Following on from a string of anthemic offerings over the last few months, including his recent hit 'Big Boy', emerging artist Picture The Scene has now returned to deliver his next blistering cut 'Better Or Worse'.
Bringing back more of that bold and energetic sound he has cultivated for himself, 'Better Or Worse' sees him return in stellar form. With its shimmering aesthetic, killer hooks, and powerful vocals layered throughout, this new one is already ticking all of our boxes right now.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Ahhh that would have to be the drums - been a drummer since I was 8 which probably stems from a burning desire to be John Bonham or Grohl, but we’ve all been there right???
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Honestly, I swear most bands always say something really obscure and cool but deep down we all know it was our American Idiot CD’s that were on repeat. But honestly, I remember the first album I properly fell in love would’ve probably been In Your Honour. I’d have been around 6 and my dad would belt out both “Bull’s Head” and “Bull’s Ass” CD’s (it was a double album, if you know you know). Remember a particularly tuneful rendition of the scream at the end of ‘In Your Honour’ we did when we were in a queue at the tip - those were the days...
What was the first album you remember owning?
McFly’s debut album - absolute banger, it still holds up and I won’t hear any different. Next question.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Not sure if I’ve ever wished that before, but right now I’ve got the new live at knebworth album blaring and I forgot just how good ‘Slide Away’ sounds so I reckon I’ll go with that.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Well I’m a bit different in the sense that I write and record everything myself in the band so the process is wayyy too chaotic and never the same twice. That said, it will always start with the music, literally building up a whole song with an idea of how the vocals should probably sound, but the lyrics are usually written and recorded a few months after the track itself is finished. The new single ‘Better Or Worse’ came about that way actually, I can already hear the hissing from the songwriters out there and it sounds wonderful.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Ahhh great question - currently a BIG fan of some new band like Tom Lumley and The Brave Liaison and Eddie’s House. Having said that I’m also in a big Holly Humberstone / Wet leg kinda phase at the minute - defo check them all out if you get a sec.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Easy. The Pale White - and the best part is we’re actually opening up for them at Scala, London at King’s Cross next Tuesday 14th December I can’t wait!!!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
In short, I make something up in my head, I then sit in a room until I have a recording that sounds like that, I work my arse off to make sure others can hear it - and after all that, to see people take it in, learn the words and sing them back to you at a show like it’s one of their own - that’s pretty fucking cool.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Didn’t realise there was a frustrating part? I love the graft of it and that’s what’s gonna set us apart in the long run. That said, dodgy promoters and venue owners can fuck off.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
“What’s for you won’t miss you” Words to live by if you ask me. Find what makes you tick and drives you forward, then every decision you make from then on has to be to fulfill that goal. If you put in the graft and are consistent, you’ll be amazed at what happens next I promise you. And when things don’t go your way, it’s all good - try and find some perspective and understand that it wasn’t meant for you - because if it was, it will not miss ya.
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Picture The Scene's new single 'Better Or Worse' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.