A Q&A with Holding Poison
Hard to soft rock from north London duo…
What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
Matt: Our latest release is called ‘Destination, Same Old’. It’s a bit of a weird one, I went traveling a few years back with a friend of mine and it’s about that really. From the moment where you kind of speak about potentially doing something big like that to it actually happening.. The trip was a great experience and a massive eye-opener that’s for sure!
What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
We didn’t really have any difficulties with it. We have no time constraints so we could just come and go as we please. It was a very chilled process!
Who produced the release – what did they bring to it?
We did the majority of it ourselves at Jacks’s studio – Pocket factory. We outsourced the mixing, which was done by Elliot Richardson at Highfield studios. The benefit of us being able to work at our own pace and not essentially watching the clock is that we can get the track to where we want it to be which is always a plus!
What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
To be honest, if they enjoy what they hear then that’s the main thing! We play and write music because we enjoy it so if someone gets something out of what we are doing then that’s a bonus!
How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
As a band it usually starts with Matt having a basis of a song, a shell which is made up of basic drums, bass and rhythm guitar – maybe a vocal melody too. Then it goes through the stages of Jack adding lead guitar and tweaking parts, Joe sorting the drums and then vocals/harmonise and anything else such as percussion comes last.
What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
I think it’s varied the whole way through, we started a playlist where people can suggest tracks for us to feature each week. This has opened us up to artists and bands we may never have heard.
What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
Matt: I’d love to tour the US, and venue maybe something like the Troubadour in LA
Jack: Yeah the US and Troubadour would be super fun, thinking a bit closer to home I’d love to play the 100 Club.
If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
Either ‘Sitting Duck’ or ‘Curbside’ (Live). The new track (‘Destination, Same Old’) is a completely different vibe so also worth a listen to see why it’s different!
What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
We just want to write and play music which we enjoy, whatever happens from that point is a bonus!
Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
Stay classy and don’t forget to check out our music!
For more info visit: facebook.com/HoldingPoisonOfficial
