Interview: ISLA
The young and fresh Brightonian indie band met at Sussex University and have recently completed their first ever tour and EP. Sarah George finds out more about Matt Kos, John Mear, James Southard and Stef Rothbone.
Hi ISLA! Nice to see you guys fresh from performing at Southsea Fest. How was the show?
Matt: “Everyone there seemed really into it which was nice to see.”
Stef: “It was so much fun! All kinds of animals came along on tour, too. Cats, dogs, lizards, even chickens.”
James: “It was the best of both worlds: we got to perform and also watch some really good bands.”
What’s the dream for ISLA?
Stef: “The dream isn’t to be absolutely massive, at the moment I think we just want to make cool stuff and keep moving forwards.”
John: “We want to be able to go full-time, too.”
James: “I think we’re all at the stage where we’re really enjoying gigs, every show we play just feels like we are doing more and more the right thing.”
You describe your genre as “indie, atmospheric, dreamy”. Who would you say is your biggest influence?
Matt: “Tame Impala. They’re a really cool band who definitely push the boat out, which is inspiring to watch.”
John: “Jason Isbell, but not so much from a song writing perspective.”
James: “For creating a live atmosphere, it’s got to be Ben Howard.”
Find the right people to make music with
What has your experience been with the Brighton music scene?
Matt: “There are a lot of bands, which is great because you get to make so many contacts & see lots of shows, but it is pretty competitive.”
What are your Brightonian haunts of choice?
Stef: “City Books is my absolute favourite.”
John: “Pelicano or the Marwood.”
Matt: “GAK or Alfie’s music shop!”
James: “I love to just roam Brighton on a sunny day.”
Have you got any advice for aspiring musicians?
John: “I’d say find the right people to make music with.”
Stef: “Yeah, find fun people. Also, go to shows, and when you do, talk to everybody. Give other local bands positive attention.”
Matt: “Make loads of contacts. Artistically speaking, just believe in what you are doing.”
So, what’s next for ISLA?
Matt: “We’re already thinking a bit about our next EP, even though we’ve only just finished ‘Giants’.”
