Music > Interviews
The Howlers
23/07/24
In my opinion, music is one of the most powerful forms of art- it can make us reminisce, laugh, cry (and even want to make a change!). But, more importantly, it helps influence and inspire the next generations of incredible musicians, bands and duos!
On the 25th September, The Howlers shall be coming to The Waterfront, as part of their UK tour to celebrate the release of their debut album, ‘What You’ve Got to Lose to Win it All’.
And, a few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to catch up with Adam from The Howlers to discover how musical influences have helped shape their music and journey as a band, how they were feeling for their UK tour, as well as their plans for the future, too!
When did your journey as a band begin?
The band came into being shortly prior to the covid pandemic back in 2020 which ultimately robbed 2 years of our career from us so in realistic terms we've only been a band 2 to 3 years.
How would you describe your music?
We coin the term Desert Rock as it plays to the iconography associated with band and the film, music and fashion that we enjoy, but if you're reading this and think ‘what is desert rock’ ultimately were a rock band.
Where do you look for inspiration for your music?
We tend to look backwards at what has been done before when musicians where aloud to be musicians in the rawest sense, that being said our sound is eclectic and comes from our diverse influences as a band, sort of like a 3 way venn diagram, were not aiming to reinvent the wheel just refine it by putting a few more spokes on it.
What was the inspiration behind the name of the band?
It comes from a pub in the east end on Hoxton street where we were living on the council estate at the time, ‘The Howl at The Moon’ we were sat in their one evening enjoy ourselves spit balling names and it sort of came into being that way, it also happens to be the place arctic monkeys filmed a few music videos (we didn't know this at the time) and the verve filmed bitter sweet symphony.
Describe your creative process!
Adam is the primary writer, he sort of creates the skeleton so to speak and then we all flesh it out together bringing out own style to the song it's not directed or layed out for us we all have a part to play, but ultimately we all believe music is a calling you either have it or you don’t and being able to write songs that connect with people is a special thing
How are you feeling after the release of your debut album, ‘What You’ve Got to Lose to Win It All’ (and what has the response to this been like)?
Yea its been good particular in Europe the album took of across the continent so that was a real surprise, considering the press in our own country effectively shunned the record (nobody is sure why), despite this we got the album to #15 in the charts completely independently breaking the top 10, top 20 and 30 respectively in a number of charts which was incredible to see.
What are you most looking forward to in the next leg of your UK tour?
Getting out there and seeing the fans that come to our shows that why we do this to make a small but meaningful difference to those who want to listen or get it, were not ones for the fanfare or the snobbery that can come with this industry.
What impact do you aim to have on those who listen to (and interact with) your music?
Escapism is a big part of what we do and why we do it, we’ve been through the worst things you can imagine as a band together and pulled each other through it, surviving more than most bands would so if we can pass on some of the tenacity and unconditional love thats good enough for us, times are hard so its only each other that pulls your through it.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced since being a band (and how did you overcome this)?
The industry has changed so much it's now almost impossible for a lot of artists to even get a look in, we are wholeheartedly in support of positive change and progression don't get us wrong. So when the industry shunned us we said screw it and put the record out ourselves proved a lot of doubters wrong, and smashed through the expectations put on us, it wasn't easy but ultimately we had a point to prove.
What has been key to your success as a band?
Hard work, nothing fancy here just 3 working class lads putting a shift in to pursue what they love, success is relative though and we've a long way to go until we consider ourselves successful.
What power do you believe music holds?
It connects people,it allows people to dream, it flows through everything in life and anyone who says they don't like music can't be trusted in our opinion as it's such a weird thing.
How important do you believe it is to support local and aspiring musicians?
Of course with anything in life its super important to support and nurture new endeavours that being said New doesn't necessarily mean good an its important to understand the difference.
What advice would you give to any aspiring musicians?
Knuckle down, don't watch what anyone else is doing just do your thing.
Have you got any more plans for 2024?
Album 2 sounds good right?
And, if you want to keep up to date with the work (and amazing music!) of The Howlers, then you can head to their Instagram (thehowlersuk)!