Exploring inspiration, liberation, and the Manchester music scene.

Welcome to an exclusive Q&A with the vibrant and promising Manchester-based band, Umarells, consisting of Imogen Badrock (vocals/synth), Josh Yeung (guitar/vocals), Ryan Marsden (bass), and Sarah Knowles (drums). With a decade-long friendship and a sound described as a captivating blend of dream pop, indie alternative, and shoegaze, Umarells recently marked a significant milestone with the release of their debut single, 'You're Not Here.' This track, written five years ago by Imogen and Josh, has become a staple in their live performances, evolving alongside the group as Ryan and Sarah joined the lineup.

For those unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?

Imogen Badrock – Vox/Synth, Josh Yeung – Guitar/Vox, Ryan Marsden - Bass, Sarah Knowles – Drums. Lived in Manchester for nearly 10 years, been friends forever. All northern originally. Been told its Dream pop/Indie Alternative/Shoegaze.

Congratulations on the release of your debut single ‘You're Not Here’ Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and what it means to you as a band?

It was written 5 years ago by Imogen and Josh before Sarah and Ryan joined the band. The track has stayed relatively unchanged over that time. It’s been a staple of all of our gigs and it feels great to have it released after all this time.

Umarells is a relatively new band, but the members have a history of friendship and collaboration. How did you all come together to form the band, and what sparked the decision to create music together?

Imogen and Josh worked together and began writing demos in the early hours of the morning after work. Decided to get Marsden in for bass and then Sarah joined after that. Josh and Sarah went to school together so have known each other for years. Imogen and Marsden went to Uni and lived together so we’re all close. Recording, practice and gigs are all a really fun– it’s just meeting up with your mates and having a laugh.

The name "Umarells" has an interesting origin, referring to retired men who watch construction sites. What led to the choice of this name, and does it have a special significance to the band?

We chose it because we thought it was funny. It’s what we aspire to be, cute old men watching constructions. We love that it was such a specific word for such an odd hobby.

"You're Not Here" explores the theme of liberation from an unhealthy relationship. Can you delve into the songwriting process and the emotions you aimed to convey in the track?

It’s something we’ve pretty much all been through but at the time it feels very personal. I guess we just wanted to convey this in the sound and lyrics of the song + it still feels relatable now even though it was written so long ago.

You have live dates coming up, including a show at Deaf Institute in Manchester and a performance with Tigers & Flies. What can fans expect from your live performances, and what do you enjoy most about playing live?

You can expect to hear ‘You’re Not Here’ and six (maybe more) other bangers. Because we’ve only released one song yet, it’s the only way to hear the rest of our songs! 

Manchester has a rich musical history. How has the city influenced your music, and are there any local artists or venues that have played a significant role in your development as a band?

We love Duvet. We really like Cruush. Really enjoying Pyncher. We’ve been in Manchester since we’ve been students, so we’ve been to and played a lot of gigs here (in various other bands). We love The Castle, a proper Manchester institution and Deaf Institute. A lot of fun memories going to festivals in Manchester – Manchester Psych Fest is a great festival we’ve been to recently. Oh yeah and Fair Play Fest is amazing.

In addition to your music, do you have any visual or artistic elements that complement your live shows or recordings?

The Single and 7-inch covers have been quite personal to us. The ‘You’re Not Here’ Single artwork is by Henry Coleman (Imogen’s boyfriend) and the Vinyl cover is by Josh. I think it’d be cool to continue with this for future releases.  

What do you love right now?

Rewatching The Osbournes, chocolate eclairs, Blackpool, band camping trips.

What do you hate right now?

Bugs, insect bites – insects in general tbh. Not into them.

If ‘You’re Not Here’ was the theme for a tv show or film, which would it be?

Angel, because Buffy’s not in it anymore ☹

Looking ahead, what are your future aspirations? Are there any specific goals or musical directions you hope to explore in the coming years?

Thinking of expanding the band with more members so we can experiment more musically. 

Loads more gigs, potentially festivals.