The Southgates – Exclusive Interview
The Southgates from Oulu formed during remote learning at Madetoja music school. The lineup changed, but the goal of finding their own sound stayed the same.
The Finnish indie-rock band The Southgates formed in the spring of 2021 in the city of Oulu. Before creating their original project, some of the members played in a cover band performing songs by the legendary The Smiths, which greatly influenced their musical chemistry and cohesion. The music of these five young musicians is rooted in classic guitar pop and British rock traditions. The band focuses on a nostalgic yet fresh sound, featuring dense guitar parts, catchy melodies, and charismatic stage presence. Their style is often compared to Britpop, as they skillfully blend the drive of the 90s indie scene with modern arrangements. We spoke with the band about their musical journey, creative process, and plans for the future.
How is band’s mood now? How was the autumn for The Southgates?
Band is doing great! We had some really good shows during autumn and created some great tunes too. Possibly our greatest song to date? (You will hear it soon)
You have released two singles to date. Will these songs be included in the upcoming EP? How is the work on it progressing? When do you plan to release it?
Our sound has evolved a bit with our new keyboardist, Onni. We will release the EP next year and record new material very soon, but it consists of previously unreleased songs. We have a release date in mind, but will reveal it later.
The latest single at the moment, Burn Me Out, was released at the end of September this year. Are you planning to release another single this year?
We don’t have a song that is ready to be released this year. During our next studio sessions we plan to record as much as we can, as well as we can. We have a large repertoir of songs that we are eager to record and release to the public.
Band is doing great! We had some really good shows during autumn and created some great tunes too. Possibly our greatest song to date? (You will hear it soon)
You have released two singles to date. Will these songs be included in the upcoming EP? How is the work on it progressing? When do you plan to release it?
Our sound has evolved a bit with our new keyboardist, Onni. We will release the EP next year and record new material very soon, but it consists of previously unreleased songs. We have a release date in mind, but will reveal it later.
The latest single at the moment, Burn Me Out, was released at the end of September this year. Are you planning to release another single this year?
We don’t have a song that is ready to be released this year. During our next studio sessions we plan to record as much as we can, as well as we can. We have a large repertoir of songs that we are eager to record and release to the public.
What issues are important to you right now? Are you inspired by what your idols wrote about, or do you prefer to write lyrics based only on personal experience?
Of course, getting as much listeners as possible can be a trouble, but we believe our songs are the kind that the audiences want right now. Our songwriting is not just one type. Sometimes we write from our own perspectives, and sometimes we tell completely fictional stories.
This summer you had gigs and performances at several festivals. What impressions did you get from this experience? Do you have any rituals that you perform before going on stage, for example, to overcome fear or to feel unity?
The summer was great for us. All shows were different, and we learned a lot. We like to talk through our show beforehand and spend some time together, but nothing too special.
Of course, getting as much listeners as possible can be a trouble, but we believe our songs are the kind that the audiences want right now. Our songwriting is not just one type. Sometimes we write from our own perspectives, and sometimes we tell completely fictional stories.
This summer you had gigs and performances at several festivals. What impressions did you get from this experience? Do you have any rituals that you perform before going on stage, for example, to overcome fear or to feel unity?
The summer was great for us. All shows were different, and we learned a lot. We like to talk through our show beforehand and spend some time together, but nothing too special.
You are very young and have already founded a band. What prompted you to take up music? Are there any events that led you to this decision?
We all grew up around instruments and music. As our bassist, Olli, put it to words; music is the only thing we can see ourselves doing with this kind of passion.
What influenced the music genre you chose? How would you describe your style in music if you couldn't use any established music terms?
We, of course, have listened to a large amount of music from all genres. The songs we write have influences from music we listen to in our day-to-day lives and from music we write naturally. It’s a mix of both.
What are the band members doing now? Are you studying or working? Do you often get together for rehearsals?
Most of us are studying, except our drummer (the oldest member), who is working mostly as a bartender. We have rehearsals once a week, usually.
We all grew up around instruments and music. As our bassist, Olli, put it to words; music is the only thing we can see ourselves doing with this kind of passion.
What influenced the music genre you chose? How would you describe your style in music if you couldn't use any established music terms?
We, of course, have listened to a large amount of music from all genres. The songs we write have influences from music we listen to in our day-to-day lives and from music we write naturally. It’s a mix of both.
What are the band members doing now? Are you studying or working? Do you often get together for rehearsals?
Most of us are studying, except our drummer (the oldest member), who is working mostly as a bartender. We have rehearsals once a week, usually.
All bands have a unique creative process. How does this happen with you? Which comes first, music or lyrics?
Usually our songs have a base riff, melody or chord progression. We either work on them together, or develop the ideas ourselves. Either way, the songs find their final form only when we start playing them together.
You shot a very beautiful and aesthetic music video for When the Light Did Fade! Do you have a dream to shoot a music video in a specific place? Perhaps some city, country or famous place…
Thank you! We do not have any places we have discussed before, but a few of us have a personal connection to the southern France area. It would be a dream come true to shoot somewhere there. Nice, Gagnes-sur-mer, Cannes etc…
Do you interact with music labels? Do you need the help of other people in the music business?
We work hard to build relationships and contacts with people in the business. We have some help from our close friends who work in the business, but mostly do the work on our own.
What rules or guidelines do you follow in difficult situations? What helps you keep your mental balance?
We work together. If most members want, for example, a song to move in a different direction, we do so. Our setlists are built together. Above all, we are a group.
How do you feel about music competitions? Do you like to compete?
Competitions are not something we seek actively to take part in. Music is a subjective matter. What people like, they like.
Are you fond of any sports? What hobbies do the band members have?
A few of us like to play football (soccer) while some are more of an ice hockey-type. We love to exercise. Besides sports, we like to watch and analyze movies, do cooking, read etc.
How do you feel about the ideology of "sex, drugs and rock'n'roll"? Do you think that bad habits go hand in hand with rock musicians? Do you have bad habits?
The ideology is not our mantra. We like to have fun, but putting out the greatest performance possible is the priority. We might like to have a few drinks after the show but we maintain a level of professionality on stage.
What are your global goals for the next couple of years?
We want to be heard. We know people around the world will love our music. And of course, we would love to also perform abroad, outside of Finland.
Usually our songs have a base riff, melody or chord progression. We either work on them together, or develop the ideas ourselves. Either way, the songs find their final form only when we start playing them together.
You shot a very beautiful and aesthetic music video for When the Light Did Fade! Do you have a dream to shoot a music video in a specific place? Perhaps some city, country or famous place…
Thank you! We do not have any places we have discussed before, but a few of us have a personal connection to the southern France area. It would be a dream come true to shoot somewhere there. Nice, Gagnes-sur-mer, Cannes etc…
Do you interact with music labels? Do you need the help of other people in the music business?
We work hard to build relationships and contacts with people in the business. We have some help from our close friends who work in the business, but mostly do the work on our own.
What rules or guidelines do you follow in difficult situations? What helps you keep your mental balance?
We work together. If most members want, for example, a song to move in a different direction, we do so. Our setlists are built together. Above all, we are a group.
How do you feel about music competitions? Do you like to compete?
Competitions are not something we seek actively to take part in. Music is a subjective matter. What people like, they like.
Are you fond of any sports? What hobbies do the band members have?
A few of us like to play football (soccer) while some are more of an ice hockey-type. We love to exercise. Besides sports, we like to watch and analyze movies, do cooking, read etc.
How do you feel about the ideology of "sex, drugs and rock'n'roll"? Do you think that bad habits go hand in hand with rock musicians? Do you have bad habits?
The ideology is not our mantra. We like to have fun, but putting out the greatest performance possible is the priority. We might like to have a few drinks after the show but we maintain a level of professionality on stage.
What are your global goals for the next couple of years?
We want to be heard. We know people around the world will love our music. And of course, we would love to also perform abroad, outside of Finland.
November 24, 2022
- Tuuli TalvinenFounder & Editor-in-ChiefInterviewer