Midlands quartet Superego make their 2019 debut with the release of their shoegaze-tinged new single Loose, out now.
The single is seeping with reverb-strewn hooks and fuzz-filled melodies from the offset, akin to the likes of grunge influencers Demob Happy or Tigercub. Superego combine the distorted heavy sound of the 90’s with shimmering shoegaze-inflected soundscapes to create something that is undeniably scuzzy and impassioned. The wistful, dreamy vocals of frontman Cam Potts are out in full force, effortlessly complimenting the band’s dark melodic sonics.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Superego about the new single, technology, challenges 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)?
It’s hard to say I’m attracted to a particular genre, I just kinda write what comes out. And often the music sets the tone for what the lyrics should be, i usually work that way around. So some of it sounds quite haunting and introspective, and then others sound quite blunt and simple.
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
I’ve always wanted to make music, ever since I can remember. Loads of my family is musical, so having it all around me was a huge influence. Art has to be public, otherwise what’s the point? if it isn’t to say something or to be observed and interpreted, it’s not art – it’s a hobby. Plus, gigs are the best feeling ever! If they go well, that is haha
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
I suppose I mainly draw influence from social issues, and how I personally cope with them. We seem to be going through some massive changes, particularly political and technological, which provides some serious issues of morality. And i’m incredibly intrigued by philosophies of morality and human behaviour. So there’s a wealth of material to draw from! But then, of course, we have our musical influences, which for me, in terms of this project, are always Radiohead / Jeff Buckley / Nirvana and Elliott Smith. But yes, i would say my musical tastes have certainly changed. When i was younger i was way more into the 60’s and 70’s bands, like Zeppelin and Hendrix; now i just wanna listen to Pixies.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
I guess i set out to give an honest representation of how i feel towards certain things, and in some cases how i feel others should think about stuff, too. I like to question people’s seemingly innate trust in the state, though i feel that is rather quickly eroding. I like to profess an anti consumerist message in my music, too, as i feel there is more value to human life than being a commodity.
What was the last song you listened to?
Kate Bush – Babooshka
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Well, I want to say vinyl, and i suppose I do prefer the romanticism of listening to a record on vinyl, but none of us can deny the joy of streaming music as it is so accessible!
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
To be honest, I don’t know. I guess band camp, but it just doesn’t have the reach the others do. I use Spotify the most, but I don’t feel any of these large scale streaming sites are paying artists what they should be, and i definitely feel there should be a progressive royalty scheme implemented, one that could pay bands of a smaller scale more than those of a huge scale, so they can earn more money at the start and be more self-sufficient.
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?
Well the biggest challenge is separating yourself from the crowd, and managing to shove yourselves into the consciousness of the scene you’re trying to permeate.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
You can find all our music on Spotify and all the other streaming platforms; and you can keep up to date with all things Superego via out Instagram – @superegoband.
Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?
Go listen to Loose!
