GMA Interrogation: King & Country

"We like to keep most of our work at its roots, in Wales".

Country: WALES
Genre: POP PUNK / POST-HARDCORE
Label: UNSIGNED

Following the review of ‘Mountains’, the upcoming EP by Welsh Pop Punk / Post-Hardcore mob King & Country, the oven was set alight as to flame these lads into giving answers, so as the pincers were warming up the interview was well under way, now where was those other utensils...

Guys, your about to release your latest EP 'Mountains', what have you changed since your previous release?

This E.P is a lot more thought out in the sense of direction. It’s a lot tighter in terms of music genre and all four songs compliment each one another well.

How the band come together and was it touch and go or has much changed over the past 2-3 years?

The band came together whilst we were studying in University together. Three of us had been in a previous band whilst in college and we had always planned to start a new project as soon as we could dedicate the time too write and play live. Not a lot has changed over the last year 2 years. We have concentrated on our live sound to replicate the big sound we achieved in the studio.

You recorded your upcoming EP with Romesh Dodangoda (FFAF, Kids In glass houses, etc), what five notable points during the EP making process would you say made studio time as best as it could be?

I think number 1. Would have to be Romesh himself, he’s such a relaxed and friendly guy to work with, he gets the best out of us and non of us ever felt under pressure or rushed. 2. The environment that you work in, such good vibes and endless laughs. 3. The past clients he has worked with speak for its self! 4. Rob, the studio technician is another quiet guy, but is always on hand to help out wherever needed, great guy! And finally 5. The experience as a whole! We would love to go back and record further songs with him in the near future!

Your EP has caught the attention of BBC Radio 1, what was the general feeling amongst the band upon learning this news?

For us, this was huge! We always listen to the station travelling to and from gigs, so to hear our selves featuring on air was a great achievement!

The artwork for 'Mountains' is as the EP title states, what enticed you to choose this name and does it relate to Snowdonia per chance?

We like to keep most of our work at its roots, in Wales. Take for example the recording process. We wanted to work with someone that knows the scene and has worked with such big Welsh artists and bands. The artwork and the title ‘Mountains’ was thought up of the highs and lows we have to face as a band trying to achieve greater things in the industry.

You switch between Pop Punk and Post-Hardcore on the EP, who inspires you to create this balance and what do you feel makes the mixture all the more special?

There are many bands and artists that make the mixture. We listen to a range of bands. Indie has a feature in our writing. We like listening to bands such as Lower Than Atlantis, Young Guns Story Of The Year.

What has the band got planned for this year and what would you love to see and do this year?

We have quite a lot planned for the year. The plan mainly consists of gigging this E.P around the UK and building friends and fans. We want to record a single or two towards the end of the year too.

If you could do an EP launch party, where would you have it and who would you have it with? (Hint: also provide reasons why those choices)

Parties are always a winner, but with friends it would be great! I think with local bands. It’s always good to support your local scene and try and inspire people to get into music.

Who came up with the band name and does it have any meaning? How would you define it?

The name King & Country was thought up on our way home from University driving through the country lanes of our hometown. We always had a love for the countryside and we felt that being a British band that King & Country was something personal to us but had a British sound to it.

Finally are there any hello's, thank you's and general messages you want to give out?

There are always thank you’s to give out! I think mainly to fans, family and friends for supporting what we do. Anyone that buys our CD’s and merchandise!

https://www.facebook.com/kingandcountryband