After cementing themselves with a wealth of rich and alluring releases these last few years, emerging outfit That Old Quiet Lighthouse have now returned to deliver their groove-filled debut album 'Learning To Live With Less'.
Featuring the recently unveiled gems 'Janine' and 'Laughter', this vibrant new collection makes for a beautifully passionate listen throughout. Filled with bold and euphoric textures, a sweeping atmosphere, and mesmerising hooks from start to finish, they are definitely ones worth keeping a firm eye on for the months ahead.
So with the new album available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Definitely bass guitar - I grew up singing in choirs, had exactly half a lesson learning the Bond theme on piano and a few months learning saxophone but the moment I got a bass guitar things started clicking. I was out gigging a couple of months after I started to learn. Funny, as co ordination is something I struggle with as a person with dyspraxia, but I loved the shapes and the feeling of creating music in that way. I also think it’s role within music really gelled with me; supportive but always with the potential for melody.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Growing up it was what my Dad listened to; The Who and The Moody Blues predominantly - singing ‘Tuesday Afternoon’ and ‘Pinball Wizard’ in the car was a common occurrence! After that I got into Red Hot Chili Peppers, Arctic Monkeys, Alien Ant Farm, Don Broco of my own volition, and my eldest brother introduced me to Radiohead. A game changer! I loved music with thought provoking lyrics, Radiohead, Joni Mitchell, and I loved music that was exciting and full of passion.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I owned, as in I went out and actually bought, was ‘Arc’ by Everything Everything - but the first album I had in my possession was The Hoosiers ‘Trick To Life’.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Never Meant by American Football - I’d love to write a song, with a riff that iconic, that has as many memes about it as that one!
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Honestly not really! Writing new music is kind of a necessity for me, at least at the moment. It always starts with me writing lyrics, expressing something, observing something. Then I build it from there and just experiment until I like what I hear!
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
At the moment, I’m listening to a fair bit of Andy Shauf, Slaughter Beach, Dog, Duster and Lomelda. Music you can hide in.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Sufjan Stevens.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Seeing the smiles on peoples faces as you’re performing! There’s little else that beats that, musical or otherwise.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The never-ending struggle to be heard; to actually be considered for opportunities, to actually get the opportunity to play in front of new people. Since I started, actually getting gigs is harder, less venues, less opportunities, more bands.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
I received a lot of wonderful advice during my time at The Royal Northern College of Music, both from visiting musicians at masterclasses and from the tutors themselves. I would say the best piece of advice I’ve gleaned from it all, and this goes for life too, is to appreciate the little things. Don’t let all the challenges outweigh the feeling of finishing a song, of hearing a first mix, of seeing someone laugh with joy as you’re performing.
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That Old Quiet Lighthouse's debut album 'Learning To Live With Less' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.