Interview with Screaming Lights

Screaming Lights have just completed their debut album with Dan Grech at the The Hospital studio in London’s Covent Garden. We originally got in touch with the band to talk to them about their involvement in this year's Liverpool Sound City Festival.

However, as it transpired, for some reason the band didn't play their home town festival so half the questions we sent them didn't actually apply. Front man Jay Treadell did find the time to answer our mostly irrelevant questions, so excuse the parts that are completely pointless and enjoy reading our logistical nightmare. 

We started off by asking the band how their (Sound City conflicting) Nine Black Alps tour was going.

SG: You recently played a tour with Nine Black Alps, how did this come about? Are you excited about touring with them?

Jay: I think it was something to do with our gig agent. We've just finished the tour and it was great. It was one of the best tours we've had so far, really good little venues with lots of people in. 

SG: I believe that you recently finished recording a ten track album, how did you find the recording experience for your first full length?

Jay: It's turned into 11 tracks! I wanted it to be ten but was convinced other wise to put one of the other tracks we recorded onto the record. It was almost a relief to finally get all the tracks recorded and see the music materialise. It's something none of us have ever done before.

SG: Did the album turn out exactly as planed from day one of recording?

Jay: No! Some of the tracks that we planned on recording didn't end up being recorded. Just before we got to the studio I had demoed some new tracks that ended up taking their place. It sort of made the album more exciting to us. In a way I think the new tracks have made the album what it is.

SG: What are you looking forward to most about playing the Sound City Festival?

Jay: We Never Played!

SG: Do you think that playing at Sound City means more to you because you're from Liverpool?

Jay: No, even if we did play. I don't think where we're from makes any difference at all wherever we play.

SG: Are there any other bands that you'd like to see at the festival?  

Jay: Mugstar were on, I would have loved to see them again, but we were on the road with the Nine Black Alps on the night they were playing.

SG: What other festivals do you have in the pipeline this year?

Jay: We have Secret Garden Party lined up, I'm not too sure about any others. (Ed: V Festival now too)

SG: You've done quite a few cover songs from great artists, how do you choose which songs to cover? Are they musicians that you look up to in particular?

They are usually just songs that I like (and songs that I can bluff through playing). I think it's time for another one soon, but I have no idea what to do next.

SG: Can we expect to see any more covers or videos in the near future?

Jay: Yes, I'm working on one right now. A bit like the 'Stills Film' we done, but hopefully with a bit more thought and direction.

SG: You're a young band with plenty of possibilities ahead of you, what do you hope to achieve in the next year?

Jay: That we'll get better live. And to be able to keep making records, and Hopefully to be able to give everything we do purpose. I don't want videos, artwork or songs to look pointless and vague.

Due for release in the early Autumn, the as yet untitled album from Screaming Lights promises much, following in a long line of enjoyable, inventive pop from Britain's most productive musical city.

Make sure you see them live at the following venues / festivals near you soon.

• 03 Jul 2009 - Everyman, Liverpool
• 04 Jul 2009 - King Tuts, Glasgow
• 07 Jul 2009 - Cockpit, Leeds
• 11 Jul 2009 - Workhouse Festival, Llanfyllin
• 24 Jul 2009 - Secret Garden Party, Cambridge
• 07 Aug 2009 - KOKO, London
• 22 Aug 2009 - V Festival, Stafford
• 23 Aug 2009 - V Festival, Chelmsford