INTERVIEW: First Day of Spring release new single

London-based indie outfit First Day of Spring has been quick to firmly plant themselves on the map of exciting new artists in the UK. The band, featuring the talents of Samuel D Jones, John Kirkwood, Charlie Carmichael and Luke Kemper, made their official debut in 2022 with the single “Stupid.”

Following this, they released three more tracks leading up to their first EP, Fly Over Apple Blossom, in February last year. Their music has caught the attention of significant media outlets such as MTV UK, Brooklyn Vegan, Under The Radar, Week In Pop, Clunk Magazine, as well as receiving extensive radio support on BBC Radio 6 and and BBC Introducing.

Their latest venture, the forthcoming sophomore EP, is already generating hype with the release of its first track, “You’re Blue I’m Blue.” This new project builds on the foundations set by their debut EP, positioning First Day of Spring for an exciting 2024 that’s sure to see them impress existing fans and win over new listeners around the world.

Now, First Day of Spring continues this momentum with their newest release, the brand new single titled “The Rising Tide.” The band describes the new single as a reflection on finding authenticity within oneself amidst external influences. It’s about observing one’s surroundings and maintaining a sense of individuality and strength in personal beliefs and values. This theme shines throughout the track, offering listeners a sense of therapeutic release, comfort and solace.

Brought in by the sombre twangs of plucked guitar chords, the fuzz of feedback ushers in the snapping beat and pulsing bass lines, setting up a laid back indie rock scene. Smooth vocals, wrapped in subtly hazy processing to set it back while still cutting through the gentle charge of the arrangement, thread airy melodies carrying poignant lyricism.

Maintaining a steady rhythm throughout, the intricate and minimalist arrangement allows the vocals to shine and the lyrics to hit home even harder. With a dreamy bridge of softly tapped drums and ethereal sonic textures, the track then bursts into one last instrumental chorus to craft a memorable and enthralling finale.

We caught up with First Day of Spring to find out more about their musical journey so far, their new single “The Rising Tide” and their upcoming EP. Check out our interview with First Day of Spring below.

Hey guys, how’s things?

Things are okay. Things are always okay when you are on the beach.

How did you get together as a band?

I’ve been in bands with the majority of the people i work with now since i was about 15 years old. I think it was a case of once i had written the songs and wanted to start a new group seeing if they were into it and around to do it properly was the enabler. That sounds very simple but having required more instrumentation on these new songs, locking down more members can be tricky.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

I like people who are uncompromising in who they are i suppose. Like Lou Reed, Mark E Smith, Ben Wallers etc. I respect bands who are democratic also though like Sonic Youth or something, even though i could never see myself partaking in that kind of work ethic. I listen to a lot of music that doesn’t sound like anything I make. It’s strange but also means I am pretty concerned about my sound and my condition instead of relying on too much outside noise.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

I suppose just my lived experience. I’m not too conceptual or anything and I am definitely not an academic so my go-to again is often looking inward or at most my immediate environment and how I’m co-existing within that space with the people I spend a lot of time with or thinking about. Like, im not a satirist or anything y’know.

What’s been your highlight of the year so far?

Probably completing this EP that is out August 9th titled ‘Be My Hospital’. It was a good sign off to a shit year the year before also so yeah, a good moment for me to get all that stuff mastered and the artwork etc. all finished in the same week.

What do you love about the London music scene?

That’s a very tough question to answer but probably being within it when as a place it’s important to be within it. It would suck if i was from up north and being forced to move there or continually travel and feel a bit out of the loop.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Datblygu. Cosey Fanni Tutti. Lee Hazlewood.

How did you find making your new single “The Rising Tide”?

I realised i was spending a lot of time thinking about a question you have just asked about the scene in london and essentially the themes of The Rising Tide are centred around observing your surroundings and finding a place internally, where you can feel authentic in your own thoughts, beliefs and values without any external deluge of influence. It’s about being an individual. It’s about being strong. I thought that kind of energy suited some of the more high-energy sketches I had demoed

What message did you want to get across with this release?

From being a visual artist and songwriter and feeling profoundly disillusioned in your creative practice when figuring out whether or not the work is the most enjoyable part of it or that real success is to never have to work a day in your life. Meanwhile observing every other artist simultaneously going into that process and everything that comes with it. About tribes and ultimately the ability for those tribes to co-exist harmoniously and be among each other in the present. About the previously mentioned themes of The Rising Tide and about a giant granite obelisk erected in 1836 or 1837, marking the eastern boundary of the City of London’s conservancy jurisdiction over the River Thames.

What can fans expect from your upcoming EP?

A collection of different ideas, different energies, lots of artistic personality and ultimately an unapologetically authentic approach to the songwriting.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival?

I’de like to see New Order but if Ian Curtis hadn’t perished still singing, Probably Lee Hazlewood and maybe Swans to scare all the children afterwards.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Don’t follow leaders and watch the parking meters. If you start a formulated band then as soon as the industry tosses that out for the next things, you’ll be gone too. do what you’re good at.

Listen to The Rising Tide below