Introducing #154 - Head Ballet
Let us introduce you to Manchester based Head Ballet, who have just released their new single ‘Beachgrass’ - taking influence from the likes of Chvrches, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Orbital. They took a moment to talk to us about their music.
Hey there Head Ballet, how are you?
Not too bad, thank you! Just made a pretty nice sandwich. Probably won’t expand on that.
So we first stumbled across your music via your track ‘Polythene’ - which has some major electronic buzz around it - what are your key influences as a band?
Our key influences vary individually, but combined form an underlying theme of euphoria. What drives us is a desire for escapism and we all find a form of self-expression via music.
You have just released your track ‘Beachgrass’ - can you tell us what the song is about?
Beachgrass is an intimate song that started out as a casual voice note. It's about feeling like you belong with someone and trying to express that, whatever happens, there will always be a part of them with you. It’s an attempt at sincerity.
All your music is being released via Soundcloud only at the moment, is there a reason for that?
Soundcloud has acted as a space for early sound experiments. We plan to make the move to Spotify.
You are based in Manchester - what are your favorite things about living there? Where do you go for adventures?
Whilst we write and rehearse in Manchester, Kiera’s from Essex and moved up for the band during lockdown so couldn’t really explore the city properly. She took a few walks around a country park for some vitamin D and saw some dogs.
How did the band start? What are your key influences musically?
We met through a mutual friend online, clicked and formed on the first day of writing. We excited each other so much about music, it made sense. Kiera could talk for days about St Vincent, but would argue she’s more an inspiration than influence. We love alternative giants but wouldn’t put ourselves in a box; we harness sonic inspiration from a lot of artists and soundscapes and enjoy playing with them. From ethereal, melancholy, angular, heavy and alternative music to dizzy, glittering synths.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never listened to your music before?
A bit of a genre party. Honest, euphoric, aggressive, delicate, dark and light and longing for the return of packed festival tents and venues.