaring guitars and wavey synth sounds. Well the full vibe really from that era, tv + film was great too. I mean, who doesn’t like Fight Club?
What kind of music did you love as teenagers?
Bit of a mixed bag really, bands like Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, Foo Fighters were all pretty prominent around our teenage years. But as most British teenagers will probably understand, there is a Smiths phase where we all adore The Smiths for a brief moment and get a little sad. We actually still love them now!
What inspires you to make music?
Our local scene is a real motivation for us to keep being creative and cranking out the tunes. Playing shows alongside the acts that we do gives us such a great feeling. Going to other places and playing shows is another good inspiration.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Beabadoobe. She is a insanely talented songwriter, her sound is so unique for this day and age too. Smashing Pumpkins, always listened to them but definitely more so recently.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
I'd say around 3 or 4 directly. Maybe more subconsciously...
What has been the funniest moment in your career so far?
Awwww, so there is a video on our Facebook where our guitar player dressed up as elvis to promote our latest single ‘Need You’. The video really speaks for itself. We have had a lot of laughs in this band though.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Foo Fighters. Every time.
If you weren’t musicians, what other path do you think you might have taken?
Tom would probably be a horror film director. Sean, a stand up comedian. Dave would be a bodybuilder, easy. Luke, probably a dog walker.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as musicians?
Not to rush into anything, it’s incredibly easy to get carried away with releases and such. It’s important to understand how timing works in the industry.
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Leopard Rays' new single 'Need You' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.