WOTTS is a fantastic new discovery of mine, producing their amazing new song, garden. I recently completed a review of the song and found myself wanting to find out more, hence this interview. If you somehow missed the track first time round, you can also find a full stream at the end of this interview.
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a single titled garden. What can you tell us about the track?
I think one of the coolest things about making garden was how naturally it came about. At its core, the song is about finding your happy place. For us that’s making music. When things aren’t going well we love that we can escape into this little musical world and find some peace.
How has the reception to garden been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
It’s been great. We don’t like to chase numbers because it can do your head in, but to see the growth in streams and listeners since we dropped it has been incredible. Anyone looking to check it out can find it on the usual streaming spots or buy it through the iTunes store.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
Yes! Next single should be out in August or early September, just putting the final touches on it as we speak.
You’ve also released a new EP called garden EP. What can you tell us about the EP?
It’s kind of cool, the entire EP was born out of a pretty bad writers block situation. After a few weeks of nothing, we acted on some great advice about switching up our routine in the studio, and then it just poured out. Maybe we got lucky, but it was a good reminder to not be afraid to shake things up. No surprise that the EP has a different vibe than our other releases. I’d say less 80s tribute, more contemporary indie pop. We love for listeners to find their own meaning in the music, but it really is a story about finding happiness in the creases of everyday life.
Are there any plans to release a full length album anytime soon?
I think we’re getting to the point where we have the confidence to do that. The whole garden EP process was a huge accomplishment for us, and it showed us that we might have the chops to pull it off.
How do you manage to create such a full sound as a duo? What is the writing and recording process like?
I think a lot of that has to do with trying to capture the feeling of what inspires us. We’re still learning how to do things the ‘right way’, but as we do it more we’re feeling less shame about how we go about it. I’d say 99% of the time our songs start with a vocal melody and piano. After that it’s just a matter of shooting ideas back and forth until we land somewhere that works for us. We’ve been completely DIY up until our latest EP but decided this time to let someone else have fun mixing it. We hate that part so it was a nice change!
Your music has an indie-pop sound. What/who influences you most as artists? What have you been listening to recently?
I’d say our biggest influences are indie-pop/pop artists that do it all. Kevin Parker, Dayglow and Mac Demarco are a few that come to mind. On top of making great music, they just seem to go with their gut, even if it breaks ‘the rules’. Lately we’ve been super into George Clanton and Brothertiger. Don’t be surprised if you hear more 90s influenced tracks down the line.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?
One more EP! All the tracks are done and we’re so excited to share them.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
Unfortunately, nothing in the pipeline so far. But as mega fans of a few UK bands it would be a dream come true to come over and play a gig or two. Hopefully one day!
Any last words for the fans?
To anyone hitting play on our stuff, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. If you’ve been a day 1 supporter, we appreciate you sticking with us while we figured out our place in the music world. Can’t wait to share more with you.