PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF FOR US WHO ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH YOU AND YOUR MUSIC AND TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.
We’re CRASHKID!, an Alternative/Indie Rock band from Central Scotland.
We have played many notable venues across Central Scotland, including King Tut’s, Garage, Broadcast, etc. and played at Vibration Festival in September.
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR NEW ALBUM OR SINGLE?
Our new single, ‘Make It Your Own’ that incorporates our heavier influences as a post-punk, alternative rock song that is doesn’t take itself seriously as its tongue-in-cheek lyrics and vocal style add a satirical quality to it.
WHAT INSPIRED THE ALBUM OR SINGLE?
Our previous singles have touched on the dangers of vanity and how it can warp people in a one-size-fits-all category, which has been popularized through social media. This song celebrates self-confidence, individualism and self-ownership that has come from our growing confidence in music.
CAN YOU SUM UP THE SONG IN A FEW WORDS?
‘Make It Your Own’ is a war cry for all those who pave their own path, are true to themselves and create/live/work by their own terms.
WHAT RECORD CHANGED YOUR LIFE AND WHY?
TJ: My Chemical Romance’s “The Black Parade” as it was the first album to define my own music taste, separate from what I was brought up with and was the first piece of music that I truly connected to on a personal level. It also created the foundations of what music I would like to create. Not necessarily in the exact same genre, but there were aspects that inspired me, such as theatrics, appreciation of music with a larger production and more profoundly meaningful subject matter.
Harry: “A Night at the Opera” because the production and songwriting was insane and blew me away at a young age.
Matthew: Hard to say, but probably ‘Stop Making Sense by Talking Heads. The concert film is amazing.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE MUSIC VIDEO FILMED BY YOUR BAND OR ANOTHER ARTIST?
TJ: My favourite music video would have to be the music video for David Bowie’s ‘The Stars (Are Out Tonight)’ as I find it interesting that it explores the idea of how regular people long for the lifestyle of celebrity that attracts the attention and admiration of many, but also explore the famous artists desire for the private and humble lifestyle of an ordinary life.
WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU DOING WHEN YOU'RE NOT MAKING MUSIC?
When we are making music, we are practicing or performing live as we find performing live and interacting with a crowd to be the most enjoyable aspect of what we do.
We also go to see other local bands and network with other musicians; it is always lovely to emerge ourselves in the local scene.
DO YOU GET NERVOUS PERFORMING LIVE, IF SO HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THAT?
TJ: Personally, it can be a hit or miss. Depends on my mood or how confident I am that particular night. However, to prevent getting nervous or calm myself down when I am, I will listen to feel-good music on the way to the venue, let myself enjoy the experience of setting up and make sure that everything I need to do prior is done in advance, so I don’t have to worry about anything before going on stage.
HOW DID YOU FORM THE BAND?
We originally formed as a three-piece before creating the current line-up, which featured myself (TJ) and Harry. I met Harry in my High School Music class. It was then that I asked him if he wanted to start band.
Whilst seeking a new bassist in 2018 after the departure of the previous bassist, Matthew joined the band. He did a small audition where we met up and practiced one of our songs that played at the time. We found that he was an excellent player and asked him to join the band.
Andrew and I had known each other when I asked him to join the band, we shared a common interest in music and we showed such a drive to create and perform that I thought made him perfect as a potential bandmate. I was toying with the idea of getting another guitarist involved at the time, so I asked Andrew to join.
Current line-up: TJ Green – Lead Vocals/Guitar, Andrew Dunn – Lead Guitar, Matthew Simpson – Bassist, Harry Bang – Drums
HOW DO YOU WRITE? – DO YOU HAVE A KEY SONGWRITER, OR DO YOU ALL WORK TOGETHER?
Lyrically, the key songwriter would myself (TJ) with occasional contributions from Andrew Dunn. I tend to work on my own, I will often sit down with a topic/situation that I find interesting and write about it. I prefer to work on lyrics for longer than some as I tend to be my own worst critic when it comes to writing, so I like to make sure I’m proud of what I wrote.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
What tends to inspire me is through observing others and topics surrounding how people behave around others, appearances that people obsess over and the importance that people put on image.
· I tend to write from juxtaposing perspectives, observational and introspective, as I find that it make the subject matter less one dimensional and allows me to express a cynical, satirical perspective whilst also demonstrating self-awareness as the cynical observations I see in others often can be seen in my own behavior.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Well, we are currently mixing the next single which is due to be released early next year. We are
also recording two new songs this month, which might be potential singles that will be released through next year.
PLEASE TELL US ANY SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS SO WE CAN SHARE.
Facebook: CRASHKID | Facebook
· Insta: @crashkidofficial
· Twitter: @CRASHKIDtweets