A Chat with The 295 (25.06.20)
From the depths of West London, The 295 are three lads playing some stellar music. Starting their musical journey as The 295 in 2019, Howard Gray (lead vocals, bass and guitar), Ryan Bulbeck (guitar and bass), and Luke Allen (drums) have performed at some of the most famous London venues. Before it’s unfortunate cancellation, the group was even set to perform at this year’s Isle of Wight. We had a chance to chat with frontman Howard Gray (HG) about the band’s latest single ‘A Little Bit Better’, bad habits and future plans.
OSR: How did The 295 form?
HG: I met Luke a few years back on a boat party and we had always meant to jam together but never got round to it. Ryan used to work at Sainsbury’s with me and every Sunday around 6am we would bump into each other on the shop floor and chat about music. Eventually, we were all jamming together and formed the band officially in January 2019.
OSR: Were there any other band names up for consideration?
HG: Not that I can remember. We just decided to call ourselves The 295 after a bus route in Hammersmith; we all thought it was a little different. I think we had intentions to change it but it’s stuck now. *laughs*
OSR: What can you tell us about the new single ‘A Little Bit Better’?
HG: I took the idea to Ryan to work on in a more basic form. We had this intention to write an optimistic ballad for the summertime to get people smiling and to carry the message that no matter how bad things can get they always get at least ‘a little bit better soon’. We had no intention of releasing it during the pandemic, but it certainly fits the global brief!
OSR: What was the writing and recording process like?
HG: Usually myself or Ryan will have an idea for a song and even if we think it may be finished we play it acoustically to one another and work on it as a duo polishing lyrics or adding any further ideas we may have. With ‘A Little Bit Better’ I already had most of the song and we worked for a few hours with its structure and lyrical changes.
OSR: Can we expect an official music video for ‘A Little Bit Better’ in the future?
HG: For sure! We had a plan to release one with the song but obviously have had no chance to shoot it. With things now relaxing, you can expect a video within the next month or so!
OSR: What do you want people to take away from ‘A Little Bit Better’ and your music in general?
HG: Just to have fun listening to it as we always have a laugh creating it!
OSR: Describe your music in one word.
HG: Simple.
OSR: How are you coping with lockdown?
HG: I think we all have low moments and feel very strongly to support those with mental health issues during this time. I’ve been writing a lot of music, playing my instruments, long walks in the sun. Just have some downtime to take care of yourself and check on others by giving them a call.
OSR: What is your worst habit?
HG: Drinking beer with Ryan.
OSR: If you had a genie, what would your three wishes be?
HG: A nice house. People to get along with one another. To headline Glastonbury because, why not?
OSR: What is your favourite colour?
HG: Probably a navy blue. I’m a Spurs fan.
OSR: What move have you watched that you expected to be horrible but turned out to be rather good?
HG: The Silence of the Lambs. I was expecting it to be more unwatchable but found it an incredible thriller.
OSR: Do you have an all-time favourite song? If yes, why that song?
HG: If I had to choose I would say ‘Maybe I’m Amazed’ by Paul McCartney. I just think it’s the most honest and raw love song ever. The vocal and key changes hit me every time I listen to it. The man is a genius!
OSR: What are your plans for the future?
HG: To continue working on our music, to earn money and to find love.
OSR: Do you have any message for our readers?
HG: Stay positive! It’ll all be a little bit better soon!
Thanks to Howard Gray from The 295 for chatting with us! You can find more about The 295 on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Spotify and YouTube.
