Getting To Know... Low Lying Sun

After their brilliant debut single ‘Car Crash’ found support from the likes of BBC Introducing East’s Weekly Vibe and Spotify’s New Noise playlist earlier this year, Essex-based outfit Low Lying Sun have now returned to deliver their blistering new effort 'Hymn To Say Goodbye'.

Lifted from their forthcoming debut EP of the same name, which drops on the 1st April via BSW Music / Lab Records, 'Hymn To Say Goodbye' makes for a brilliantly engaging listen. Jam-packed with soaring textures, anthemic hooks, and killer riffs throughout, these guys look set to make a major impact in the months to come.

So with the new single available now, we sat down with frontman Michael Hemmings to find out more about his background and what has been inspiring him lately.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

I think piano was the first instrument that I sat down and played. All of the notes are in front of you so you can just start making music, but guitar was the first instrument that I fell in love with. You’ve gotta fight with it to make a sound and I think that helps write emotive songs.

What kind of music did you love when you were younger?

You grow up listening to the music that your parents listen to. For me, that was people like Ian Dury, Stevie Wonder and Elton John. The first artists that I discovered for myself were bands like Blur and Radiohead, as well as early 00’s indie bands like The Strokes and Arcade Fire.

What was the first album you remember owning?

Queen: The Greatest Hits.

What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?

Perfect Day by Lou Reed. It strikes a balance between simplicity and complexity that makes it so easy to resonate with. The lyrics are heartfelt and grounded while the music is just perfectly crafted. It’s one of those songs that is so classic you can’t imagine it ever not having been written.

Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?

We’ve recently compiled a list of things to do when we’re writing. It’s easy to get overwhelmed so the list is full of small elements of songs like; find a nice line in a book to use as a song title or, make a sample from the last video in your phone.

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

Big Thief’s new record is great, as are all of their records. Really enjoying the new IDLES and Sunflower Bean stuff too. Also, late to the party but Do Nothing have been on regular rotation.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

If it’s anyone throughout history then David Bowie, just so we could get the chance to meet him. So many of the bands we love are influenced by ‘Heroes’, it was a close 2nd for the song we wished we had written.

What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?

Playing shows and seeing people enjoy the songs you’ve written. You spend so long in the studio working on tracks, it’s really a special feeling when you see them resonating with a live audience.

And what is the most frustrating part?

How long it takes to release music!

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

Serve the song.

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Low Lying Sun's new single 'Hymn To Say Goodbye' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.