A Chat with Primes (29.05.20)
Coming all the way from Central Scotland, Primes is an alternative rock trio with pop undertones. Influenced greatly by Feeder, Catfish and Foo Fighters, Primes is making a name for themselves in the UK’s alt-rock scene. We got together with guitarist/vocalist Sarah Monteith-Skelton (SM) to chat about Primes’ latest single ‘Moment’, remaining motivated and scary dreams.
OSR: How did Primes meet and what inspired the band name?
SM: Me and Ollie met through our local music scene. Reece and I are family members and had already been jamming before asking Ollie to join. We decided to name the band Primes because we liked the meaning of the word Prime. We liked the potential of reaching the Prime of our musical career with this band so we found the name Primes to be quite fitting.
OSR: Describe your music in a single sentence.
SM: Punchy rock groove anthems that’s hard to forget.
OSR: What can you tell us about ‘Moment’?
SM: Moment is our eighth single release and it’s a feel-good summer track. It’s upbeat, catchy and a drumbeat-driven stadium track. It’s a short story that’s inspired by our modern world and the importance of living for the moment.
OSR: Did you face any challenges when composing and recording ‘Moment’?
SM: We actually changed the song quite a lot in the studio. We changed some lyrics and we decided on a key change on the day of recording.
OSR: What can you tell us about the official music video for ‘Moment’?
SM: Our video shoot was cancelled due to Covid-19. We decided to record some footage of us in isolation for the video. I edited the video during lockdown. Using footage of our current situations, we tried to create a fast feel of time, but also showing that we are all stuck the same Moment separately.
OSR: How have you been dealing with the Covid-19 lockdown?
SM: I have been taking each day as it comes, to be honest. I have surrounded myself in music. Practicing, recording, live streams and writing loads. Besides music, I have definitely been eating far too much and lots of FaceTime parties.
OSR: How do you think this global pandemic will affect musicians and the musical landscape?
SM: It’s certainly a worrying time for musicians, grassroots venues and everyone else involved with music. We are already seeing a huge impact with regards to studios closing, venues closing and festivals being cancelled or postponed. I think that everyone will pull together to make sure that the music scene will be back stronger than ever. It looks like it might be a while yet, but as long as there is a love for music the people involved will do their best.
OSR: What motivates you to create music?
SM: I think it’s just who I am as a person really. I love being creative and music has just become a part of my everyday life.
OSR: How do you stay motivated, particularly during this pandemic?
SM: Keeping in touch with family and friends, exercising and making music.
OSR: What inspires you on a professional and personal level to keep creating music?
SM: Definitely watching and listening to other musicians being creative during this pandemic via socials. The amount of live streams and new releases has been amazing and it inspires us to do the same.
OSR: What is the scariest dream you have ever had?
SM: Any dream that involves falling from a height; that’s my worst nightmare.
OSR: What is the best advice you have received regarding your music career?
SM: Never compare your band’s success to another band’s success.
OSR: What advice do you have for new musicians?
SM: Be nice. Be approachable. Be fun.
OSR: What is next for Primes?
SM: Looking forward to going into a practice room together. Writing new songs, new music releases and playing live as soon as we can.
OSR: Do you have a message for all our readers?
SM: Please stay safe and continue to support new music.
Thanks to Sarah Monteith-Skelton for chatting with us! You can find more about Primes on their Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
