After establishing themselves with a breadth of dazzling delights these last few years, Kildare-based outfit Blue Slate are now looking to cement their dynamic legacy to date with the release of their eagerly-awaited debut EP 'This Is How I Sleep At Night'.
Featuring the previously shared gems 'Charlotte's Song', 'Beaker', and its anthemic title-track, this new five-track collection certainly hits hard right from the off. Brimming with bold and euphoric textures, killer hooks, and emotive vocals at every turn, they are certainly looking to leave a lasting impact with this one.
So with the new EP available to stream now, we sat down with guitarist John to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I remember when I was young I really enjoyed playing the violin but I say my first love was the guitar. Even though it wasn’t my first instrument to learn, it was the only instrument I properly sat down with continuously and gained a fascination with it.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I really loved post punk and power pop stuff from the 70s like The Sex Pistols, Joe Jackson and Elvis Costello. All the music I love now really stems from them.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I ever owned was "Nevermind the bollox" by the sex pistols and "absolution" by muse. I probably got them when I was 7 or 8. I still have the albums and all.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I think Angeles by Elliot Smith. Just because the chord progression is flawless. The lyrics and melody are to die for too. Another one would be Heroin by the velvet underground, mainly just because the song makes you feel. I'm yet to find a song like that.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Complete isolation. When I'm left alone for periods of time I find that's when I come up with my best lyrics or guitar parts. When loads is going on around me, I get too distracted and tend to leave writing aside.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I am really loving the Cardinals EP that they released last year, the new murder capital stuff is really cool as well. I've been getting into a band recently called honey glaze. The lead vocals are phenomenal.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would love to open for the brian Jonestown massacre or the manic street preachers. Mainly because they are both the reason why the band was formed in the first place.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
A huge one for me is when people can relate to the music. It definitely feels like we have a purpose when listeners feel moved by the lyrics or the music itself.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I really wish that the release process was quicker. Bands back in the 60s and 70s were releasing 2 albums a year because the demand for records was there. That demand is gone, or the industry is more interested in milking a product. I feel like waiting 2 years to release a album is ridiculous.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Stop trying. The minute you feel like you are trying hard (when writing music of course) ,is the time you come out with dishonest music. You should just go with the flow instead of worrying whether you are in the right key or not.
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Blue Slate's debut EP 'This Is How I Sleep At Night' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.