Edinburgh-based trio Bicycle Trip make a form of music that is hard to dislike. Their own brand of pop-rock/indie-rock simply exudes fun, with new tune Change Your Mind really grabbing my attention on the very first listen. If you’ve not checked the track out yet, you can also find a full stream at the end of this interview!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new single titled Change Your Mind. What can you tell us about the song?
It’s definitely the odd one out on the EP in some ways! It’s more of a indie soul song, a lot less rock than the rest of the tracks. It’s also the only song where the lyrics were written by the drummer! It’s a plea to a lover, but it’s got a bit of cocky swagger to it, like “How can you say no to this?” It’s a lot of fun.
How has the reception to Change Your Mind been so far, and where can it be purchased?
It can be bought on Bandcamp (where we have tapes and CDs of our EP available for pre-order too), iTunes and streamed on all platforms. The reception has been very positive, it’s now our most popular track!
Do you have any more singles planned for release soon?
Yes! We’re releasing a single every month this year! Our next single lose control will be coming out this month which will complete our first EP Monster Songs. After that, we’ll be releasing a number of songs that will build towards our first album.
Your debut EP Monster Songs is coming out soon! When will it be released and what can we expect from the record?
With lose control releasing later this month, that will be the EP Monster Songs finished. It’s a high energy EP, expect some weird feelings, but it should also make you stamp your feet!
Do you have any plans to release a full-length album anytime soon?
We’re working towards a full length album now, although we don’t have a title yet. We’re recording the album ourselves and we’re very excited for people to hear it. It’s a bit more off the wall but without sounding too arrogant we just keep getting better and better!
Your music has a pop-rock sound. What/who are you most influenced by? What have you been listening to recently?
There is a great venn diagram between us, each overlapping in different areas. We all like 90s & 00s punk, grunge & stadium rock, early Green Day, Foo Fighters. Myself (Alex, guitar) and Drummer Dan bond over our love of pop, indie and soul – things like the Weakerthans, Electric 6 and Otis Redding etc.
Drummer Dan and Bassy Dan (their both called Dan) share a love of 80’s & early 90’s rock & grunge: Aerosmith, Motley Crue, the Chilis, etc. Whereas me and Bassy Dan love the zany, expressive punk: the Pixies, Suicidal Tendencies, things like that. I think we’re influenced by all of it.
You’re based in Edinburgh. What is the local music scene like in your area?
Bits of it are great. There are many excellent social groups that you can meet and Jam with. Places like the Edinburgh Jam Group, the Phoenix Choir, the Dog House or the Royal Oak – they’re welcoming and encouraging, I know that I wouldn’t be making music if it hadn’t been for them.
As for playing gigs? It’s very difficult to get gigs playing originals in the city, I love Edinburgh, but the Glasgow scene is better and everyone admits that.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?
We’re very focused on the next album. Most bands feel their latest stuff is their best, we definitely feel that way.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
We’re working on a lot of recording right now, but there’s only a couple of sporadic dates in the calendar for Edinburgh and Paisley (we love gigging in paisley). Hopefully we’ll get some more in, we always post about them on our socials!