Having already established themselves with a wealth of riveting releases lately, London-based outfit Good Time Locomotive are now looking to cement their recent era with the release of their hotly-tipped self-titled EP.
Featuring the previously shared gems 'Yesterday', 'Stay Close' and 'Rise', this new six-track collection makes for a vibrant addition to their ever-evolving repertoire of late. Brimming with fresh and uplifting textures, a shimmering atmosphere, and stellar hooks layered throughout, they are certainly looking to get our toes tapping with this one.
So with the new EP available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most lately.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
This might sound odd as the drummer of the band to say this...but guitar. Dire Straits were what lit the touch paper for me and they are really all about the guitar work.
That being said I have always been drawn to the vocals and lyrics. That is the portal to understanding the meaning and message behind the emotion in the music for me.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Long car journeys listening to the Beatles, Mowtown, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Queen, Bob Marley and Dire Straits were some of my earliest recollections.
I gradually got into heavy rock and then metal soon after starting the drums. So Nirvana, GNR, Metallica, Pantera etc. I always kept that early 80's pop vibe close to my heart though...which sort of sums up GTL's sound really.
Obviously that's the tip of the iceberg and the other guys in the band will have something different to say on that front. That eclectic mix and a love for great songwriting that pushes that emotional button is the centre point for us.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Bad by Michael Jackson....not a bad start ay!?
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Bohemian Rhapsody. It just has everything. Emotional pull, headbanging, humour, amazing musicianship....the whole package!
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
We actually have bona fide writing breaks in our schedule and a folder we fill up with our ideas before then. Personally I sing ideas into my phone throughout the year and then harvest them when it comes to writing by putting them all down in my computer writing software and putting them all on the bands online folder.
It sounds quite robotic but it seems to work for us....that being said, we are planning on doing a writing week in the summer on my boat all together to see if it is faster/better that way. Always willing to test/push boundaries if it finds the gold!
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
It sounds weird, but with the advent of having all the music humanity has ever produced I have gone back to some artists with big reputations that passed me by in childhood like Billy Joel, David Bowie and Kate Bush. All three of them put out some bad albums, but my god did they produce some absolutely sublime stuff!
In terms of modern bands, there are loads of decent bands out there not getting the recognition they deserve; Emarosa, Misery Kids, BENN, Kid Apollo...too many to mention really...
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Coldplay. Firstly I think they are the best songwriters of this century, secondly I think Chris Martin is a cool guy and I would like to meet him, thirdly I think their fans would dig what we do and last but not least it is a guaranteed stadium full of people...what's not to like!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The feeling of excitement when you find the gold or finish the puzzle piece that is a song. The only thing that tops that is when a room full of people reacting positively to your music.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Getting to the stage of playing your music to new people as a new band. It feels like there are not enough people out there just going to gigs to discover new bands. The admin side to get the opportunities is so time consuming, but unless you just want to keep your music to yourself. Which doesn't sound like fun to me. Music is supposed to be shared.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
'It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing' Duke Ellington
-
Good Time Locomotive's new self-titled EP is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.