Hi! “Head Down” feels deeply personal—can you tell us more about the moment or experience that first sparked the song? 

A: There wasn’t a single defining moment as such, it was more a series of experiences that built up over time. It started with a close friend I noticed becoming increasingly despondent and disconnected during nights out. More recently, I began to observe how so many people seem unable to just sit and be present without reaching for a screen. There’s this constant need to document everything, to take a photo or video, not necessarily for the memory, but to post it online for everyone else. It made me think about how much of our lives we’re filtering through devices instead of actually living them. That contrast really stuck with me and started to find its way into the songs. It’s something we’re all aware of, something that’s become an increasingly present part of our lives. And while it’s not an original observation, it’s one that we’ve collectively found frustrating and quite saddening.

The hook, “Don’t you hold your head down,” is powerful and uplifting. Was that always the emotional core of the song, or did it evolve during writing? 

A: That was one of the first lines written and we felt set the emotional core of the song, like you say, so it all grew out from there. 

You’ve described the track as having a ‘late-night walk through a quiet city’ vibe. How did you work with Fred Cox to sonically capture that mood? 

A: We leaned into keeping things intimate yet spacious. We brought the vocal right up close, like I’m speaking straight into your ear, and kept the drums tight but not too aggressive, almost like footsteps at night. The instrumentation is minimal but warm, with subtle textures and ambient delays that drift in and out, kind of like thoughts echoing in a quiet city. It’s gritty in those ways; raw, human, and built to live in that late-night headspace.

There’s a spontaneous vocal delay in the chorus that you’ve called ‘accidental magic.’ How often do those in-the-moment decisions shape your sound? 

A: Since working with Fred Cox, quite a lot has changed. He’s really opened up what’s possible for each song we bring to him. He has such a breadth of skill, knowledge, and creativity that he’s able to intuitively follow the emotion of a track and introduce elements in the moment. We’re lucky to be working together, both as a band and with Fred, in a space where no idea goes without consideration, and where we always aim to follow what feels authentic. 

“Head Down” is part of your upcoming EP, Riptide. How does this track set the tone for what’s to come on the rest of the project? 

A: I think it does start to indicate the direction we’ve taken, in terms of production, feel, and emotion. The songs are much ‘bigger’ than our previous releases and introduce production techniques and sonic textures that we’re excited to bring to our live shows. 

Emotional disconnection is a central theme in this song. How do you personally navigate translating something so internal into a communal, musical experience? 

A: I guess it’s an internal feeling based on social observation, but probably one that’s universally felt by many right now: a sense of losing touch with our communities, a retreat from real social interactions, and what feels like a spike in cultural, racial, and political divisiveness. It’s taken me reaching a ripe(r) age to truly appreciate how the arts can serve as a form of collective catharsis for navigating these cultural frustrations. In a way, it was probably a personal need for that catharsis, and a longing for genuine social connection, that fueled the mood and theme of this song. 

Your sound balances groove-driven rhythms with emotional intimacy. How do you strike that balance without losing either element?

A: I’m glad you feel neither element was lost. I would say that’s down to the way we collaborate as a band. I (singer) don’t really think too much in terms of rhythm but try to keep anchored in the emotional intimacy of the song, whereas Dan Tovey (lead guitar) and Matt Tovey (drums) are more 

What has working with a new manager brought to your creative process or momentum as a band? 

A: The impact on our momentum and drive has been immeasurable. Having someone so experienced, driven, and passionate rooting for us is truly priceless. To have someone who actually understands what’s going on in today’s music industry, investing their time and giving us their vote of confidence, it’s given us a sense of accountability that goes beyond just the band. It’s also strengthened our work ethic. For the first time in a long time, we feel like we can really accomplish something meaningful… I could go on. 

You’ve been on quite a journey—from teenage rehearsals to near major-label deals. With “Head Down” and the Riptide EP, where do you feel you’re headed next? 

A: It feels like we’re only just now waking up. We’re sure of what we want, how we want to express ourselves, and the path we want to take to get there. The goal is to move forward together in a way that’s enjoyable, by creating a body of work we’re truly proud of, music we’d want to listen to ourselves. Most importantly, we want to reach an audience in the real world, and play live shows that people remember for the connection and emotion they (hopefully) feel when they’re with us.