12 Questions with Ask Elliot
NSG’s David Lancaster caught up with local indie band Ask Elliot to talk about life during lockdown, playing the main stage at O2 Academy and travelling back in time to watch some legendary gigs!
Ask Elliot are a four piece Indie Pop band based in Liverpool. The band consists of Ream who is the singer/guitarist, Liam our drummer, on bass Archie and Tom on guitar.
DL: Hi guys and thanks for the interview. You decided to enter this crazy, wonderful world of music about 2 or 3 years ago now, you got together and formed your band, how come?
L: The band had been going for a little while (Tom and I are cousins and Archie I have gone to school together since reception) and then we met Ream in college and that’s when we started writing together properly and releasing music as Ask Elliot.
DL: How would you describe your sound and your vibe to anyone who hasn’t come across Ask Elliot yet?
R: I would say we fall under indie pop but because we’re influenced by so much and so many different genres our music changes from song to song. We never really write the same thing and I think that’s what makes us interesting.
L: We’re definitely rooted in indie music, but I think our “sound” is just something that will grow with us as time goes on, we are all into various styles of music and I think this definitely has an impact on what we write ourselves and it will continue to do so in the future, hopefully in a positive way!
DL: The last 12 months has been such a challenging time for everyone working in the industry, did you manage to keep active and stay creative?
R: I found that lockdown was a more creative time than usual because we had more time to write, make music, and experiment with new sounds.
A: We’ve only had 4 practices in the last year but we have managed to get into the studio twice and have written new songs that we’re really excited about.
Ask Elliot(L,pool O2:credit Billy Vitch)
DL: ‘Settle Down‘ was your last single, it has a great ‘Pop’ sound and a nice groove. Is it a song about getting older and growing up?
R: I am a big believer that lyrics are all down to interpretation but we definitely had that concept in mind when writing. Along with that, we feel the sense of growing up is reciprocated sonically as our music is maturing as we do.
DL: You guys have put out a handful of really strong singles so far, ‘2032‘ is a big favourite of ours at NSG. It mentions time travel in that song’s lyric, If you could travel back in time to any period, any event, where and when would your take your flying car to, and why?
R: Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock 1969 would be mine because it’s such a legendary performance, it would be really cool to witness it first hand.
L: I’d probably go to Detroit in the ’60s when Motown was starting up. If I could be the drummer on some of those classic records and get to meet all those incredible people that would be heaven to me.
A: I’d sit on the rooftop of The Beatles last gig at Apple Studios, which was also in ’69. It’s the last time they ever played together, so it would have been special.
T: Live Aid. Just for the experience and to be able to watch all those acts would be unreal.
Ask Elliot(L,pool O2:credit Billy Vitch)
DL: What does the band do in its spare time? How do you lads chill away from the music, do you have a favourite hangout in Liverpool??
R: We all play footy so that’s something we like to do outside of the band. We live in slightly different places so I wouldn’t say we have a hangout place in Liverpool specifically but when we’re in the studio we spend a lot of time at the Jamaica Street Snack Shop, so that’s probably the closest thing.
DL: Who would you rather have a bevy with Batman or Luke Skywalker?
A: Luke Skywalker, any day. I’ve watched every star wars and all the series as well so I’m a massive fan! I think he would prefer blue milk though! (Joke for the Star Wars Fans)
T: Batman maybe because he’s got loads of money, yea probably Batman, would hopefully be a good night!
R: Luke Skywalker I reckon, I feel like he’d be more of a laugh that’s all, would be more fun!
Ask Elliot(L,pool O2:credit Billy Vitch)
DL: You’re all allowed 2 guests each for a fantasy dinner party or barbecue. 1 guest still living, 1 deceased, 1 musical, and 1 whatever. Who gets the invite and why??
L: Sam Cooke, he’s one of my biggest inspirations on all fronts, he seemed like a great man and I would love to pick his brain. Matty Healy would have to be there. I literally worship The 1975 at this point so yea, Matty!
R: Liam’s said Matty Healy so I technically get 3 haha, Stevie Wonder would be one because he’s such an icon, I would love to have a talk with him about his music and I feel like he’d have a lot of good advice to offer. Phoebe Bridgers would be my second because I think she’s a really good lyricist and I’d love to discuss her perspectives in person.
A: John Lennon, The Beatles are my favourite band in the world and I’ve watched all their films and he seems like the funniest person ever as well as his musical brilliance. David Tennant, he’s literally my childhood as I’m the biggest Doctor Who fan ever!
T: David Attenborough, Sir David Attenborough actually! I think he’d just be dead interesting to talk to, with all the experiences he’s had in his life. Karl Pilkington, he’d be well funny, imagine him talking to David Attenborough.
DL: What’s your favourite horror movie?
R: Zombieland
L: The Lorax
A: Shaun of the Dead
T: Insidious: Chapter 3
Ask Elliot(L,pool O2:credit Billy Vitch)
DL: Do you prefer to record and create in the studio or does Ask Elliot prefer the buzz of being on stage?
R: They’re definitely two different feelings. Watching a song get built up from scratch is a really exciting process but then playing it live and hearing people sing it back is something that can’t be replicated.
DL: Your band has played some really great live shows so far, filling out venues like The Zanzibar and The Arts Club loft and the supporting SPINN at the O2 Academy in Liverpool, also playing the main stage at M&S Bank Arena. What was that like playing in such a big space and what’s been your favourite gig so far??
R: Supporting SPINN at the O2 was such a rewarding experience, looking out into this massive crowded room full of people who knew our songs was such a good moment and one we won’t forget.
A: My favourite gig was supporting Arcade Hearts in Sound Basement in Liverpool. They were a great band and there was so much energy because everyone was crammed into this little room and it was a lot more intimate and memorable because of that.
Ask Elliot(L,pool O2:credit Billy Vitch)
DL: So hopefully we are allowed to play out with our mates again soon, what’s next for you lads, I hear another single is imminent? What are your plans for the second part of 2021 and where can we see you playing??
R: Yeah that’s right, another single is coming soon and we want to get back into the studio as soon as possible to record a song we’re really excited about!
T: We’ve got a few things in the pipeline which could be really exciting gigs but with nothing guaranteed because of the pandemic, nothing’s set in stone.
DL: Once again thank you for giving us the chance to interview you, anything else you’d like to add?
R: We just released our debut EP on Bandcamp so if anyone wants to support that, we would massively appreciate it. Make sure to give us a follow on our socials to stay up to date with us :))
To Follow the lads on social media, click on the links highlighted in pink below.
Listen to Ask Elliot On Spotify below.
