The birth of TINMAN: A serendipitous journey to Brighton.

Welcome to our Q&A session with TINMAN, an emerging band hailing from the picturesque coastal town of Brighton. Led by frontman Austin Pritchard and featuring a talented ensemble of musicians, TINMAN creates a diverse soundscape incorporating brass, synthesisers, guitars, and unique percussive elements. In this interview, we delve into the origins of TINMAN and the inspiration behind their formation. Austin shares the story of how the band came together, beginning with his time in a serene village in North Bedfordshire and culminating in the vibrant music scene of Brighton.

How did TINMAN come together as a band and what inspired the formation of the group?

During the summer of 2022, I was living in a small village in North Bedfordshire surrounded by forest, fields and had nothing but time to take in the scenery and write. After months of wondering, I made my way down to the sunny coast of Brighton to continue these endeavours hoping to bring the sound to this exciting and talented local scene. In pure awe of these bands I was lucky enough to meet many spectacularly lovely people, not to mention outstanding musicians and somehow convinced them to play my songs. From this we formed the core of TINMAN.

Can you tell us about the musicians involved in TINMAN and their backgrounds in other notable outfits?

My name is Austin Pritchard, I front the band and also play DLD and Soft Top. I write the songs and make little demos on my laptop that I show to everyone who brings it to life. I am lucky enough to play alongside my older brother JP (Lead Guitar), childhood neighbour Dan Shepherd (Acoustic Guitar) and the coolest man in Brighton Owen Bullock who sits behind the kit. This collective makes up three members of Brighton’s beloved twang pop soft rockers ‘Hutch’. Brighton’s darling of the fish and chip shop, Scott Pearce, also involved in London based outfit ‘Skydaddy’, slaps groovy basslines gluing that rhythm section together like paper mâché. On the trombone is the moustache man and local legend that is Alfie Beer. Part of the gorgeous ‘Flip Top Head’, and winner of best stage dancing you will ever see. And last but not least, the Dutch queen that is Hanna Witkamp, shaking eggs and the handler of the ever so iconic frog wood block. Recently joining the Tesco shoppers and absolute legends that are ‘Welly’. 

With a seven-piece line up incorporating brass, synthesisers, guitars, and unique percussive elements, how would you describe the diverse soundscape explored by TINMAN? 

Our sound changed quite a lot from the demos I had made in my room to what you hear in a live setting. Bringing these ideas to the group was so exciting and the end result made me feel warm inside. Although having these different instruments at our disposal, it was tricky to find out how we layer them in songs. Knowing when not to add something is really important given there is seven of us. Slowly but surely formed TINMANs gentle but dynamic  spacey sound. I love the triumphant uplift of a brass instrument so when the opportunity to have Alfie in the band came up, I had to accept. Our little frog makes his occasional appearance in our live shows… I don’t know why but it’s just cool isn’t it. I love warm sounding music. The stuff you can feel in your stomach. I wanted to feel like I transported to space to get away from all this madness. Synths just make everything so much more dreamy, it was a must.

TINMAN's music has been described as a blend of psychedelic folk. Could you elaborate on the distinct characteristics and influences that shape your sound?

I wanted to sound like Alice Phoebe Lou does with her bitter sweet rhythms that we all can’t help but bop along to. Not overcomplicated but effective and a joy to the ears. I also love the folk sound of artists such as Foxwarren and Sylvie. All the harmonies and slide guitar just make me feel like I am on a beach somewhere in paradise which is frankly a lot nicer than rainy England. Can’t not mention the blonde Australian beach dudes that are babe rainbow (“the babes”) that show me shapes and colours unlike any other.

Austin, you and the band made your debut at the Green Door Store, followed by shows at The Hope and Ruin and The Folklore Rooms. How have these performances contributed to the evolution of TINMAN's live sound?

Playing live has been such an important step in the progression of the band so far. If it wasn’t for the show at Green Door supporting the inspirational Brighton sweetheart that is Maximilian, we who knows where we would be. We had a massive turn out which felt so special, simply motivating us to keep going with it. To be playing alongside other artists in the exciting Brighton scene unlike any other, is a dream come true. Before every show, wise words from Scott ring through our ears speaking only truths: ‘guys, I think this is going to be the best night ever’ and we haven’t been able to prove him wrong. It has definitely brought us all closer together and for that we have the lovely people who have supported us on our very early journey so far to thank for that.

TINMAN will be headlining their first show at The Folklore Rooms on June 7th to celebrate the release of your debut single ‘Lady By The Lake’. Can you give us some insights into the inspiration behind this song?

“Lady By The Lake” was the first song I wrote when I moved to Brighton. I was very broke and in between jobs at the time. Even though I was feeling a bit beaten up by society, I naturally wanted to write my pain away and make it sound as happy as possible, as a distraction from these general struggles of life. At the time I wrote it I was really into a song called “Ignore Tenderness” by Julia Jacklin which is quite reminiscent of the single in terms of its chord patterns and gentle atmosphere. We are so excited to celebrate its release on the 7th of June. We played at the Folklore Rooms back at the start of May with ‘Skydaddy’ (who made everyone in the room feel as if they were being hugged like never before) to a seated crowd, and it was definitely one to remember. In fact we loved it so much we booked the slot for our headline not long after. We have lots of new songs ready and waiting to be heard for this show to come on down to get a taste of what’s to come in the future and of course, “we are going to have the best night ever”. Hope to see many new and old faces there.

How was the recording process for ‘Lady By The Lake’ and what was it like working with producer Bobby Smyth at Brighton Electric?

Back in March 2023 we spent two days at Brighton Electric recording in studio 2 with the musical prodigy that is Bobby Smyth. Bobby not only a production wizard but also takes to the stage in his soft rock project ‘Bobbysmiles’ who are well worth checking out if you haven’t had the chance. Having made friends with Bobby over knowing each other for a few months and seeing how lovely he is, it was a no brainer to work with him. When it came to the days of recording, his ability to turn your visions into reality is remarkable whilst creating the most fun atmosphere possible. Sometimes I want to turn round and tell him to stop working just so he can have a break, that dude works so hard.  

Could you share the significance of the release date, Friday, June 2nd, for ‘Lady By The Lake’? Are there any particular emotions or themes listeners can expect from the song?

We wanted to release this song to kick off summer 2023, so June felt like a nice time to do so. I like to think people will feel this too and let the summer feeling attach itself to the song. Head to the beach, open a can and have a go.

We've learned about the upcoming release of your debut single, but can you tease any details about the second single planned for an end-of-summer release?

Yes, we have plans for a second single at the end of summer. We recorded it with Bobby during our time in the studio in March, and we like to think this is going to show even more so what TINMAN are and what how we plan to develop in the coming years. We can’t wait to show you all!

As a songwriter, what role does personal experience play in shaping the lyrics of TINMAN's songs that navigate modern-day life?

A lot of TINMAN’s songs touch on personal experience I have felt and am currently feeling, covering issues of mental health, social anxiety and the importance of self-care. Whilst the lyrics feel heavy, I wanted to create this distraction mentioned early through psychedelic soundscapes and that feel happy or vibrant. 

What are your aspirations and goals for TINMAN as a band, both in the near future and in the long term? 

As a band we want to keep playing shows and feeling the love and support we have already felt so greatly. Once a few more singles are released over the next year, we are excited to try and enter the festival circuit next summer. A personal dream of mine is to play at Green Man Festival and spend the weekend in the Brecon Beacons with my best friends in the world. Who knows where the future leads, but we are going to keep going and see what the world has to offer.