In the lead up to the release of their third EP ‘Rear Meat’ (out April 4th), Bristol’s eccentric 5-piece Wakey Wakey Rise & Shine kick things off with the release of the raucous new single ‘There’s Less Trouble When You Stay At Home’
Blending jagged post-punk rhythms with math-rock complexities and a healthy dose of new wave irreverence, their latest cut transforms a frustrating brush with law enforcement into a compelling call for change, while maintaining the band's signature playful edge.
"The song emerged from my first and final experience dealing with the police," explains lead singer Smudge following a frustrating encounter with law enforcement where investigators confused him with his own assailant. "When the investigator called me by the name of the person who assaulted me, it became clear how broken the system really is. We wanted to channel that frustration into something meaningful while staying true to our sound."
With their latest single available now and the promise of their most ambitious work to date on the horizon, we caught up with the outfit to discover more about their distinctively mischievous approach to art and what's been fuelling their creative fire lately.
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The 6 string Guitar! The challenge of figuring out chord patterns got me hooked on day one. It was also because my sister didn't want lessons and I did.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Cream and Eric Clapton. ‘Sunshine of Your Love’ was the first solo I ever learnt.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Linkin Park -Hybrid Theory first album i ever owned before knowing how to play guitar. To this day i still don't know how to play a single note from the album and will remain happy to enjoy it for what it is
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
White Christmas - Irving Berlin.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
When I'm in writing mode, I go through my notes on my sofa at home. Put something on I have no interest in on the TV, probably a David Attenborough show. Play what I have and start a vocal melody with cringey lyrics about the state of things around me. I'll take it to the band and they'll annihilate the work (constructively obviously) then I'll revise it all and make the lyrics or riffs more cringey and they'll love it!!
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Jessica Pratt is always on at home and Floating Points’ new one as well.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Black Sabbath, I really don't want to miss their last ever gig.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Being able to speak to my brothers about my issues and them having a non judgemental opinion on things to guide me through life.. and also bashing my guitar to release the angst within me haha!
And what is the most frustrating part?
Carrying my equipment with me all the time
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Make music that is fun and that gives you a reason to keep wanting to have fun and play music. Don't be afraid to reinvent yourself either, the music I wrote 10 years ago is different from what I'm playing today
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Listen to 'There's Less Trouble When You Stay At Home' below.