PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Combini
ng a modern pop punk sound, with pop rock and metalcore influences, and an intense and energetic live show, HIGH DOWN are quickly established themselves. The band release their new EP ‘Moving On’ on 1st September. We had a talk with the guys about their beginnings and more…..
What is the full band line-up, who plays what?
High Down is:
Luke Smithson – Vocals
Darrell Ellis – Guitar/Vocals
Joe Soar – Guitar
James Grinter – Drums
Tell us anything interesting about your hometown.
It gets a bad name but the whole Portsmouth area is starting to get a really positive feel around it lately, especially musically… with the likes of Butserfest, Victorious Festival, Mutiny Festival, and a really close link to the Southampton music scene, which 10 years ago would have been impossible with the traditional city rivalry between the two… it’s really growing to become the hub of music in the South coast.
When and how did the band really start gelling and solidifying?
Over writing tunes, drinking beers, and eating pizza is where we truly started to bond. We all have similar interests and a passion for writing music we love, making it easy for us to get along as not only a band but also as friends. We’d meet up once a week, get in some pizza and beers and get to writing tunes. A couple months in and we had our first EP written so we began practicing and getting to all the fun stuff like shooting music videos and recording our songs. These experiences helped towards bringing us together and building strong friendships within the band. It didn’t matter we were relatively new to each other personally… No pressure, just chilling and writing music whilst laughing the whole time.
What are your musical influences?
Musically, although similar, we all have our own preferences and influences. The obvious pop punk influence including newer bands such as State Champs & The Story So Far, but also pop punk legends like blink-182 & New Found Glory. Mixed that with a more pop rock sound from bands like Deaf Havana and our good mates The Gospel Youth. A few of us have come from a metalcore background having played in bands of this genre previously so some people many notice hints of a heavier side to High Down as well as our cheesy, catchy pop punk hooks.
Where have you played or toured? Please name all countries / regions and recognised bands that you have played with.
As of shows and tours, we haven’t yet played a great amount as we are still a fairly new band however, we have some great shows/festivals under our belt already. We have played festivals such as Busterfest, Seasick Fest, Teddy Rocks Festival & have Fat Lip Festival very soon. We have also had the honour to play alongside bands such as As It Is, Roam, Like Pacific, WSTR & many more. We have plenty more to come too so keep your eyes peeled.
If a deaf person were to ask you to describe the sound of your music, how would you describe it?
Hard hitting pop punk, with extra bite, and more hooks than a fishing trip
Do you have a tour on the horizon?
Yes, we want to hit the road hard for this EP. We are currently looking to tour towards the end of 2017. If all goes to plan it should be October/November time and we will be looking to travel round as much of the UK as possible however, dates are still to be confirmed. We are also looking towards an EU run in 2018.
Where can we find your social media sites?
Instagram – @highdownuk
highdownuk.bigcartel.com
