Stay Home Interviews: Hey Bulldog, Superdrone, Stunflower

A week or so ago we featured an excellent compilation put together by Fishbowl Events 'Stay Home: Independent Musicians Against COVID 19, which you can read about here. In the first part of a series of interviews with the some of the bands that contributed, Fishbowl Events very own Cameron Pettit speaks with Rob from Hey Bulldog, Tien from Superdrone and members of Stunflower. You can listen to/buy the album (with all profits donated to NHS Charities Together) here.

Hey Bulldog

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I’m Rob guitarist and singer from Hey Bulldog, we’re a three piece garage rock band from Manchester.

What has changed for you as an artist during lockdown?

I guess like most people it’s pretty much put everything on hold, recording, rehearsing gigs, album plans, festivals everything put on hold or cancelled. 

Are there any tips that you can give to artists for the remainder of the lockdown, anything to help keep them sane, busy, productive etc.?

Personally I’ve been cycling a lot, living on your own in a flat with no garden it does me a lot of good to get out and about and clear my head, I’ve also been reading more and playing around with learning some finger
picking guitar, delay pedals and playing more piano. This has all really helped me mentally and physically, we had a few fun band group chats too and keep checking in on each other.

Can you recommend any artists that you’ve found during lockdown?

A couple of new releases in the last few weeks have been the new Mogwai soundtrack album which they did as a pay want you want with all donations going to NHS Charities for the first week and Ty Segall did a free download Harry Nilsson covers EP which is pretty cool. I’ve also been going through a big Radiohead phase and watching a lot of their full live gigs they’ve been putting on youtube.

Superdrone

Tell us a bit about yourself:

Superdrone have x3lps and x1EP on release and currently mastering LP4 called Solargaze which is due for release on the Solstice. We will have a few shows booked and hope they will happen for the end of the year.

What has changed for you as an artist during lockdown?

No rehearsal with the lads but plenty of home studio recording. Oh, and plenty of sitting in the sun or working on my car.

Are there any tips that you can give to bands for the remainder of the lockdown, anything to help keep them sane, busy, productive etc.?

No tips other than you really need to listen to lots of other unknown bands posting online. We’ve found a few gems.

Can you recommend any artists that you’ve found during lockdown?

I can’t remember any names of hand. Been too busy concentrating on completing our lp4.You know what it’s like locked in ya studio. Work work work work.

Stunflower

Tell us a bit about yourself:

Psychedelic reggae soca mantra-rockers based in London from Trinidad, Canada, Argentina & Bangladesh. Blending a cool collision of sound... hard-hitting-groovebased-celebration 3-part-harmonies Indianfusion…
heartfelt, holistical, let-loose, transformational music... soothes your soul and moves your feet…a distinctly retro sound with high emotionality... Influences include King Gizzard, The Free Nationals, Sly & the Family Stone, The Band, Prince, George Harrison, Jon Anderson (Yes), The Clash, Talking Heads, Bob Marley.....

Music-veterans, international performing artists & life-partners Thomas Idasseril Thomas from Trinidad (composer, guitars, vocals, loops) & Devaki Anne-Marie Thomas from Canada (vocals, drums, percussion) are joined by Miguan Ascanio Green from Argentina (bass & vocals) & Naz Khan from Bangladesh (Tabla).

What has changed for you as an artist during lockdown?

We are no longer playing live gigs or festivals as all are cancelled and venues closed. We cannot play with our band mates due to lockdown rules. We have started live streaming gigs every Saturday and are reconnecting to people all over the world, reaching out to approximately 12,000 people. The growing connection is allowing our music to reach people it wouldn't have in the past and has inspired us to play many songs we've long forgotten.

Are there any tips that you can give to artists for the remainder of the lockdown, anything to help keep them sane, busy, productive etc.?

Reach out to people you know around the world and start live streaming your music. It really is transformational, not only does it help you stay focused on your music it helps you feel connected. People are so hungry to connect during the restricted personal space and this is a positive and easy way. Having a regular scheduled time really helps build this platform week to week.

Can you recommend any artists that you’ve found during lockdown?

Been listening to Kruder & Dorfmeister alot, uplifting reggae music like Easy Star All Stars.