We were lucky enough to catchy up with London-based band Divisions following the superb release of ‘Quiet Frustrations’. Enjoy now!
How did you first get into music?
David Thaxton: I grew up in a musical house; it was always a part of life.
Matthew Moore: My parent’s bought me my first keyboard at a young age. It had eight sounds on it, and could only play two notes at a time… but it was onwards and upwards from there.
Kris Winser: My house growing up was basically a mix of Motown and musical instruments everywhere…
Lloyd Stringer: I was brought up listening to music from a young age – there was always music on instead of TV.
What is the first song that captured your attention as a youngster?
DT: Always On My Mind by Pet Shop Boys is probably the first thing I can remember being totally into.
KW: Not so much a song, but the weekly tradition of recording the Sunday Top 40 and subsequently nicking the tapes to listen on a loop…
LS: I was a big fan of the band It Bites – there wasn’t one song I particularly remember, but I was a massive fan! Seeing them live when I was eight made me want to become a musician.
Who influenced your latest release ‘Quiet Frustrations’?
MM: Lots of things and people and books. Lyrically, it’s about the little man. Not knowing what to think… being pulled in different directions by the media, just about surviving and coping. Sonically, there’s definitely a nod to ‘Mr Brightside’ by the Killers.
‘Quiet Frustrations’ is taken from your forthcoming self-titled album, can you tell us any more?
MM: ‘Quiet Frustrations’ is probably the most uptempo song on the album (but not the most upbeat in terms of mood). The album definitely has a political edge for the most part, with one or two lighter moments. We’re incredibly proud of it.
What motivates you to make music?
MM: Pretty much everything. I tend to be looking for the musical side of everything, whether that be hearing snaps of conversations that turn into lyrics, or thinking up chord sequences on the imaginary piano in my head.
DT: It’s a strange one. It can be a tortuous, long drawn out affair. But ultimately, something always happens that, in turn, makes it happen.
KW: It’s kept us all together for 30+ years, that and a shared sense of humour.
LS: I love being creative, and getting to do that with your best friends is an absolute joy.
What’s your favourite venue to play?
DT: I’ve loved playing Bush Hall.
KW: We’ve played 93 Feet East in Brick Lane a few times, that feels a bit like home now.
MM: We even put out a seven-track live EP recorded at 93 Feet East. Called ‘The People Vs’.
LS: Anywhere – I just love playing and having a beer or 2!
What are your other passions aside from music?
MM: We’re a diverse bunch. I work in the music technology world, making cool bits of music kit.
KW: I’ve always been into film and video – anything associated with us that moves on a screen I probably made it.
DT: Everton Football Club, Wales and The Mets.
LS: Making stuff! Everything from furniture to beer….. if it can be made, I’ll give it a good go.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
MM: There are obviously some big discussions going on at the moment in relation to streaming revenues which is something we’re definitely keeping an eye on. The live music industry in the UK is also going to need some love and support over the next few years.
What is the best music advice you have ever been given?
KW: Practice.
DT: Agree with Kris.
LS: Once is an error. Twice is jazz.
What musical plans do you have for the next two years?
MM: We’ll be focusing on promoting the album for a while, but we’ve also got some awesome songs in the pipeline thereafter, which we intend to release as one-offs to keep the content flowing. We’re hoping to get out and about for some summer festivals, pandemic permitting, as we’re all feeling a bit claustrophobic and itching to play live again.
FV Music Blog February 2021
https://www.divisionsmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/divisionsreal/
https://www.instagram.com/divisionsreal/
Twitter: @divisionsreal
Want to have a feature? Contact us here!
Leave a Reply