Introducing #246 - bigfatbig
Let us introduce you to slacker-pop newcomers bigfatbig - who are heading out on tour with pop-punk specialists Martha this autumn. They took a moment to talk to us about this music and their debut EP’s new single ‘Shut Up!’.
Hey there bigfatbig - how are you? So your track ‘Shut Up’ is out now - can you tell us what it is about?
Hi! Shut Up! explores how we feel about seeing so many artists that come from immensely privileged backgrounds make it to the top of the industry with too much ease. The systems in place, not just in the music industry but in this country too, are generally designed to keep those with more making more, and those with less, making less, in every sense. The voices of people who aren't well off, able, cis, straight, white men are chosen to be actively ignored, and Shut Up! is our answer to that choice.
It is taken from your new EP, when can we get to hear that and what can we expect from it?
Rockin' and Rollin' and Whatnot is out on November 4th and it feels like the real start of bigfatbig. We've been writing together for a few years now, but these particular songs have had the most time and thought put into them compared to what we've done before, and it feels like we're finally starting to understand what we're trying to say and how we're trying to say it. I think this comes across in the EP too - its journey through the stories that we're trying to tell is completely chaotic, but it makes its point through thick guitars and a candied, pop-punk vocal.
Where are you from and what are your favourite things to do there?
Me (Katie) and Robyn grew up a few streets away from each other in mining villages not far from Sunderland. There's honestly not much to do there because they're so small, but we both love Sunderland! Obviously it's got a bit of a rough reputation, but everywhere has its rough patches, and if you choose to focus on the negative that's what you'll find. But if you choose to focus on the good stuff, Sunderland has got so much to offer. I love a walk down Roker beach for some fish and chips from Downeys (the best in the whole world), and you can find Robyn at the Stadium of Light most weekends, probably consoling herself with some cheesy chips and a panda pop.
What are the key influences when it comes to your music?
One of our biggest influences is The Front Bottoms. We've been fans of them for years and they're constantly a reference for us when we're writing or performing. They often make really simple music, like repeating a pedestrian lyric over and over again or using the same chords over and over again, but somehow it still sounds distinctly like The Front Bottoms, and has so much impact because of this simplicity. They're definitely not the most technical musicians either, but they use that to their advantage, making mistakes and disorder sound intentional. Obviously we're influenced by all sorts of things, but The Front Bottoms is one we always come back to, and I'd like to think you can hear their influence on us in our music.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never listened to your music before?
I'd describe our sound as chaotic, yet melodic, well-meaning pop-punk with thick guitars and a powerful vocal. A heavy blend of Kate Nash, The Subways and The Front Bottoms.
Now the track is out there - what next for you?
We've got another single from the EP coming soon, and just after the full EP release we're heading out on tour with power-pop legends Martha! We're playing nine dates with them, starting on November 18th, in some iconic venues all over the UK, and we couldn't be more excited. This is our first tour, so we're really grateful for such a huge opportunity, and hopefully next year will be filled with more music and touring, too!
