Backstage

The Days

February 2009 | Pop

The Days were first discovered by indie label Fierce Panda (responsible for bringing Coldplay and Keane to the world) before being signed by major label Atlantic Records, amidst a flurry of industry excitement. No Ties is their new single, a frenetic three minute burst of pop-punk that fizzes with energy...

We spoke to bassist Dan, singer Luke and drummer Harry about their journey from school friends to pop's next big thing...

The Interview

What music made you want to form the band?

Luke: We were a three piece when we first started the band - piano, bass and drums. We really got into Ben Folds Five, who obviously had a similar set up. So that's the main influence we started with. We have always been into big sing-a-long pop songs. We like to keep a real strong band ethos.

There is now a fourth member of the band - Tim, who plays guitars. Did adding him to the line-up change your sound?

Dan: Yeah, Tim brought a massive change to the band.
Luke: It was like an extra colour. It expanded the sound from piano, bass and drums - you can only do so many things with those instruments.
Dan: He did bring an extra character, and made the band more rounded in its form.
Luke: We feel really solid as a band now - It's great.
Dan: Ready to face the world!

What is your new single "No Ties" about?

Dan: It was written quite early on, after we got signed. We were really buzzing, being really positive. It's a big power-pop anthem. I had some friends telling me how bored they were of their jobs, so really it's just a song about escapism, to take you away to anywhere you want to be for those three minutes.

You were signed quite quickly by Atlantic after your first gig - does that put any pressure on you?

Dan: We put pressure on ourselves to be a success. We are realistic enough to say if we lose a deal, we might not be able to get back to making a living to allow ourselves to play music. And that's the most important thing. It's not about the money, it's about being able to keep going as a band, keep building.

Can you tell us about the album? When can we expect that to be in the shops?

Luke: The album has just been finished. It will follow "No Ties" - there'll be another single first then the album in April.

Are you happy with the results?

Dan: I think we've made it the right way - we started with a real band producer. When we got the band sounding right, we went with a more pop producer. This is what we feel is setting us apart. Other pop acts have everything is done for them and the band sound doesn't come out. I think now we are strong enough as a band to go in and come out with our own sound.
Harry: We've definitely learned a lot from the recording process. I think we needed that to develop us as a band. We're very excited about the sounds on the album.

Luke and Dan, can we expect any Oasis-style sibling rivalry from you guys?

Luke: There's always a bit of rivalry...
Dan: We are growing closer because of the band - we have to get along and we understand each other a bit more.
Harry: For me and Tim, it brings an honest style to the band. There's no messing round, we just get things done. It helps with the creative process, and makes it a lot easier being on the road.
Dan: And a lot funnier at times as well!

What's coming up for The Days in 2009?

Dan: We want to be playing at the big festivals in the summer, we want to do tours. First and foremost, though, we want to do big headlining gigs in the UK, move onto Europe and then - hopefully - into America.
Harry: The tunes we make are very melodic, very mainstream. But the live show is more energetic. We try and get that across as much as possible
Luke: We like to work towards goals. For the moment we are focusing on the single, then the album, aiming on the UK and playing some big shows.

Great speaking to you, thanks guys!