Start Listening To: Quade
Cerebral Art Rockers Quade speak to us about their latest single ‘Spiral’.
Who are you? Where are you from? Tell us about your music.
We’re Matt, Leo, Barney and Tom and we live in Bristol. Our music has been described as ‘cerebral art rock’ which I think we like the sound of. We place a lot of emphasis on building something visceral with our music through texture, mood, and pacing. We become particularly absorbed by the use of space which seems to be a recurring theme in our music.
How did it all start?
We started two summers ago in our drummer’s shed during lockdown. Three of us had never played the instruments we now play so it was very much a process of laboriously churning music into existence - it’s still fairly similar now at times! It was a very exciting period as there was no pressure to shape our sound.
How do you produce your music?
Initially, our music usually revolves around an interesting texture or motif. I think we are drawn to minimalism as this allows us to then explore this texture or motif in greater depth, giving it the appropriate space to become really quite hypnotising. The structuring of our music is a very collaborative and vocal process.
What inspires your music?
Honestly, there’s too much to note on this front. I think we were initially drawn to various krautrock artists as well as taking great inspiration from the dub and electronic world. Contemporary experimental folk has played an enormous part too.
How are you feeling about the release of your new single, Spiral?
We’re feeling good! It’s been a longtime coming in all truth. Various Covid related setbacks delayed the recording but it feels appropriate to have it released almost exactly a year after ‘The Balance’. ‘Spiral’ feels like it complements and contrasts ‘The Balance’ well.
How has living in Bristol influenced you as a band?
The Trip Hop comparisons seem to be a semi-frequent occurrence for a start. It must have just influenced us subconsciously. We draw a lot of inspiration from the current DIY Bristol scene. Bands like Minor Conflict, Damefrisor, Bingo Fury, and HAAL, for example, each seem to be doing something unique for the scene. We also love the 90s Bristol Post-Rock movement with groups like Movietone and Crescent.
Tell us something about your band that has nothing to do with music.
We make a damn fine slip cordon.
If your music were a film or TV show, which would it be?
Hans Zimmer’s Dune.
Are there any producers you are keen to work with?
Brian Paulson?
Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s important to you.
Neil Young - Harvest, never gets old
What do you hate right now?
Overpriced, in vogue breakfast spots ( £12 smashed avocados N’ ‘poachies’ etc…)
What do you love right now?
Off-beat, voluminously portioned, budget breakfast spots when you’re feeling fragile/on the brink (Morrison’s Cafe ultimate breakfast is a safe bet - https://my.morrisons.com/blog/food/new-cafe-menu/)
What comes next in the Quade story?
Most probably an EP. Being a young band with a broad range of musical backgrounds, we feel like we have barely scratched the surface of our creative potential. As soon as we get some cash together, we plan to experiment more with space and textures through the introduction of more synths/electronics, acoustic guitars and manipulated percussion. A hefty writing stint back in the shed in rural Somerset is imminent.
Is there any new music from 2022 you’re enjoying?
Deliluh’s Body and Soul single - very excited to be supporting them in London on 12th June!
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Keep your eyes peeled for more ‘Spiral’ based goodness in the coming weeks…
