A Chat with Cuffs (16.02.23)
Capturing angst and social frustration in their hard-hitting sound, UK-based group Cuffs are loud, fierce and brutally honest. We speak with singer Brodie Morgans about Cuffs’ new album To Hell and Back, what music means to him, making music in the 21st century, and future plans.
OSR: What does music mean to you?
Morgans: Music is the perfect outlet. No matter the emotion you’re feeling.
OSR: What inspires you to make music?
Morgans: We’re a political band to its core. We write about what we feel is wrong with the world.
OSR: What can you tell us about your album To Hell and Back? Is there a particular backstory or theme?
Morgans: To Hell and Back is a journey through what we’ve felt and experienced over the past years. My head has been in the worst place It’s ever been over the past year, and the product of that is this album. The lyrics reflect it. I’ve cried my eyes out writing some of the words to this album. When you look around and see yourself, and people you care about suffering, and you witness horrific injustices taking place, anger seeps in. It’s not a burst, where you make stupid violent decisions, but it’s a calm anger, where something clicks and you know staying complicit isn’t an option. Last year, when I was suffering the most, I got the words ‘To Hell and Back’ tattooed at the top of my chest, not in any way thinking it would be anything more than a tattoo, but when coming up with names for this album we all agreed it felt right.
OSR: Did you face challenges when making To Hell and Back?
Morgans: We came to blows a few times deciding on the direction of the album. That was difficult. We all wanted the album to sound perfect. We’re happy with the outcome.
OSR: What is the most exciting thing about making music and producing the new album?
Morgans: Wondering how people will react was the most exciting part. It’s nerve-racking but so gratifying when people seem to enjoy it.
OSR: If you could change anything about To Hell and Back, what would it be?
Morgans: I think a feature would have been good. But live shows mean we wouldn’t be able to give said song the full experience. Can’t expect an artist to come on tour for one song.
OSR: What do you hope people take from your music?
Morgans: I want people to know we mean it. It’s hard to come across as serious, but our music is about as serious as it comes.
OSR: If you were an alcoholic beverage, what would you be?
Morgans: Probably a 0% beer of some sort. Drinking just butchers us when playing shows.
OSR: What challenges do artists face making music in this digital era?
Morgans: Digital age is both a blessing and a curse. It’s so easy for strangers to find your music, but it’s easy for people to act like dicks hiding behind a screen.
OSR: What about the advantages?
Morgans: Probably distribution. You can release whatever you want from the comfort of your own home.
OSR: What future plans do you have for Cuffs?
Morgans: More tours, more music, more chaos.
Many thanks to Brodie Morgans for speaking with us. For more from Cuffs, check out their official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
