London-based group The Tiger Moths recently released a beautiful new folk song titled Dreaming of Yesterday. I loved the track that much that I wanted to do an interview with the band. They also have a new single coming out on June 16th – you can find out more below!
By Jane Howkins
You released a single titled Dreaming of Yesterday. What can you tell us about the track?
Dreaming of Yesterday is a song that laments the loss of the past but is also about hope for the future. It was written in early 2021, when the pre-pandemic world seemed like a distant memory, yet the promise of a new tomorrow seemed far away. It conveys a sense of longing for the pre-pandemic world but also a fortitude to ride out the storm. It was a huge relief for all of us when we were able to finally get in the studio to record it and I think that energy comes across in the recording.
How has the reception to the song been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
We’ve been really pleased with the reception! It’s been getting a lot of airplay on rock and Americana radio stations here and in the US, as well as on lots of local and community radio stations all across the country. The song can be streamed or purchased from all major platforms.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
Yes! We’ll be releasing our second single from the album – Lost in the Rain – on 16 June. It’s quite a different vibe to Dreaming of Yesterday – we were really inspired by Paul Simon’s Graceland as well as bands like Vampire Weekend and White Denim when we wrote it. We wanted to create something measured and precise to complement many other songs on the record that capture an energy but are rougher round the edges.
Are there any plans to release an album or EP anytime soon?
There sure are! Our debut album – When Sunshine Departs – will also be released on 16 June. The album was recorded in our home studio in North London. We wanted to capture the essence of the music that inspired us to become musicians in the first place, while also adding our own twist to forge something new. The guitars – including a ’74 Tele and and a ’77 Strat – went through a ’72 Fender Bassman and ’82 Marshal JCM800 Lead Series. We also used a ’77 P Bass and a bunch of electro mechanical pianos from the 70s.
Your music has a Americana/alt-country sound. What/who influences you most as artists? What have you been listening to recently?
We have a lot of different interests and influences within the band, which we all add into the melting pot – it helps us find a sound that’s, hopefully, new and distinctive. When we were recording the album, Rich was listening to The Band a lot, as all their legendary records were getting the 50th anniversary reissue treatment at around that time – Stage Fright in particular. By contrast, Dave was listening to Black Sabbath, a lot of obscure old school heavy metal and African drum ensembles. Right now we’re loving loads of new stuff like Rose City Band, Silver Synthetic and William Tyler & The Impossible Truth, while also falling deep into the well of artists like Blaze Foley and Warren Zevon who each have great back catalogues but don’t get the same recognition as many of their contemporaries.
What is the writing and recording process like for you?
I find songs come along in all sort of ways and there is no set way to be creative. Sometimes lyrics come first, sometimes a melody. I have tonnes of half-written poems in my notebook, hastily scribbled down in response to a feeling, an energy or even a word I’ve read or heard someone else use. For Dreaming of Yesterday, the riff came first then the lyrics. We worked out the chords for the chorus in mid-lockdown by trading guitar and piano chords over WhatsApp voice messages!
Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?
We’ve got a bunch of new material that we’re working on for our follow up album so we’re keen to get back in the studio – probably after the summer.
You’re based in London. How is the local music scene faring at the moment?
It’s always a vibrant scene in London but despite that there are so many great venues that are struggling at the moment, especially as the cost of living crisis has taken effect. Organisations like the Music Venue Trust are doing great work to save our venues, but more needs to be done. Without grassroots venues there is nowhere for bands to learn to play to an audience and develop, so they’re crucial to our cultural fabric.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
Watch this space!
Any last words for the fans?
Yes, always! Thank you so much for supporting us. We love you guys and can’t wait to get back out on the road to see you all again soon. Keep on truckin’…