Every week, we’re going to be introducing you to a brand new artist we’re going for mad for here at NME Towers via our ego-busting new Q&A, What’s Your Band Called, Mate? This week, Orchards talk us through their danceable indie-punk, and how they want “to end the death of the bees”.
What’s your band called, mate?
“We are Orchards, pal.”
What do you sound like?
“Like if Everything Everything had a ‘Hard Times’ baby with Foals during a 2000’s indie regression session eating Vegan Glitter Cupcakes.”
Are you any good (honestly)?
“Yeah. I mean if we didn’t think so, why would we bother?”
What’s your best song?
“You’ve divided us with this one. Personally I believe our new single ‘Mature Me’ is the best because it’s the most fun to play live but I also love ‘Luv You 2’—it’s real hard to choose, guys! There are also some absolute bangers that people haven’t heard yet and it could very well be one of those.”
What’s been your most memorable gig?
“The British Music Embassy at SXSW 2019. It was more than we could have ever wished for. And Lucy danced on the bar, which was pretty fun.”
Tell us something really interesting about you, that isn’t to do with music.
“I’ve climbed Mount Kenya. I think that’s pretty bloomin’ interesting?!”
We said really interesting…
“Dan and Sam have both met Sir Paul McCartney…I mean, that’s kind of music related but proper cool, so we’re sticking with that.”
What’s your karaoke song?
“‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ by Whitney. Classic.”
Scenario: We’ve given you a shit load of money to make a big budget video – what do you do with it?
“Rent a canal boat, fill it with pals and party treats, and kind of recreate the blink-182 video for ‘The Rock Show’, except on the British canal system.”
What do you want to achieve with your music?
“To make people happy. Cue vomit noise. But that’s honestly the truth. Music can convey such strong feelings and if we can bring just a little sunshine into your day we’re all pretty pleased with that. And obviously world domination. And to end the death of the bees.”
(If you answered ‘we just do it for ourselves and anything else is a bonus’, then go directly to jail, do not pass go, do not collect £200)
Fill in the blanks: When you listen to our music, it feels like __a disco ball__ is __being lightly but consistently tapped on__ to your __soul__.
If your band had ‘stans’ (superfans, like Katy Perry’s Kitty Cats or Lady Gaga’s Little Monsters), what would the name for them be?
“I suppose the obvious one is The Fruits.”
Where can we see you next?
“We start our debut UK Headline tour on 26th March! You can find us here:
26th March – Nottingham The Bodega
27th March – Manchester Jimmys
28th March – Glasgow The Garage (Attic)
29th March – Sheffield Record Junkee
30th March – Cardiff Clwb Ifor Bach
31st March Birmingham The Sunflower Lounge
2nd April – Bristol Crofters Rights
3rd April – London Camden Assembly
Then at some lovely festivals in the UK and EU over the summer.”
What do you want to happen at your last ever show?
“For it to be a sell out at Wembley Stadium and before we start the show we zipwire around the stadium a few times handing out a few (thousand?) hi-fives, then play a cheeky three-hour set ending in better fireworks than Disney, and everyone just starts crying loads?”