Interview : Rocket Kings on 'Paving the Way'

1) Please introduce us to your latest single 'She's Going To Mars' and your album 'Paving The Way'? 

Dave: Bex is an astronaut!

Bex: On our last album, ‘Everyday Adventures’, there was a song called ‘Space Camp’, which Dave wrote about my visit to NASA’s US Space and Rocket Centre where I participated in an astronaut training programme. The song talked about all the activities that I did on that trip. Whenever we play ‘Space Camp’ live, Dave has always joked about what I will do next after my space training.

Dave: Bex is going to Mars of course.

Bex: Exactly! Dave was really excited when he played this song to us in the studio. He hadn’t recorded a demo of it, which he normally does, so none of us had heard it before. He cleverly wrote the song so that my backing vocals on ‘She’s Going to Mars’ are actually some of the chorus lyrics from the original ‘Space Camp’ song. I also really like that Dave picked a woman as the focus in the lyrics on the final chorus. The ‘Valentina’ he refers to is Valentina Vladimirovna Tereshkova, who, in 1963, became the first woman to fly in space.

Dave: I like putting interesting references into song lyrics.

Bex: Now I want to know what adventures I might get up to on the next album.

Jess: The whole album was fun to record.

David: I took this one more seriously because I actually knew what was going on. The first album was a hobby, but Dave made this one more of a chore… (band laughter: hahahahaha). I really enjoyed it as I really thought about how the drums should sound on this album rather than slightly rushing things on the first album.

2) What is your philosophy or approach to the music you create and play live? 

Jess: Have fun whilst you are doing it.

Dave: I am a big fan of three-minute pop songs with big hooks. Not everything has to be like this, but ‘She’s Going to Mars’ is very much in that style and fits very much into the whole ‘feel’ of how Rocket Kings sound. Some songs end up being rockier than others – we make decisions on the combinations of sounds that we want from the ukes in terms of how noisy or more acoustic we feel the song should be. This one was just asking to be quite rocky.

Bex: This is one of the rockier songs on the album, but it also fits into the band’s unique ukepop sound. David’s drumming is brilliant on this song; we particularly like the drum roll at the end of the song.

Dave: I also think that the drum roll that David plays at the end of the bridge of this song is one of the greatest drum rolls of all time!

3) How did you all come to work together?   

Dave: Separately by car.

Bex: I don’t think that is what the question means!

Dave: Oh I see! This is the origins of the band: This is the way things normally work:

“Form a band. Choose band name. Write songs. Practice lots with band. Book a gig. Play gig.”

There isn’t much that is normal about Rocket Kings. Our journey went something like this:

“Write songs. Record songs. Book a gig. Realise you need to form a band for the gig. One practice with band. Choose band name due to impending gig. Play gig.”

Jess then joined a couple of years after we started and then Yoshiko became our bass player after this album had been recorded. Yoshiko has been amazing. I love how she has put her own spin on the songs.

4)  Is this release quite different or similar to your previous album?

David: It is different and similar. There are more drums in it. Numerically, as I actually set up my tom toms this time, and generally in the way I played as I really put a lot of thought into what I was playing. I even I learnt 3/4 time in order to play ‘Dream Undream’ (the band laughs in the background: they knew he could play 3/4  time but he had a book in his house called something like ‘How to learn to play the drums’ and the pages on drumming in 3/4 time had been printed blank!)

Bex: It was amazing to spend time collaborating on the whole album with the band. A lot of the songs on this album developed in the studio rather than coming in fully formed. When we were practising for our album launch gig, we realised that we had never actually played some of the songs as a band.

5)  How have the artists you've interacted with or the music you love influenced the way you create, release or consume music today? 

Dave: I listen to music all the time and many of the influences accidentally seep into my songwriting but it is hard to pinpoint people that we specifically sound like, partly because my chosen instrument to write on and to play is the ukulele but most of the artists who have influenced me are guitar-based, so the songs sound naturally different to them.

6) If you could perform with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why? If you could collaborate with another artist, living or dead, who would it be?

Yoshiko: Mr Children… they are a Japanese pop rock band formed in 1989 and are one of the best-selling artists in Japan, having sold over 75 million records.

Jess: Rufus Wainwright. I’d love to do ‘I’m Going to a Town’ whilst sitting on his lap as he played the piano at the Royal Albert Hall.

Dave: I just love playing with this band and to be honest, much as I have many musical ‘heroes’, I’m not sure I’d want them messing with the amazing formula of musicians that we have in Rocket Kings!

7) What is your favourite thing about performing for people in a live environment? Do you prefer festivals or venue-based gigs?

David and Jess (in unison): venues

Bex: I quite like festivals.

Jess: Venues are great as you get people coming along who love your band already and want to hear you play. Festivals are fun as people discover you for the first time.

Bex: And it is a fun day out.

Dave: A day out for drinking and socialising.

Dave: I love playing music with the band wherever we play and it is great that people seem to really enjoy what we do and have as much fun as we have.

Bex: Yes, the adrenaline of a big gig is always exciting, and I also love it when people at gigs sing your songs back to you.

8)  Would you say that the reason you began making music is still the reason that you are still making music today? Please explain.

Jess: I make music because I can’t afford therapy.

Dave: To quote a well-known phrase: ‘Music is life. Life is music.’

9)  Are you also involved with other music projects apart from Rocket Kings?  

Dave: I teach ukulele for a living. I teach in schools, I teach various groups and I teach 1:1. I lead three other bands that gig: a 22-piece band called The Small Strings, a 25ish-piece band called Riverside Jukes and a 30ish-piece band called Get Plucky. Each band is slightly different but all play cover versions. I am very lucky that I get to gig a lot and get to play music all day every day. Bex also plays in The Small Strings. Yoshiko also plays in Get Plucky. Jess also plays solo gigs and has recorded a solo album that is going to be released at some point further down the line. David also plays in another band called The Dead Sea Pirates. We all love playing music as much as we can.

10)  Can you share anything about your plans for the next year or so that fans can look forward to?

Jess: Play gigs.

Dave: We have a couple of festival appearances already confirmed and will be playing some gigs in our hometown too. If anyone else is out there reading this and would like to book us, just shout – we love to play gigs.

David: I’m going to decorate my house and do some wallpapering. Will the fans be excited by that?

You can listen to ‘Paving the Way’ by Rocket Kings here :

LITM Pop Picks this week showcases pop wonders with minimalistic, electronic and synth-heavy soundscapes featuring artists Rosina Buck, Toby Tesla, Dame Zina and others

In this week’s edition of LITM Pop Picks, we bring a variety of musical experiences, ranging from intimate revelations, synth-pop indulgences, to emotional electronica from artists Rosina Buck, Toby Tesla, Izzy Pingrey, ARADIA and Dame Zina.

Rosina Buck - Like A Lion

Rosina Buck's “Like a Lion” delicately intertwines gentle melodies, cradling the listener like leaves drifting down a serene stream. The singer's voice exudes honesty and intimacy, making you feel like a witness to a personal revelation. The slow-paced music, characterized by thoughtful sonic minimalism, allows the emotional singing, sustained piano melodies, and purposeful emptiness to invite the listener to absorb the profound energy and emotion conveyed. As the song progresses, a crescendo of intensity emerges, introducing harmonies, strings, and trumpets, crafting a majestic finale. This musical progression mirrors the song's thematic journey of enduring the final stages of a tumultuous relationship, capturing the weight of borrowed love and culminating in a cathartic release and freedom. "Like a Lion" paints a vivid picture of a deeply emotional and personal experience with utmost sincerity.

Toby Tesla - Red Flags

Toby Tesla's "Red Flags" sonically traverses the complexities of twenty-first century love. The Arizona-based artist craftily intertwines raw, reverberating guitar melodies with an infectious, upbeat rhythm reminiscent of Mac Miller's later works. Tesla's vocals are processed for a warbly and echoey vibe, adding an ultra-modernist aesthetic, enhancing the song's character. The composition tinkers around with a fusion of R&B and pop vocal styles, delivering a fresh and idiosyncratic sound. The lyrics serve as a modern-day cautionary tale, exploring the challenges of juggling multiple love interests in a world infected with choices. "Red Flags" is a reminder that while we can have anything, we can't have everything, forcing us to confront the ultimatum: talk to me or him.

Izzy Pingrey - perfume

Izzy Pingrey's "perfume" is a breath of fresh air with its energetic guitar rhythms and groovy beats. Hailing from New York, this young artist's vocals are a revelation—emphatic and voluminous, and is the perfect medium to paint her story. Found in the album 'Junior,' the track beautifully explores the nuances of adolescence, capturing the essence of a coming-of-age narrative. The pop song, reminiscent of early 2010s sounds, carries a timeless quality. The artist’s musical creativity is most evident in her vocal melodies, cohesively stringing together words and the musical backdrop. “perfume” is a celebration of close friendships and the adventures shared, transporting listeners to the nostalgic realms of high school and university. Pingrey eloquently encapsulates the magic of enduring connections and youthful escapades.

ARADIA - Slow Yer Roll

ARADIA's "Slow Yer Roll" is a rich and flavorful synth-pop indulgence, cooked up by the NYC-based alt-pop electronica artist. The track is a kaleidoscope of different synth textures, arranged with colorful precision. The simple yet catchy beat invites involuntary nods and foot taps. Creative vocal effects infuse the voice with vibrancy, creating a warm and euphoric atmosphere. The combination of elaborate synth melodies adds an otherworldly ambience, showcasing ARADIA's imaginative and unique blend of influences. The song's optimistic sounds resonate, and it's earwormy hook lingers long after the music stops. "Slow Yer Roll" is a testament to ARADIA's artistry, delivering a compelling sonic experience that transcends typical genre boundaries.

Dame Zina - La Nuit

Father-daughter alt-pop duo Dame Zina’s “La Nuit”, is part of their latest album “Fairytales”, which immerses the listeners in a bottomless pool of electronica, synth, and pop sounds. The vocalist's glass-like vocal tone, simultaneously delicate and malleable, carries a rawness that truthfully conveys the emotions that are being explored in the song. The intricate musical backdrop unveils layers of sounds and meanings, with each attentive listen. The steady pulsing rhythm, enhanced by deep, sharply distorting synth sounds, that rhythmically implodes and explodes, creates an enigmatic inescapable atmosphere for the listener. The song's mysterious and foreboding air, punctuated by moments of wonder, prompts introspection into neglected corners of the mind. "La Nuit" is a sonic journey, where mystical sounds and truthful vocals intertwine, urging listeners to delve into the depths of concealed emotions and concepts.

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LITM Pop Picks this week brings vibrant hues of pop sounds from artists like SWiiMS, Cian O’Donoghue, QRIAN and others

In this edition of LITM Pop Picks, each track is a pop universe of its own and we invite you to wander through galaxies of genre, to ultimately lose yourself in an array of sonic textures, tones and colors. Embark on a sonic odyssey featuring artists SWiiMS, The Pulltops, Jonny Westwood, Cian O’Donoghue, Ivon Roberts and QRIAN.

SWiiMS - In Puzzles

"In Puzzles" by the Canadian trio SWiiMS, is the opening track to their latest album "Into The Blue Night”. It is an artful mosaic of indie rock, shoegaze and dream pop elements. The track envelops listeners in nostalgic sounds, characterized by curling guitar riffs, energetic drums, and subtle bass notes. The reverberating vocals, reminiscent of a cold and crisp morning breeze, add a dreamy vibe to the song. Despite its relatively fast tempo, the song maintains balance through well-placed pauses, allowing the hazy and chill vocals to take over the mood. Beyond its music, "In Puzzles" thematically explores the complexities of finding one's place in a new relationship, delving into the nuanced dynamics of love. A perfect soundtrack for lively and laid-back moments, it captures the essence of slow days and introspection.

The Pulltops - Make Me Smile

Milwaukee-based duo, The Pulltops bring an enchanting new track titled "Make me Smile," with powerful pop and indie-rock sounds. The song unfolds with tranquil acoustic guitar melodies and lulling vocals, a potent mixture that churns out warm and joyous sounds. The fusion of soulful singing, orchestral piano, and vibrant guitar tones, complemented by an infectious rhythm, elevates the listener's spirit to a place of love and light. As the song nears its conclusion, soaring harmonies transition to a solitary voice before culminating in an intense chorus—a metaphorical ray of light guiding you through a dark tunnel to the world's brightness. "Make me Smile" is a sonic journey that guarantees not just smiles but perhaps even happy tears.

Jonny Westwood - Together Forever

Australian artist Jonny Westwood unveils his emotional prowess in "Together Forever," a song that blends dark and heavy piano melodies with light and flickering keyboard notes; like faint stars in the midnight sky. Infused with somber synth sounds and diverse percussive elements, including steady-paced drums and intently placed pauses, Westwood showcases his modern production flair. The singer's impressive vocal delivery resonates with sincerity and emotion, authentically presenting the highs and lows of new love, revealing its thrilling gravity and negative undertones. "Together Forever" showcases Westwood's skill, both as a composer and producer, expertly bringing together the sonic elements to create a hauntingly beautiful narrative of love's intricacies.

Cian O’Donoghue, Ivon Roberts - Better Guy

Cian O’Donoghue and Ivon Roberts deliver a sensational synth-pop number in “Better Guy”. With an array of pop, RnB and funk elements undergoing nuclear fusion, this song is lustrous with energy and emotions. Blooming synth melodies, swift percussions, and designful acoustic sounds spread across the musical background without enveloping the vocals, allowing the singers’ voices to glow bright. Cian and Ivon masterfully battle out their singing prowess in complex terrains, from baritone trenches to tenor cliffs. Influences from pop giants like Ariana Grande is evident in the singers’ dramatic and passionate delivery of the lyrics. Much like the lyrical message, where two guys are one-upping each other trying to impress the same woman, the two singers have outperformed each other in this track, probably to their amusement, leaving the listener absolutely engrossed and delightfully stunned.

QRIAN - BOSS

QRIAN's "BOSS" is a tastefully blended cocktail of electronic pop, synth-pop, and K-pop sounds that is as intoxicating as it is groovy. Grounding synth bass beats accompanied by a medley of synth percussive sounds create an enticing sonic web, trapping you willingly. The synth melodies, distorting and warbling like voices under water, takes you through a sonic wormhole. The track’s soundscape is a nod to slow trance, flashing neon lights, and club vibes. The infectious hook, "I just don't know what they mean, I just don't know what they mean, say," becomes the siren call to abandon reality and get lost in this futuristic auditory haven.

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