A Chat with Indigos (18.02.21)
Influenced by the likes of The Courteeners, Kasabian and Oasis, Indigos is breeding their own type of indie-rock. While the trio began as primarily a covers band, Indigos came to fruition during the lockdown of 2020. We speak with frontman Darren Belcher about their debut album Always. Whenever., online collaboration and phobias.
OSR: What is the backstory or inspiration for your new album Always. Whenever.?
Belcher: We started as a covers band in 2018 and solely relied on playing live, so when the world went into lockdown we had to think of ways to stay active. We have flirted with the idea of writing some original stuff in the past so it was an easy decision to create something whilst we had the time. The whole album was written, recorded and produced within five months.
Having spare time on our hands also helped us to reflect on things to draw inspiration from, whether it be childhood experiences or the current climate. A true blessing in disguise.
OSR: What do you hope people take from the album and your music in general?
Belcher: We have created songs that are relatable to everyone. We believe each song could have a hundred different meanings to a hundred different people. There is also a little nostalgic feel to the album, maybe plugging a few holes that have been left since the 90s.
OSR: What is your creative process?
Belcher: Each song begins with subject matter and creating a mood which best represent that subject. Melodies and chord progressions followed by a rough acoustic version of the songs. Some songs were written in an hour, others would be left as a few chords on an 8 track for a few weeks. The rough copy would be passed around the three of us until we all had our own input to each song, then, ultimately, we would bring it all together.
OSR: Did you face any challenges when producing the album?
Belcher: The whole process was pretty new to us and having to record during lockdown was a challenge in itself. We had three or four windows of opportunity where we could all be in the same room just to be able to record drums and bass. Once the drums and bass were recorded it became a little easier as the guitars, vocals, mixing and mastering were all done by Darren from his makeshift home studio.
OSR: Which is your favourite and least favourite tracks?
Belcher: Most favourite is ‘Don’t Blame Yourself’. For me, it’s a song that should be listened to through earphones, eyes closed and see what it does. Try it!!!
Last favourite: none. They are all mega.
OSR: Can you recommend any exciting new bands to our readers?
Belcher: Siracuse. Their Forever album is an epic piece of work.
OSR: How do you feel Covid-19 will impact the music industry on a long-term basis?
Belcher: It will probably create ore artists as it did with us. It gives people time to reflect and find inspiration or even learn how to play an instrument. Hopefully, in the next few years, we will see some much-needed exciting new acts on the scene.
OSR: Do you think song placement is important when producing an album?
Belcher: Yes. To us it was about creating a mood throughout the album, but, luckily, the songs just sat naturally.
OSR: Do you have any phobias?
Belcher: The sea. I don’t do the sea past my waist or where I can’t see my feet. Nope.
OSR: What do you think is the best way to discover music nowadays?
Belcher: For me, Spotify. It’s all there and sorted for you.
OSR: What are your thoughts on remote collaboration between musicians?
Belcher: Not for me. Just wait it out man. It all has a bit of a “charity single” smell to it.
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
Belcher: Thanks for taking the time to read this and if you give us a listen, like or follow, we are eternally grateful. The gigs might be on hold but the music never stops.
Thanks to Darren Belcher for chatting with us! You can find more about Indigos on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
