After getting in touch via Twitter and giving the band a listen, I knew straight away that these guys were ones to feature on this blog. The Essex based quartet instantly impressed me with their pop punk reimagining of ‘Applause’ by Lady Gaga and the more I set out to listen to more of their tracks, the more I was liking what I was hearing. So let me introduce you guys to A New Day and that aforementioned brilliant cover:
If I’m honest as much as I love Lady Gaga I do prefer this simpler and more rock fuelled take on it than the original. ‘Driving Me Crazy’ [featured below] is a brilliant pop punk track with big drums, fast guitar melodies, a catchy rhythm and lyrics made to be sung along to. In fact, all their tracks to date have that upbeat and can’t help be dance along to pop punk edge and though many would argue that pop punk has been done to death, when it’s done as well as it is here then it really is something of quality to listen to. Even more impressive from a band so early into their career as well.
The band formed back in 2012 when bassist Scott and guitarist Glen left their previous band to form a new band which was to become A New Day and the line up was completed when Scott’s brother Sam joined them on drums. Current lead singer/guitarist Chris joined last year after an early into their career line up change. That’s not affected their success so far though, having already released a debut EP to plenty of praise, the four piece have continued to tour the UK countless times as well as releasing a follow up EP.
The band may not have been together for long but they are clearly determined to make a name for themselves by constantly working hard, making new music and connecting with fans either on the road or through social media. Their second EP gained the band a bigger following and surely with the strength of their releases so far and the potential hope of a new release this year, things are only going to get better for them.
For 2014, the band are concentrating on recording new material as well as touring as much as possible. They will be playing around Essex and in London quite a lot over the next few months with dates London’s Amersham Arms and New Cross Inn to name a couple, you can find their tour dates in more detail here.
I caught up with the band recently to find out a little more about their influences, where they get their inspiration from and their plans for the rest of 2014:
1) Which bands/artists are your main influences?
Our influences include All Time Low, Simple Plan, Deaf Havana right through to the Darkness and loads more.
2) How would you describe your sound?
We’d say our sound is like a light pop/rock with an upbeat pop/punk pulse.
3) You’ve released two EP’s in a short period of time, where do you get your inspiration from for new songs?
Luckily things have moved pretty fast so far, we are always writing and working on something new, which is such a buzz for us so it made sense to keep recording. I think it’s just the want of bettering ourselves that keeps that process going.
4) You guys gig quite regularly, how important would you say that is/has been to the growth of your band to date?
Playing a live show is the best part of being in a band, but for us it has been a must in getting our band and music known. We like to play live as much as possible, it helps expose people to the band that have never heard of us, gaining a bigger following for future shows and just general interest.
5) The UK alternative scene seems quite strong right now, would you agree? And what does it feel like to be a part of it?
Yeah it’s a scene that’s always been here but only popular from time to time, like fashion it’s most likely to return bigger than ever. But I think our music will be better received overseas.
6) What are you plans for 2014? An EP/Album? Tours/Festivals?
We are planning to expand and grow more with recording another EP and lots of live shows this year. Get our music out and hopefully our fans will join us in the summer sun.
To find out more about the band visit their Facebook page, their YouTube page, their Bandcamp page or you can follow them on Twitter – @anewdayofficial
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