In this conversation, I caught up with Luke, Rio and Will from Devon-based indie-rock band, Region. We discuss the artists who have inspired their music and delve into their latest single titled 'Irresistible', a strong single that displays the band's talent and growth despite having formed only two years ago. The band also share the best advice they've received and give their advice to anyone wanting to start a band and pursue a career in music.
"I think the best advice we could give is to just go for it and don’t hold back in doing so."
Hi Region, tell us a bit about yourselves!
We are a rock band from North Devon, UK. We are made up of 3 members: Luke McAuley (Bass and Vocals), Rio Capron(Drums) and Will McPherson(Guitar). Luke and Rio had already been in a band together and had played together. But we wanted to start a new band and were originally going to be a two-piece(bass and drums) but, after going to a local open mic, we met Will after his guitar teacher introduced us. And then it's gone from there!
You celebrated your second-anniversary last year, what have you learnt as a band over the last couple of years?
Yeah, 2 years! Well, we have learnt to stick at it and take breaks if we need to because when we come back, we are more productive! But also we have learnt not to take guitarists to Wetherspoons. And that's a story for another time...
Your single Irresistible features bold guitar riffs and catchy lyrics reminiscent of music by bands such as Arctic Monkeys and Royal Blood. Could you tell us a bit about how you came up with the initial concept for this song?
The song was written whilst Luke and Rio were at Rio's house just chilling and then we showed Will; he liked it so we made it into a song! I don't think we recorded it for a while, to be honest! I think we kind of made it and then just played it live until we finally recorded it.
Who have been your main musical influences?
As a band, we are heavily influenced by a lot of different bands: such as The Clash, Arctic Monkeys, Royal Blood, Rage Against The Machine and many more! As well as all of these bands there are many people local to us, one being Amy Newton from Saunton Road Studios!
Do you tend to write together as a band, or do you all have separate roles when it comes to making new music?
It's kind of a mix of both. Often one person makes a riff or song idea at home and then brings it to the practices and then we see if it works!
Are you currently working on any new projects?
We are working on writing some new original songs that we can hopefully get written and recorded and then released!
But keep an eye out on our socials for new releases coming soon...
What challenges have you faced in terms of working together as a band during these unprecedented times?
Yeah, it has been quite hard to do anything really but, we have been able to stay in contact and do a little bit of writing. During the first lockdown, we stopped a lot of things we couldn’t practise which was annoying, but I think the break helped us re-connect as a band and think about what we want to do.
What are you most looking forward to doing once restrictions are lifted?
We want to get back to writing and recording new songs! We just can't wait to practice together and do what we love most!
What do you hope to achieve in 2021? Do you have any goals you want to reach this year?
We want to hopefully release some new songs, but we also want to get back to gigging. We will have to see what happens!
What music/artists are you currently listening to?
I think as a band we all listen to a few different bands such as; Foo Fighters, Arctic Monkeys, Wille and the Bandits, The Jungle Giants, Two Door Cinema Club and also Slipknot!
What would you say is your favourite lyric or album of all time?
Luke's favourite album is 'Razzmatazz' by IDKHBTFM,
Rio's is 'Favourite Worst Nightmare' by Arctic Monkeys and Will's is 'Appetite For Destruction' by Guns N’ Roses.
What advice would you give to someone who may be interested in starting a band?
I think the best advice we could give is to just go for it and don’t hold back in doing so. Get as much practice in as you can and remember that not every gig is perfect, that’s something every good band has learnt over the years!
What is the best advice you have ever received?
I think some of the best advice we have had is when we asked Arturo Cocchiarella (The Wholls) for any tips on writing songs and lyrics; he said: “Real life buddy only way”!
Check out Region's latest single 'Irresistible' in the link down below!
Comments