INTERVIEW: Get to know NZ indie pop band, The Beths
Four-piece indie band The Beths have reached considerable success over the last year in the NZ music scene, having recently received nominations in multiple categories in the New Zealand Music Awards for their debut album ‘Future Me Hates Me’. After spending the early months of 2019 touring Europe and the UK with alt-rock legends Death Cab for Cutie, The Beths should be well on the radar for indie-rock fans.
Upon coming to the end of the Australian leg of their tour, we spoke to The Beths about their touring experiences this year and what they have in store for fans with their next album.
First of all, congratulations on your recent nominations in the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards! What was it like finding out you were nominated for so many categories?
It was pretty surprising to be in so many! The NZ music scene is strong and there have been some great records over the past year. It's a pretty great feeling to be nominated.
You guys have provided an entertaining breakfast and travel blog for fans to follow along with over the course of this year’s tour. What inspired its creation and, of course, what’s been the best breakfast you’ve had on tour so far?
Haha, so our beloved bass player Ben is responsible for breakfastandtravelupdates.com and it was mainly a way to keep everyone's mums updated back home while we were away. It's proven very successful in that regard. It is kind of like a diary, it's nice to look back and remember where we've been. Also it's where “Beth of the Day” is decided on. A very prestigious award given daily.
We loved your cover of Death Cab for Cutie’s ‘Soul Meets Body’. What was it like to experience touring with such an iconic band earlier this year?
It was really special and very inspiring. They are such a great band, and we all have a lot of respect for the way they make music and go about being in a band. Everyone on the tour was so lovely and we were really taken care of, which is not something a 'big' band has to do with a support act. We learnt a lot touring with Death Cab and miss them on the daily.
How would you describe the signature sound of The Beths to anyone who hasn’t listened to you?
I suppose... Melodically and lyrically focused indie rock? With plenty of vocal harmonies and probably too many power-pop guitar solos.
What has your experience touring in Australia been like so far? Have you got any fun stories or highlights from your time here?
It's really good, we love being able to tour here, the shows have been so lovely. Playing a late set at Your and Owls festival was fun, it's not a slot we are often given (usually we're on in afternoons) so it was nice to really smash out a set and keep the momentum moving, I think we did well.
How would you explain the concept and musical influence behind your debut album Future Me Hates Me? Are there any songs on the album with particular emotional significance to you?
All the songs I wrote within a period of a few years. So even though I didn't have a concept in mind, looking at the album as a whole you can see patterns and themes. They all came from the same place, mostly written in a bedroom of my old flat, the first place I moved to on my own after a really long relationship. And where I lived when a new one started. They are all pretty emotionally significant to me and point to different periods and events.
What are some artists that you’ve drawn influence or inspiration from?
If I can only choose a few, today let's go with: Rilo Kiley, Weezer, Alvvays, Cloud Nothings, Cheap Trick, Ben Folds Five and Death Cab For Cutie!
How do you hope the band’s sound will develop as you progress into your upcoming projects? Are there any musical or conceptual elements that you want to improve on or explore further in your next album?
Musically we are just excited to try and make each song as good as we can. But we aren't changing too much about our process. The songs will be new songs, and that is the catalyst for any differences. Something I wanted to explore though is seeing the album more as a whole and giving it moments to breathe.
We can’t wait to hear what you guys have in store for us next! Any hints on what we can expect to come in your future work?
Well, we have been sneaking new songs into our set for the last few months, trying things on before we go into studio mode over summer. Hopefully, you can expect... good songs. That is what we're aiming for really!
