Our Girl tell us about their album and tour
We had a chat to Brighton’s Our Girl about their debut album, their performance at The Great Escape and their upcoming tour:
Where and when did it start for Our Girl?
Soph – It started in 2014 in Brighton, I was writing songs for a few months before I started playing with Josh. We then tracked down Lauren soon after!
You are part of the Brighton scene which, as far as I see it, has never been in a better way. Would you agree and what do you put this down to?
Soph – I do agree! I guess the scene being so good is partly down to the promoters – Be Nothing (now Neat Neat Neat) was one that helped us out a lot with support slots etc at the time. But mainly I think that people are just very encouraging and supportive of other musicians, which is the perfect environment to be in to feel confident enough to make music. Bands get their friends to support them, or recommend other bands to venues/promoters. I found it a very supportive place to be!
Loz – I agree! Whenever we’ve played in Brighton it’s been really cool to see our friends, also in bands, in the audience!
Josh- I think it’s always had something going on as it’s a very forward thinking place and there’s a lot of resources and good venues and recording studios. But it’s definitely in a good place these days, so many great artists!
Who are your current favourite bands from Brighton?
Soph – Abattoir Blues, Breathe Panel, Clt Drp, Porridge Radio, Allison’s Gate.
Loz – I really like Underwater Boys as well!
You recently played at The Great Escape, and there was a real buzz around town about you playing. Did it feel different to other years after having more releases out and a another year of media exposure?
Soph – It felt as hectic but fun as ever! It didn’t really feel different I don’t think. We played a few shows that our friends were putting on – Echochamp, Memorials of Distinction and Fat Dog Party, so it more just felt like a really nice thing to be part of.
Loz- This year was actually a lot more low-key than previous years, we’ve played TGE for the last few years, so this time it was more about hanging out with pals.
You are signed to Cannibal Hymns, how did this come about?
Soph – Yeah, we’ve been with CH from the beginning really. Tim who runs the label is also our manager, so there’s a real family feel to it all.
Loz- Tim is amazing, we couldn’t have any of this with out him and his support.
You recently announced the release of your debut album which you recorded with Bill Ryder Jones at his new studio and described him as the 4th member of Our Girl, why did you choose Bill and what influence did he have on the album and your sound?
Soph – Tim suggested him, and we really liked his music and the stuff he’d produced in the past! We went into the studio pretty set on how we thought the songs would sound, but Bill added a lot. There are guitar noises/drones/melodies on the record that we totally hadn’t expected, and I think they’ve really made a difference to the whole sound of the record.
Loz- Yeah, some of his guitar parts are some of my favourite bits of the album.
Soph, you are also a member of The Big Moon and I once read you were once in six bands at the same time. How does this fit in with Our Girl, and Lauren and Josh are you currently in any other bands?
Soph – Being able to do both is mainly down to time management to be honest! And occasionally a sweaty run between shows/cities. Sometimes things clash, but luckily everyone works hard to try and make it all work, which I’m super grateful for. Josh is in another band called Breathe Panel too!
Josh- We’re all busy bees but it works out because we’re nice and organised. I’m in another band indeed but we make everything work around each other and feed in to each other too!
You have just announced a UK tour in October, do you enjoy touring and what are your most and least favourite aspects of it?
Soph – I love it. We’ve been away on tour for a good chunk of this year, and I think being able to play every night has made us a lot more comfortable and confident on stage – it’s kind of freeing. I also just really like being able to travel and explore different places every day. The hardest parts are trying to be healthy/not tired/missing your loved ones.
Loz- I really enjoy it, but some parts of it are difficult. Earlier this year we were out on tour when the massive snow storm hit the UK, so travelling around was a challenge! But getting to visit new places is really cool and also you get in a routine, playing a gig here and there can feel like more pressure. Overall it’s pretty great and very humbling that people from all over the place care about your band and buy tickets to come and see you play!
Josh – I love the long drives and getting to see different places, that’s almost exciting enough without getting to play to a bunch of new people each night. Sad to be away from everyone and it’s also annoying not to be able to cook but maybe we’ll get a travel stove.
And finally, our Australia-based readers will be keen to know if you have any plans to tour Aus?
Soph – No, but we’d bloody love to come so if you know anyone who wants to book us (and fund us..) we’ll be there in a flash.
Loz – I’d love to, I’ve got a lot of family all over Australia, so would be cool to visit and play there!
Josh – Yes we’d love to come! Take my number?
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Keep up to date with Our Girl on Facebook.
Interview by Dylan Hibbert, host of The Alternative Slot on Hailsham FM. Photo by Hollie Fernando
