We sat down with Brighton based band Muskets to chat about their new single, label signings and upcoming tours.
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new single, titled 17 Years. What can you tell us about it?
It’s the first introduction to some of the new stuff we’ve been writing, and It’s a song we’re real proud of. It’s one of the darker sounding songs that we’ve been working on.
Do you have any more singles planned for release? How do you know which songs should be singles, and how do you choose them?
We do. It kind of becomes real obvious when you’ve had them for a while. When you listen back and think “Yeah, people will dig this one”, and it’s fun to play then it becomes a no brainer really.
Do you have any plans for an album/EP release in the near future?
We shall see.
Back in 2014, you released an EP on cassette called Pollyseed. Why did you decide to release it in cassette format, and is that something you would like to do again?
Yeah it was released through our friends at Wake Collective and Don’t Shoot The Messenger, and they wanted to do it via that format. 100%, we want to make more tapes as they’re real fun to collect I feel.
You recently signed to No Sleep Records. What made you decide to join their label, and how did that come about?
It came about through a friend who knew the label personally and he put us in touch with Chris. We’d known of the label since before this band had started, and always loved the bands/records that No Sleep had been releasing.
No Sleep Records were formed relatively recently (2006), and are an independent label specializing in alternative music. Is the ‘DIY’ route important for you as a band?
Well when we started playing shows back in the day, it was always done by connecting with other bands, promoters, friends etc, it’s kinda all we’ve known. I personally believe that a DIY mentality is key to anything you do creatively.
You’re originally from Brighton. What is the music scene like down there? Are you still based there?
Yeah we all met at university down here and are still here. The scene down in here is so great, but that’s not just down to bands – Brighton’s just a very vibrant place full of awesome, likeminded people!
What sort of stuff influences you, and what have you been listening to recently?
I’ve been listening to Tigercub’s latest record a lot, it’s real cool. As well as that Box Car Racer record, because it’s so perfect.
Do you have any tour plans at the moment? If so, why do you think people should come and see you perform?
Yeah we just announced a short UK tour with Weatherstate who are a really good band and friends of ours. We’re working on some more tours as well. I’d like to think we’re good live, hopefully haha.
Any last words for the fans?
Thanks for taking the time to listen to our band, hope you like the new stuff.