Power-pop trio, One Big Fuse, are thrilled to announce the release of their effervescent new single Swimming Pool, out now via Ragin’ Smith Records.
Growing up on the Isle of Lewis, One Big Fuse spent their youth escaping their surroundings by ripping MP3’s of 90’s radio-rock bands (sorry Blink 182). The 90’s-style pop-punk influence can be heard immediately on Swimming Pool as One Big Fuse showcase their quirky, upbeat sensibilities for almost 3 minutes worth of uplifting rock music. Heartfelt vocals, expertly delivered by Scott Macleod, are accented by soaring fuzzy guitar segments, reminiscent of blue album era Weezer, and are impressively brought neatly together by a hip shaking beat.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with One Big Fuse about their latest project, challenges, motivations and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
Dive away! It’s really just the style we enjoy listening to and playing. We grew up listening to Biffy Clyro’s early albums and have been excited by their creativity in music. Other bands like Manchester Orchestra and Frightened Rabbit have inspired us by the way the completely and unashamedly pour themselves into their expression through music.
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
A couple years ago, we were a bit unfulfilled with what we were doing musically and Scott (bass, vocals) just said “right, we’ve got to do this”. It’s far too easy to just be bedroom musicians who record demos and put them online, hoping to get a few likes from our friends. We’ve got a really good click with this band, stylistically and relationally so we are giving this all we can give it.
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
I don’t think my tastes have changed. There’s nothing I liked listening to when I was 12 that don’t like to look back on now. I’ve changed as a person though. I’ve had new experiences and thoughts that are expressed through different styles. The music I listen to now is definitely a lot more dark – I would have been one dreary child if I was listening to the National and Radiohead in the playground.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
We’ve been mainly writing songs about our inability to process death/grief. I suppose writing songs and making music is just how we tend to deal with these things. With that in mind, we’d like this to be a cathartic experience and for what we work through in the process to be relatable to anyone who tunes in to what we’re doing.
What was the last song you listened to?
Take the power back by Rage Against the Machine. I don’t think that song was intended to be enjoyed while sipping on a single malt whisky but I can recommend it as a wonderful way to spend an evening.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
CDs all the way. I like having a physical copy of an album but vinyl, trendy as it may be, is pretty darned expensive. One day I will be in a reclined armchair, smoking a pipe and drinking port while listening to my favourite LP but, until that day, I have a personal CD player you can play tetris on.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Probably Youtube actually. I like a good music video along with the option of arguing with strangers about their religious/political views. What’s not to love?
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?
In Glasgow there is just such a high standard of rock bands. It really is a brilliant challenge to have though, as opposed to being the big fish in a small pond. We’ve come home after some club gigs with other incredible bands feeling like ‘man, we’ve got work to do’. It can seem a bit self depreciating but we know we can keep working as musicians and as a band to make ourselves more eye (or ear?) catching to the people who see us for the first time.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
Facebook has all the big announcements but we fire up more updates on instagram. We’ve got music on Spotify and Youtube (just in case I’ve got you in the mood for a wee political comment war. Go on, treat yourself.
Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?
I lied about the last song I listened to. It was Gimme a man after midnight by ABBA. I regret nothing.
